The Chinese government is detailing policies for the development of traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. In its first ever white paper on the topic, the government discusses the unique and modern-day appeal of traditional remedies.

The white paper says as of 2015, there were nearly 4,000 TCM hospitals in China. There were also more than 42,000 TCM clinics and about 452,000 practitioners and assistant practitioners in the industry.

The report says the industry has helped in the prevention and treatment of major epidemics, such as SARS, HIV/AIDS, and Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.

The white paper says China has made the development of traditional remedies part of the country's national strategy. The white paper says China wants every citizen to have access to basic TCM services by 2020, and to make TCM services cover all areas of medical care by 2030.

TCM is also going global. It's being used in 183 countries and regions around the world. World Health Organization data show 103 countries have approved the use of acupuncture and moxibustion, while 29 others have enacted special statutes on traditional medicine.