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!