Curious about how acupuncture actually works, beyond the needles and vague woo? In this episode, Dr. Ciara Martin dives deep into the ancient and often misunderstood world of Classical Chinese Medicine with a seasoned acupuncturist, Dr. Deirdre Corrigan, who shares both personal and clinical wisdom.

From the Five Elements to lost acupuncture channels, this episode unpacks the art and science of acupuncture—revealing how it’s not just about pain relief, but full-spectrum healing for the body, mind, and spirit.

We explore trauma, digestion, cold exposure, and the importance of individualized treatment—all through the lens of this powerful healing modality that’s been practiced for thousands of years.

In this episode, we discuss:

If you’ve ever been curious about how energy moves through the body or how trauma impacts our physical health, this episode offers grounded, insightful wisdom to deepen your understanding.

Timestamps

 [00:00] Introduction to acupuncture and personal journey

 [02:54] What is Classical Chinese Medicine?

 [05:52] Five Elements & the acupuncture channels explained

 [09:00] The “lost” channels and ancient wisdom

 [12:13] Different types of acupuncture (yes, there’s more than one!)

 [15:07] The power of the extraordinary vessels

 [18:00] Why acupuncture is both science and art

 [21:00] Debunking myths and misconceptions

 [23:06] Healing takes time—Chinese medicine perspective

 [25:45] Case studies + individualized treatment

 [29:10] How trauma impacts your body & energy system

 [30:00] Self-care, stress, and healing the nervous system

 [34:01] How diet supports your overall vitality

 [39:48] Cold exposure and regulating your system