Study Acupuncture with Me

By Dr. Richard Lai DPT L.AcAlternative Health Health & Fitness

Study Acupuncture with Me episodes

April 18, 2025Wind cold vs Wind Heat TCM
Episode Description:
In this episode, Dr. Richard Lai dives deep into a must-know topic for every acupuncture student and practitioner: how to differentiate between Wind Cold and Wind Heat patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). If you've ever found these patterns confusing—especially when prepping for board exams—you're not alone! Dr. Lai walks listeners through two exam-style case studies, highlighting the subtle but critical differences between the two. You’ll learn which clinical features, tongue and pulse signs, and classic symptoms set Wind Cold apart from Wind Heat—tips that will help you ace your exams and get better results in clinic.
Show Notes:
Introduction to the Episode
Dr. Lai shares his mission to make TCM concepts easier to understand and retain for students and practitioners.
Quick reminder to sign up for his "Quick Win" newsletter for weekly board exam questions and explanations in under five minutes.
Sign up here
Why Wind Cold vs Wind Heat Matters
This differentiation is a frequent board exam topic and an everyday clinical challenge.
Dr. Lai explains that though symptoms can overlap, recognizing key differences is essential.
Case Study 1: Wind Heat Pattern
25-year-old grad student, Tracy: mild sore throat, mild fever, nasal congestion, slight red tongue tip, thin yellow coating, floating and slightly rapid pulse, spontaneous sweating, scratchy throat.
Classic Wind Heat symptoms identified: yellow tongue coat, red tongue tip, fever, sore throat, floating-rapid pulse and sweating.
Dr. Lai breaks down the pathophysiology—how Wind Heat impairs the lung’s descending and dispersing function, resulting in upper body symptoms.
Case Study 2: Wind Cold Pattern
37-year-old PT, Raffi: body aches, runny nose, congestion, chills, cannot get warm, mild scratchy throat, no sweat, no thirst, pale tongue with thin white coat, floating and tight pulse.
Hallmarks of Wind Cold: tight pulse, strong chills, no sweating, pale tongue, thin white coating.
Discussion on how these findings help rule out interior cold and yang deficiency.
Dr. Lai emphasizes the importance of tongue and pulse in differentiating cases on the exam.
Quick Review & Tips
Key symptoms to distinguish Wind Heat vs Wind Cold
The importance of tongue color/coat, pulse quality, and specific symptom presentations.
How exams may offer tricky answer choices—look for the “most correct” answer based on the case details.
Stay Connected
Sign up for Dr. Lai’s Quick Win Newsletter for more board exam questions and explanations.
www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin
Resources Mentioned:
Study Acupuncture with Me Website
Quick Win Newsletter
Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode or found it helpful, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Until next time—good luck with your studies and clinic, and happy studying!
11 min
April 11, 2025Heart Yin Deficiency
Episode Summary:
Welcome to another insightful episode of "Study Acupuncture with Me". In this episode, we're diving into the intricacies of Heart Yin Deficiency, a common pattern in both clinical practice and board exams. We're going to talk about Heart Yin Deficiency in terms of Pattern identification and potential causes
Key Topics Discussed:
Introduction to Heart Yin Deficiency:
Overview of heart functions in traditional Chinese medicine, focusing on the heart's role in governing blood and housing the Shen (spirit).
Heart Yin vs. Heart Yang:
Explanation of how Heart Yin and Yang are complementary forces, with Yin nourishing and anchoring the heart, and Yang propelling physiological activity.
Signs and Symptoms:
Common manifestations include palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and dry mouth, with specific signs such as a tongue without coating and a floating, empty pulse indicating Yin deficiency.
Causes:
Discusses stress, overwork, and external factors like heat as primary causes of Heart Yin Deficiency.
Differential Diagnosis:
Differentiating insomnia from Heart Yin Deficiency and Heart Blood Deficiency based on sleep patterns.
Recommendations:
Importance of consulting an acupuncturist for personalized treatment, with points like Ren 4, Ren 14, and Spleen 6 highlighted for nourishing heart Yin.
Additional Resources:
Sign up for my weekly newsletter featuring a quick win with one multiple-choice practice question and explanation: www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin
Feel free to reach out with feedback or questions about the topics discussed in this episode. And don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and join the conversation in the comments below! Happy studying!
16 min
March 23, 2025Lung Yin Deficiency Vs Lung Dryness
In this episode, let's takes a deep dive into the often-confusing topic of Lung Yin Deficiency versus Lung Dryness. These two patterns might sound similar, but understanding their nuances is crucial for effective acupuncture treatment and accurate diagnosis.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to Lung Patterns: Dr. Lai discusses the importance of differentiating between Lung Yin Deficiency and Lung Dryness, especially for board exams and clinical practice.
The Lungs – A Delicate Organ: Learn about why the lungs are considered a delicate organ in Traditional Chinese Medicine and how external factors influence them.
Understanding Lung Dryness: Discover the causes and symptoms associated with lung dryness, from environmental factors like dry climates and air-conditioned spaces to lifestyle influences such as smoking and hydration.
Lung Yin Deficiency Explored: Dr. Lai explains the manifestations of lung yin deficiency and how they differ from lung dryness, including the role of empty heat signs.
Differential Diagnosis Tips: Get practical advice on differentiating between these two patterns using clinical observations and diagnostic techniques.
Acupuncture Treatment Points: Dr. Lai shares effective acupuncture points for treating both lung dryness and lung yin deficiency, with special focus on yin-nourishing points like Spleen 6 and Lung 9.
Practical Tips for Lung Health: Enhance your lung health with simple, everyday tips on hydration, diet, posture, and environment management that Dr. Lai provides for both acupuncture practitioners and the general public.
Engage and Share: Join the conversation! Dr. Lai invites listeners to share their experiences and tips in the comments, and to help spread the knowledge by sharing this episode with fellow students and practitioners.
Tune into this episode to deepen your understanding and appreciation for the complexities of lung health within acupuncture practice. Don't forget to subscribe for more enriching acupuncture content, and if you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!
Happy studying, and until next time, take care of your lungs! 🌿
26 min
March 14, 2025A Sneak Peek into Acupuncture Lung Patterns - Perfect for Students!
Episode Overview:
This is a special episode offering a sneak peek into my upcoming foundations board exam prep course. Dive deep into the general manifestations of lung patterns in acupuncture and learn a fun mnemonic—"BAD COLD"— This can help you remember the clinical manifestations of lung patterns.
Whether you're juggling multiple responsibilities or just starting your journey in acupuncture, I hope this episode gives you great tools and tips to maximize your learning.
Key Takeaways:
Course Development Journey: The episode shares Dr. Lai's reflective journey in creating a comprehensive board prep course that's been four years in the making.
Mnemonic Insight - "BAD COLD":
B: Breathlessness (Lung chi deficiency)
A: Airway issues/dryness (Lung yin deficiency)
D: Dryness (Lung dryness)
C: Cough and Cold (Invasion by exterior factors like wind, cold, and heat)
O: Oedema, aka edema (Invasion of the lung by wind water)
L: Loud barking cough (Phlegm heat in the lungs)
D: Damp phlegm (Various phlegm-related lungs patterns)
Strategies for Success: Discover the importance of having a structured routine and systems to manage multiple priorities effectively as a student or practitioner.
Continued Learning and Resources: Don't miss out on Dr. Lai's planner and video guide for efficient planning. Sign up for the email list for updates on the release of his board exam prep course. https://youtu.be/AyJFt5SiRd0?si=v6Rk6FxHRQZKRj2m Sign up for my email list at www.studyacuwithme.com
How to Apply in Practice: Learn to recognize clinical manifestations in practice and apply these insights during exams and patient interactions.
Resources Mentioned:
Visit studyacuwithme.com to join the email list for course updates.
Planner video https://youtu.be/AyJFt5SiRd0?si=v6Rk6FxHRQZKRj2m
Call to Action:
If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a fellow acupuncture student or practitioner. Your support can help others benefit as well.
Connect with Us:
Stay connected by signing up for the email list on Dr. Lai's website to get the latest episodes and course details directly to your inbox.
Until next time, happy studying!
16 min
March 09, 2025 Advice for Acupuncture Students: Staying Positive and Maximizing Your Study Time
Welcome to another episode of "Study Acupuncture with Me" with Dr. Richard Lai! 🌿
This week, I’m sharing personal strategies to help you stay positive, manage your time effectively, and balance life while preparing for your acupuncture board exams. Whether you’re juggling school, work, family, or all three, these tips will help make your acupuncture journey smoother and more rewarding.
💡 In this episode, we cover:
✔️ How to maintain a positive mindset in acupuncture school
✔️ Time management tips to balance study, work, and life
✔️ My personal experience juggling acupuncture school and family
✔️ The importance of clinical learning & patient connections
✔️ Why gratitude & positivity are key to success in TCM
📩 Get more TCM insights & free study resources!
Sign up for my weekly newsletter 👉 www.studyacuwithme.com
🔔 Follow & Subscribe for more acupuncture study tips, TCM insights, and board exam prep!
⏳ Timestamps:
0:00 - Welcome to Study Acupuncture with Me
0:35 - Announcing the TCM Board Prep Course
1:09 - Request for Feedback on Weekly Newsletter
1:46 - How to Stay Positive in Acupuncture School
2:53 - Balancing Acupuncture School and Life (My Story)
3:36 - Why I Created Study Acupuncture with Me
4:29 - Building Patient Connections with Acupuncture
5:05 - Subscribe for More TCM Insights!
6:04 - Offering Support via Comments & Emails
6:45 - Managing Family Life & Acupuncture Commitments
8:07 - Positivity & Time Management for Success
8:41 - The Power of Clinical Learning & Conversations
9:11 - Staying Open & Continuously Learning
9:33 - Why Gratitude Matters in Your Journey
10:01 - Closing & Next Episode Preview
🙏 Thank you for tuning in! You’ve got this! We’re all in this together—let’s make studying acupuncture a positive and successful experience.
#Acupuncture #TCM #AcupunctureStudents #BoardExamPrep #StudyAcuWithMe #TraditionalChineseMedicine #Positivity #TimeManagement #HealthCare #Mindset #LifeBalance
11 min
December 03, 2024 TCM Case Study: Treating Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia in a 72-Year-Old Female
Welcome back to another episode of Study Acupuncture with Me!
In this case study, we present a 72-year-old female experiencing symptoms such as trouble sleeping, anxiety, depression, night sweating, and more.
👉 In this episode we present a
- Clinical Manifestations of this 72 year old patient
- Tongue and pulse
I'm asking from you again what you think of the clinical manifestations and what you would do for treatment! Please comment ! Next episode I read your comments and together we collaborate on a treatment plan!
📌 Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:20 - Overview of the Case Study Format
1:08 - Patient Background and Main Complaint (Trouble Sleeping)
1:32 - Additional Symptoms (Anxiety, Depression, Night Sweating)
1:50 - Detailed Symptom Analysis (Night Sweating, Dryness, Hot Palms/Chest)
2:06 - Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis
2:30 - Call to Action: Share Your Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Connect with us
https://www.facebook.com/groups/studyacupuncturewithme
Tags: #Acupuncture #TraditionalChineseMedicine #TCM #CaseStudy #AcupunctureStudents #HolisticHealth #IntegrativeMedicine #NaturalHealing #TCMDiagnosis #AcupunctureTraining
3 min
November 26, 2024 Case Study of Stomach Heat: From Symptoms to Treatment
🌟 Welcome to "Study Acupuncture with Me"! 🌟
In this episode, Dr. Richard Lai DPT LAc dives deep into a fascinating case of Stomach Heat, reviewing symptoms, diagnosis, and recommended treatment plans. This comprehensive discussion will enhance your understanding of TCM principles and prepare you for your acupuncture exams. If you're an acupuncture student or a practitioner looking to refine your skills, this episode is a must-watch!
📌 Key Topics Covered:
Case Presentation Review
Symptoms Analysis
Pulse and Tongue Diagnosis
Point Prescription Recommendations
Interactive Audience Comments
Spleen and Liver Functions
Get the PDF of all slides discussed in this episode for free!
Visit: www.studyacuwithme.com/podcast
🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes!
👥 Join our Private Facebook Group for a supportive community of acupuncturists and students: / studyacupuncturewithme
📧 Contact Dr. Richard Lai directly for more questions:
Email: [email protected]
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the Episode
00:29 – Review of Last Episode's Case Presentation
00:42 – Symptoms Recap
02:00 – Audience Comments and Suggestions Review
06:00 – Diagnosis and Rationale
11:13 – Deep Dive into Spleen Functions
13:56 – Connection Between Organs and Senses
16:28 – Heart Functions Related to Taste
18:22 – Differentiating Lung and Spleen Root Causes
18:44 – Middle Jowl and Patient's Symptoms Analysis
21:07 – Tongue and Pulse Diagnostics
21:46 – Point Prescriptions and Explanation
28:54 – Thank You and Community Building
29:48 – How to Join the Private Facebook Group
30:22 – Conclusion and Next Steps
24 min
October 18, 2024 Dai Mai Explained: Points, Pathways, and Applications for Acupuncturists and Acupuncture Students
🔍 Welcome to "Study Acupuncture with Me" with Dr. Richard Lai DPT LAc! In this episode, we dive into the intricate details of the Dai Mai, also known as the girdling vessel, one of the extraordinary acupuncture vessels. Gain in-depth knowledge on its functions, clinical applications, and anatomical significance. Perfect for acupuncture students and professionals preparing for their board exams! 🚀
📌 Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to Episode
0:16 - Overview of the Dai Mai (Girdling Vessel)
1:21 - Energetic Vortex and Division of the Body
2:38 - Functional Role of the Dai Mai in Harmonizing Above and Below
3:19 - Dai Mai Point Locations (Liver 13, Gallbladder 26-28)
4:10 - Accessing the Dai Mai: Opening and Coupled Points (GB41 & SJ5)
5:00 - Clinical Applications of the Dai Mai:
5:10 - Harmonizing Liver and Gallbladder
5:32 - Resolving Dampness in the Lower Jiao
6:14 - Regulating Qi Circulation to and from the Legs
7:16 - Connections with the Chong Mai and Stomach Channel
8:15 - Treating Abdominal Pain via the Dai Mai
8:51 - Gynecological Applications of the Dai Mai (Leukorrhea and Pregnancy) 10:04 - Supporting Fetal Health
10:49 - Impact of the Dai Mai on Hip and Back Pain
11:35 - Full vs. Empty Conditions of the Dai Mai
12:16 - Addressing Full Conditions (Symptoms and Treatment)
12:55 - Addressing Empty Conditions (Symptoms and Treatment)
13:16 - Closing Remarks and Insider Course Information
📚 Resources:
Get all the info ahead of time on the RELEASE of the upcoming course by becoming an insider - sign up at
www.studyacuwithme.com/insiders
🔗 Follow Us:
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👨‍⚕️ About Dr. Richard Lai DPT LAc: Dr. Lai is a dual-licensed professional in Physical Therapy and Acupuncture, dedicated to guiding acupuncture students toward their academic and professional goals. With his deep understanding of Eastern and Western medicine, he brings a comprehensive approach to TCM
👍 Don't forget to like, share, and comment below! Let's build a community of aspiring and practicing acupuncturists together.
#Acupuncture #DaiMai #GirdlingVessel #TCM #TraditionalChineseMedicine #StudyAcupuncture #AcupunctureStudents #BoardExamPrep #DrRichardLai #ClinicalApplications #ExtraordinaryVessels
Happy studying! 🌿✨
13 min
October 03, 2024 #71 Life, Learning, and Launching: Insights from Boncho Friends
🔗 Life, Learning, and Launching: Insights from Acupuncture Entrepreneurs
In our latest podcast episode, "Boncho Friends," I had the pleasure of diving deep into the journey of Bora and Isaac, the dedicated co-founders of Boncho Friends. 🚀 Whether you're a budding acupuncture student or an aspiring entrepreneur, their story is filled with invaluable lessons and inspiration. Here are some key takeaways:
🔹 Foundational Knowledge is Crucial: Both Isaac and Bora emphasize the importance of mastering the foundational concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s not just about memorizing facts but truly understanding the underlying principles to prevent misdiagnosis and offer effective treatments.
🔹 Ethics and Passion Over Profit: Whether it’s Dr. Richard Lai’s decision to resign from an unethical clinic or Bora and Isaac’s commitment to a business driven by values, this episode highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and following your passion. Financial success follows if you're true to your ethics and dedicated to your craft.
🔹 Balancing Act of Entrepreneurship: Starting Boncho Friends wasn't easy for Bora and Isaac. They had to juggle full-time jobs while working late nights on their project. Their realistic approach and perseverance paid off, demonstrating that balancing financial stability with entrepreneurial dreams is indeed challenging but possible.
✨ Bonus: Our guests shared practical study tips for acupuncturists, including the use of memory palaces, spaced repetition, and understanding the 'why' behind concepts rather than rote memorization.
📲 Don't miss out on the full conversation! Listen now and be inspired by their journey. Plus, get a 10% discount on Boncho Friends products with the code "studyacuwithme." www.bonchofriends.com Follow them on Instagram and TikTok @BonchoFriends.

1 hr 2 min
June 23, 2024 Chat with Clara Cohen on Prioritizing Health and Managing Acupuncture Career Challenges
Clara Cohen has completed a 5 year program at the Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine level and has been practicing since 2003 in Vancouver, Canada.
Based on passion for teaching, she founded and became the sole creator of all content on her online platform AcuPro Academy, where her goal is to make TCM easy to grasp and fun to learn for all acupuncture students and practitioners.
She is an author of 3 illustrated books on Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, and offers in person and on demand continuing education online courses. She can be found daily on all social media at @AcuProAcademy and students can use her TCM resource page to support their studies at www.AcuProAcademy.com
🎯 *Key Topics Covered:*
- Overcoming the initial struggles of starting an acupuncture practice
- The importance of business knowledge and continuous learning
- Relationship-building and the power of referrals in a competitive industry
- Time management strategies and app recommendations for content creation
- Insights into personal health management and balancing a busy schedule
- Tips for acupuncture students on specializing and building a strong practice
- The role of intention, consistency, and adaptability in a successful career
**Tune in and get inspired by Clara Cohen's experiences and advice to enhance your acupuncture journey! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful content.**
💬 *Join the conversation:* Have questions or want to share your thoughts? Drop a comment below! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes.
📝 *Resources Mentioned:*
AD:
- Metricool: Manage your Social Media: https://i.mtr.cool/QFVVPA
- Acupro Academy: https://acupro-academy.mykajabi.com/store
- Descript: https://www.descript.com
- Free Weekly Study Planner: [Download Now](http://www.studyacuwithme.com)
*Connect with Us:*
- Website: [www.studyacuwithme.com]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studyacupuncturewithme
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studyacupuncturewithme/
*Connect with Clara:*
- Website: [https://acuproacademy.com/]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acuproacademy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acuproacademy
*Timestamps:*
0:00 - Introduction to Dr. Clara Cohen
1:45 - Initial struggles with attracting patients
4:00 - Learning business through free Chamber of Commerce classes
6:30 - Creating her first website & traditional marketing efforts
9:15 - Building relationships with health practitioners for referrals
12:00 - The philosophy of giving first and business growth
14:45 - Managing burnout and balancing life and practice
18:20 - Prioritizing sleep and avoiding devices for better health
20:35 - Importance of hydration and regular exercise
23:10 - Transitioning through menopause with acupuncture and diet
25:45 - Specializing in fertility and mental health acupuncture
29:00 - Networking and referring patients to specialists
31:15 - Overcoming the fear of online presence and industry doubts
35:00 - Advice for acupuncture students: Intention and consistency
38:00 - Time management and apps for content creation
41:00 - Balancing a fitness background with acupuncture practice
43:45 - Insights on postnatal Qi and health management
46:30 - Managing two fitness clubs and her own practice
49:15 - Accepting insurance and explaining coverage options
52:00 - Importance of taking leaps and facing fears
55:00 - Community, adaptability, and engagement with the audience
58:15 - Outro and invitation to connect on various platforms
#Acupuncture #TCM #TraditionalChineseMedicine #AcupunctureStudents #DrClaraCohen #BusinessTips #BurnoutManagement #HolisticHealth #FertilityAcupuncture #MentalHealthAcupuncture #HealthPractices #StudyAcupuncture #acuproacademy #claracohen #metricool
*Disclaimer:*
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before applying any medical treatment.
50 min

About Study Acupuncture with Me

From the publisher's feed

Isn't learning Acupuncture at school confusing? And isn't it hard to find time after class to really get into the material? Here's where I come in! I'm Dr. Richard Lai, Doctor of PT and L.Ac; I'm all…