TCM external medicine covers health problems that could be seen or touched directly, such as superficial infections, abscess, skin diseases, peripheral vascular problems, breast or thyroid lumps, male genital problems and piles as well as traumatic injuries. Surgical procedures and topical herbal remedies are common treatment options.

Traditionally, TCM surgical procedures are relatively simple and minor. They include:

• Making small incisions for pus drainage;
• Cauterization is a practice or technique of burning a part of a body to remove or close off a wound. TCM physicians will use a heated needle or tool and apply for pur drainage, stop bleeding, removing polyps and abnormal protruding tissues;
• Needle pricking to let out blood or fluid for relieving swellings or joint effusions;
• Special ligation techniques to cut off nevus, piles or anal infections,  or necrosed toes and also for stop bleeding.

For topical applications of herbs, different forms of preparations are used to ensure that their full therapeutic effects are felt.