Qiological Podcast

In the early 80's as acupuncture was emerging into the mainstream culture in the West, it developed differently in response to the established medical and educational systems already in place.In the USA there was no national health service, while in the UK, that was a pillar of the socio-political landscape. Sybil Coldham was not a practitioner of acupuncture, instead she was involved with the education of acupuncturists and found herself in the center of cultural and political forces that had and have, an influence on the profession. She's the focus of a documentary that was discussed in episode 363 Acupuncture's Journey to the West. Listen into this discussion about building standards from scratch, pushing back against guru culture, the politics of legitimacy, how Chinese medicine has both struggled with and resisted being absorbed by mainstream systems.

What does it take to truly learn something? To not just know it in theory, but to have it live in your hands? Discipline, repetition, and a touch of obsession might be part of it—but so is heart, motivation, and the magnetic force of curiosity that keeps pulling you forward.In this conversation with Dr. Henry McCann, we talk about what it means to engage deeply with the practice of medicine. Henry reflects on the phase of his life as a musician, how that shaped his sense of discipline, and how that along with decades of clinical work have taught him that mastery often comes through the basics—done over and over with intention.Listen into this discussion on cultivating clinical mastery, the hidden risks of over-relying on lineage, how repetition builds intuition, and why stubborn motivation might be one of your most valuable tools.

Sometimes it's not what we hear, but what emerges in the space just before—where meaning hasn't formed yet—but something is already calling your attention. It's that quiet edge of awareness where both healing and mystery tend to show up.In this conversation with Christoph Wiesendanger, a jazz pianist with an abiding interest in Chinese medicine, we explore how rhythm, resonance, and reflective awareness shape both music and healing. Christoph's journey from childhood exposure to Daoist classics, to martial arts training, the sonic influence of Milford Graves, and years of study with Z'ev Rosenberg, offers a surprising look at the interweavings of music and medicine.Listen into this discussion as we explore how the pulse relates to rhythm, the difference between keeping time and making it, the idea of cultivating yourself through sound, and how silence and intention shape both clinical and musical presence.

Part TwoWhat if the body wasn't a fixed map, but a living, improvisational landscape?In this conversation with Lan Li, a historian, filmmaker, and rhythm-savvy thinker at the crossroads of medicine and imagination, we explore how anatomy is more than skin and sinew—it's a set of metaphors, shaped as much by culture as by scalpels. Lan brings insight from her work in neuroscience, film, and Chinese medicine to help us consider how maps of the body aren't just drawn—they're felt, narrated, and revised in real time.Listen into this discussion as we explore the improvisational nature of clinical work, the metaphoric structure of anatomy, the interplay between nerves and meridians, the persistence of imagination in medical history, and why ancient images might still be some of our most useful tools.This episode invites a reimagining of what it means to know, feel, and practice medicine. Especially when inquiry is more like music than math.

Part OneWhat if the body wasn't a fixed map, but a living, improvisational landscape?In this conversation with Lan Li, a historian, filmmaker, and rhythm-savvy thinker at the crossroads of medicine and imagination, we explore how anatomy is more than skin and sinew—it's a set of metaphors, shaped as much by culture as by scalpels. Lan brings insight from her work in neuroscience, film, and Chinese medicine to help us consider how maps of the body aren't just drawn—they're felt, narrated, and revised in real time.Listen into this discussion as we explore the improvisational nature of clinical work, the metaphoric structure of anatomy, the interplay between nerves and meridians, the persistence of imagination in medical history, and why ancient images might still be some of our most useful tools.This episode invites a reimagining of what it means to know, feel, and practice medicine. Especially when inquiry is more like music than math.

The roots of tradition sometimes take hold in unexpected soil. What happens when traditions from France, Korea, and China converge in one practitioner's hands? There's a kind of alchemy in the way knowledge travels—through stories, teachers, and clinical results that raise the question of what is going on here.In this conversation with Jacques MoraMarco, we explore the shape of a career that's spanned over five decades. From his early exposure to French-Vietnamese and Korean teachings, to his role in building acupuncture education in the U.S.—Jacques has carried multiple lineages while helping to shape what Chinese medicine looks like in the modern clinic.Listen into this discussion as we talk about the perspective of different streams of practice, the shift from apprenticeship to formal schooling, and how European and Korean influences still echo in his work.

What do we do when the world feels like it's unraveling? How to respond when our systems—political, economic, medical—feel brittle, even broken? It's easy to fall into despair, or look away. But maybe what we're being asked to do is look closer. To stay present.In this conversation with Ed Neal and Mel Hopper Koppelman, we explore the edges where medicine, ecology, and culture meet. Both are thinkers who don't shy away from complexity. Ed draws from classical Chinese texts and ecological systems. Mel, from her knowledge of science and systems thinking.Listen into this discussion as we explore the role of Chinese medicine in times of crisis, the importance of narrative and metaphor in clinical work, how despair and possibility coexist, and the invitation to practice medicine as an act of presence and participation.

Sometimes the best opportunities don't look like opportunity—they look like risk. Like driving hours into the mountains. Like renting a stranger's massage room and hoping someone shows up. But there's a strange kind of capacity that comes from following a hunch—especially the kind that seems to go against the grain.In this conversation with Irina Cividino, we explore her unconventional path as a peripatetic acupuncturist serving remote towns in the Canadian Rockies. What started as a weekend experiment became a thriving circuit of clinics in communities with little to no access to acupuncture. Irina brings both practical wisdom and a spirit of quiet boldness to the work.Listen into this discussion as we explore building a low-overhead mobile practice, using local Facebook groups for patient outreach, how geography shapes clinical presentations, and the surprising clarity that comes from being in motion.This is a story about acupuncture. But more than that, it's about trusting your instincts, listening to your patients, and crafting a life that follows your values with courage and curiosity.

Technology is evolving fast—and it's starting to mirror us in ways that are both fascinating and a little unsettling. As AI becomes part of our daily lives, it raises an important question: how do we stay human while working with machines that mimic us?In this conversation with Vanessa Menendez-Covelo, we explore the intersection of Chinese medicine and artificial intelligence. With a background in both fields, Vanessa shares thoughtful insights on how AI tools can support, challenge, and even reshape our work as practitioners.Listen into this discussion as we talk about writing clinical notes with AI, the ethics of machine-generated empathy, what happens when AI “learns” your voice, and how these tools might influence the future of medicine.This isn't a conversation about hype—it's about curiosity, discernment, and remembering that the real wisdom in healing still comes from the human side of the equation.

It's a curious thing, sometimes you want to get away from something. Maybe it's the town you grew up in, or a family business. You think you know it, and are not interested. But circumstances change and find your way back to it with new eyes.In this conversation with Thomas Leung, we trace the arc of a family deeply rooted in Chinese herbal medicine. From his great-grandfather's shop in Guangdong, to navigating the upheaval of the Chinese revolution, to adapting a Manhattan herb store to changing demographics, Thomas brings both a practitioner's and a business owner's sensibility to the conversation.Listen in as we talk about the evolution of Chinese medicine in America, what it means to modernize without losing tradition, the challenge of standardizing herbal language, and the precarious state of our profession in this current moment.This conversation is about more than herbs. It's about responsibility, reinvention, and how the future of our medicine depends not only on practice—but on stewardship.

Sometimes what holds us back isn't a lack of skill or knowledge, but an old story unknowingly agreed to. One that says it's unseemly to want success, that business is at odds with healing. But what if your clinic wasn't just a way to help people—but also a practice of alignment, agency, and even joy?In this conversation with Julie Bear Don't Walk, we explore how business and medicine aren't separate pursuits but reflections of each other. A long-time practitioner and now coach, Julie brings both clinical experience and a fresh, grounded perspective on how your values, mindset, and systems can support a flourishing practice.Listen into this discussion as we discuss financial trauma and healing, collaborative care models, the subtle art of patient retention, and how team dynamics reflect the qi of a clinic.Julie reminds us that a successful practice isn't about pushing harder—it's about congruence. When your clinic reflects who you are and how you want to show up, the business part starts to feel a lot more like medicine.

There's a moment in every practitioner's life when they start thinking less about where they're going and more about what they're leaving behind. What does it mean to practice for decades, to see students turn into colleagues, and to watch the medicine evolve through your hands? The arc of a career in acupuncture isn't just about technique—it's connection and contribution as well.In this conversation with Whitfield Reeves, we explore his 40+ years in practice, from his early days training in California to his work in orthopedic and sports acupuncture. He shares his reflections on what it means to transition from practitioner to mentor, the conundrum of monetizing wisdom, and how in the end— the best work finds you.Listen into this discussion as we talk about the weight of responsibility in clinical work, the role of legacy in acupuncture, how the empirical method shapes our medicine, and the evolving landscape of mentorship in Chinese medicine.

Childhood is a surprising, messy, and unpredictable unfolding that follows an orderly pattern of stages through reliable spirals of development.In this conversation with Moshe Heller, we explore the complexities of childhood development through the lens of Chinese medicine. Moshe shares his insights from years of working with children, drawing connections between physiological, emotional, and social growth, and how these elements shape both health and resilience.Listen into this discussion as we explore the concept of the developmental spiral, how early experiences shape lifelong health, the interplay between stimulation and emotional regulation, and why creating space for boredom might just be a powerful tool for healing.

There's magic in learning how to translate the mysterious into the practical—especially when it comes to bridging the world of acupuncture with the language of Western medicine. Sometimes, all it takes is a burrito and a bit of bravery to create connections that open doors.In this conversation with Elie Cole, we explore her journey from a massage therapist to a successful acupuncturist with a thriving practice built on referrals from biomedical professionals. Elie tells the story of a chance encounter at a farmer's market that led her to develop a "lunch and learn" strategy that turned local doctors into reliable referral partners.Listen into this discussion as we explore the art of using biomedical language to demystify acupuncture, the subtle dance of professionalism and relatability, the unexpected marketing power of a fax machine, and how to navigate the complexities of running a wellness center.

Some paths in life aren't so much chosen as they are revealed—often through unexpected encounters, serendipitous moments, or a relentless tug of curiosity. The call to become a healer, to step into the role of a doctor, is often as much about who you are as what you do.In this conversation with Dr. Steven Rosenblatt, we step back into the early days of acupuncture in the West. From his serendipitous meeting with a renowned acupuncturist in Griffith Park to becoming the first Westerner licensed to practice acupuncture in the United States, Steven's story is a rich tapestry of curiosity, perseverance, and pioneering spirit.Listen into this discussion as we explore the underground days of acupuncture in Chinatown, the quest for legal recognition of the medicine, the challenges of integrating acupuncture into mainstream healthcare, and how becoming a doctor is as much an internal calling as it is an external practice.

Thirty plus years ago, as an acupuncture patient, I found myself puzzling over the question of “Just how does acupuncture work?” That question has been a reliable traveling companion ever since. Our work requires a lot of “techne'” and it should, there's a lot to know and we as professionals should know it. But clinical work is more than technical knowledge. It's this other aspect of our work that I particularly seek to investigate on Qiological. In part because it's not about knowledge, but instead “something else” that does not easily lend itself to teaching. It's something vital that is learned through our experience of doing this work. It's a kind of seasoning. A synthesis of what you know, who you are, and in connection with your patient— how you are.I'm always curious to know what brought people to doing this work. And even more so— about how the work changes us. With this in mind please enjoy this 400th episode which is an Ask Me Anything conversation with members of the Qiological Community.

Change unfolds within the predictable cycles Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. But, what actually emerges into being, that is usually novel and surprising. In this conversation with Christine Cannon, we explore the Wu Yun Liu Qi—the Five Movements and Six Qi—and how this intricate system maps out the energetic cycles that shape everything from world events to the experience of our inner psycho-emotive landscape. Christine shares her experience of working with these influences in her clinical practice and how this perspective deepens her understanding of diagnosis, treatment, and seasonal shifts.Listen into this discussion as we explore how these ancient ideas reveal patterns in illness and healing, how they can help practitioners refine their clinical skills, why the concept of ‘host' and ‘guest' qi matters, and how seasonal influences show up in everything from gardens to personal health.Christine's insights remind us that medicine is not just about treating symptoms—it's about understanding the larger forces at play, the cycles that shape us, and how we can work with them instead of going against them.

Fascia—it's the connective web that holds us together, yet its role in acupuncture is often overlooked. What if understanding this intricate network could refine the way we think about acupuncture, movement, and healing?In this conversation with James Spears, we explore the interaction of Tung acupuncture and the fascia. James shares his path from traditional acupuncture education to integrating fascial principles, bridging Eastern and Western perspectives in a way that brings a unique integrative view to clinical practice.Listen into this discussion as we explore how fascia and acupuncture interact, why some Tung points work better than others in certain cases, the neurological effects of hand and foot points, and the overlooked role of structural alignment in musculoskeletal issues.This conversation is a reminder that understanding the body's physical architecture—its connective tissues, mechanical energy, and nervous system—can deepen our ability to help patients heal.

The history of medicine isn't just about treatments and techniques—it's about migration, adaptation, and how healing traditions take root in new landscapes. The movement of Chinese medicine to the American West is a story woven with resilience, ingenuity, and cultural exchange.In this conversation with historian Tamara Venit-Shelton, we explore the migration of Chinese medicine through the lens of immigration, frontier life, and evolving medical landscapes. Her research uncovers the untold stories of Chinese herbalists, the communities they served, and the challenges they faced in an unfamiliar land.Listen into this discussion as we trace the paths of early Chinese practitioners, the role of herbal medicine in frontier healthcare, the legal and social battles they encountered, and the ways in which Chinese medicine shaped—and was shaped by—the American medical landscape.

The body holds experience in layers—some are structural, some energetic, and others deeply emotional. Nowhere is this more evident than in the pelvis, a place of both power and vulnerability, stability and flow. It's the root of movement, the center of balance, and a space where emotions and history are stored, often in ways we don't fully recognize.In this conversation with Krystal Couture, we explore the relationship between the pelvis and whole-body health. With a background in physical therapy, acupuncture, and manual therapy, Krystal has spent years listening to the stories that patients tell about their bodies —especially when it comes to pelvic health. She brings a thoughtful and integrative perspective to working with this often-overlooked area of the body.Listen into this discussion as we explore how the pelvis serves as both a structural and energetic anchor, the interplay between breath, posture, and pelvic function, how emotions and trauma can reside in the body, and the delicate art of meeting a patient where they are—physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Following a blueprint is fine for building structures, but when it comes to life choices, someone else's recipe for success probably will be only marginally helpful. Plans are helpful, and perspective even more so.In this conversation with Sydney Malawer, we explore what it means to build a practice that actually works for you. From rejecting conventional business advice to embracing a model based on sufficiency instead of relentless growth, Sydney shares the mindset shifts and strategic choices that have allowed her to create a thriving, sustainable practice in one of the most competitive markets in the country.Listen into this discussion as we discuss redefining success in practice, why charging higher rates can lead to a more sustainable clinic, navigating the tension between capitalism and integrity, and how understanding your own archetype can shape the way you run your business.This conversation is a reminder that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to building a practice. What matters most is knowing what works for you and having the courage to bet on yourself.

Transformation arises from the unknown. In a world that often craves certainty, the practice of staying with discomfort, observing its rhythm, and allowing clarity to emerge can lead to remarkable insights—not just in healing, but in how we live.In this conversation with Stephen Cowan, we explore how the art of not-knowing-yet invites discovery. Stephen shares his journey from Western medicine to the integrative, emergent practices of Chinese medicine, where curiosity and connection form the foundation of healing.Listen into this discussion as we delve into the maps of Chinese medicine that guide us through uncertainty, the role of storytelling and connection in clinical practice, the rhythm of emotions and their impact on health, and how integrating presence and curiosity can transform both patients and practitioners.

It's the subtler forces—those quietly felt but not perceived—that create the background that frames our days with a tone that is both transparent and influential. The shifting energies of a new year are a slack tide of opportunity to pause and reflect. To consider directions for where to invest our life energy in the coming year.In this conversation with Gregory Done, playfully explore the symbols and energies of the Wood Snake. We look into the qualities of this unique year and its connection to yin fire, quiet transformation, and the turn of the wheel that feels more like the stillness of the hub.Listen into this discussion as we explore the symbolism of the wood snake, the balance between action and stillness, the transformative power of introspection, and how understanding the year's energy can inform personal and collective growth.Gregory's reflections remind us of the profound lessons embedded in the natural cycles of life. It's a timely conversation about embracing quietude, finding clarity, and aligning with the unique, and perhaps unsettling capacity to see in the emptiness of mind and social agreements in the coming year.

Moxa is often seen as acupuncture's quieter sibling, and yet it has a rich history of igniting healing, longevity, and vitality. Its warmth goes beyond the physical—it has a profound effect on our physiology.In this conversation with Oran Kivity and Merlin Young, we delve into the often overlooked art and science of moxa. While its roots are in traditional East Asian medicine there is some interesting research that suggests it has a role in modern health interventions in terms of treating pain. Listen into this discussion as we explore the surprising science behind moxa's effectiveness, the idea and use of moxa as a people's medicine, its potential for addressing chronic conditions, and the role it can play in fostering community health.

Sometimes the most profound truths are found in watching what happens when we move between guidance and control. Between letting things unfold and imposing our will. Evan Mahoney brings a rich tapestry of experience to our discussion, from his own journey of healing through meditation and acupuncture to his explorations of dream interpretation through the lens of Korean Saam acupuncture. His path has been illuminated through serendipity, necessity, and years of dedicated study with Dr. Tae Cheong Choo. Listen in to this discussion on the three levels of human needs in Saam acupuncture, how dreams reveal our constitutional patterns, and why an acupuncturist's learning curve sometimes involves discovering what not to do. There's something illuminating about sitting with a practitioner who's willing to share both their successes and their moments of recalibration. Often enough, it's in these honest exchanges that we find the most valuable insights.

Change is usually a tangle of both challenges and opportunities. The landscape of acupuncture has been shifting, from the health of our schools to the growing acceptance of our medicine in larger healthcare systems. These transitions ask us to reflect, adapt, and discover new ways to thrive.In this conversation with Robert Hoffman, acupuncturist, educator, and administrator, we explore the crossroads our profession is facing. With experience as the president of a school, a commissioner at ACOM, and a leader in state organizations, Robert shares his insights on sustaining and growing the profession and the institutions that train future practitioners.Listen into this discussion as we unpack the struggles facing acupuncture schools, the rise of integrative and institutional opportunities, the demographic shifts in students, and the adaptability required to navigate this ever-changing profession.Robert's reflections remind us that the resilience of Chinese medicine lies in its ability to evolve while honoring its roots. His perspective offers a roadmap for ensuring our medicine continues to flourish in a world that increasingly accepts acupuncture, but doesn't always support acupuncturists.

For centuries books have been part of the transmission of knowledge from one generation to another. They have always been powerful tools for learning. Especially in the early days of Chinese medicine in the West, because of their rarity. In this conversation with Bob Felt, one of the early publishers of Chinese medicine books in English, we take a journey back to a time when books on acupuncture were scarce, but curiosity and commitment were steadily increasing. Bob shares his story that began in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and that revolutionary spirit fueled a career that helped to bring important texts from the treasury of Chinese medicine into English.Listen into this discussion as we explore the early days of macrobiotics, the challenges of publishing groundbreaking books, the evolution of acupuncture education in the West, and the ongoing need for practitioners to connect with their communities.

Ever notice how certain places and connections shape us in unexpected ways? Sometimes, it's the unique character of a small town, the rhythm of a rural life, that offers opportunities you won't find in an urban environment. It's here where time flows a bit differently that relationships and healing move to a different cadence.In this conversation with Katie Munger, we wander through her journey of building a practice in a small town, where her work has become woven into the fabric of the community. With over 20 years of experience, Katie reflects on how her practice and the relationships she's cultivated have shaped her as much as she has shaped them.Listen into this discussion as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of rural practice, the importance of being fully present with patients, the power of hands-on listening, and the challenge of following your heart, even when the path isn't clear.Katie's story is a reminder that healing isn't just about techniques—it's about connection, presence, and being a part of something larger.

There is something in the essence of a practice. At the core is something precious, true and fundamental. We all have it. But you probably don't know what it is, and you won't until many years down the road of pursuing the work.Curious that what is of essence, what is at the core of our work, is hidden from us. It's a journey of discovery to that which is the north star of how we work as an expression of who we are.In this conversation with Philippe Vandenabelle we explore the “book we read again and again,” the aspects of our work that are essential to how we practice that slowly emerges over time. Listen into this conversation on how practitioner development is a kind of ripening, the gift of being connected to people from a different time, and how the challenges in our work are exactly what we need to discover more about the essential core from which we work.

Ever think about how much of what we do as healers is more about what we don't do? Sometimes, it's in the subtle pauses, the empty spaces, where the real magic happens. What if the art of doing less is actually the key to unlocking profound change in the body?In this conversation with David White we immerse ourselves into the world of Nei Jing acupuncture. With decades of experience and a passion for classical Chinese texts, David has honed a unique approach to acupuncture, one that's rooted in precision, intention, and an unshakeable respect for the unseen forces at play in the body.Listen into this discussion as we explore acupuncture as a tool of communication, the hidden power of empty spaces, the art of needling with precise intention, and why sometimes the most effective treatments are the simplest. Along with how the Nei Jing can guide us, both practically and philosophically.

Did you ever as a child grab a length of rope, run screaming around the yard and swing it around with abandon and joy?Sometimes, the most unassuming tools hold the greatest potential for transformation. Rope flow might look like play, but beneath the surface lies a practice that can unlock balance, coordination, and deeper mind-body connection.In this conversation with David Weck, the Godfather of Rope Flow and a mad scientist in functional movement we'll discuss body and movement. How simple, dynamic practices can improve not only physical performance but also neurological integration and proprioception. His approach blends creativity, science, and connects up with Chinese medicine in some surprising ways.Listen into this discussion as we unravel the origins of rope flow, how figure 8 patterns can boost brain function, the importance of spinal mobility, and how engaging your left and right brain symmetrically can change your body awareness. That Mind/Body thing we are always going on about— we take it to the playground.

How did you learn the medicine you practice? Likely it through the influence of a school, a book or perhaps in this modern moment, an on-demand course of online study. There is another way that medicine gets transmitted, through the connections of friendship.I'd not thought about that until Volker Scheid mentioned it in this History Series conversation. Once I heard it, it rang true. and I could easily look back through the years and see so many moments of having my eyes opened to something about our healing trade that came to me through the connection of friendship.Truth is, there is a web of connection that supports us in everything we do. We are awash streams and currents of influence most of which out of our awareness that arise in our clinical practices as ideas that arise as unique treatments in a moment of time. We are connected to history, but our work unfolds in the present moment.Listen into this conversation on the role of the German enlightenment on holistic medicine, the paths a good question will take you down, and how a head cold can lead to an unexpected connection with Meng He doctors and their surprising influence on the medicine you learned in school.

There's something about the act of touch that goes beyond the physical, isn't there? It's like we're not just meeting someone at their skin but somehow dipping into the unseen—into emotions, memories, and layers that words can't quite reach. What happens when we listen with our hands instead of our ears? The guest of this episode, Chris McAlister, is an acupuncturist and shiatsu practitioner who's been exploring the art of presence and connection for years. He's inquisitive about how the practical meets the mystical, constantly seeking ways to blend tradition with modern insight, and helping people discover parts of themselves they didn't even know were there. From his experiences in Tibet to decades of teaching, Chris brings curiosity, exploration, and a touch of rebellion to the table.Listen into this discussion as we unravel the power of not knowing, the healing spirals that shift our understanding of problems, and why it's sometimes okay to let discomfort simmer. And there's bending reality and what that means in the clinic.

When thinking about our toolkit, most acupuncturists, and patients too for that matter, think about needles. Our job, it's to use those whisper thin slivers of steel with skill and accuracy. But sometimes the best tool for the job might not be a needle.In this conversation with Orit Zilberman and Hila Yaffee we consider the use of Hui Yin, Ren One.For sure this point it's important and there are challenges to using and learning to use this influential meeting of yin.Listen into this discussion on both the trauma and healing that can result from working with Ren One, how our own image of what it means to be a doctor can influence how we think about working with this point, and some non-needle ways to powerfully unlock the capacity for healing at the Meeting of Yin.

Ever wonder about the unseen forces that shape health and illness? Sometimes it's the things we can't measure that hold the most sway. Healing isn't always about what we see, but what we're willing to explore.In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Wei, a practitioner deeply rooted in the world of Daoist medicine. She has spent years blending the physical practices of qigong and martial arts with the mystical art of talismans, incantations, and ritual healing. She brings a unique perspective on what it means to heal both the body and spirit.Listen into this discussion as we explore the workings behind Daoist talismans, how the celestial realm might influence your well-being, and how movement and ritual intertwine in martial arts. There's more here than meets the eye, as we explore the boundaries between science and spirit, logic and mystery—and how these might be a little more porous than you realize.

Being in business is not just about tracking the financial health of your enterprise. It is about having a mission worth engaging, a kind of fire in the belly that fuels you through the difficult parts, and a sense for working at the edge of your capacity.Having a business and all that goes with it, it gives you the opportunity to grow into potentials you can only dream about in the middle of a difficult night.Our guest in this History Series conversation, Bill Egloff has been helping patients and practitioners for a long time with the products and services he's provided over the years. He's got a keen eye for business, regulatory details, and working with seemingly competing interests. It's a long road from running a natural foods store to collaborating with Sloan Kettering on cancer patients.As with the other history series pioneers, there have been some interesting forks in the road worth taking.

In acupuncture school we learn the 10 questions, which will get you some information. But it's more interrogative than rapport building, more about eliciting information than revealing meaning.Listening with a mindset of noticing the small anomalies. Listening to understand someone from their own point of view. To be inquisitive about how the difficulties might hold unrevealed lessons, and how troubles are lessons in progress.It's more than having an unfettered sense of curiosity, there's something else that goes into it.In this conversation with Vance Crowe we explore the transformative potential of conversations that invite the stories that haven't had an audience. Like many of us, Vance did not set out to do what he does. It found him.Listen into this discussion on rapport, connection, surprise and delight. Often enough, there's a harvest of wisdom that comes with following the threads that are usually just out of sight.

We have the two of yin and yang, the three of the jing, qi, shen, the four levels of pathogenic invasion from the Wen Bing, the Five Phases of the Wu Xing and the Six Elements— wait a minute, Six Elements?Have you ever wondered why the Classics speak to the Five Zang and Six Fu? Especially when we have an equal balance of yin and yang meridians. And what is going on with those two troublesome organs, the Triple Burner and Pericardium that have a “function” but no form? Furthermore, have ever wondered how it is that Fire gets four organs, but all the other elements only two?Our guest in this conversation Slate Burris had those questions as well. He's an inquisitive guy, so he went looking. What he found is surprising, and once pointed out— a bit obvious as well.Listen into this conversation on the Sixth Element, how that can guide your clinical work, the power of palpation to track what is happening in the moment for patients, and how one needle in the right place can set off a domino effect that dramatically changes your patient's physiology.

In our work as acupuncturists, we use differential diagnosis to understand the warp and woof of a patient's problem, to see how various seemingly marginally connected aspects of their problem give us the pattern that allows for skillful intervention. We also look at constitutional factors, those aspects of our patients that provide a kind of gravity and centering to their life and how they live it.Both aspects need our consideration in clinical practice. In this conversation with Peter Eckman we discuss the differences between a person's constitution and their condition. Both give us a handle on working with people, but these are very different aspects of our make up.How are they different? And how to approach work with these? Listen in, there's a lot to discuss.

We are encoded beings. There is a song that plays out through the patterning of our DNA. We are influenced by the tides of culture, family and peers. And there is a great turning of Stems and Branches that leaves an imprint on our mind/body as we enter the world.The Ba Zi is a description of the moment we enter this world, it's the weather we carry with us from that first breath. It shows tendencies of expression, not unlike how DNA plays a familiar rhythm through us.In this conversation with Howard Chen we explore the Ba Zi and in particular the influence of the Day Master, which is a helpful place to begin when sorting through the complex interrelationships of the phases, especially if you're a practitioner of acupuncture.Listen into this conversation on why we have tendencies to rely on our generation or control cycle, how our superpower is a resource and at times trouble to overcome, and how we can balance out the wobbles we all carry that make us uniquely ourselves.

In this History Series episode we time-travel with the vivacious Cara Frank. Her story begins in the gritty, creative pulse of 1970s New York City, where as a teenager, she was navigating the counter cultural scene. Her first encounter with acupuncture was anything but ordinary—an illegal treatment that changed her life and set her on the path she travels today.Cara's journey is a tapestry woven with threads of rebellion, discovery, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. From the scarring moxa treatments of Dr. So, to her worldview changing with the discovery of herbs in a Beijing hospital. Cara's story is one of exploration and deep connection to the roots of Chinese medicine practice. Listen in as we explore the alchemy of Cara's life in Chinese medicine—as she reflects on the influential figures who guided her, her insights into the community's growth and the importance of mentorship. All with her hardscrabble wisdom, humor, and a dash of New York grit.

You're probably somewhat familiar with the four needle technique. It's an innovation said to have arisen through the meditative practice of the Korean Buddhist monk Saam, roughly four hundred years ago.It has since been passed down both through the monastic tradition, and used as well by ordinary doctors. Today you'll also find the “Saam Method” used in academic research studies and employed as a key part of their acupuncture practice by Korean practitioners.In this conversation with Andreas Brüch we explore the more modern thinking and application of Saam as it's used by Korean doctors today. He's spent 20 years studying with some of those doctors and using the method in his work.Listen in to this discussion on organ pairs, phase energetics, six qi influences, a psycho-emotive model that expands your thinking, and how the Sam Boo character of the transport points can help you to select individual points to add focused potency to your treatments.

How we engage the mind can have an effect on our wellbeing in profound ways.What is even more interesting is how the mind and body interact. We are all familiar how the emotions can be the source of internally generated illness, and we are all familiar with how injury or illness can in turn have an effect on our emotional life.Some would go so far as to say all physical illness is rooted in the emotions. To me that seems a bit simplistic. but I'd agree that our physiology and the internal “climate” generated by the emotions… they are not disconnected.In this conversation with Joyce Vlarrkamp we discuss the inner landscape, not just of the patient, but the practitioner as well. Along with the metaphors and imagery through which patients navigate their experience. If you're keen on investigating the inner landscape, you'll enjoy this conversation.

What is Nature, and what is Nurture? It's an old question that poses what is perhaps a false dichotomy. Considering out Nature, it's as old as Chinese medicine. And nourishing ourselves so as to enjoy the full measure of our days, also has a long history of inquiry and practice. As practitioners we need to know how to take care of ourselves as part of being able to care for others. The tenets of East Asian medicine suggest that different kinds of people need different things. Sun Xi Miao is one of the leading authorities on medicine and cultivation. In this conversation with Sabine Wilms and Leo Lok we discuss their perspective on what Sun Si Miao has passed down to us, and a special program they are offering for those who want to take a deep dive into the essence of “nourishing our nature.”

I attended what was then known as SIOM before it was an accredited school. I thought the program and approach was a good fit for how I learned, and being in my late 30's at the time, I did not have the patience for a program that would not let me get my hands on people for a year or more.At SIOM, they had us in the clinic from the first week. Our patients were part of our curriculum. That fit the way I learn. The innovative program they were experimenting with back then was in part due to the efforts of Paul Karsten, who was one of the founders. Learning and instructional design was something he'd been interested in and gravitated towards.Listen into this conversation on the early development of schools and curriculum, the challenge of teaching Chinese medicine concepts to Western students, the importance of hands-on experience, and the role of qi transformation in learning and practice.

For sure, the health of the brain is absolutely essential to health and wellbeing. As we age, just like with other organs, there is a lot that can go wrong with that curious Sea of Marrow.In this conversation with Clayton Shu we discuss how he went from a focus on orthopedic issues to being concerned with neurology and brain health. Clayton doesn't really do things in halfway measures, so when he goes at something, he goes at it full tilt.Listen into this discussion that connects ancient Eastern with modern Western perspectives on neurology, yang sheng, gut health, and acupuncture in the promotion of brain health and a well functioning neurological system.

From the misty mountains of China to the teahouses of Taiwan, Tea has served as a bridge between nature and culture, tradition and modernity. Tea is not just a beverage, but a living entity that carries within it a connective plant wisdom and the potential for personal and societal transformation.In this conversation Brian Kirbis unveils tea's hidden depths, its ability to foster human connection, its embodiment of spiritual ecology, and its power to teach us about balance and appreciation.Listen into this discussion that brews up insights on the spiritual ecology of tea, its role in fostering human connections and as a traveling companion for life's journey.

Not only is acupuncture strange, with its twelve invisible watersheds of flow and influence. But we have the qi jing ba mai. The strange flows… usually translated as the extraordinary vessels.Some say these are the blueprint that give structure to the embryo as they help to orient and guide development. Others say that these vessels are deeply tied into our psycho-emotive functioning.Traditionally they were talked about as reservoirs . They helped to regulate the excess or lack in the 12 main channels.As for me, I can't say that I understand them all that well. And that is why I like to talk to folks who have spent time investigating the extraordinary nature of these vessels.Which is why I'm delighted to share this conversation with Yvonne Farrel and Luke AdlerThey've spent some time looking into and clinically working with the 8 extras as we commonly call them.Are they strange, or are they fundamental? Listen in and find out for yourself.

I recently had the good fortune to sit down for a conversation with Charlie Buck, one of the early pioneers in acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the UK. He shared his journey of discovering acupuncture in the late 1970s, a time when it was still quite unknown in the West. Our discussion explored how the landscape of acupuncture education and practice in Britain has shifted dramatically over the years.This conversation touches on deeper topics like the nature of mastery in Chinese medicine, the importance of cultivating perception and intuition, and how practitioners can be like "magicians" for their patients.Listen into this discussion that weaves together history, philosophy, and practical wisdom about the practice of Chinese medicine. Charlie's passion for the subject and decades of experience truly shines through.

Understanding and acknowledging how things are is a terrific starting point. It's what led Ilan Migdali to not just understand how health insurance worked in California, but opened up a path for him to create an insurance network that specifically aimed at helping acupuncturists to thrive.Beyond the creative and practical work Ilan has done with insurance, he's also a student of the Balance Method and in particular looking at the yi jing and how the transformations of the gua can be stimulated within the body using particular acupuncture points.I always hope that when I speak with people Ilan a bit of their broad perspective might wear off me. Maybe it will broaden your perspective as well…. We'll find out right after a word from the people you can thank for making Qiological possible.

I was cautious and reluctant about studying acupuncture when it first really caught my attention.Then there are folks like John McDonald who when he first caught wind of acupuncture thought… far out man, I want to know more about that.That enthusiasm has followed him through his time as a practitioner and even through doing a Ph.D.In this conversation we'll discuss trickster shamans, the ethics of using the controlling cycle of the Five Phases to influence your patients emotions, why people with stanch beliefs are most easily brainwashed, and the curiosity of how the body “makes decisions.”For sure, it's far out, and I think you'll want to know more.