Over a decade ago, the controversial “root bath” service for men offered by mainland China’s clubs disappeared. Recently, Chinese media conducted undercover investigations into “root bath” services hidden in several hospitals in Kunming. The hospitals claim these services are operated by beautiful nurses, with the experience priced at only 98 yuan (RMB), while the experience of “manual therapy” costs 300 yuan. They emphasize that it can treat illnesses and provide maintenance even in the absence of any ailments.
According to reports from “The Paper,” private cars parked on the streets of Kunming have frequently been plastered with “root bath” leaflets, containing content such as “unlocking potential” and “enhancing sexual function.”
A customer service representative from Yunnan Renai Healthcare explained that the “root bath” involves a hydrotherapy machine operated by beautiful nurses targeting the male genital area, which can improve conditions like prostatitis and kidney deficiency. They also claim that the “root bath” can treat illnesses and provide maintenance, not limited to those with ailments and with no age restrictions. They further stated that dozens of people visit the hospital daily for “root bath” treatment and appointments need to be made in advance via WeChat.
Doctors from Yunnan Renai Hospital stated that the “root bath” has no side effects and “absolutely cannot cause pain.” Besides using instruments for treatment, they also provide manual therapy, which can be understood as massage or traditional Chinese acupoint techniques. They emphasized that there would be no pain during the procedure. The therapy, referred to as hydrotherapy, costs 98 yuan for the experience, while the regular price for manual therapy is 498 yuan, with an experience price of 300 yuan.
The doctors repeatedly emphasized that undergoing a “root bath” would not be painful and would take about 15 minutes. They claimed it would be comfortable, especially as the nerve endings in the genital area are sensitive. They also mentioned that the treatment is administered by nurses and that it is impossible to achieve the desired effect by doing it oneself. The department where these procedures take place is called the Urology Hydrotherapy Department, primarily aimed at enhancing male sexual performance, and they assure that relevant authorities do not investigate.
During the investigation, it was found that young people could specify which nurse they wanted for treatment, pay the fee, and then wait in line to be called. The treatment rooms are equipped with sofas, beds, and hydrotherapy equipment. Both the “root bath” and genital massage are performed in the same treatment room.
Apart from Yunnan Renai Healthcare, the local Guandu Minsheng Hospital also offers hydrotherapy services, using similar recruitment methods and charging the same fee of 98 yuan. A doctor from that hospital explained that the “root bath” treats illnesses and provides maintenance, enhancing sexual function, and it differs from self-gratification methods. They also claimed that their trained personnel are qualified and not like those who deceive customers.
A person named Tang Si thought initially that it might be some kind of adult service disguised under the name of healthcare, but to his surprise, it turned out to be a real project in hospitals. He mentioned that doctors claimed they could clear the meridians and described the situation as particularly severe, almost with a tone of coercion, suggesting that male health maintenance was necessary.
Under the guidance of doctors, Tang Si experienced hydrotherapy and massage services for about 40 minutes. He revealed that hydrotherapy involves covering the lower body with a condom and continuously stimulating it with water, while the “manual therapy” is a nurse massaging sensitive parts with oil. However, there were no checks or records afterward, leaving him unable to distinguish whether it was a legitimate medical procedure or borderline adult service.
On April 10, the Kunming Municipal Health Commission’s Comprehensive Supervision and Law Enforcement Bureau announced that on April 9, they had immediately formed a joint investigation team with relevant law enforcement departments to investigate and verify the Yunnan Renai Hospital, Guandu Minsheng Hospital, and Yizhiang Wuzhou Outpatient Department in Yiliang. Subsequent actions will be taken according to the results of the investigation and verification in accordance with the law and regulations.