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,