TCM view on Acute vs Chronic conditions: How to treat them correctly

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:Timestamps00:00 : Welcoming listeners & sharing the inspiration from a viewer’s comment01:53 : ADHD in the DSM: Symptoms & Western diagnosis04:06 : TCM perspective: Patterns like Heart Fire, yin deficiency, and Shen disturbance07:23 : Emotional regulation & the liver’s role09:02 : Inattention, phlegm, and spleen Qi patterns11:10 : Kidney’s connection to the nervous system13:35 : Treating regulation, not chasing a cure—measuring subtle progress16:25 : Neurodivergence & TCM: Embracing support and stability over perfection17:48 : Closing thoughts, call for feedback & encouragement to keep learningIf 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 TCMWhy treating acute injuries like chronic issues is a major student mistakeStep-by-step guide for determining if a patient’s condition is acute or chronicPractical treatment strategies for each phaseHow to handle complex cases with both acute and chronic componentsTimestamps for Main Sections:00:00 – Introduction & the biggest student mistake in acupuncture01:01 – Why pattern confusion happens: kidney, spleen, and acute vs. chronic01:50 – How to spot an acute condition02:19 – Classic chronic symptoms & patient presentation03:22 – Acute phase: what’s happening in the body and how to treat it04:23 – When NOT to tonify: the risk of trapping pathogens05:34 – Chronic phase: nourishing, supporting, and rebuilding06:25 – Complex conditions: deficiency with excess, dampness and spleen08:03 – Real-life diagnosis checklist: how to sort out acute vs. chronic09:20 – What happens if you do nothing? Acute vs. chronic timelines10:15 – How to handle patients with both acute and chronic layers11:02 – Final checklist & key takeawaysReady 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 00:02Why So Many Protocols? (Frameworks & Diagnosis) 01:21Handling Self-Doubt & Practitioner Community 02:21Acupuncture’s Responsive Nature 04:11Stages of Illness and Treatment Priorities 05:28Safety & How to Check Yourself Clinically 06:31Sedation vs. Tonification: What to Ask Yourself 09:21Real Patient Examples & Gentle Approaches 11:09The Power of Questions and Adjusting Treatment 12:12 Confusion Is Normal—Here’s How to Grow 13:45 Community Learning & Sharing Wins 14:19Wrap-Up & Words of Encouragement 15:01I’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 TCM01:23– Understanding old burnout: Qi, blood, and Yin deficiency02:24– The signs of “new burnout”: Regulation over deficiency03:13– Qi stagnation: The modern burnout dilemma04:27– 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 do09:57– Wrap up: Questions for self-reflection and connecting with your patientsIf 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 about00:34– Celebrating 10,000 subscribers & personal updates01:24– Family support and staying hopeful through transition02:37– The power of specific prayer, manifestation, and intention03:37– Growth, discomfort, and lessons learned from family04:38– The tension between comfort and growth05:25– Reflecting on 100 episodes & asking for YOUR input06:13– My own acupuncture study journey and how you can benefit06:58– Appreciation and looking forward to the year aheadReady 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!Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & a personal story from the gym00:38 – What is liver qi stagnation and why does it matter?02:26 – Common signs, symptoms, and how to spot them in your clinic03:57 – How movement and lifestyle impact liver qi stagnation05:08 – Key clinical findings: tongue, pulse, and patient stories05:53 – Top acupuncture points and living advice to move qi07:28 – Practical ways to create moments for qi flow in daily life08:21 – Why early recognition & lifestyle changes are essential09:01 – Summing it up and how to keep learning with meIf 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 encouragementDid 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 exhaustion00:01:02 – Episode structure: Symptoms, acupressure points, and lifestyle shifts00:01:19 – TCM vs. Western view: Mouth breathing and Lung Qi deficiency explained00:04:21 – Acupressure 101: How to use it safely and effectively00:05:11 – Key points to support Lung Qi: LU9, REN17, LI20—what they do, where to find them, and how to use them00:07:19 – Supportive lifestyle habits: Nasal strips, humidifiers, and pre-sleep nose-breathing rituals00:09:09 – When to seek further help for chronic fatigue and mouth breathing00:10:13 – Wrap-up: The power of understanding your health and taking controlIf 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 aloneIf 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 Brooklyn00:41 – What is batching? How to use it in daily life01:13 – Batching your study tasks for acupuncture (point location example)01:36 – Why switching tasks can hurt your focus02:16 – Flashcards and memory tools: batching for maximum retention02:29 – My batching workflow (how I record, edit, and balance family life)02:52 – Where I record: Pirate Studio info & free credit invite04:12 – Wrapping up and final encouragementI 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!