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Study Acupuncture with Me

Study Acupuncture with Me

Dr. Richard Lai DPT L.Ac 109 Episodes Jun 16, 2026

This podcast helps acupuncture students and practitioners deepen their understanding of clinical reasoning and treatment rationale. Host Dr. Richard Lai, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Licensed Acupuncturist, reviews theory, points, and business aspects of acupuncture. The episodes are designed to supplement formal education and prepare listeners for board exams. Content focuses on practical application to achieve clinical success.

Episodes

Cold Stagnation in the Liver Channel — Why It Causes Genital and Lower Abdominal Pain
Cold Stagnation in the Liver Channel — Why It Causes Genital and Lower Abdominal Pain Jun 16, 2026 00:11:46 When you hear "liver," your mind probably jumps to Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Yang Rising, or Liver Blood Deficiency — the big ones they drilled into us in school. But there's another liver pattern that rarely gets attention, and once it clicks, it clicks completely.In this episode we build Cold Stagnation in the Liver Channel from the ground up — starting not with the organ, but wit
Heart Blood vs Liver Blood Deficiency — The Insomnia Pattern That Trips Everyone Up
Heart Blood vs Liver Blood Deficiency — The Insomnia Pattern That Trips Everyone Up Jun 5, 2026 00:14:39 Two patients. Same complaint — they can't sleep. But if you treat them the same way, one of them isn't going to get better.In this episode we break down Heart Blood Deficiency vs Liver Blood Deficiency — two patterns that look nearly identical on the surface but require completely different approaches. We cover how to tell them apart, what questions to ask, and how treatment strategy shift
Menopause in TCM — Why It's Never Just One Pattern
Menopause in TCM — Why It's Never Just One Pattern May 15, 2026 00:15:31 This episode started with a hat pick.I wrote down three TCM patterns, folded them up, and pulled one at random. What came out — menopause.This one was also inspired by a question from Noriko, who asked specifically about insomnia during menopause. So today we're breaking down menopause through a TCM lens — what's actually happening in the body, why the symptoms feel the way they do, and wh
Blood Stasis — The Pattern That's Almost Never Alone | TCM Explained
Blood Stasis — The Pattern That's Almost Never Alone | TCM Explained May 5, 2026 00:18:33 Blood stasis is one of the most commonly seen patterns in clinic — and one that trips up a lot of students.In this episode we break it down from the ground up. What blood stasis actually is, why it almost never occurs on its own, what causes it, and how to recognize it in your patients.We also walk through real clinical scenarios — menstrual patterns, post-trauma presentations, Qi deficiency with
Why Do Patients Plateau in TCM?
Why Do Patients Plateau in TCM? Apr 25, 2026 00:06:25 Patients plateau. It happens more than people talk about.The first few sessions go well — progress is good, everyone feels confident. And then it stops. Every session starts to feel the same and you're not sure why.In this episode we break down the real reason patients plateau in TCM — and it's almost never about the acupuncture failing. Most of the time the pattern has simply changed, and
Stop Looking at the Form — Look at the Patient | The Art of Observation in TCM
Stop Looking at the Form — Look at the Patient | The Art of Observation in TCM Apr 19, 2026 00:14:51 Before you look at the intake form. Before you ask a single question.Your patient is already telling you something the moment they walk through the door.In this episode we're talking about the Looking pillar of TCM diagnosis — what observation actually means in Chinese medicine, what you're looking for in complexion, movement, eyes, and vitality, and how to start forming a clinical hypothe
Exploring ADHD Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Exploring ADHD Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine Feb 25, 2026 00:18:17 Welcome back to Study Acupuncture with Me—where we dive deep into the art and science of Traditional Chinese Medicine together. I’m so glad you’re here, and I’m honored to be a part of your journey as you build your clinical knowledge and confidence.In this episode, we take an open-hearted look at ADHD through the lens of TCM. You’ll hear us break down how ADHD symptoms might map to traditional pa
TCM view on Acute vs Chronic conditions: How to treat them correctly
TCM view on Acute vs Chronic conditions: How to treat them correctly Feb 19, 2026 00:11:17 Welcome, acupuncture scholars! It’s your favorite professor here, ready to help you unravel one of the trickiest concepts in TCM—and boost your confidence in the clinic. Whether you’re feeling stuck on diagnosis or just craving clarity, you’re in the right place!In this episode, we dive deep into the all-important difference between treating acute versus chronic conditions in Traditional Chinese M
Why are there so many different Acupuncture Protocols and How do we think safely about them?
Why are there so many different Acupuncture Protocols and How do we think safely about them? Feb 14, 2026 00:15:24 Hey everyone, and welcome back to Study Acupuncture With Me! I’m so glad you’re here—whether you’re a student feeling overwhelmed or an experienced practitioner looking for clarity, you’re in the right place. Think of me as your favorite professor, cheering you on as we navigate the beautiful complexity of acupuncture together.In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest questions I hear all
A new definition of burnout in TCM
A new definition of burnout in TCM Feb 10, 2026 00:10:34 Welcome to "Study Acupuncture with Me"—where you’re not just a student, you’re part of a supportive, curious community! I’m so glad you’re here. Imagine us sitting down together, sharing a cup of tea, and demystifying TCM burnout, one insight at a time.In this episode, we’ll explore how burnout has evolved and why the old “just rest and recharge” advice doesn’t always work anymore. You’l
Faith + Time = Growth
Faith + Time = Growth Feb 7, 2026 00:07:23 Hey there, future acupuncturists! Welcome back to Study Acupuncture With Me—I'm so glad you're here. Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or you’ve been with us since the beginning, consider this community your support system as you grow in your studies and career.In this special episode, “Faith and Time,” I (Dr. Richard Lai DPT LAc) share heartfelt reflections on the channel’s jour
Feeling Stuck? How Liver Qi Stagnation Shows Up
Feeling Stuck? How Liver Qi Stagnation Shows Up Dec 16, 2025 00:09:34 Hey there, future acupuncturists! Welcome back to "Study Acupuncture with Me." I’m Dr. Richard Lai, your friendly DPT and LAc—and today, we’re diving into a super relatable topic: liver qi stagnation. Whether you’re prepping for boards or already treating patients, I’m here to help you break down this essential TCM concept in a way that’s practical and easy to remember.In this episode, y

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