- Feel Good
- 24th Apr 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
HLN Hype Check: Why Chinese medicine is trending right now (and where to try it near you)
From green juices to creatine gummies and mushroom powders, we’ve tried it all in the name of feeling better. But lately, wellness is taking a quieter, more considered turn, and it’s rooted in something far older.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system that’s been practised for well over 2,000 years, is having a very modern resurgence. Across the UK, more people are turning to acupuncture, herbal medicine and holistic therapies, not just to treat symptoms, but to understand why they’re happening in the first place.
And that’s why we loved it. When burnout, hormonal imbalances and chronic stress feel like the norm, the idea of slowing down and working with your body and listening to it, is seriously appealing.
If your algorithm has started whispering about ‘Qi’, ‘warming foods’ or wearing socks to bed… here’s what it all actually means. And if you want to take the practice further, where to find support in the North East.
HIGH LIFE NORTH TOP TIP: Our favourite Instagram account explaining all things TCM right now is @dr.kassiesorokach.
THE CHINESE MEDICINE HABITS EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT
Wearing socks to bed for better sleep and circulation
In TCM, warmth is key to keeping your energy (known as Qi) flowing properly. Cold feet are thought to disrupt circulation and affect your body’s ability to fully rest and repair overnight.
Wearing socks to bed is believed to:
- Support circulation
- Help regulate hormones
- Improve sleep quality
A small and easy shift to try tonight.
Ditching iced drinks could boost your digestion
This is the one people struggle with… especially if your personality is iced coffee or overnight oats.
In Chinese medicine, your digestive system is seen as an internal fire. Cold food and drinks are thought to dampen that fire, slowing digestion and contributing to symptoms like bloating, fatigue and low energy.
Instead, TCM encourages:
- Warm, cooked meals and soups
- Room temperature drinks
- Eating in line with your body’s needs
Acupressure: the needle-free way to relieve stress
Acupuncture might feel like a big step, but acupressure is an easy entry point. By applying pressure to specific points on the body, you can stimulate energy flow and relieve common issues like anxiety, headaches and tension.
Some of the most popular points include:
- Inner wrist → for anxiety and nausea
- Between the eyebrows → for stress relief
- Lower leg (Stomach 36) → for energy and immunity
It’s quick, free, and effective.
Herbal teas that actually do something
In TCM, herbs are chosen based on your individual needs and symptoms, not trends. And while you don’t need a full consultation to get started, even small swaps can make a difference.
Some popular options:
- Ginger tea → supports digestion and warmth
- Peppermint tea → helps with bloating and cooling the body
- Jujube (red date) tea → linked to relaxation and better sleep
Again, easy and low cost.
Living in sync with your body clock
TCM follows a body clock, where each organ has peak hours of activity throughout the day. The idea is that your energy, digestion and even emotions are influenced by this natural rhythm.
For example:
- 7–9am is the best time to eat and fuel your body
- 1–3pm is when you might experience a natural dip in energy
- 11pm–3am is when the body focuses on repair and detox
If you’re waking up at the same time every night or feel wired at bedtime, your body might be trying to tell you something.
SEARCHING FOR ‘CHINESE MEDICINE NEAR ME’? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
If you’re ready to go beyond TikTok and actually experience it for yourself, these North East spots are a great place to start.
Acupuncture & Massage Chinese Medical Centre
With decades of combined experience, this Newcastle clinic offers traditional Chinese medicine treatments designed to support everything from chronic pain to skin conditions and internal imbalances. Whether you’re dealing with insomnia, IBS, anxiety or muscular issues like sciatica and arthritis, treatments are tailored to target the root cause, not just the symptoms. A strong option if you’ve tried conventional routes and are looking for a more holistic, whole-body approach.
MA Health & Wellbeing Centre
Established in 2007 by experienced practitioner Max Ma, this South Shields clinic blends traditional Chinese medicine with medical acupuncture. With over 30 years’ clinical experience across the UK and China, treatments cover everything from back pain and migraines to fertility, fatigue and stress-related conditions. Known for its friendly, honest approach, it’s a reassuring choice if you’re new to acupuncture but want expert-led, personalised care.
Dr Wu’s Acupuncture
Led by Dr Weiju Wu (MD, PhD), this practice takes a thoughtful, whole-person approach to healing through traditional Chinese medicine. Treatments focus not just on physical symptoms, but on restoring emotional balance and overall wellbeing, helping you feel healthier, calmer and more aligned. Ideal if you’re drawn to a more integrated approach that considers both mind and body.
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.