In this episode Gretchen interviews Dr. Ed Neal, an MD who, shortly after Med school, began his lifelong journey studying, translating, and decoding Chinese Medicine texts and bridging modern medicine with the ancient wisdom of the Nei Jing. He shares how his understanding and practice of East Asian Medicine has been informed through an ever changing and deepening understanding of the Inner Cannon through the process of Text Archaeology. 

Dr. Neal explains how the understanding of modern diseases, and even the modern human existential condition itself, can be reframed and experienced through the stories from which we create meaning and understanding in our world, sharing examples of practical application with oncology patients. 

Dr. Neal not only guides his patients through a paradigm shift of their diagnoses, but he is an educator and developer of the Apricot Grove, a community of practitioners, artists, and inquisitive minds who desire to apply nature-based medicine to not only healthcare, but to life itself, through reconnecting individuals with their own human stories within the greater cosmos.

Part 1 of a 2-part series discusses the recent US history of growing herbal medicinals from the Chinese Medicine Pharmacopia. Jean Giblette, trained in TCM and having devoted her life to growing and advocating for domestic production, shares the timeline and players involve with bringing Chinese medicinals to the US, national challenges and successes throughout the decades, and logistics involved with successful ecological agriculture.

Jean begins by giving the listener an understanding of parallels in interest between the organic earth movement of the 1970’s and interest in acupuncture and natural medicine, how in the 1990’s many of the seedlings and plants made it from China to select small farms and gardens around the US, and the obstacles to domestic herb cultivation. She shares past successes and failures of grants, research and partnerships with federal and state organizations, and the problematic influence of agribusiness and our financialized economy on ecological agriculture. She explains many of the nuances of growing Chinese herbal medicinals, and the multiple benefits and timely nature of why we need to find a way to move forward with domestic production.

Part II will build off this episode, delving deeper into current-day global and domestic issues, and what steps practitioners, farmers, manufacturers, and legislators can take to support production of domestic herbs. This 2-part series is a must-listen for all practitioners of East Asian herbal medicine as we protect our access to herbs in an age of ever-growing economic uncertainty and global trade wars, to not only educate ourselves but find practical ways to become involved and unite as a professional community.

Jean’s Info

Websites: zaishengherbs.com and highfallsgardens.net

Email: [email protected]

This Podcast is sponsored by Handcraft Health

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Acupuncturist and herbalist Michael Arsenault shares his journey of how he found Chinese medicine and developed his successful line of natural herbal skincare products, Emily's Skin Soothers. 

A martial arts injury led Michael to study acupuncture and herbs, where his most important patient became his daughter, Emily. A homemade pediatric eczema formula was his first product, and what follows is Michael’s journey into business and entrepreneurship. Michael shares how he got his products promotion in the press and prime real estate on grocery store shelves, how to avoid marketing costs and the costs of product research, and practical tips of how to overcome challenges creating and scaling his natural skincare business. Eventually expanding to other products, he shares the story of how he successfully got his products into Whole Foods, and you’ll find out it was not just luck! As the icing on the cake of this amazing product success story, you’ll also hear about the unexpected celebrity endorsement (!) that topped off his business success.

This interview documents the success of a father who healed his daughter, and used his success to provide natural healing to skin conditions throughout the country. Emily’s Skin Soothers is a nationwide brand that credits its success to the humility, commitment to natural healing, (good luck), and savvy business sense of a loving Dad.

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Want to lean more about Mike and Emily Skin Soothers?

https://emilyskinsoothers.com/

https://internalartsacu.com/

In this episode, Gretchen sits down with Dr Robert Chu; martial artist, herbalist, and acupuncturist who is renowned for his expertise in the Master Tung acupuncture system. Robert shares his philosophy on mind-body balance and medicine as informed through his life-long practice of martial arts, and how this ultimately led him to his healing practice in Chinese Medicine. 

Dr Chu discusses unique aspects of the Master Tung system of acupuncture, explaining the logic and practical application of mirroring points and active patient engagement while needling to confirm instantaneous results. With the skill of an experienced teacher, Dr Chu is able to weave clinical examples of distal needling into humorous stories explaining why long ago he vowed never to need to needle into the buttocks or areas of pain!

This interview highlights not only Robert Chu’s mastery of the Tung system, but his ability to weave herbal prescriptions, martial arts movement and Tai Chi exercises and philosophy and diet into every patient treatment to promote truly holistic healing and mind-body balance. 

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In this episode of the Elevated Practice Podcast, host Dr Gretchen Badami uncovers the unique journey of Dr Shiroko Sokitch, a surgeon who found her calling not in the operating room, but as a Chinese Medicine practitioner. Inspired to be a healer at a young age through a family trauma, Dr Sokitch devotes her life to uncovering miracles, and ultimately takes matters into her own hands to create miracles of her own. 

Dr Sokitch explains the triangle of wellness, and the ways in which Chinese Medicine is uniquely capable to treat patients emotional, physical, and spiritual health. She walks the listener through her development of a functional medicine practice that uniquely blends all the tools and modalities that she has learned over the past 30 years, and shares case examples of the power of integrative medicine. She shares her extensive experience developing acupuncture, herbal, and nutraceutical protocols for people surviving trauma in the aftermath of natural disasters, specifically the Northern California fires in her community.

This interview shares both protocols for practical application, as well as the perspective of a seasoned professional for delivering whole-person healthcare. And in the end, Dr Sokitch reveals the key ingredient in healing (hint: it’s not found in a pill…) ❤️

You can find Shiroko at:

https://hearttoheartmedicalcenter.com/

Check out her book "Healing When It Seems Impossible"

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In this episode of The Elevated Practice Podcast, host Dr. Gretchen Badami sits down with clinician, educator, and entrepreneur Moshe Heller, a pioneer in the field of Chinese medicine with over 30 years of experience. Moshe shares his remarkable journey from studying in Israel and the U.S. to conducting groundbreaking acupuncture research during labor and delivery at a New York hospital.

Together, they explore the evolution of his family-focused practice, his emphasis on pediatrics and fertility, and the inspiration behind his unique herbal product line—featuring intuitive names like GUARD, SHIELD, and SPROUT. Moshe also offers insights into child development through the lens of five-element theory, highlights the value of non-invasive techniques like Shonishin, and discusses his role in shaping the next generation of practitioners through innovative education and mentorship.

Whether you’re a practitioner, a student, or a curious listener, this conversation is rich with wisdom, warmth, and practical takeaways from one of the field’s most respected voices.

Learn more about Moshe and the amazing company he created -Moshen Herbs

https://www.moshenherbs.com/

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Oncology can feel overwhelming for many practitioners, but not for Dr. Hua Bing Wen. With over four decades of experience practicing medicine in both China and the U.S., Dr. Wen has cultivated deep expertise in integrative oncology. In this episode, he demystifies cancer treatment, explaining why practitioners should never fear treating patients with a cancer diagnosis.

We explore the foundational principles of integrative oncology, including how to identify patterns that lead to cancer, the power of individualized treatment, and why having the talk about lifestyle is essential for every cancer patient. Dr. Wen shares invaluable clinical insights and case examples demonstrating how integrative medicine helps patients maintain strength before and after conventional treatments—while also preventing recurrence.

Plus, stick around until the end to hear why, thanks to Dr. Wen, Gretchen’s father had to carry around aspit cup for an entire month!

Tune in for a fascinating discussion filled with practical strategies, clinical pearls, and a fresh perspective on supporting cancer patients with confidence.

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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Gretchen Badami interviews Dr. Lorraine Wilcox, a seasoned practitioner and translator in the field of Chinese Medicine. They explore Dr. Wilcox's journey into TCM, her passion for moxibustion, and her efforts to make ancient texts accessible to modern practitioners. The discussion delves into the nuances of herbal consumption methods, the importance of translation, and the relevance of historical practices in contemporary medicine. Dr. Wilcox shares her personal experiences with herbal remedies and her ongoing research interests, emphasizing the richness and depth of Chinese medicine.

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Dr. Gretchen Badami sits down with renowned scholar and translator Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallée. With over 50 years of expertise in Chinese philosophy and classical Chinese medical texts, Elisabeth shares her journey of studying and teaching Chinese medicine, from her early collaborations in Paris with Father Claude Larre and Dr. Jean Schatz to the founding of the European School of Acupuncture.

The conversation delves into the profound interplay between Chinese philosophy, medicine, and the human spirit. Elisabeth discusses the foundational concepts of Qi and Shen, the importance of cultivating one’s own spirit as a practitioner, and how wisdom in action can transform both clinical practice and personal life. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for integrative healthcare practitioners and anyone fascinated by the depth and beauty of Chinese medicine and philosophy.

Tune in to be inspired by Elisabeth’s wisdom, learn about her prolific body of work, and explore the timeless connection between health, humanity, and the cosmos.

Learn more about Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallée and her works at: www.elisabeth-rochat.com

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