In this episode of the Modern Aging Podcast, we explore the healing power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how it can help you feel more balanced, energized, and resilient—especially as we move into the winter season. Joined by TCM doctor, acupuncturist, and herbalist Dr. Laurel Liu, we break down foundational concepts like yin and yang, the five elements, and liver chi stagnation in a way that’s practical and easy to understand.

Dr. Laurel shares how stress and emotions show up in the body, why TCM focuses on restoring balance instead of chasing symptoms, and how food, herbs, acupressure, and seasonal habits can support sleep, digestion, immunity, and even blood pressure. Whether you’re new to holistic health or already familiar with Eastern medicine, this conversation is full of tools you can start using right away.

Bonus for listeners: Get 15% off Dr. Laurel’s self-healing tools at sunmooncare.com with the code MODERNAGING, and follow her on Instagram @treatmentbylaurel for weekly tips and live teachings.

In this episode, we step inside The Rooted Refuge, a community-centered acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic founded by Dr. Christopher Peacock, whose approach blends accessible healthcare and deeply personalized treatment. Dr. Peacock shares how growing up with sick parents in rural Ohio shaped his belief that healing must go beyond symptom management and instead focus on root-cause wellness. He explains the fundamentals of TCM—including acupuncture, herbs, tongue and pulse diagnosis—and how he tailors every treatment to the individual, especially for conditions like anxiety, insomnia, digestive imbalance, fertility challenges, and chronic pain.

We also explore his mission to make acupuncture financially accessible through sliding-scale pricing, free clinics, and a collaborative practitioner model that reduces overhead to better serve marginalized communities. This conversation offers listeners an eye-opening look at how holistic medicine can be both effective and equitable.

To learn more about Dr. Peacock, visit therootedrefuge.com

In this empowering episode, Risa sits down with Dr. Venessa Lee, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to explore how acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and TCM philosophy can support women through perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health challenges. They dive into the root causes behind symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, dryness, fatigue, and sleep issues, and discuss how balancing yin and yang helps restore harmony in the body. Dr. Venessa explains how diet, lifestyle, herbs, and acupuncture work together to nourish yin, clear heat, and regulate the organ systems most affected during this transition. She also shares insights on facial acupuncture, micro-needling, cupping, and moxibustion, plus surprising ways Chinese medicine can support fertility and pregnancy.

Guest Bio: Dr. Vanessa Lee is a licensed acupuncturist in NY and CT states, and an herbalist certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)®. She earned her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) and Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Her greatest joy lies in helping each patient rediscover their innate healing abilities and cultivate a healthy, sustainable connection with their inner world. Feeling heard and seen is essential to any therapeutic process.

Connect with Vanessa: www.drvenessalee.com

IG @drvenessalee

#WomensHealth #Perimenopause #MenopauseRelief #ChineseMedicine #AcupunctureBenefits #HolisticHealth #TCM #MidlifeWellness #HormoneHealth #NaturalHealing

In this fascinating conversation, Risa sits down with Shuang Hou, a licensed acupuncturist and founder of Cura, to explore the incredible world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its growing relevance today. Shuang shares her inspiring journey from a decade in IT consulting to healing through herbal medicine after struggling with her own health issues. She explains the core principles of Chinese herbal medicine, the difference between granules, decoctions, and honey pills, and how customized herbal formulas can address everything from menstrual pain and chronic fatigue to emotional imbalance.

You’ll also hear how Cura is revolutionizing the herbal medicine industry with technology, making ancient healing accessible in the modern world. Whether you’re a wellness enthusiast or simply curious about alternative medicine, this episode offers a deep dive into how herbal wisdom meets innovation.

🌿 Guest: Shuang Hou, L.Ac — Licensed Acupuncturist and Founder of CuraXcura.com Follow Shuang on Instagram: @shuanghoulac

In this enlightening episode of Modern Aging, host Risa Morimoto sits down with SooJae Lee, an intuitive feng shui expert, to uncover the top 10 things you should never do when it comes to feng shui in your home. Discover how everyday habits—from cluttered spaces to misplaced furniture—can quietly disrupt your home’s energy and block abundance. SooJae shares practical tips to restore balance, create harmony, and design a space that truly supports your well-being.

More than just interior design, feng shui is about awareness, alignment, and conscious co-creation—a reflection of your inner world. Whether you’re new to feng shui or ready to elevate your home’s energy, this episode will inspire you to create a sanctuary that nurtures peace, prosperity, and purpose.

🔗 Connect with SooJae: Instagram @intuitive.fengshui or www.intuitive-fengshui.com

In this illuminating episode, Dr. Erin Lee, a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of chinese medicine specializing in facial acupuncture, pain management digestive health and women's health, explains how our emotions, organ health, and skin are deeply interconnected. She explores how grief, aging, and hormone changes can manifest as visible lines, puffiness, or dryness — and how facial acupuncture and holistic nutrition can restore harmony from the inside out. Dr. Erin talks with my sister, Kari, who gets a full facial acupuncture treatment from Dr. Erin. If you are interested in watching the video version to see the visual transformation, go to YouTube.

Join us as Erin shares the wisdom behind yin and yang balance, the role of kidney and lung energy in facial health, and practical steps to rejuvenate naturally. This is more than beauty — it’s emotional healing through ancient wisdom.

Host Risa Morimoto interviews TCM (Tradtional Chinese Medicine) food therapist and registered dietician Zoey Xinyi Gong, who combines ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles with modern nutrition science to dive deep into the world of food therapyZoey, a dietician and author based in Shanghai, shares her personal healing journey and explains that TCM is a holistic approach focused on solving the root imbalance rather than just treating symptoms, leading to improvements in physical health and mood. Unlike Western nutrition, which relies on quantitative goals like counting calories and vitamins, TCM focuses on qualitative goals such as balancing hot, cold, warm, and cooling energetics in a highly individualized manner. The audience will learn how to identify their body's constitution, distinguishing between imbalances like coldness (manifesting as fatigue or cold joints) and heat (which may manifest as hot flashes or anxiety) by recognizing associated symptom patterns. Additionally, listeners will discover how to use specific common foods and powerful medicinal herbs, such as cooling cucumbers to treat heat, or bone broth and spices like cinnamon to treat coldness, and how rose tea can help relieve liver Chi stagnation.

Learn more about Zoey Gong - https://www.zoeyxinyigong.com

Visit us at https://www.thisismodernaging.com

Follow us on IG, FB @thisismodernaging

In this enlightening conversation, Risa sits down with Pasadena based licensed acupuncturist and herbalist Onlai Cheang to explore the fascinating world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and herbal healing. Growing up immersed in TCM with a family of practitioners, Onlai shares her deep expertise on how Chinese herbs work differently than Western supplements—and why they might be the missing piece in your wellness journey.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Chinese herbs can address multiple symptoms by targeting meridians (energy channels) rather than isolated conditions
• The difference between raw herbs, powders, capsules, and tinctures—and which might work best for you
• Real patient success stories, from managing hypertension and anxiety to supporting cancer patients through chemotherapy
• Why customization matters: how the same condition requires different herbal formulas for different body types
• Simple ways to start with herbs, including food therapy and herbal teas like rose tea for stress
• How to integrate TCM with Western medicine safely and effectively
• What to look for when choosing an herbalist and quality herbal products

Whether you're TCM-curious or looking for natural ways to support chronic conditions, this conversation offers practical wisdom on using ancient healing practices in modern life. Onlai's approach is grounded, accessible, and rooted in thousands of years of traditional knowledge.

Connect with Onlai: Find her on Instagram @onlai.acupuncture, where she shares educational content about Chinese medicine.