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, you’ll learn how liver qi stagnation shows up in real life—think daily frustrations, that tense feeling in your shoulders, or when tiny setbacks just seem to get under your skin. I’ll share not only how you can recognize these signs in your patients (and maybe even yourself!), but also how to connect the dots to clear TCM diagnoses and treatment plans. Plus, I’ll cover go-to acupuncture points and lifestyle changes that actually work—because being a great practitioner is about helping people thrive, not just survive!

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & a personal story from the gym
00:38 – What is liver qi stagnation and why does it matter?
02:26 – Common signs, symptoms, and how to spot them in your clinic
03:57 – How movement and lifestyle impact liver qi stagnation
05:08 – Key clinical findings: tongue, pulse, and patient stories
05:53 – Top acupuncture points and living advice to move qi
07:28 – Practical ways to create moments for qi flow in daily life
08:21 – Why early recognition & lifestyle changes are essential
09:01 – Summing it up and how to keep learning with me

If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a comment on my socials—I always love hearing your feedback and questions! Don’t forget to subscribe to the "Study Acupuncture with Me" podcast, and head over to www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to sign up for my exam question newsletter

Hey there! Welcome to “Study Acupuncture with Me”—I’m so glad you’re tuning in. If you’ve ever found yourself dealing with tight shoulders or a stiff neck (even when you haven’t done anything strenuous), this episode is designed just for you. Think of it as a warm, guided chat about why our bodies hold onto tension and how you can start finding relief today.

In this episode, you’ll learn what causes shoulder and neck tension, especially when life feels stressful. We’ll explore how emotional stress can show up physically (yep, those tense shoulders!), and I’ll share easy acupressure techniques and daily habits to help ease that tightness. My goal is to help you feel better and more empowered to take care of your body.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• [00:00:00] — Welcome & why you might feel neck/shoulder tension

• [00:00:28] — How stress and emotions impact our body

• [00:02:00] — Simple acupressure tips: how to use them safely

• [00:02:56] — The best acupressure points for tension relief

• [00:05:21] — Quick lifestyle tweaks: shoulder drop exercise, warm compresses, screen time tips

• [00:06:44] — When to reach out to a healthcare professional

• [00:07:08] — Wrap-up and encouragement

Did something in this episode help you? Got a question or want to share your experience? Drop a comment on my socials and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new tip for feeling your best.

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or licensed acupuncturist if you have any health concerns.

Thanks for listening—take good care of yourself!

Welcome, friends! I’m so glad you’re here—whether you’re an eager acupuncture student or just someone fascinated by Traditional Chinese Medicine, this episode is tailored just for you. Grab your notebook, settle in, and join me as we dive into why waking up exhausted (even after eight hours of sleep) might have more to do with mouth breathing and Lung Qi deficiency than you ever realized.

In today’s episode, I’ll break down the connection between mouth breathing, dry mouth, and that never-ending morning fatigue—explaining both the Western and TCM perspectives. You’ll also learn practical acupressure points and lifestyle tips you can use right away to support your Lung Qi and finally recharge overnight. I want you to feel empowered with new knowledge and ready to take action for better energy and deeper sleep!

Here’s what you’ll learn (with handy timestamps to help you find exactly what you need):

• 00:00:00 – Introduction: Why you wake up tired, dry mouth, and the real reasons behind morning exhaustion

• 00:01:02 – Episode structure: Symptoms, acupressure points, and lifestyle shifts

• 00:01:19 – TCM vs. Western view: Mouth breathing and Lung Qi deficiency explained

• 00:04:21 – Acupressure 101: How to use it safely and effectively

• 00:05:11 – Key points to support Lung Qi: LU9, REN17, LI20—what they do, where to find them, and how to use them

• 00:07:19 – Supportive lifestyle habits: Nasal strips, humidifiers, and pre-sleep nose-breathing rituals

• 00:09:09 – When to seek further help for chronic fatigue and mouth breathing

• 00:10:13 – Wrap-up: The power of understanding your health and taking control

If this episode helped you connect the dots about why you feel so tired—or gave you some practical tools for self-care—I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment on my socials, hit the subscribe button, and join me for more episodes.

Keep learning, keep growing, and remember: health is wealth. Until next time, take good care of your body and mind!

Episode is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal guidance