On Dec 15 and 16, The Sunday Times visited seven clinics offering traditional Chinese medicine treatments to investigate if the services were legitimate. The seventh clinic was registered to another name. This clinic, located along a row of restaurants and travel agencies in North Bridge Road, listed services sometimes offered at TCM clinics.
They included aromatherapy, body scraping and "twin body therapy". On Dec 15, this reporter visited the clinic on the pretext of needing a shoulder massage for an old motorcycle injury.
An old scab was proof of that injury. To get into the clinic, patrons would first have to ring the bell at the locked glass door that was further protected by an overhead security camera. The therapist, clad in a black dress, spoke in halting English. She later claimed to be from China. The therapist, who looked to be in her 30s, pointed to a menu at the reception table. It showed the types of massage available and their respective prices. Patrons at this clinic are told to remove all their clothing for the massage.
In contrast, patrons are told to change into shorts provided by the establishments at legitimate spas. No more than 10 minutes into the massage, the therapist offered sex for money which was immediately declined. She was unaware that the conversation was being recorded. When asked if they offered "happy" or "special" massages, four of them admitted to offering sexual services, as captured by a hidden camera.
They were all fronted by women in short dresses rather than uniforms, as is required of staff at legitimate TCM clinics. At one TCM clinic in Chinatown, a therapist said the doctor was not in, adding in halting English: "Here, all is sic girl masseuses. It was full for the day. We have been experiencing some problems with subscriber log-ins and apologise for the inconvenience caused. Until we resolve the issues, subscribers need not log in to access ST Digital articles.
