TCM, Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine FAQs

General TCM & Acupuncture Questions

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healthcare that uses approaches such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle guidance. Treatment is personalised according to the individual’s symptoms, medical history and TCM assessment rather than focusing only on a single symptom.

At YouHealth, TCM is used alongside a modern understanding of health to provide personalised care based on each patient’s needs.

TCM assesses patterns in the body based on symptoms, sleep, digestion, energy, emotions and other signs. A TCM physician may also examine the tongue and pulse as part of the assessment.

Based on these findings, treatments such as acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine may be recommended. The treatment plan can be adjusted over time according to how the patient responds.

People commonly seek TCM care for concerns such as pain, sleep difficulties, stress-related symptoms, digestive complaints, menstrual and menopausal concerns, and general wellbeing.

The appropriate treatment depends on the individual and the underlying cause of the symptoms. Some conditions also require conventional medical assessment, and TCM should not delay necessary medical care.

During your first consultation, the TCM physician will discuss your main concerns, medical history, medications, lifestyle, sleep, digestion and other relevant symptoms. Tongue and pulse assessment may also be performed.

A personalised treatment plan may then include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or other appropriate TCM therapies. At YouHealth, consultations are by appointment so that sufficient time can be given to each patient.

Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile needles. Most people experience little discomfort when the needles are inserted, although sensations such as heaviness, tingling, warmth or a dull ache may occur during treatment.

Sensitivity varies between individuals and between acupuncture points. Tell your physician if you feel uncomfortable at any time during treatment.

The number of acupuncture sessions varies according to the condition, how long it has been present and how the individual responds to treatment. Some people may notice changes within the first few sessions, while longer-standing concerns may require a longer course of treatment.

Your progress should be reviewed regularly rather than assuming that everyone requires the same number of sessions.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed appropriately by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Temporary effects such as mild soreness, bruising or minor bleeding at the needle site can occasionally occur.

In Singapore, acupuncture and TCM should be provided by appropriately registered TCM practitioners. Patients should also inform their physician about pregnancy, medications, bleeding disorders and other relevant medical conditions before treatment.

Sometimes Chinese herbal medicine and Western medication can be used during the same period, but this should be assessed individually because herb–drug interactions are possible.

Tell your TCM physician about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking. Do not stop or alter prescribed medication without consulting the healthcare professional who prescribed it.

Sleep, Stress & Emotional Health

Can TCM help with insomnia and poor sleep?

TCM is commonly used to support people experiencing difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, light sleep or waking too early. Treatment is personalised because sleep problems may be associated with different patterns and contributing factors.

A TCM physician may use acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle recommendations depending on the individual’s symptoms and overall health. Persistent insomnia should also be medically assessed, particularly when it significantly affects daily functioning.

Night-time waking can have many causes, including stress, anxiety, environmental factors, medications, hormonal changes, sleep disorders and other health conditions.

In TCM, the physician looks beyond the time of waking and considers accompanying symptoms such as dreams, sweating, feeling hot or cold, palpitations, digestion and emotional stress. Treatment is then personalised according to the overall pattern rather than the waking time alone.

Acupuncture is sometimes used as a complementary approach for people experiencing stress and anxiety-related symptoms. Treatment may focus on associated concerns such as poor sleep, muscle tension, headaches, digestive discomfort or restlessness.

Acupuncture should not replace appropriate psychological or medical care for significant anxiety or other mental health conditions.

TCM considers emotional wellbeing and physical health to be closely connected. Prolonged stress may be associated with changes in sleep, appetite, digestion, energy, muscle tension and other physical symptoms.

Rather than treating every person with stress in the same way, a TCM physician assesses the individual’s overall pattern before recommending acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or other appropriate treatment.

Yes. Stress can affect both sleep and digestive function, and these symptoms often occur together. Someone under prolonged stress may experience difficulty sleeping alongside bloating, changes in appetite, abdominal discomfort or altered bowel habits.

In TCM assessment, the relationship between emotional stress, sleep and digestion is considered when developing an individualised treatment plan.

There is no fixed number of treatments for sleep problems. It depends on factors such as how long the problem has been present, its severity, possible underlying causes, lifestyle and the individual’s response to treatment.

Progress should be reviewed regularly. Some people may notice changes relatively early, while chronic or complex sleep difficulties may require a longer period of care.

Weight Management

Can TCM help with weight management?

TCM may be used as part of a broader weight management plan alongside appropriate nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes. Treatment is personalised according to factors such as appetite, digestion, bowel habits, sleep, stress and overall health.

At YouHealth, the aim is not simply to focus on the number on the scale, but to understand factors that may be making sustainable weight management more difficult.

TCM takes an individualised approach to weight management. A physician may assess eating patterns, appetite, digestion, bowel movements, energy levels, sleep, stress and other symptoms before recommending treatment.

Depending on the individual, treatment may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle recommendations. Healthy eating and regular physical activity remain important parts of sustainable weight management.

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary part of a weight management programme. Treatment is usually individualised and may also address concerns such as appetite, digestive discomfort, stress or sleep.

Acupuncture should not be viewed as a standalone method that causes weight loss without changes to diet, activity and other relevant lifestyle factors.

Bloating and a sensation of water retention can have many possible causes. In TCM, the physician assesses accompanying symptoms such as digestion, appetite, bowel movements, urination and other signs before deciding on treatment.

Persistent or unexplained swelling, especially in the legs or elsewhere in the body, should be medically assessed because it can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition.

Yes. Nutrition remains an important part of weight management even when receiving TCM treatment. TCM should complement rather than replace appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes.

The goal is usually to develop an approach that can be maintained over time rather than relying on extreme restriction or short-term dieting.

There is no fixed duration because healthy weight change varies between individuals. Starting weight, dietary habits, activity level, sleep, stress, medical conditions and adherence to the programme can all influence progress.

Rather than focusing only on rapid weight loss, progress should be reviewed over time and the treatment plan adjusted according to the individual’s response.

 

Women’s Health & Menopause

Can TCM help with menstrual problems?

TCM is commonly used as a complementary approach for menstrual concerns such as period discomfort, irregular cycles and symptoms associated with menstruation. Treatment is personalised according to the menstrual pattern, accompanying symptoms and overall health.

Persistent changes in menstruation, unusually heavy bleeding or severe pain should also be medically assessed to exclude underlying conditions.

TCM may be used to support women experiencing symptoms during the menopausal transition, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes and fatigue.

A TCM physician assesses each woman individually before recommending acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or lifestyle measures. Menopausal symptoms can have different causes, so appropriate medical assessment remains important when symptoms are significant or unusual.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are sometimes used to support women experiencing menopausal hot flushes and night sweats. In TCM, treatment is selected according to the individual’s overall pattern rather than using the same approach for everyone.

The physician may also consider sleep, thirst, mood, menstrual changes and other symptoms when developing the treatment plan.

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary treatment for menstrual discomfort. Treatment may be performed before or during different stages of the menstrual cycle depending on the individual.

Severe, worsening or persistent menstrual pain should be medically assessed, particularly when accompanied by very heavy bleeding, fainting or other concerning symptoms.

TCM treatment for irregular menstruation begins with an assessment of the menstrual cycle together with factors such as bleeding pattern, pain, sleep, stress, digestion and other symptoms.

Because irregular periods can also be associated with pregnancy, PCOS, thyroid disorders, perimenopause and other medical conditions, identifying the underlying cause is important before relying on TCM treatment alone.

Yes, acupuncture can generally be performed during menstruation. Whether treatment is appropriate and which acupuncture points are selected depends on the individual’s symptoms and treatment goals.

Tell your TCM physician if you are experiencing unusually heavy bleeding, severe pain, dizziness, weakness or if there is any possibility of pregnancy so that treatment can be adjusted appropriately.

Digestive Health

Can TCM help with digestive problems?

TCM is commonly used as a complementary approach for digestive concerns such as bloating, indigestion, changes in bowel habits and abdominal discomfort.

A TCM physician considers the symptoms together with factors such as appetite, bowel movements, diet, sleep, stress and overall health before recommending acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or other appropriate treatment.

TCM may be used to support people experiencing bloating, fullness or indigestion. Because these symptoms can have different causes, treatment is personalised rather than using the same approach for everyone.

The physician may assess when the bloating occurs, its relationship with meals, bowel movements, appetite and other digestive symptoms when determining the treatment approach.

Some people use TCM alongside conventional care for symptoms associated with acid reflux, such as upper abdominal discomfort, belching or a sensation of acid coming upwards.

Persistent or frequent reflux should be medically assessed, particularly if there is difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, bleeding or persistent chest or abdominal pain.

TCM may be used as a complementary approach for constipation. Treatment is individualised according to factors such as stool consistency, frequency of bowel movements, abdominal symptoms, diet, hydration and overall health.

New or persistent constipation, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or significant abdominal pain should be medically assessed.

The brain and digestive system communicate closely through what is often called the gut-brain axis. Stress can influence appetite, bowel habits and digestive sensations, which is why some people notice more bloating, abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel movements during stressful periods.

TCM also considers emotional wellbeing, sleep and digestion together when assessing the individual’s overall pattern.

TCM takes an individualised approach to digestive health. In addition to the main digestive complaint, a physician may ask about appetite, bowel movements, thirst, sleep, stress, diet and other symptoms and may examine the tongue and pulse.

 

Depending on the assessment, treatment may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and appropriate lifestyle or dietary recommendations.

Facial Acupuncture & Aesthetics

What is facial acupuncture?

Facial acupuncture is a form of acupuncture that involves inserting fine, sterile needles into selected points on the face and, when appropriate, other areas of the body.

At YouHealth, treatment is personalised according to the individual’s skin concerns, facial condition and overall TCM assessment.

Facial acupuncture is commonly sought by people who want to support their overall skin appearance and facial wellbeing through a non-surgical approach.

Depending on the individual, treatment may focus on concerns such as facial tension, skin appearance and signs of ageing. Results vary between individuals, and facial acupuncture should not be considered a substitute for medical or surgical cosmetic procedures when these are indicated.

Facial acupuncture may be used to support the appearance of the skin and is sometimes sought for concerns such as fine lines and overall facial appearance.

The response varies depending on factors such as age, skin condition, lifestyle and treatment frequency. Your TCM physician can assess whether facial acupuncture is appropriate for your individual goals.

Facial acupuncture uses very fine needles, and most people experience little discomfort during treatment. Some acupuncture points may produce a brief prick or sensations such as tingling, heaviness or warmth.

Sensitivity varies between individuals, so you should tell your physician if you experience discomfort during the session.

The recommended number of sessions depends on your skin concerns, treatment goals and individual response.

Some people choose a course of regular treatments followed by less frequent maintenance sessions. Your progress can be reviewed during the treatment course to determine an appropriate schedule.

Facial acupuncture generally requires little downtime, and most people can return to their usual activities after treatment.

Temporary redness or mild tenderness can occur, and occasionally a small bruise may develop around a needle site. Your physician will advise you if there are any precautions relevant to your treatment.

Appointments & Visiting YouHealth

Do I need an appointment to visit YouHealth?

YouHealth operates primarily by appointment so that sufficient time can be allocated to each patient for consultation and treatment.

Booking in advance is recommended to ensure your preferred appointment time is available.

If relevant to your condition, bring any recent medical reports, test results and a list of medications or supplements you are currently taking.

It is also helpful to tell your TCM physician about existing medical conditions, allergies and treatments you are receiving so that these can be considered during your consultation.

The duration depends on the type of consultation and treatment required. A first visit may take longer because your physician will need to understand your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and other relevant factors before recommending treatment.

When booking your appointment, YouHealth can advise you on the expected duration for your selected treatment.

YouHealth is located at Oxley Tower, 138 Robinson Road, Singapore 068906, in Singapore’s Central Business District.

The clinic is conveniently located for patients working or living around the CBD, including Tanjong Pagar, Raffles Place and the surrounding areas.

Appointments can be made through YouHealth’s whatsapp.

If you are unsure which treatment to select, you can contact the clinic with your main concern and the team can guide you on an appropriate appointment type.

Your consultation and treatment at YouHealth will be personally provided by Sinseh Goh, a registered TCM physician in Singapore.

As YouHealth is a physician-led practice, you will see the same physician throughout your care. This allows for continuity in understanding your health concerns, monitoring your progress and adjusting your treatment plan according to your individual needs.

You can learn more about Sinseh Goh and his approach to TCM here.