Qiological Podcast
Michael Max
Acupuncture and East Asian medicine was not developed in a laboratory. It does not advance through double-blind controlled studies, nor does it respond well to petri dish experimentation. Our medicine did not come from the statistical regression of randomized cohorts, but from the observation and treatment of individuals in their particular environment. It grows out of an embodied sense of understanding how life moves, unfolds, develops and declines.
Medicine comes from continuous, thoughtful practice of what we do in clinic, and how we approach that work. The practice of medicine is more — much more — than simply treating illness. It is more than acquiring skills and techniques. And it is more than memorizing the experiences of others. It takes a certain kind of eye, an inquiring mind and relentlessly inquisitive heart.
Qiological is an opportunity to deepen our practice with conversations that go deep into acupuncture, herbal medicine, cultivation practices, and the practice of having a practice. It’s an opportunity to sit in the company of others with similar interests, but perhaps very different minds. Through these dialogues perhaps we can better understand our craft.
Medicine comes from continuous, thoughtful practice of what we do in clinic, and how we approach that work. The practice of medicine is more — much more — than simply treating illness. It is more than acquiring skills and techniques. And it is more than memorizing the experiences of others. It takes a certain kind of eye, an inquiring mind and relentlessly inquisitive heart.
Qiological is an opportunity to deepen our practice with conversations that go deep into acupuncture, herbal medicine, cultivation practices, and the practice of having a practice. It’s an opportunity to sit in the company of others with similar interests, but perhaps very different minds. Through these dialogues perhaps we can better understand our craft.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 10min
402 Speaking Their Language- Effective Communication Strategies with Western Medicine Colleagues • Elie Cole
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.
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 23min
401 History Series, Becoming the Doctor • Steven Rosenblatt
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.
Mar 18, 2025 • 2h 9min
400 Wonder Often. A Conversation with the Qiological Community • Michael Max
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.
Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 26min
399 Evolving Emergence and the Wu Yun Liu Qi • Christine Cannon
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.
Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 24min
398 The Web Within- Tensegrity, Tung & Fascial Networks • James Spears
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.
Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
397 History Series, The Migration of Chinese Medicine to the American West • Tamara Venit-Shelton
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.
4 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 21min
396 Root and Power, Attending to the Pelvis • Krystal Couture
Krystal Couture, a physical therapist and acupuncturist with a focus on pelvic health, shares her insights on the intricate connection between the pelvis and overall well-being. She discusses how the pelvis is a source of both power and vulnerability, storing emotions and trauma. The conversation touches on the necessity of empathy in patient care and the significance of personal responsibility in the healing journey. Krystal emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating physical, emotional, and energetic perspectives for better health outcomes.
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 29min
395 Business, Go Your Own Way • Sydney Malawer
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.
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 35min
394 Befriending Uncertainty • Stephen Cowan
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.
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 25min
393 Year of the Snake- Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form • Gregory Done
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.
