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

Hey acupuncture scholars, welcome back to Study Acupuncture with Me! It’s Dr. Richard Lai DPT LAc here, and I’m so glad you’re joining me today. Whether you’re deep in your studies or just starting out, this episode is for anyone who wants to truly understand how emotional and physical health intertwine in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Today, I’ll be sharing a very personal story about “Plum Pit Qi”—that mysterious lump-in-the-throat sensation—and breaking down exactly what it means, why it happens, and how you as a future acupuncturist can treat and support patients experiencing it. We’ll cover the emotional roots in Liver Qi stagnation, the physical connection with phlegm, clear diagnostic tips, the best acupuncture points, and warm lifestyle recommendations to help you support your patients (and maybe yourself!) during life’s heavier moments.

Here’s how the episode unfolds:

• [00:00:00] – Welcome + Dr. Lai’s heartfelt personal story

• [00:03:01] – What is Plum Pit Qi? Signs, symptoms, and real-life examples

• [00:04:19] – TCM perspective: Emotional roots, Liver Qi stagnation, and Phlegm

• [00:05:29] – How to diagnose Plum Pit Qi in your patients

• [00:06:21] – Treatment principles & foundational acupuncture points

• [00:07:43] – Lifestyle advice: Diet, movement, expressing emotions

• [00:08:53] – Support, encouragement, and staying connected

• [00:10:28] – Closing thoughts: TCM’s holistic approach & why you’re not alone

If this episode resonates with you or helps deepen your understanding, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment on my socials, subscribe to Study Acupuncture with Me, and head to www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to join our Quick Win newsletter to get free exam questions via email and to join our email list. Let’s learn, connect, and grow together—happy studying!