Hey there, future acupuncturists! Dr. Richard Lai here, and I’m so glad you decided to join me for another episode of "Study Acupuncture with Me." Whether you’re a long-time listener or totally new to the show, you’re in the right place if you want to REALLY understand traditional Chinese medicine—not just memorize it for exams!

Today, I’m diving into the fascinating world of Divergent Channels in TCM, inspired by a fantastic question from one of our listeners, Manya (shoutout to Eight Branches College in Toronto!). We’ll cover the WHY, the HOW, and—most importantly—the practical, clinical skills you can use to help your patients when yin and yang just aren’t getting along. You'll come away with a clear view of what divergent channels do, when to use them, and a step-by-step method on how to select acupuncture points for cases where deeper yin-yang harmonization is needed.

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

Timestamps

• 00:00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Why we dig deeper into TCM for clinical practice

• 00:01:18 – Listener Question: Manya’s request about divergent channels

• 00:03:11 – Divergent Channel Basics: The who, what, where, when, and why

• 00:06:50 – Pathways & Functions: How divergent channels connect yin and yang paired organs

• 00:13:20 – When to Use Divergent Channels: Chronic, complex, and latent conditions

• 00:14:48 – Case Example: Balancing spleen and stomach with divergent channels

• 00:17:37 – Heart & Small Intestine Case: Point selection step-by-step

• 00:22:08 – Building a Clinical Workflow: 4 steps for effective divergent channel treatments

• 00:24:14 – Key Takeaways & Recap: The big picture and workflow review

• 00:25:23 – Wrap-Up & Study Tips

I love hearing your questions and seeing this community grow! Drop me a comment on my socials, subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin for FREE study resources, step-by-step guides, and to join my Quick Win email list for weekly board-style questions delivered right to your inbox.

Happy studying—and remember, you’ve got this!

Hey future acupuncturists! Welcome back to another “Study Acupuncture with Me” episode—your go-to space for TCM wisdom, board exam prep, and compassionate advice. I’m Dr. Richard Lai, DPT, LAc, and I’m here to help you not just study, but really understand and apply traditional Chinese medicine in a real-world, patient-centered way.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most common but least-talked-about topics: low libido and loss of erections, especially in men under 30. We’ll break down how TCM views sexual function holistically—looking at constitution, lifestyle, and emotional wellness. I’ll guide you through the main TCM patterns that may present with these symptoms (like Kidney Yang deficiency, Kidney Yin deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, and Heart/Spleen Qi deficiency), and share my go-to supportive lifestyle modifications to help your future patients feel seen and empowered. Let’s make this a topic you approach confidently—in the exam room, and in life!

Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – Warm welcome, why we’re talking about low libido and erections, and the importance of destigmatizing the conversation

• 00:02:26 – TCM constitutional theory: understanding each person’s unique “terrain”

• 00:04:10 – Kidney Yang Deficiency: Signs, symptoms, and common causes

• 00:06:00 – Kidney Yin Deficiency: How stress and overstimulation dry out the yin

• 00:08:36 – Liver Qi Stagnation: The role of emotions and performance anxiety

• 00:10:03 – Heart and Spleen Qi Deficiency: Overthinking, worry, and caring for others before yourself

• 00:12:09 – Practical lifestyle modifications and self-care modalities in TCM

• 00:14:56 – Encouragement to seek care, be open, and the power of personalized TCM

• 00:15:38 – Board prep resources and community connection

If this episode helped you deepen your understanding, please comment on my socials, subscribe to the podcast, and share it with a friend who'd benefit. And don't forget—sign up for my quickwin newsletter www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin for free study resources and to join my email list, where you’ll get weekly board exam questions, tips, and more, right to your inbox.

Let’s keep learning together—you’re not alone on this journey. Happy studying!

Hey there, future acupuncturists! Welcome back to another episode of “Study Acupuncture with Me.” I’m Dr. Richard Lai, and whether you’re studying for your board exam or already practicing, I’m here to help you learn, retain, and fall in love with Traditional Chinese Medicine—one car ride chat at a time!

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most commonly asked questions about TCM dampness: What’s the difference between external and internal dampness, how do you spot them in your patients, and can external dampness really turn into internal dampness? Spoiler alert: Yes, it can! I’ll walk you through clinical tips, key signs and symptoms, and handy mnemonics for differential diagnosis so you’ll feel more confident in clinic and ready for your next exam.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The basics and key differences between external and internal dampness

• Real-world examples of dampness in your patients

• How external dampness can transform into internal dampness

• Clinical pearls: diagnosis, tongue and pulse, and my favorite “OLD FARTS” mnemonic for patient assessment

• How to confidently approach differential diagnosis in practice

Timestamps:
00:00 – Warm welcome & episode inspiration
01:11 – Explaining external dampness: causes, symptoms, and diagnosis tips
03:45 – Internal dampness: spleen deficiency, signs, and the role of diet
07:04 – Can external become internal dampness? The progression explained
09:21 – Mnemonics and clinical tools for differential diagnosis
10:55 – Final thoughts: Chronic vs. acute dampness, and the importance of thorough evaluation

If you found this helpful, let me know your thoughts or questions over on my socials! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a clinical pearl, and visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin for free study resources and to join my email list—I send weekly tips to help you pass your exams and become the acupuncturist you’re meant to be.

Keep up the amazing work—happy studying, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!