Qiological Podcast

It is easy to think of Chinese medicine as a clear step by step process of diagnosis and treatment, but it does not always go that way in clinic. It can take time for a diagnosis to clarify, and then there is the level of skill we bring to treatment. It’s a process that reveals itself as we go. And while it is easy to look back and see the solid stepping stones that lead to a successful treatment; that clarity can be quite elusive while in the middle of the process.In this episode we discuss the experience of learning from our patients and clinical encounters. How diagnosis is not a series of boxes to check, but rather a process that emerges and clarifies as we engage with our patients and how they respond to our treatments.Listen in to this conversation with long time practitioner Sharon Weizenbaum as we explore the art of diagnosis and how the way we bring ourselves to the clinical encounter is an essential element of the treatment process.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview. 

The textbooks tell us that sinew channels are important in the treatment of pain and musculoskeletal issues and they are accessed through the jing-well points. But beyond that not much else is said.In this conversation we investigate the channel sinews from both the Chinese medicine and western functional anatomy and physiological perspectives. This gives us a more nuanced look into how structure influences function and it further helps to illuminate channel theory and its profound impact on both organ function and channel based issues.Listen in to this conversation on how the tensegrity of the sinews and fascia influence health, movement and wellbeing.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview. 

It’s not hard to study acupuncture these days. A quick internet search will bring up plenty of choices. But back in the 1980’s, it was a different story.Our guest, like many of us, did not set out to become an acupuncturist. It was a process of fortuitous circumstances that opened those doors.Listen into this conversation that covers some of the early days of acupuncture in New York City at the beginning of AIDS epidemic. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview. 

The Yi Jing speaks in the language of image, resonance and metaphor. Its not a good place to go for direct answers, but can be helpful in finding some guidence.Our converation today touches not just on the ways it is used for divination, but more importantly how it is a mirror and once you have a knack for it, you don’t need it for divination. We discuss how the commentaries are as important as the original text itself. And touch on how it is a kind of operating system that can help you to understand Chinese medicine, as well the curious unfolding of your own wondrously mysterious life.Listen in to this conversation on the power and importance of image and transformation.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview. 

It is always hard at the beginning. It's difficult to learn to see and move in the world in ways that feel foreign and uncomfortable. We like to feel like we know what we're doing. We want to be of service to our patients and help in the best ways possible. And when learning something new it brings back all the discomfort of anytime we have had to grow into a larger version of ourselves.This is another conversation with Kristin Wisgirda and Tim McGee along with Toby Daly on learning to use the Saam method in their daily clinical work.Really, the only way to learn the work is to do the work. And it really helps to have the perspective of someone who has a little bit more experience.Listen in to this conversation as practitioners puzzle through adding this method to their clinical repertoire.

We know that Chinese medicine and the martial and cultivation arts of East Asia share a common root.In our healing practices we are paying attention to the medicinal side of this continuum. We don’t think about the points can be used for martial purposes, or how structures in the body can be used to generate power and force.Our conversation today looks at some of the internal dynamics and structures from the martial point of view, as well as a tour of some of the points that can be used in particular ways if you find yourself difficult situation.And as this conversation is the other side of the continuum we use in clinic, you’ll find some helpful clinic observations as well. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview. 

Ahhh, the new year.A moment in time to reflect on the path recently traveled and what’s up around that bend in the road.This is a solo show reflecting on some of the podcast highlights of the past year, a glimpse into some things already on the calendar. Along with my clinical observations about using the Sa’am acupuncture method in clinical practice, how it has helped me to better understand the connections between the 六經, the six levels and the 五行, the five phases, and some thoughts on the forgotten fu organ in TCM— the small intestine. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview. 

Sometimes takes an instant to know you might fall in love with something. And then it takes years, even decades to unfold all contained in that initial spark.When it comes to the study and practice of Chinese herbs, you’re signing on for a lifetime of learning. Some would see that as a barrier, other’s as an opportunity.The guest of today’s podcast conversation took it as an opportunity. One that not only has helped her to expand her own clinical understanding, but also assist others with their study and clinical application of Chinese herbal medicine.Listen into this conversation on how one person’s passion has helped to create a conference and resource network for those interested in Chinese herbal medicine. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the conversation. 

Page through the Material Medica and it is easy to think that Chinese herbal medicine is one unified body of knowledge and practice. But, it’s not. If you look closely you’ll see that different formulations come from different dynasties. Some were written in times of famine and war, others first penned during heights of peace, cultural exchange and affluence. While it looks like one coherent collection of prescriptions it is actually a history of doctors striving to cope with wildly different conditions. In today’s conversation we explore the dosing and cooking methods of some of our oldest and most used prescriptions. Listen in and discover the differences in dosing between ancient and modern times and why harmonizing formulas require a particular kind of attention to how they are prepared. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview. 

Chinese medicine and Korean medicine share a lot of similarities. But there are a few differences. And when it comes to constitutional types, there are some significantly dissimilar perspectives. This is one of the delights of East Asian medicine. Coming across a perspective that is close to something we understand, but different enough to edge us toward either a feeling of “wrong, this can’t be right,” or “oh, I’ve not seen it that way, I wonder how this works.” It’s at the edges of our understanding that new information can arise and help us to deepen our perspective and understanding. Listen into this discussion on constitution, the Confucian influence on Korean medicine and how dietary habits and constitution can play a vital role in health and wellbeing. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.