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!

Hey, future acupuncturists! Welcome to another episode of Study Acupuncture With Me—I'm Dr. Richard Lai, and I’m here to support you every step of your TCM journey. Whether you’re prepping for exams or building your clinical confidence, you’re in the right place. Grab your notes, settle in, and let’s dig into a topic EVERY student encounters.

In today’s episode, we explore how stress—and those bottled-up emotions—show up in your digestion. We’ll break down the essential liver-spleen relationship, explain the classic Liver Qi attacking Spleen pattern, and go over real-world tips for both diagnosis and treatment. This episode is packed with practical advice, clear explanations, and clinical pearls you can use right away. If you’ve ever wondered why emotional stress can literally make your stomach upset, this is the episode for you!

Timestamps to guide your listening:

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  00:00:00 – Welcome & relatable patient stories

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  00:00:37 – The emotional connection to physical symptoms

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  00:01:05 – Stress, digestion, and Liver Qi/Spleen dynamics

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  00:01:47 – TCM roles of liver and spleen

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  00:02:13 – How stress disrupts harmony

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  00:02:46 – Clinical manifestations & patient language

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  00:03:49 – Mechanism in TCM (Five Elements explained)

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  00:04:27 – Emotions and digestion analogy

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  00:06:16 – Long-term consequences & triggers

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  00:08:40 – Lifestyle strategies for balance

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  00:09:31 – Dietary and mindful practice tips

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  00:10:01 – Key acupuncture points for Liver-Spleen balance

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  00:10:41 – Clinical treatment tips and reminders

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  00:11:33 – Recap & encouragement

• 00:12:21 – Special invitation to join the Quick Win newsletter

I want to hear from YOU! Leave a comment on my socials and let’s keep this community going—share what’s working for you, or any tips you’d love to hear about next. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to join my email list for weekly practice questions. You got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

Hey there, future acupuncturists! I’m so glad you’re joining me for another episode of Study Acupuncture With Me. Think of this podcast as your safe, supportive study spot—where we take complex TCM concepts and break them down in the friendliest way possible.

Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most common things you’ll see in clinic and on your board exams: fatigue and digestive issues—specifically how they’re linked to the spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I’ll walk you through everything from spleen physiology, western vs. TCM perspectives, classic signs and symptoms, emotional links, lifestyle causes, tongue and pulse diagnosis, to practical treatment principles and point recommendations. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel so much more confident recognizing and treating spleen-related patterns both in your studies and with patients.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• [00:00:00] Welcome and purpose of the podcast—why we make complicated TCM topics easy

• [00:00:28] What’s behind fatigue and digestive issues in TCM?

• [00:00:48] Spleen’s role in TCM vs. western medicine

• [00:01:33] How the spleen transforms food into Qi and blood

• [00:01:58] Classic signs and symptoms of spleen deficiency (fatigue, bloating, loose stools, heavy limbs)

• [00:02:41] How the spleen “holds things in place” and signs like prolapse

• [00:03:23] Emotional symptoms—worry, overthinking, and their effect on the spleen

• [00:04:24] The lifestyle factors that lead to spleen deficiency

• [00:05:20] Tongue and pulse diagnosis for spleen Qi deficiency and dampness

• [00:06:40] Main acupuncture points and treatment strategies for the spleen

• [00:07:27] Recap—your spleen as your body’s energy generator!

If this episode helped clarify spleen patterns or made TCM feel a bit more manageable, let me know! Drop a comment on my socials, subscribe to Study Acupuncture With Me on your favorite podcast app, and don’t forget to visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin. You can join my email list for exclusive weekly tips and practice questions delivered right to your inbox.

Stay motivated, keep studying, and I’m always cheering you on!

Hey future acupuncturists! Welcome to another episode of Study Acupuncture with Me, where I break down complex TCM concepts in a way that’s easy to understand and immediately useful—just like your favorite study group, led by a professor who really wants you to shine. I’m so glad you’re here, whether you’re prepping for board exams or looking to boost your clinic confidence!

In this episode, we’ll tackle one of the most common—and sometimes confusing—clinical presentations: pain in the lower abdomen. We’ll walk through how to differentiate Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and cold accumulation, with practical exam tips and treatment strategies. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to spot these patterns and support your patients (and ace those test questions!).

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction and Goals

• 00:01:48 – Common Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain

• 00:02:36 – Qi Stagnation Explained

• 00:05:08 – Blood Stasis Breakdown

• 00:06:56 – Cold in the Lower Abdomen

• 00:09:13 – Touching on Dampness

• 00:09:47 – Quick Differential Diagnosis Recap

• 00:10:41 – Closing and Resources

  
  

I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment on my socials and share your favorite takeaway.

Sign up for quick win newsletter: https://www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode—let’s keep studying smarter, not longer!

Happy studying, and see you next time!

Welcome, future acupuncturists and fellow learners! Dr. Richard Lai here, and I’m so excited you’ve joined me for another episode of “Study Acupuncture With Me.” If you’re looking to build clinical confidence, ace board exams, or simply refresh your TCM basics, you’re in the right place—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way, just like your favorite professor who truly wants you to succeed.

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into understanding anxiety from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, focusing on the heart organ’s role, shen disturbances, and the interconnected patterns with the spleen, liver, and kidney. You’ll not only learn how to identify key symptoms and patterns, but also how to approach treatment point selection with clarity and confidence. My goal is to make these concepts easy and practical—so you feel fully supported in clinic and when studying for your exams!

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Warm welcome & goals of the podcast

• 00:27 – Heart functions in TCM & the concept of Shen

• 01:45 – The heart’s relationship to blood, spirit, tongue, and complexion

• 02:30 – What is anxiety in TCM? Shen disturbance & clinical signs

• 03:13 – Deficiency vs. Excess patterns: Heart blood/yin deficiency, Heart fire blazing

• 04:47 – Interconnected organ patterns: Spleen, Liver, Kidney involvement

• 07:28 – Diagnostic strategies: Excess vs. deficiency & treatment principles

• 07:51 – Key acupuncture points for calming Shen and restoring harmony

• 09:08 – Holistic TCM approach & empowering final encouragement

I’d love to hear how this episode helps you—drop a comment on my socials, subscribe to “Study Acupuncture With Me,” and don’t forget to visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to join my quickwin newsletter to get an exam question a week right into your inbox (explanation INCLUDED)

Keep shining, happy studying, and remember: I’m cheering for you every step of the way!

Hey there, acupuncture rockstars! Dr. Richard Lai here, and welcome to the "Study Acupuncture With Me" podcast. I’m so glad you’re here—think of this as your safe and encouraging space to unravel tricky TCM topics, gain clarity, and build confidence for both clinic life and board exams.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the real-world challenge of “mixed patterns” with a special focus on Spleen Qi Deficiency combined with Damp Accumulation—a pattern you’ll see all the time in the clinic! I’ll walk you step-by-step through recognizing key symptoms, understanding the reasoning behind TCM diagnosis, and developing treatment strategies that adapt to your patient’s needs. You’ll also pick up actionable tips, practical analogies, and my personal thoughts on treating root vs. branch—and how to do all this with a patient-centered mindset.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to confidently spot the signs of Spleen Qi Deficiency and Damp Accumulation

• The logic behind treatment principles for mixed excess/deficiency patterns

• Practical point selections and how to tailor them to different patients

• Real-life applications to get you ready for clinic and exam day

• 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction

• 00:45 – Case Presentation: Patient Symptoms & Exam Findings

• 01:56 – Diagnosis Breakdown: Spleen Qi Deficiency & Damp Accumulation

• 03:02 – Easy-to-Understand Analogies for Patient Education

• 04:20 – Treating Root vs. Manifestation: When & Why

• 06:12 – Acupuncture Point Selection & Real-World Application

• 07:44 – The Art of Personalizing Treatment

• 08:46 – Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

If this episode helped you, I’d love to hear what pattern you want to break down next! Drop a comment on my socials, subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to join our email list—you’ll get a weekly exam type question every single week! Readable in FIVE MINUTEs

Let’s keep learning and growing together. Until next time, happy studying!

Hey there, future acupuncture all-stars! Dr. Richard Lai here—and I’m so glad you’re joining me for another episode of “Study Acupuncture with Me.” Whether you’re sneaking in some study time between classes or listening on your commute, you’re in the right place to grow your skills and confidence.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the differences—and the surprising similarities—between acupuncture evaluation techniques and Western physical examination methods. We’ll walk through each step of the evaluation process together, explore the “four pillars” of Chinese medicine diagnosis, and see how they compare (and blend beautifully!) with Western medical approaches. Plus, I’ll share real-world tips to help you connect all these concepts, not just for your board exams—but for your future clinic, too. Remember, progress is better than perfection, and I’m here to help you use your most precious resource: your time.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Personal intro & overcoming perfectionism as a student/practitioner

• 01:20 – Why evaluation is the foundation of effective acupuncture treatment

• 02:44 – Chinese Medicine: The Four Pillars of Diagnosis (observation, palpation, listening/smelling, asking)

• 04:02 – Western Physical Examination: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation

• 07:37 – Real-life examples: How both systems approach patient assessment

• 10:12 – Clinical workflow: How to weave acu and Western techniques together

• 11:51 – Decoding symptoms: Sorting info for a clear diagnosis and strong treatment plan

• 13:31 – Explaining your diagnosis in patient-friendly language for better trust and outcomes

• 14:15 – Quick recap & encouragement for your journey

If you found this episode helpful, I’d love to hear from you! Comment on my socials, let me know your questions, and don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you never miss a new release. For free study resources and to join my email list (so you can snag my Quick Win newsletter and more), visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin

Happy studying, and remember—you’ve got this!