Yinspired

Yinspired

By Celebrating different perspectives in Chinese Medicine & Integrative MedicineSociety & CultureAlternative HealthHealth & Fitness
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Yinspired episodes

  • ep34: What is Qi氣?

    Dr. Haunani Chong Drake, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist, explores qi 氣 as a core concept in East Asian and Chinese medicine, and why it’s difficult to translate cleanly into English. Through its Chinese character, the framework of Jing 精, Qi 氣, and Shen 神, and examples of unseen forces in everyday life, she explains why qi is more than a simple synonym for “energy.”

    Do you have other questions about Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture? Send me your questions. It will likely be featured in an upcoming season 2 episode.

    I’d love to hear from you. Please share your comments, questions, or thoughts at Yinspiredpod.com



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    25 min
  • Ep33 Five Phase Practitioner Mindset & Cycles w/Jeremy Cornish, L.Ac.

    “You can’t control the outcomes, but you can control the processes.”

    In this conversation with return guest, Jeremy Cornish, we explore how Chinese medicine, women’s health, and practitioner mindset connect through cycles, patterns, and discernment.

    We end up weaving in and out of personal and collective reflections on why and how clinicians get stuck, how to simplify treatments without losing depth, and how better systems can reduce burnout while improving patient outcomes.

    Check out our previous Yinspired conversation: Ep6: From Clinic to Time Freedom: Embracing an Online Practice w/Jeremy Cornish, L.Ac.

    Key topics include:

    * Viewing Chinese medicine through a female-body lens

    * The five phases as a framework for the human lifespan

    * Menopause, midlife, and the metal phase

    * Moving from information gathering to clinical discernment

    * Using fewer interventions for stronger results

    * Building confidence through repetition and process

    * Reducing burnout with better systems and automation

    * Managing patient expectations and motivation

    * Separating self-worth from busyness

    * Translating life patterns into clinical insight

    Take aways from this conversation for Practitioners

    * Audit your practice for information overload.

    * Build a simple, repeatable treatment core.

    * Pre-frame patients for likely treatment reactions.

    * Review where your expectations may differ from your patients’ goals.

    * Automate one part of your education or intake process.

    * Identify whether burnout comes from the work—or from an inefficient system.

    Connect with Jeremy

    @jeremycornish.dgdc

    Damn Good Doctor’s Club

    Other Mentions

    Clayton Shu Neuropuncture

    Insights of a Senior Acupuncturist by Miriam Lee - Blue Poppy Enterprises

    I’d love to hear from you.

    Share your comments and get links to all episodes show notes, guests' bios, and links at Yinspiredpod.com



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 26 min
  • 20 min Progressive Relaxation Recording

    Today’s episode is in honor of slowing down to be more productive.

    Some background.

    Yoga Nidra is also known as progressive conscious relaxation and/or iRest (trademarked by Dr. Richard Miller for the Veterans Administration so it would be more “accepted” by a government health agency).

    To this day, I recommend this style of progressive conscious relaxation to nearly everyone I see in the clinic.

    When to use Progressive Conscious Relaxation/Yoga Nidra?

    I recommend doing a 20-40 minute session 1-2x/week to reregulate your nervous system. Use progressive conscious relaxation/yoga nidra to manage stress, reduce overwhelm, bring more clarity and focus to a tired or foggy brain, manage pain (acute or persistent), when you can’t or don’t want to take medication (like perinatal and post-partum, and traveling), and as a short nap (that doesn’t leave you feeling groggy). If you don’t like my voice in this recording, you can find free 20-40 minute Yoga Nidra recordings on YouTube, Headspace app, or Insight Timer app. All you need is a safe place to lie down or sit comfortably. You can do this in a parked car, outside, indoors, before bed, in a hammock, or in a work breakroom. For those who are Licensed Acupuncturists, you can incorporate it into your Acupuncture session. And Yoga teachers, you can incorporate it into your savasana/corpse pose completing the yoga asana session.

    !!Caution : Proceed with Discernment!!

    While many things in the Wellness industry are touted as “for everyone” or “safe for everyone because it’s natural,” every modality has its limits. In fact, I recommend progressive conscious relaxation/Yoga Nidra more than meditation. I’ve seen more adverse events with meditation than with progressive conscious relaxation/Yoga Nidra over the past 20 years.

    Who should avoid or proceed with additional support?

    The following people should make sure they are in contact with and have access to a therapist, religious/spiritual teacher they trust, teacher, or guide to help integrate what might arise after progressive conscious relaxation/Yoga Nidra session.

    * People with mental health diagnosis

    * Highly sensitive and/or perceptive people

    * Active PTSD

    * Actively recovering from addiction

    * People who easily move between this world and others

    A Note for Beginners

    The first few times you do this, you might just lie/sit there and not notice anything different. That’s OK. Even though you might not feel like you rested, I’ve watched and witnessed people’s dispositions, mental health, brain fog, and energy change after regular practice (weekly for many weeks). After practicing regularly 1-2x/week for 3-4 weeks, you’ll begin to notice changes in your overall nervous system (how you perceive and react to stress or pain).

    Let me know how it goes down below in the comments or via email.

    From my heart to yours,

    H.

    Learn more about Yoga Nidra

    Exploring the uses of yoga nidra: An integrative review - Musto - 2023 - Journal of Nursing Scholarship

    Yoga Nidra for hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

    Effects of Yoga Nidra on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    Yoga Nidra for cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of between- and within-group effects

    Yoga Nidra and Pain: A between-, within-Group Meta-Analysis and Dose Response Meta-Regression



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    24 min
  • Ep31 Generational Healing, Perimenopause & Lymes Disease w/Tina Ghahramani Singh, L.Ac.

    I'd love to hear from you! Please share your comments, questions, or thoughts at Yinspiredpod.com

    Do you have a pod of friends, soul family, or colleagues who love to go beyond the day-to-day chitter chatter of life and dive into the raw, messy, and complex parts of life, healing and medicine? If you do, please consider sharing your favorite Yinspired episode with your pod. Together, we can begin to free, heal, and remember all our parts.

    We do it for each other.

    We do it for our daughters.

    We do it because it’s a calling.

    Episode 31 Summary w/Tina Ghahramani-Singh, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doula, and Spiritual Life Coach

    "The perimenopausal stage, I feel, is supposed to reveal to us, like, who we truly are, which you know, can be scary sometimes because it’s really big sometimes or it’s really vulnerable sometimes, right? And then all layers start falling off or peeling off. And you know, you have the snake skin that’s basically shedding, correct? It’s like you’re shedding everything you used to be. Well, that’s scary." - Tina Ghahramani Singh

    Grab your favorite beverage or get on your walking shoes and ear buds and gather ‘round for another heart-to-heart conversation. Tina Ghahramani-Singh, an Iranian-American Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner, shares her ongoing journey of healing from Lymes as she navigates perimenopause, raising two teenagers, and running two Acupuncture clinics in Orange County, California. Through deep self-reflection, finding a team of open-minded healthcare providers, and reconnecting with her ancestors, she highlights how embracing vulnerability, the messy and shitty parts of life, and going inward to find her authentic voice led to true wholeness and resilience. This conversation invites you to explore your ancestral roots, honor your authentic expression, and embrace the ongoing cycles of life with compassion, curiosity, and courage.

    We also chat about:

    * Tina’s personal journey from Western medicine to traditional Chinese and herbal medicine

    * The influence of Iranian lineage and Sufi heritage on her healing practice

    * Navigating perimenopause and autoimmune health through holistic and spiritual approaches

    * The role of land, land healing, and ancestral connections in personal and collective wellness

    * Embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and self-compassion in healing and life transitions

    Connect with Tina:

    * Healing Light Family Acupuncture Website

    * Special Podcast Discount Code: on Yinspiredpod.com Episode 31 Show notes & Shoutouts

    Resources & Links:

    * Esoteric Acupuncture

    * Rachel Polin - When I See You Again

    * Joanna Lindemann - Sacred Depths Coaching

    * Ze’ev Rosenberg - Herbalist

    Timestamp

    00:00 - Introduction to Tina’s journey and the purpose of the episode

    07:43 - Tina’s relationship with medicine growing up in Iran and the West

    09:36 - Personal health challenges and awakening to holistic healing

    13:24 - The pivotal shift towards acupuncture and Chinese medicine

    15:26 - Personal insights into the power of herbal medicine and mind training

    18:14 - Discovering ancestral roots and spiritual lineage

    20:54 - The significance of DNA, land, and ancestral healing

    23:28 - Spirit communication and channeling during acupuncture sessions

    27:52 - The interconnectedness of energy, light, and the divine in healing

    32:43 - Connecting with soul family and spiritual guides through land and culture

    37:56 - The sacred transition into menopause and midlife support needs

    44:49 - Navigating autoimmune and Lyme disease through spirituality and mindset

    50:07 - The metaphor of foundation and structural shifts during transformation

    60:50 - Embracing the chaos and surrendering to the natural flow of life

    66:50 - Healing from childhood wounds and intergenerational patterns

    74:15 - The role of land and land-based healing practices82:19 - The importance of preserving and sharing traditional healing lineages

    89:29 - The spiritual journey in Hawaii and ancestral connections

    98:22 - The importance of land, land stewardship, and indigenous wisdom

    105:52 - Final reflections: Wholeness as a connection to land, spirit, and self



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 30 min
  • Ep30. Acupuncture Medical School & Confidence w/Luna

    I’d love to hear from you. Please share your comments, questions, or thoughts at Yinspiredpod.com

    In this episode of Yinspired, Dr. Haunani Chong Drake, DACM, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Luna, a student of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. This conversation offers a candid look into the world of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine post graduate education and the personal growth it fosters, the challenges of integrating Eastern and Western medicine, and how mindset, especially confidence, is a vital component of healing and healthcare. Luna also shares her experiences of breaking away from conventional paths, advocating for women's wellness, and the importance of believing in yourself.

    In addition, we talk about:

    * Luna’s background and journey into studying Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

    * Critiques of dominant culture healthcare practices and advocating for patient-centered, root-cause healing.

    * Trauma and nervous system regulation and their roles in chronic illness and autoimmune conditions.

    * The misconception of quick fixes in wellness and the long-term effort needed for true health and healing.

    * The importance of mindset, confidence, and agency in women’s health.

    * Challenges faced in Acupuncture College and the need to deconstruct prior beliefs and paradigms.

    Show Notes & Shoutouts

    LuxuryWellnessbyLuna.com

    IG @livinglunawellness

    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

    01:15 - Luna’s background and the motivation to study acupuncture

    02:27 - The gap between naturopathic care and Western medicine in San Diego

    03:58 - Small lifestyle changes versus quick pharmaceutical fixes

    04:42 - The influence of massaging and energetic touch on healing

    06:00 - Moving from Philadelphia to California and consciousness shifts

    07:24 - The importance of patience in healing and deconstructing medical beliefs

    08:47 - Building confidence and shifting mindset for women’s health

    10:10 - Challenging family and cultural expectations around careers and self-care

    11:23 - The liberating power of living authentically and intentionally

    13:17 - Reflections on suffering and choosing ease in life

    14:15 - Luna’s current studies and her role as a wellness consultant

    15:54 - Building women-centered wellness services and confidence coaching

    17:17 - Addressing autoimmune conditions and the importance of nervous system regulation

    18:38 - The mind-body connection and trauma’s impact on health

    20:59 - Developing confidence and inner resilience as part of healing

    22:16 - The impact of environment and energetic absorption

    23:04 - The intersection of East-West approaches and personal health journeys

    24:28 - The limitations of wellness industry quick fixes and traditional practices

    26:16 - Living with purpose and avoiding burnout in conventional careers

    27:25 - Luna’s experience leaving a government job after realizing her path

    30:31 - Creating a women’s wellness brand and integrating Chinese medicine in practice

    33:12 - Realities of women’s health and limitations of Western medical solutions

    36:05 - Post-surgical recovery and the frustration with symptom management

    39:02 - The importance of self-awareness and trusting one’s body signals

    41:20 - The chaos and beauty of acupuncture training and clinical experience

    45:00 - Patient expectations versus healing realities in clinic

    47:38 - Role of education and the importance of foundational health knowledge

    52:10 - Practitioner responsibility and the integration of lifestyle and energetic medicine

    55:01 - The demanding schedule of Chinese medicine students and learning curve

    60:15 - The necessity of understanding Western medicine alongside Eastern modalities

    62:14 - Life lessons, advice, and personal mystical insights

    66:13 - Luna’s social media and ways to follow her work

    67:01 - Final thoughts on purpose, healing, and community support

    I’d love to hear from you. Please share your comments, questions, or thoughts at Yinspiredpod.com



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 8 min
  • Ep29: Healing in Carceral-Impacted Communities w/Jen Lindgren

    “Everyone has a gift to share.”

    “What groove are you creating? Does this groove feel in alignment with the ripples you want to leave in the World?” - Jen Lindgren

    This heart-to-heart conversation with Jen Lindgren, Training Director for Prison Yoga Project, reminds us of the importance of personal excavation for personal and collective healing, yoga as a tool for trauma recovery and emotional regulation, addressing systemic harm and promoting social justice through Yoga, and questioning with curiosity as a step towards unraveling the knots in our entangled lives.

    This episode is for anyone looking for hope and inspiration.

    I’d love to hear from you. Please share your comments, questions, or thoughts at Yinspiredpod.com.

    Enjoying Yinspired? Please remember to share a favorite episode with someone you love and subscribe to Yinspired wherever you listen. If you could leave a five-star review and rating on Apple Podcast, that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.

    Prison Yoga Project prisonyoga.org - donate, take a training, learn more!

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    04:46 Journey into Healing and Medicine

    14:34 The Work of the Prison Yoga Project

    21:33 Yoga as a Pathway to Healing

    29:19 Exploring Societal Patterns and Healing

    41:20 Understanding Harm and Its Roots

    43:55 The Impact of Global Trauma

    47:43 Community and Connection in Healing

    50:26 The Power of Shared Healing

    54:55 The Ripple Effect of Healing Work

    59:36 Bridging Communities Through Healing Practices



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 3 min
  • ep28: Violin Maker to Changing the Face of Healthcare w/Dr. Yael Markowicz, DACM, L.Ac.

    "To be an Acupuncturists is more than a career (for most people). It’s a way of life. It’s a way of seeing the world." - Dr. Yael Markowicz, DACM

    Dive into this heartfelt chat with Dr. Yael Markowicz, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist, where healing meets self-love and community. Discover how Chinese Medicine offers timeless wisdom in chaotic times. and what it’s like to be an "AcuMama”—an acupuncturist balancing a private practice and growing family. This isn't about quick fixes, bypassing, or gaslighting—it's about embracing connection, slowing down, and celebrating our unique paths, talents, and gifts.

    Gather ‘round as we explore the power of yin in a yang-centric world.

    Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspiredpod.com

    Do you have something to add to this conversation? 

    Go to Yinspiredpod.com and to leave your kind comments, questions, and keep the conversation going. This is the only place to interact with the Yinspired host and guests.

    Enjoying Yinspired?

    Please remember to share a favorite episode with someone you love and subscribe to Yinspired wherever you listen. If you could leave a five-star review and rating on Apple Podcast, that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.

    Show Notes & Shoutouts

    Dr. Yael Markowit website: YaelAcuWellness

    Instagram: Dr. Yael Markowicz (@yaelacuwellness)

    Facebook: YaelAcuWellness

    LinkedIn: YaelAcuWellness

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Yinspired Podcast and Guests

    02:54 Dr. Yael Markowicz’s Journey into Chinese Medicine

    05:46 Life Lessons from Acupuncture and Women’s Health

    11:46 Building Community and Wellness Centers

    18:03 The Role of AcuMamas in Supporting Acupuncturist Mothers

    29:40 Navigating Life as a Mother and Practitioner

    39:21 Exploring Human Design and Astrology

    42:15 The Evolution of Practice and Specialization

    45:43 Integrating Personal Experience into Practice

    48:55 The Mind-Body Connection in Healing

    55:31 Holistic Approaches in Chinese Medicine

    01:00:09 The Impact of Trauma on Health

    01:05:20 Self-Love and Its Importance in Health

    01:11:51 Rapid Fire Insights and Final Thoughts



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 11 min
  • Ep27: Get Free, or Die Trying w/Joshua Green, L.Ac., EAMP, MPQ

    “Belonging is an inner job. Consistency is the key to transformation” -Joshua Green, L.Ac.

    Summary

    In this episode, Joshua Green, Licensed Acupuncturists, Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, and medical qi gong practitioner, takes us on a transformative journey from collegiate basketball to the world of Chinese medicine. From his early experiences with acupuncture on the court to his profound understanding of qi through decades of qigong and Classical Chinese Medicine teachings, Joshua illustrates how confidence and belonging in medicine extends beyond academic knowledge to a lived, embodied, and spiritual practice. He shares insights on connecting with his rural community through gardening and symbology, recognizing the seasons and patterns of life are direct reflections of the medicine’s rhythms and the healing process. Joshua breaks down complex or confusing ideas, like qi, into everyday language that make sense for his patients and other healthcare practitioners. He reminds us that building trust as a Chinese Medicine practitioner is about making the invisible visible, the abstract tangible, for patients and students alike. Joshua's story is a testament to the power of consistency, discipline, and the inner journey of healing at all levels, reminding us that healing is about showing up day after day, not chasing quick fixes or fads.

    Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspiredpod.com

    Do you have something to add to this conversation? 

    Go to Yinspiredpod.com and to leave your kind comments, questions, and keep the conversation going. This is the only place to interact with the Yinspired host and guests.

    Enjoying Yinspired?

    Please remember to share a favorite episode with someone you love and subscribe to Yinspired wherever you listen. If you could leave a five-star review and rating on Apple Podcast, that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.

    Meet Joshua Green, L.Ac., EAMP, MQP

    With a deep passion for mind-body medicine and two decades of educational and clinical experience, Joshua Green, L.Ac., EAMP, MQP, brings a profound level of expertise to the field of natural medicine. Specializing in both acute and chronic conditions, he takes an integrative approach that blends Classical Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and advanced bodywork techniques with modern insights into anatomy and physiology.

    As a former collegiate athlete who has personally overcome numerous physical injuries, Joshua has a firsthand understanding of the body’s resilience and capacity for healing. His extensive knowledge of both western anatomy and eastern energetic sciences allows him to address not just symptoms, but the root causes of imbalance—enhancing cognitive function, optimizing physical performance, and restoring systemic health.

    Through his work, Joshua has earned a reputation as a trusted holistic practitioner in the wellness community. His approach is rooted in the belief that true healing occurs when the body, mind, and spirit are in harmony. Whether treating pain, supporting recovery, or guiding individuals toward optimal health, he remains committed to empowering his patients with the tools and knowledge to take charge of their well-being.

    Show Notes & Shoutouts

    Joshua Green links

    Joshua Green LAc

    Shoutouts

    National University of Natural Medicine - NUNM - Portland, Oregon

    Pacific College of Health Sciences

    Books

    Hua Hu Ching: The Unknown Teachings of Lao Tzu

    Research on guided imagery in medicine

    Efficacy of Guided Imagery for Postoperative Symptoms, Sleep Quality, Anxiety, and Satisfaction Regarding Nursing Care: A Randomized Controlled Study - PubMed

    The effectiveness of guided imagery on psychological outcomes and quality of life in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

    Efficacy, acceptability and safety of guided imagery/hypnosis in fibromyalgia - A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed

    Effectiveness of mental simulation practices after total knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Yinspired Podcast and Guest

    01:45 Joshua Green’s Journey into Chinese Medicine

    06:06 The Influence of Sports and Injury on Career Choice

    08:14 Exploring Spirituality and Authenticity in Healing

    09:03 The Importance of Belonging in Healing Arts

    16:09 Navigating the Challenges of Healing and Trust

    22:22 Swimming Against the Current: Rebel Medicine

    25:06 Discipline and Consistency in Healing Practices

    28:54 Cultivating Connection Through Gardening and Community

    30:51 Bridging Traditional Medicine and Rural Communities

    32:52 Integrating Qigong into Healing Practices

    35:31 Understanding Energy: The Five Resonances

    38:00 Communicating Chinese Medicine Concepts Effectively

    39:17 Navigating Skepticism in Alternative Medicine

    40:47 The Healing Journey: Embracing Discomfort

    45:30 The Importance of Consistency in Healing

    51:53 A Vision for Compassionate Healthcare



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    54 min
  • Ep 26: Beyond the Needle w/Dr. Haley Parker, DAcCHM, L.Ac.

    Haunani sits down with the unstoppable Dr. Haley Parker, DAOM, L.Ac., and Director for Community Outreach and Partnership for VUIM, for a raw, no‑filter dive into what it really takes to push acupuncture forward in a healthcare system that doesn’t always play nice. From “falling forward” in their careers to battling legislative roadblocks, building community from the ground up, and redefining balance in a profession that demands everything, these two pull back the curtain on the grit, passion, and purpose driving acupuncture in the United States in 2026. It’s candid, energizing, and it asks, “what will your legacy be?” If you’re an acupuncturist, a student, a patient, or just curious about the heartbeat behind holistic and integrative medicine, this conversation will remind you behind every needle is a practitioner who deeply cares about reducing suffering in this world and that vision is carried out in many ways. Afterall, not all peacekeepers are quiet meditators. Listen in on two practitioners who are stirring the pot, uplifting their profession, and building bridges for others.

    Dr. Haley Parker, DAcCHM, L.Ac., Dipl. EAM is a licensed Doctor of East Asian Medicine practicing across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, New York, and New Jersey. As Director of Community Outreach and Partnerships at VUIM since 2021, she has been leading clinic administration, academic integration, and outreach programs across multiple campuses. A former Division I athlete and expert in sports-related and emotional health, Haley has over 15 years of clinical, educational, and advocacy experience. She serves on the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) Professional Ethics & Disciplinary Committee, the Virginia Board of Medicine Acupuncture Advisory Committee, and the Acupuncture Society of Virginia Board. Passionate about teaching, community engagement, and promoting East Asian Medicine through patient care, media, and publications, she is dedicated to advancing integrative medicine and empowering the next generation of practitioners.

    Do you have something to add to this conversation? 

    Go to Yinspiredpod.com and to leave your kind comments, questions, and keep the conversation going. This is the only place to interact with the Yinspired host and guests.

    Enjoying Yinspired?

    Please remember to share a favorite episode with someone you love and subscribe to Yinspired wherever you listen. If you could leave a five-star review and rating on Apple Podcast, that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.

    Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

    Show Notes & Shoutouts

    Acupuncture Society of Virginia Get Involved

    Virginia University of Integrative Medicine

    VUIM Clinic in Virginia, New Jersey, Georgia - Mention hearing “Dr. Haley Parker on Yinspired podcast” to receive a discount on your next treatment.

    IG: @vuimclinic

    FB: Virginia University of Integrative Medicine Clinic

    Dr. Lixing Lao, PhD

    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Dr. Haley Parker

    00:23 - Context of the advocacy efforts around dry needling legislation in Virginia, defining education standards

    02:36 - The difference between dry needling and acupuncture explained

    04:31 - The emotional and human side of advocacy work05:16 - How practitioners can get involved locally and the impact of community action

    06:37 - The value of authentic leadership and collaboration

    07:28 - Advocacy as a professional duty and the importance of unity among practitioners

    16:44 - The ongoing fight for recognition in the healthcare field and the need for proactive strategies

    17:42 - The importance of understanding and supporting each other across different backgrounds

    19:15 - How to bridge gaps within the profession and beyond

    20:55 - The bigger picture: integrating Chinese medicine into mainstream healthcare

    22:14 - The collective impact of practitioners and the importance of unity

    23:43 - The future of holistic healthcare and the role of acupuncturists

    25:15 - Embracing diversity, authenticity, and personal growth in the profession

    28:47 - Reflecting on legacy, service, and leaving a meaningful imprint

    31:16 - Closing thoughts: get involved, stay inspired, and make a difference



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    58 min
  • Ep25: Acupuncture & Money

    If charging for your healing work feels hard, this episode will flip the script on value, confidence, and getting paid.

    In this Yinspired conversation, Linh Taylor, L.Ac., and I, crack open the messy, tangled relationship between money and being a healer in the 21st century. We explore why so many practitioners struggle to charge for their work, how pay disparities in the field can feel downright insulting, and what it really takes to build a sustainable practice without selling your soul. Together, we explore the power of relationships and word‑of‑mouth, the realities of insurance, and the legal and structural foundations every acupuncturist, and healer, needs to protect themselves. Linh shares her personal insights on why new practitioners thrive when they start in established clinics, how marketing becomes effortless when it’s simply storytelling, and why specific patient reviews matter more than you think. We dive into boundaries, money beliefs, long‑term financial planning, and the truth that practicing more—hands on, in real life—is what builds confidence and transforms patient outcomes, not more continuing education classes. This episode is a grounded, heart‑opening reminder that success in acupuncture, and any healing profession, is personal, relational, and absolutely possible when you stop shrinking and start owning the value of your unique gifts, talents, and trust in the medicine.

    Do you have something to add to this conversation? 

    Go to Yinspiredpod.com and to leave your kind comments, questions, and keep the conversation going.

    Enjoying Yinspired?

    Please remember to share a favorite episode with someone you love and subscribe to Yinspired wherever you listen. If you could leave a five-star review and rating that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.

    Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast

    Connect with Dr. Linh Taylor, DTCM and Dry Needling Pelvic Health specialist at JavaAcupuncture.com



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yinspired.substack.com
    1 hr 50 min

About Yinspired

From the publisher's feed

Exploring the messy truth of healing and medicine through the lens of yin and yang with everyday practitioners, patients, and students.