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Wellness

Handsome Doctor He Suye will see you now and he’s prescribing TCM health hacks

Turns out, the way to better sleep starts with a simple apple by your bedside. Here’s what The Best Thing taught us about traditional Chinese medicine

By Letty Seah - 

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One C-drama that’s been setting hearts aflutter like no other is The Best Thing, a captivating medical romance starring Zhang Linghe and Xu Ruohan. Xu plays Shen Xifan, a housekeeping manager grappling with insomnia and migraines brought on by her demanding career. Desperate for relief, she turns to He Suye, a calm and compassionate traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor. Through a string of serendipitous encounters—and the discovery that they’re actually neighbors—the two gradually fall in love.

Adapted from Sheng Li’s novel Loving You is the Best Thing I’ve Done, the 24-episode iQIYI series not only explores matters of the heart but also weaves in wellness wisdom. As He Suye tends to his patients, he also shares insightful health hacks rooted in time-honored TCM practices—reminding viewers that healing often begins from within. Read on to discover the traditional Chinese medicine tips we picked up along the way.

TCM hack #1: Acupoint massage to soothe discomfort: 

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Feeling off-balance or emotionally overwhelmed? Try pressing the Tanzhong point, located at the center of the chest. Apply gentle pressure for 1–2 minutes to help ease emotional tension and uplift your mood.

For better sleep, turn your attention to the Shenmen point, found just below the little finger on the inner wrist. This acupoint is linked to the heart meridian, which governs consciousness and emotions. Gently massaging it before bedtime can help regulate qi and blood flow, calm the mind, and promote restful sleep.

TCM hack #2: Soothe a sore throat with liquorice root tea

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Feeling heaty or nursing a scratchy throat? Try soaking liquorice root in warm water for a natural, soothing remedy. This traditional Chinese medicine staple helps cool the body and ease throat discomfort. A word of caution: While effective, liquorice root isn’t for daily sipping. Overconsumption can increase oxalic acid levels and potentially disrupt hormonal balance. Stick to two to three times a week for safe, balanced relief.

TCM Hack #3: An apple a day keeps insomnia away

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Can’t stop tossing and turning at night? Here’s a sweet (and surprising) solution: place an apple by your bedside. In traditional Chinese medicine, apples—members of the rosaceae family—are believed to emit a naturally calming aroma that helps soothe the nervous system, relieve stress, and encourage deeper, more restful sleep. Think of it as nature’s own bedtime diffuser. No plug needed.

TCM Hack #4: Ward off colds with the power of mugwort

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Feeling a chill coming on? Boost your immunity with mugwort, a warming herb long revered in traditional Chinese medicine. Often used in moxibustion therapy, mugwort is known for its ability to stimulate circulation, dispel dampness, and relieve aches and pains. It’s also a go-to remedy for easing menstrual cramps and promoting overall vitality, especially during flu season.

Think of it as your herbal shield against seasonal sniffles and sluggishness.

TCM Hack #5: Boost digestion with Chinese yam

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Gentle on the stomach but powerful in benefits, Chinese yam is a TCM staple known for supporting digestive health, especially when your system needs a little extra care.

Traditionally used to strengthen the lungs, spleen, and stomach, this versatile root is also believed to support fertility, regulate blood sugar levels, and even soothe stubborn coughs. Whether added to soups or steamed as a side, it’s a nourishing way to keep your inner balance in check.

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tcmtraditional chinese medicinechinese drama
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