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!