Isn't learning Acupuncture at school confusing? And isn't it hard to find time after class to really get into the material? Here's where I come in! I'm Dr. Richard Lai, Doctor of PT and L.Ac; I'm all about clinical reasoning and rationale when it comes to treating my patients, and through this podcast I bring you educational content that will help you towards clinical success in the healthcare world. Whether you're in school and studying for the boards or out there in the real world, I review theory, points, business and more!
When you hear "liver," your mind probably jumps to Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Yang Rising, or Liver Blood Deficiency — the big ones they drilled into us in school. But there's another liver pattern that rarely gets attention, and once it clicks, it clicks completely. In this episode we build Cold Stagnation in the Liver Channel from the ground up — starting not with the organ, but with the channel itself. You'll learn why the pathway matters, what cold actually does when it invades, and how the entire symptom picture flows directly from the nature of cold. We walk through the channel pathway, the two key qualities of cold, the one temperature question that can hand you the whole diagnosis, and treatment with point selection and Moxa. Free weekly board exam question → studyacuwithme.com/quickwin Until next time — God bless and happy studying.
Two patients. Same complaint — they can't sleep. But if you treat them the same way, one of them isn't going to get better. In this episode we break down Heart Blood Deficiency vs Liver Blood Deficiency — two patterns that look nearly identical on the surface but require completely different approaches. We cover how to tell them apart, what questions to ask, and how treatment strategy shifts depending on which organ is involved. Free weekly board exam question → studyacuwithme.com/quickwin Until next time — God bless and happy studying.
This episode started with a hat pick. I wrote down three TCM patterns, folded them up, and pulled one at random. What came out — menopause. This one was also inspired by a question from Noriko, who asked specifically about insomnia during menopause. So today we're breaking down menopause through a TCM lens — what's actually happening in the body, why the symptoms feel the way they do, and why not every woman goes through it the same way. Because in TCM, menopause isn't just one pattern. We go through all of them — Kidney Yin deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, both deficient together, Liver Qi stagnation over Kidney deficiency, and Heart-Kidney disharmony. Each one presents differently. Each one has a different tongue and pulse picture. Each one leads to a different treatment approach. This is what makes TCM so clinically rich. We don't treat a diagnosis on paper. We treat the person in front of us. This Friday's Quick Win newsletter includes the full acupuncture point breakdown for every pattern discussed in this episode. Sign up for free at studyacuwithme.com/quickwin
Blood stasis is one of the most commonly seen patterns in clinic — and one that trips up a lot of students. In this episode we break it down from the ground up. What blood stasis actually is, why it almost never occurs on its own, what causes it, and how to recognize it in your patients. We also walk through real clinical scenarios — menstrual patterns, post-trauma presentations, Qi deficiency with blood stasis — so you can see how this pattern shows up in practice, not just on paper. And we cover treatment. Why moving blood alone isn't always enough, why you have to treat the root cause, and which acupuncture points to reach for and why. The bruise is your memory palace for this one.Purple. Fixed. Tender to touch. Once that clicks — the whole pattern makes sense. Want a free weekly case study delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Quick Win newsletter at studyacuwithme.com/quickwin Alright everyone — God bless and happy studying.
Patients plateau. It happens more than people talk about. The first few sessions go well — progress is good, everyone feels confident. And then it stops. Every session starts to feel the same and you're not sure why. In this episode we break down the real reason patients plateau in TCM — and it's almost never about the acupuncture failing. Most of the time the pattern has simply changed, and that means it's time to reassess. We also talk about the other reason progress stalls that doesn't get discussed enough — when something in the patient's life is actively maintaining the pattern. And what that conversation actually looks like in clinic. Plateaus aren't a dead end. They're a signal. Want a free weekly case study delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Quick Win newsletter at studyacuwithme.com/quickwin
Before you look at the intake form. Before you ask a single question. Your patient is already telling you something the moment they walk through the door. In this episode we're talking about the Looking pillar of TCM diagnosis — what observation actually means in Chinese medicine, what you're looking for in complexion, movement, eyes, and vitality, and how to start forming a clinical hypothesis before the conversation even begins. This is a skill that takes time to develop — but once you use it intentionally, it changes how you work with every patient. Want a free weekly case study delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Quick Win newsletter at studyacuwithme.com/quickwin
Welcome back to Study Acupuncture with Me—where we dive deep into the art and science of Traditional Chinese Medicine together. I’m so glad you’re here, and I’m honored to be a part of your journey as you build your clinical knowledge and confidence. In this episode, we take an open-hearted look at ADHD through the lens of TCM. You’ll hear us break down how ADHD symptoms might map to traditional patterns of imbalance like Heart Fire, liver qi stagnation, phlegm, and spleen deficiency. We’re not replacing psychiatric care with acupuncture, but we’re uncovering how we can support regulation, stability, and resilience in our neurodivergent patients. We cover everything from the Western diagnosis to practical TCM interpretation—plus how you can measure progress in your clinical practice, even when the changes are subtle. Here’s what you’ll find in this episode: Timestamps 00:00 : Welcoming listeners & sharing the inspiration from a viewer’s comment 01:53 : ADHD in the DSM: Symptoms & Western diagnosis 04:06 : TCM perspective: Patterns like Heart Fire, yin deficiency, and Shen disturbance 07:23 : Emotional regulation & the liver’s role 09:02 : Inattention, phlegm, and spleen Qi patterns 11:10 : Kidney’s connection to the nervous system 13:35 : Treating regulation, not chasing a cure—measuring subtle progress 16:25 : Neurodivergence & TCM: Embracing support and stability over perfection 17:48 : Closing thoughts, call for feedback & encouragement to keep learning If this episode sparked new thoughts, I’d love to hear your questions and experiences! Comment on my socials, subscribe to Study Acupuncture with Me, and visit www.studyacuwithme.com and join my email list. Happy studying!
Welcome, acupuncture scholars! It’s your favorite professor here, ready to help you unravel one of the trickiest concepts in TCM—and boost your confidence in the clinic. Whether you’re feeling stuck on diagnosis or just craving clarity, you’re in the right place! In this episode, we dive deep into the all-important difference between treating acute versus chronic conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine. If you’ve ever wondered why sometimes your treatments seem to make things worse or why kidney and spleen deficiency patterns confuse you, this lesson is for you. Together, we’ll demystify the distinction, walk through real-world examples, and share simple strategies to help you tailor your treatment—and get results for your patients. What you’ll learn: How and why acute and chronic patterns present differently in TCM Why treating acute injuries like chronic issues is a major student mistake Step-by-step guide for determining if a patient’s condition is acute or chronic Practical treatment strategies for each phase How to handle complex cases with both acute and chronic components Timestamps for Main Sections: 00:00 – Introduction & the biggest student mistake in acupuncture 01:01 – Why pattern confusion happens: kidney, spleen, and acute vs. chronic 01:50 – How to spot an acute condition 02:19 – Classic chronic symptoms & patient presentation 03:22 – Acute phase: what’s happening in the body and how to treat it 04:23 – When NOT to tonify: the risk of trapping pathogens 05:34 – Chronic phase: nourishing, supporting, and rebuilding 06:25 – Complex conditions: deficiency with excess, dampness and spleen 08:03 – Real-life diagnosis checklist: how to sort out acute vs. chronic 09:20 – What happens if you do nothing? Acute vs. chronic timelines 10:15 – How to handle patients with both acute and chronic layers 11:02 – Final checklist & key takeaways Ready for your next step? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments—your insights are what inspire these episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a clinical pearl. And swing by www.studyacuwithme.com to join my email list. Let’s keep learning together! Happy studying, and see you in the next episode!
Hey everyone, and welcome back to Study Acupuncture With Me! I’m so glad you’re here—whether you’re a student feeling overwhelmed or an experienced practitioner looking for clarity, you’re in the right place. Think of me as your favorite professor, cheering you on as we navigate the beautiful complexity of acupuncture together. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest questions I hear all the time: “Why are there so many protocols, and how can I use them safely?” I’ll walk you through the reasoning behind all those different treatment methods, why it’s okay to feel confused, and most importantly, how to find your confidence in the clinic—even if you’re just getting started. You’ll learn why having a solid framework is much more valuable than memorizing hundreds of protocols, the importance of clinical curiosity, and how to provide safe, effective treatments every time. Plus, I’ll share real-world advice for handling “imposter syndrome” and building meaningful relationships with your patients. Here’s a quick guide to the main sections of the episode: Welcome & Episode Inspiration 00:02 Why So Many Protocols? (Frameworks & Diagnosis) 01:21 Handling Self-Doubt & Practitioner Community 02:21 Acupuncture’s Responsive Nature 04:11 Stages of Illness and Treatment Priorities 05:28 Safety & How to Check Yourself Clinically 06:31 Sedation vs. Tonification: What to Ask Yourself 09:21 Real Patient Examples & Gentle Approaches 11:09 The Power of Questions and Adjusting Treatment 12:12 Confusion Is Normal—Here’s How to Grow 13:45 Community Learning & Sharing Wins 14:19 Wrap-Up & Words of Encouragement 15:01 I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment on my socials if you have questions, are feeling stuck with a patient case, or just want to share your own learning experiences. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode—and visit www.studyacuwithme.com to join our email list, and become part of the community. Happy studying—and remember, you’ve got this!
Welcome to "Study Acupuncture with Me"—where you’re not just a student, you’re part of a supportive, curious community! I’m so glad you’re here. Imagine us sitting down together, sharing a cup of tea, and demystifying TCM burnout, one insight at a time. In this episode, we’ll explore how burnout has evolved and why the old “just rest and recharge” advice doesn’t always work anymore. You’ll discover the difference between Qi deficiency and Qi stagnation, and learn how to recognize—and more importantly, treat—the new patterns of burnout showing up in yourself and your patients. From simple movement strategies to emotional regulation tools, you’ll gain practical, compassionate approaches you can use right away. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the new definition of burnout in TCM 01:23 – Understanding old burnout: Qi, blood, and Yin deficiency 02:24 – The signs of “new burnout”: Regulation over deficiency 03:13 – Qi stagnation: The modern burnout dilemma 04:27 – Why rest alone isn’t enough (and what to do instead) 05:07 – Key principles for regulation and recovery: Move, offload emotions, stop over-tonifying, and regulate! 08:26 – Why regulation isn’t a luxury, and what you can do 09:57 – Wrap up: Questions for self-reflection and connecting with your patients If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear how burnout shows up in your life or clinic—drop a comment on my socials and join the conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and visit www.studyacuwithme.com to join my email list for even more support and community. Happy studying, and remember: There are no silly questions here!
Hey there, future acupuncturists! Welcome back to Study Acupuncture With Me—I'm so glad you're here. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or you’ve been with us since the beginning, consider this community your support system as you grow in your studies and career. In this special episode, “Faith and Time,” I (Dr. Richard Lai DPT LAc) share heartfelt reflections on the channel’s journey to 10,000 subscribers, celebrating big milestones both professionally and personally. Together, we dive into the power of prayer, manifestation, and focused intention—plus the valuable lessons that come with growing pains, discomfort, and the courage to stretch into new chapters. If you’ve ever felt unsure or stuck, this episode is all about grounding your path with faith, patience, and persistent study. Main sections & timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & what Study Acupuncture With Me is all about 00:34 – Celebrating 10,000 subscribers & personal updates 01:24 – Family support and staying hopeful through transition 02:37 – The power of specific prayer, manifestation, and intention 03:37 – Growth, discomfort, and lessons learned from family 04:38 – The tension between comfort and growth 05:25 – Reflecting on 100 episodes & asking for YOUR input 06:13 – My own acupuncture study journey and how you can benefit 06:58 – Appreciation and looking forward to the year ahead Ready to take your next step? Comment on my socials and let me know what topics you want to hear about next—I want to make this podcast as helpful as possible for you! Please subscribe so you never miss an episode,
Hey there, future acupuncturists! Welcome back to "Study Acupuncture with Me." I’m Dr. Richard Lai, your friendly DPT and LAc—and today, we’re diving into a super relatable topic: liver qi stagnation. Whether you’re prepping for boards or already treating patients, I’m here to help you break down this essential TCM concept in a way that’s practical and easy to remember. In this episode, you’ll learn how liver qi stagnation shows up in real life—think daily frustrations, that tense feeling in your shoulders, or when tiny setbacks just seem to get under your skin. I’ll share not only how you can recognize these signs in your patients (and maybe even yourself!), but also how to connect the dots to clear TCM diagnoses and treatment plans. Plus, I’ll cover go-to acupuncture points and lifestyle changes that actually work—because being a great practitioner is about helping people thrive, not just survive! Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & a personal story from the gym 00:38 – What is liver qi stagnation and why does it matter? 02:26 – Common signs, symptoms, and how to spot them in your clinic 03:57 – How movement and lifestyle impact liver qi stagnation 05:08 – Key clinical findings: tongue, pulse, and patient stories 05:53 – Top acupuncture points and living advice to move qi 07:28 – Practical ways to create moments for qi flow in daily life 08:21 – Why early recognition & lifestyle changes are essential 09:01 – Summing it up and how to keep learning with me If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a comment on my socials—I always love hearing your feedback and questions! Don’t forget to subscribe to the "Study Acupuncture with Me" podcast, and head over to www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to sign up for my exam question newsletter
Hey there! Welcome to “Study Acupuncture with Me”—I’m so glad you’re tuning in. If you’ve ever found yourself dealing with tight shoulders or a stiff neck (even when you haven’t done anything strenuous), this episode is designed just for you. Think of it as a warm, guided chat about why our bodies hold onto tension and how you can start finding relief today. In this episode, you’ll learn what causes shoulder and neck tension, especially when life feels stressful. We’ll explore how emotional stress can show up physically (yep, those tense shoulders!), and I’ll share easy acupressure techniques and daily habits to help ease that tightness. My goal is to help you feel better and more empowered to take care of your body. Here’s what you’ll find: [00:00:00] — Welcome & why you might feel neck/shoulder tension [00:00:28] — How stress and emotions impact our body [00:02:00] — Simple acupressure tips: how to use them safely [00:02:56] — The best acupressure points for tension relief [00:05:21] — Quick lifestyle tweaks: shoulder drop exercise, warm compresses, screen time tips [00:06:44] — When to reach out to a healthcare professional [00:07:08] — Wrap-up and encouragement Did something in this episode help you? Got a question or want to share your experience? Drop a comment on my socials and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new tip for feeling your best. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or licensed acupuncturist if you have any health concerns. Thanks for listening—take good care of yourself!
Welcome, friends! I’m so glad you’re here—whether you’re an eager acupuncture student or just someone fascinated by Traditional Chinese Medicine, this episode is tailored just for you. Grab your notebook, settle in, and join me as we dive into why waking up exhausted (even after eight hours of sleep) might have more to do with mouth breathing and Lung Qi deficiency than you ever realized. In today’s episode, I’ll break down the connection between mouth breathing, dry mouth, and that never-ending morning fatigue—explaining both the Western and TCM perspectives. You’ll also learn practical acupressure points and lifestyle tips you can use right away to support your Lung Qi and finally recharge overnight. I want you to feel empowered with new knowledge and ready to take action for better energy and deeper sleep! Here’s what you’ll learn (with handy timestamps to help you find exactly what you need): 00:00:00 – Introduction: Why you wake up tired, dry mouth, and the real reasons behind morning exhaustion 00:01:02 – Episode structure: Symptoms, acupressure points, and lifestyle shifts 00:01:19 – TCM vs. Western view: Mouth breathing and Lung Qi deficiency explained 00:04:21 – Acupressure 101: How to use it safely and effectively 00:05:11 – Key points to support Lung Qi: LU9, REN17, LI20—what they do, where to find them, and how to use them 00:07:19 – Supportive lifestyle habits: Nasal strips, humidifiers, and pre-sleep nose-breathing rituals 00:09:09 – When to seek further help for chronic fatigue and mouth breathing 00:10:13 – Wrap-up: The power of understanding your health and taking control If this episode helped you connect the dots about why you feel so tired—or gave you some practical tools for self-care—I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment on my socials, hit the subscribe button, and join me for more episodes. Keep learning, keep growing, and remember: health is wealth . Until next time, take good care of your body and mind! Episode is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal guidance
Hey acupuncture scholars, welcome back to Study Acupuncture with Me! It’s Dr. Richard Lai DPT LAc here, and I’m so glad you’re joining me today. Whether you’re deep in your studies or just starting out, this episode is for anyone who wants to truly understand how emotional and physical health intertwine in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today, I’ll be sharing a very personal story about “Plum Pit Qi”—that mysterious lump-in-the-throat sensation—and breaking down exactly what it means, why it happens, and how you as a future acupuncturist can treat and support patients experiencing it. We’ll cover the emotional roots in Liver Qi stagnation, the physical connection with phlegm, clear diagnostic tips, the best acupuncture points, and warm lifestyle recommendations to help you support your patients (and maybe yourself!) during life’s heavier moments. Here’s how the episode unfolds: [00:00:00] – Welcome + Dr. Lai’s heartfelt personal story [00:03:01] – What is Plum Pit Qi? Signs, symptoms, and real-life examples [00:04:19] – TCM perspective: Emotional roots, Liver Qi stagnation, and Phlegm [00:05:29] – How to diagnose Plum Pit Qi in your patients [00:06:21] – Treatment principles & foundational acupuncture points [00:07:43] – Lifestyle advice: Diet, movement, expressing emotions [00:08:53] – Support, encouragement, and staying connected [00:10:28] – Closing thoughts: TCM’s holistic approach & why you’re not alone If this episode resonates with you or helps deepen your understanding, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment on my socials, subscribe to Study Acupuncture with Me, and head to www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to join our Quick Win newsletter to get free exam questions via email and to join our email list. Let’s learn, connect, and grow together—happy studying!
Quick tip: If you need a professional (and distraction-free) space to record or study, check out Pirate Studio. Use my promo code RICHARD 699657 at pirate.com for $25 of free studio credit—I use it myself in Brooklyn! In today’s episode, we dive into the “batching method” for studying—an efficient way to tackle your acupuncture exam prep, get more done in less time, and boost your memory retention. I’ll break down what batching is, how you can apply it specifically to acupuncture topics (like point location, categories, and functions), and share how this approach helps me balance life, family, and my own learning journey. Plus, I’ll let you in on a great Brooklyn studio where you can record or study with zero distractions! Timestamps: 00:00 – Getting started at Pirate Studio in Brooklyn 00:41 – What is batching? How to use it in daily life 01:13 – Batching your study tasks for acupuncture (point location example) 01:36 – Why switching tasks can hurt your focus 02:16 – Flashcards and memory tools: batching for maximum retention 02:29 – My batching workflow (how I record, edit, and balance family life) 02:52 – Where I record: Pirate Studio info & free credit invite 04:12 – Wrapping up and final encouragement I love hearing from you! Let me know how you batch your studying by commenting on my socials. Don’t forget to subscribe to Study Acupuncture with Me for more practical tips and support. For a boost in your exam prep, sign up for my QuickWin Exam Question newsletter at www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin —get free weekly acupuncture study questions right in your inbox! Happy studying—God bless, and keep growing your skills!
Hey, future acupuncturists! Welcome to another episode of Study Acupuncture With Me—I'm Dr. Richard Lai, and I’m here to support you every step of your TCM journey. Whether you’re prepping for exams or building your clinical confidence, you’re in the right place. Grab your notes, settle in, and let’s dig into a topic EVERY student encounters. In today’s episode, we explore how stress—and those bottled-up emotions—show up in your digestion. We’ll break down the essential liver-spleen relationship, explain the classic Liver Qi attacking Spleen pattern, and go over real-world tips for both diagnosis and treatment. This episode is packed with practical advice, clear explanations, and clinical pearls you can use right away. If you’ve ever wondered why emotional stress can literally make your stomach upset, this is the episode for you! Timestamps to guide your listening: 00:00:00 – Welcome & relatable patient stories 00:00:37 – The emotional connection to physical symptoms 00:01:05 – Stress, digestion, and Liver Qi/Spleen dynamics 00:01:47 – TCM roles of liver and spleen 00:02:13 – How stress disrupts harmony 00:02:46 – Clinical manifestations & patient language 00:03:49 – Mechanism in TCM (Five Elements explained) 00:04:27 – Emotions and digestion analogy 00:06:16 – Long-term consequences & triggers 00:08:40 – Lifestyle strategies for balance 00:09:31 – Dietary and mindful practice tips 00:10:01 – Key acupuncture points for Liver-Spleen balance 00:10:41 – Clinical treatment tips and reminders 00:11:33 – Recap & encouragement 00:12:21 – Special invitation to join the Quick Win newsletter I want to hear from YOU! Leave a comment on my socials and let’s keep this community going—share what’s working for you, or any tips you’d love to hear about next. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to join my email list for weekly practice questions. You got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!
Hey there, future acupuncturists! I’m so glad you’re joining me for another episode of Study Acupuncture With Me. Think of this podcast as your safe, supportive study spot—where we take complex TCM concepts and break them down in the friendliest way possible. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most common things you’ll see in clinic and on your board exams: fatigue and digestive issues—specifically how they’re linked to the spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I’ll walk you through everything from spleen physiology, western vs. TCM perspectives, classic signs and symptoms, emotional links, lifestyle causes, tongue and pulse diagnosis, to practical treatment principles and point recommendations. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel so much more confident recognizing and treating spleen-related patterns both in your studies and with patients. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: [00:00:00] Welcome and purpose of the podcast—why we make complicated TCM topics easy [00:00:28] What’s behind fatigue and digestive issues in TCM? [00:00:48] Spleen’s role in TCM vs. western medicine [00:01:33] How the spleen transforms food into Qi and blood [00:01:58] Classic signs and symptoms of spleen deficiency (fatigue, bloating, loose stools, heavy limbs) [00:02:41] How the spleen “holds things in place” and signs like prolapse [00:03:23] Emotional symptoms—worry, overthinking, and their effect on the spleen [00:04:24] The lifestyle factors that lead to spleen deficiency [00:05:20] Tongue and pulse diagnosis for spleen Qi deficiency and dampness [00:06:40] Main acupuncture points and treatment strategies for the spleen [00:07:27] Recap—your spleen as your body’s energy generator! If this episode helped clarify spleen patterns or made TCM feel a bit more manageable, let me know! Drop a comment on my socials, subscribe to Study Acupuncture With Me on your favorite podcast app, and don’t forget to visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin. You can join my email list for exclusive weekly tips and practice questions delivered right to your inbox. Stay motivated, keep studying, and I’m always cheering you on!
Hey future acupuncturists! Welcome to another episode of Study Acupuncture with Me, where I break down complex TCM concepts in a way that’s easy to understand and immediately useful—just like your favorite study group, led by a professor who really wants you to shine. I’m so glad you’re here, whether you’re prepping for board exams or looking to boost your clinic confidence! In this episode, we’ll tackle one of the most common—and sometimes confusing—clinical presentations: pain in the lower abdomen. We’ll walk through how to differentiate Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and cold accumulation, with practical exam tips and treatment strategies. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to spot these patterns and support your patients (and ace those test questions!). Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction and Goals 00:01:48 – Common Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain 00:02:36 – Qi Stagnation Explained 00:05:08 – Blood Stasis Breakdown 00:06:56 – Cold in the Lower Abdomen 00:09:13 – Touching on Dampness 00:09:47 – Quick Differential Diagnosis Recap 00:10:41 – Closing and Resources I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment on my socials and share your favorite takeaway. Sign up for quick win newsletter: https://www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode—let’s keep studying smarter, not longer! Happy studying, and see you next time!
Welcome, future acupuncturists and fellow learners! Dr. Richard Lai here, and I’m so excited you’ve joined me for another episode of “Study Acupuncture With Me.” If you’re looking to build clinical confidence, ace board exams, or simply refresh your TCM basics, you’re in the right place—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way, just like your favorite professor who truly wants you to succeed. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into understanding anxiety from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, focusing on the heart organ’s role, shen disturbances, and the interconnected patterns with the spleen, liver, and kidney. You’ll not only learn how to identify key symptoms and patterns, but also how to approach treatment point selection with clarity and confidence. My goal is to make these concepts easy and practical—so you feel fully supported in clinic and when studying for your exams! Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Warm welcome & goals of the podcast 00:27 – Heart functions in TCM & the concept of Shen 01:45 – The heart’s relationship to blood, spirit, tongue, and complexion 02:30 – What is anxiety in TCM? Shen disturbance & clinical signs 03:13 – Deficiency vs. Excess patterns: Heart blood/yin deficiency, Heart fire blazing 04:47 – Interconnected organ patterns: Spleen, Liver, Kidney involvement 07:28 – Diagnostic strategies: Excess vs. deficiency & treatment principles 07:51 – Key acupuncture points for calming Shen and restoring harmony 09:08 – Holistic TCM approach & empowering final encouragement I’d love to hear how this episode helps you—drop a comment on my socials, subscribe to “Study Acupuncture With Me,” and don’t forget to visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to join my quickwin newsletter to get an exam question a week right into your inbox (explanation INCLUDED) Keep shining, happy studying, and remember: I’m cheering for you every step of the way!
