Long before our briefs, pads, and barrier cream, Attn: Grace was a newborn brand inspired by our founder’s personal experience shopping for pads for her aging Mom. We always resonate with stories of companies that come out of individual challenges and triumphs, and today we’re thrilled to sit down with another founder whose personal experience led her to a newfound passion. In a conversation with our own Alexandra Fennell, creator of Qi Health, Camilla Siever discussed her discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM,) which inspired a new platform that blends this ancient wisdom with the accessibility of modern technology.
Qi Health is a digital care model for women that is rooted in TCM, which has a long history (thousands of years!) of understanding and addressing the complexities of female health, from painful periods to fertility, sexual health and menopause. The platform provides access to expert TCM practitioners and tailored prescriptions (nothing off the shelf!) delivered to their doorstep. This removes barriers like geographical limitations, finding qualified and local TCM practitioners, and high-quality third party tested herbal medicine. Interested in giving Qi Health a try? Use code GRACE15 on their site to receive 15% off of the Harmony Membership’s first month.
Alex: Take us back to the start! Where did the idea for Qi Health begin—and how did you know you had to chase this dream?
Camilla: Qi Health began as a deeply personal journey. For years, I struggled with debilitating period pain. I went from doctor to doctor, only to be told repeatedly that “nothing was wrong.” Yet, the pain I experienced was so intense that it completely disrupted my life for almost a week every month. It was debilitating and isolating, I was left feeling like there were no real answers.
Everything changed when I was introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Within three months of working with a TCM practitioner and using the customized herbal medicine I was prescribed, I experienced complete relief of my chronic symptoms—something I never thought was possible. It was a life-changing moment.
I knew how many women were in the same position I had been in: suffering silently with health issues that weren’t being taken seriously or properly addressed. It was so apparent that the state of women’s health was dire, and yet solutions like TCM, which have helped billions of people over centuries, were (and still are) largely inaccessible in modern healthcare.
That’s how I knew I had to build Qi Health. I wanted to create something that could reach people everywhere—something convenient, transparent, and modern, while staying true to the holistic wisdom of TCM. Knowing that we’re changing lives by addressing the root causes of health issues keeps me motivated every day.
Alex: It’s so powerful how you were able to draw something universal out of your personal experience. How does Qi Health bridge the gap between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern digital healthcare?
Ultimately, Qi Health brings modern evolution to TCM, designed to fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles while staying true to its deep traditions.
At Qi Health, we aim to demystify TCM by explaining its concepts in a way that resonates with modern audiences. For instance, we thoroughly explain every herb prescribed, give in-depth health reports, care plans, and lifestyle and dietary tips. We explain body types and health constitutions that lead to root cause diagnoses and publish scientific articles showing efficacy.
We use data-driven insights to ensure our treatments are effective and align with individual health goals. By combining the holistic philosophy of TCM with a modern, customer-centric digital experience, Qi Health empowers patients to address the root causes of their health issues—such as cycle problems, hormonal imbalances, or menopausal issues—while embracing the timeless benefits of herbal healing.
We only work with credentialed practitioners and deliver high-quality, customized herbal formulations, ensuring that every patient’s care is both safe and effective.
Alex: Can you tell us more about how Qi Health customizes treatments for customers? How is this approach different and how do tailored prescriptions impact outcomes?
Camilla: Our treatments are based on each customer’s unique health profile and concerns. The process begins with a detailed consultation with one of our licensed TCM practitioners through a telehealth session. During this session, the practitioner gathers a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and health history, along with a TCM diagnosis that considers body compositionconstitution, Qi flow, and imbalances in the organ systems.
From there, we formulate a tailored herbal medicine prescription. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, our approach allows the practitioner to select specific herbs from hundreds of options, combining them into a precise formulation that addresses the root cause of the patient’s condition. Each blend is crafted to not only relieve symptoms but also restore balance and promote long-term well-being.
This personalized approach is fundamentally different from conventional healthcare, where treatments often focus solely on symptom management or rely on generalized prescriptions. By targeting the individual’s unique imbalances, Qi Health ensures that treatments are more effective and aligned with the patient’s body and needs.
This difference is critical for achieving the best outcomes because no two people are alike. For example, two women experiencing irregular periods may have entirely different underlying causes—one may need a formula to tonify blood and Qi, while the other may need herbs to clear heat and regulate hormones. Customization ensures that each person receives exactly what they need for deep, lasting healing.
Alex: Something I am really curious about are the herbs in your remedies, many of which are unfamiliar in Western culture. What herbs do you use in your remedies and how do you select them?
Camilla: We select from over 600 herbs, each chosen for its specific properties and ability to address unique health conditions. These herbs are the foundation of TCM and have been used for thousands of years to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Our formulations follow the classical TCM method of herbal medicine creation, which is a sophisticated system designed to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects. This system uses a hierarchy of roles within each formula:
Chief Herbs: These are the primary herbs in the formula, selected to directly target the main condition or imbalance. For example, Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) is often used as a chief herb for regulating menstruation and nourishing blood.
Deputy Herbs: These herbs support the chief herbs by enhancing their effects or addressing secondary symptoms. For instance, Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao) may be added to support hormonal balance and smooth liver Qi.
Assistant Herbs: These herbs help to balance the formula, reducing potential side effects or enhancing the overall synergy. For example, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gan Cao) is often used to harmonize the actions of other herbs and improve taste.
Envoy Herbs: These herbs guide the formula to specific areas of the body or harmonize its actions. For example, Zingiber officinale (Sheng Jiang) might be used to direct the formula's effects to the digestive system or promote circulation.
By structuring our formulations this way, we ensure that every blend is holistic and targeted. The herbs are chosen not only for their individual properties but for how they work together in the context of the patient’s unique health profile.
In Western culture, herbs like ginseng, licorice, and ginger are more familiar as healing herbs, but more than 10,000 research studies actually validate the efficacy of TCM herbs and techniques for hundreds of conditions like hormonal imbalances, pain management, and stress reduction.
Alex: Who is a good candidate for your consultations and products?
Camilla: Our products are best for anyone seeking to address the root causes of their health concerns—whether they’re dealing with hormonal imbalances, cycle irregularities, digestive issues, stress, or other chronic conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doesn’t treat isolated symptoms; it looks at the bigger picture, identifying patterns of imbalance in the body and offering targeted solutions to restore harmony.
Whatever you’re experiencing, TCM has a framework to understand it. Unlike conventional medicine, which often assigns a diagnosis and prescribes a standard treatment, TCM views each person as unique. Our expert herbalists are trained to uncover the specific pattern behind your symptoms—whether it’s Qi deficiency, dampness, stagnation, or another imbalance. They know which herbs to prescribe and how to adjust the formula to suit your needs.
This personalized approach extends to dosage as well. Our practitioners consider factors like the severity of your condition, your constitution, and your lifestyle to ensure the herbal medicine is effective without being overwhelming. You’ll receive clear instructions on how to take your customized blend, so you can confidently integrate it into your daily routine.
At Qi Health, we make it easy for anyone to access this level of expertise. Through a telehealth consultation, our licensed TCM practitioners will assess your health holistically, prescribe a tailored herbal formula, and adjust it over time as your body heals and your needs evolve. Whether you’re managing a specific health issue or simply seeking to optimize your well-being, TCM provides a solution designed just for you.
Thank you so much for this incredible deep-dive into Qi Health. There is still so much to learn, and we love how this platform makes it accessible to anyone. If you’re intrigued, don’t forget to use code GRACE15 on their site to receive 15% off of your first month with their Harmony Membership.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This content is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.