FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

TCM Basics

Herbal Medicine

Your First Visit

Traditional Korean herbal medicine ingredients arranged on a wooden tray, including dried roots, mushrooms, ginger, ginseng, dried dates, dried jujubes, black stone, sesame seeds, dried shrimp, and various herbs.

TCM Basics

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic medical system developed over more than 3,000 years in China. It treats the body as an interconnected whole, working to restore the flow of qi (vital energy) through pathways called meridians. Rather than treating isolated symptoms, TCM addresses the root cause of imbalance across physical, mental, and emotional dimensions.


    Core modalities include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, moxibustion, dietary therapy, and qi gong. At Heal and Glow, we integrate these practices with modern wellness knowledge for a grounded, evidence-informed approach.


  • TCM is widely used for a broad range of conditions:

    • Pain management: Back pain, joint pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia.

    • Women's health: Irregular periods, PMS, menopause symptoms, and fertility support.

    • Digestive issues: IBS, bloating, nausea, and poor appetite.

    • Mental wellbeing: Stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and fatigue.

    • Skin conditions: Acne, eczema, and dullness — a key focus of the Heal and Glow approach.

    • Immune support: Recurrent colds, low immunity, and recovery support.

    TCM is particularly effective as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical care.

  • Western medicine excels at acute care — diagnosing and treating specific diseases with precision. TCM operates differently: it reads patterns of imbalance rather than discrete diagnoses. Two people with the same Western diagnosis may receive entirely different TCM treatments depending on their constitution, lifestyle, and the nature of their imbalance.


    TCM is preventative by nature. It aims to maintain balance before illness takes hold, building resilience and vitality over time. Many people find TCM and Western medicine work best together — each addressing what the other cannot.

Various jars containing dried herbs and spices, a piece of driftwood, and small flowers on a table.

Herbal Medicine

  • Many herbs are safe to combine with conventional medications, but some can interact — particularly with blood thinners, thyroid medication, or immunosuppressants. Always inform your practitioner of all medications and supplements before beginning any herbal programme.

    Our practitioners are trained in herb-drug interactions and will assess your full health picture before prescribing. When in doubt, we consult with your GP or specialist to ensure your safety.

  • Raw herbs are dried plant material boiled into a decoction (medicinal tea). They are the most potent form and allow highly individualised formulas, but require 45–60 minutes to prepare.

    Granule extracts are concentrated powders that dissolve in hot water for a quick, convenient alternative. While slightly less potent, they remain therapeutically effective. Heal and Glow stocks pharmaceutical-grade granules from certified GMP suppliers.


A close-up of a person's forearm receiving acupuncture treatment, with a thin needle inserted into the skin.

Your First Visit

What happens during an initial TCM consultation at Heal and Glow?

Your first consultation and treatment will last 60–75 minutes. Your practitioner will ask about your main concerns, health history, sleep, digestion, emotional patterns, and lifestyle. They will observe your tongue (colour, coating, shape) and take your pulse at three positions on each wrist — both are key diagnostic tools in TCM.

From this assessment, they will outline a personalised treatment plan, whether it be skin concerns, health concerns or other issues that is affecting your day to day life. Treatments may include acupuncture on the day, herbal prescription, and lifestyle recommendations to support healing between sessions.