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!