AcuPro - The Wonders of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

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Okay, so today's a little bit different, and honestly, I'm a little bit nervous.
In this episode, for the first time ever, I am discussing the biggest debates in the TCM world: dry needling vs acupuncture, cultural appropriation in Chinese medicine, and whether AI could replace practitioners. 
My goal is not to tell you what to think. My goal is to just get us talking and understand each other behind these debates while encouraging thoughtful, open-minded dialogue.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The key differences between dry needling and acupuncture, including training, philosophy, and treatment approach
• Why treating the whole person matters beyond symptom relief and trigger points
• A thoughtful perspective on cultural appropriation, respect, and honouring TCM’s Chinese roots
• How AI tools can support research, learning, and clinic systems, without replacing human connection and clinical reasoning
Whether you strongly agree, disagree, or are still forming your opinion, this episode invites deeper reflection on the future of Chinese medicine and modern practice 💜
☯️ More AcuPro Episodes you'll love:
The Future of Fertility with Kirsten Karchmer
Cultivating Healthy Patient Boundaries and Clinic Expectations with Kenton Sefcik
The BEST ways to grow as a practitioner are NOT what you think! with Dr. Drew Jamieson
➡️ Visit the show notes for all the links mentioned in this episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. So many fantastic episodes are coming your way! If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.
🩵 This episode is brought to you by Jane, the practice management software I use in my clinic. It’s been a total game-changer for keeping scheduling, charting, and everything running smoothly.
Check it out here, and use my code ACUPRO1MO for a one-month grace period on your new account! 💜
And connect with @AcuProAcademy on all social media!

💌 Sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter where I share exclusive content I don't share anywhere else.
What happens when life forces you to rethink how you run your acupuncture practice?
In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Hanfileti, founder of the Acupuncture Business Academy, to talk about building a more resilient business. 
From unexpected financial stress and caregiving challenges to learning marketing from scratch, Lisa shares how creating an online presence transformed her practice and why so many acupuncturists struggle simply because business was never taught in school.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why relying only on in-person treatments can leave practitioners financially vulnerable
• The difference between a simple website vs a true online platform
• Essential website and marketing skills every acupuncturist should learn
• How lead magnets, funnels, and email lists can help create multiple income streams and attract ideal patients
If you want to build a more sustainable, flexible, and profitable acupuncture practice without burning out, this episode is packed with practical business wisdom. 💜
☯️ More AcuPro Episodes you'll love:
You Asked, I Answered: Real Questions from TCM Rock Stars
Marketing Your Acupuncture Practice with Michelle Grasek
How to Attract NEW Patients Through Social Media with Molly Cahill
➡️ Visit the show notes for all the links mentioned in this episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. So many fantastic episodes are coming your way! If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.
🩵 This episode is brought to you by Jane, the practice management software I use in my clinic. It’s been a total game-changer for keeping scheduling, charting, and everything running smoothly.
Check it out here, and use my code ACUPRO1MO for a one-month grace period on your new account! 💜
And connect with @AcuProAcademy on all social media!

💌 Sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter where I share exclusive content I don't share anywhere else.
Happy Summer, rock stars! ☀️
Summer belongs to the Heart in Chinese medicine, and supporting the Heart goes far beyond emotions alone. For this episode, I found it fitting to talk about TCM nutrition for common Heart patterns, sharing practical food recommendations to help nourish the Shen, regulate emotions, and better support your patients.
Through personal stories, clinical insights, and easy-to-apply nutrition principles, you’ll learn how food therapy can become a powerful extension of your treatments.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The Heart’s connection to Summer, Yang energy, joy, and the Shen in TCM
• Simple nutrition strategies for Heart Yin, Qi, and Blood Deficiency, plus Heart Fire patterns
• Which foods help calm the mind, nourish blood, tonify qi, and clear heat/phlegm
• Core TCM nutrition principles like eating seasonally, locally, and mindfully
If you want practical food therapy tools to better support emotional health, sleep, energy, and Heart-related patterns, this episode is packed with clinical pearls you can use right away. 💜
☯️ More AcuPro Episodes you'll love:
Differentiating TCM Heart Symptoms for Proper Diagnosis
The BEST Acupuncture Points for Sadness, Grief & a Broken Heart
How to Use Acupuncture & TCM for Insomnia
➡️ Visit the show notes for all the links mentioned in this episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. So many fantastic episodes are coming your way! If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.
🩵 This episode is brought to you by Jane, the practice management software I use in my clinic. It’s been a total game-changer for keeping scheduling, charting, and everything running smoothly.
Check it out here, and use my code ACUPRO1MO for a one-month grace period on your new account! 💜
And connect with @AcuProAcademy on all social media!

💌 Sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter where I share exclusive content I don't share anywhere else.
What does it really mean to practice integrative medicine as an acupuncturist today?
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Haley Parker from the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine to explore how TCM practitioners can better communicate, collaborate, and thrive within modern healthcare systems. From oncology support to externships and advocacy, this conversation is packed with insight for both students and seasoned practitioners.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What integrative healthcare truly means, and how acupuncture fits into collaborative care
• How to better communicate TCM concepts to patients, doctors, and insurance providers
• Key considerations when supporting oncology patients, including dosing, safety, and treatment timing
• Why externships, advocacy, teaching, and business skills are essential for the future of TCM
If you want to become a more confident, adaptable, and impactful practitioner in today’s healthcare world, this episode is full of practical wisdom and inspiration 💜
☯️ More AcuPro Episodes you'll love:
Being a Modern Acupuncturist in a Modern World: Key Points on How to Thrive Long-Term with Dr. Lixing Lao
How to Communicate with MDs to Get Referrals with Dr. Elie Cole
Bridging the Gap Between TCM and Western Medicine with Dr. Alex Dragan
➡️ Visit the show notes for all the links mentioned in this episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. So many fantastic episodes are coming your way! If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.
🩵 This episode is brought to you by Jane, the practice management software I use in my clinic. It’s been a total game-changer for keeping scheduling, charting, and everything running smoothly.
Check it out here, and use my code ACUPRO1MO for a one-month grace period on your new account! 💜
And connect with @AcuProAcademy on all social media!

💌 Sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter where I share exclusive content I don't share anywhere else.
What if you could understand AND explain mental health in TCM with more clarity and confidence than ever before to your patients?
In this episode, you go through a deep, conversational exploration of acupuncture points for mental health, bridging Chinese medicine theory with real-life application. From the mind–body connection to how acupuncture shifts the nervous system, this episode will help you connect the dots between emotions, organs, and point selection.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How acupuncture supports mental health through the nervous system and TCM organ-emotion relationships
• Key points for anxiety, insomnia, depression, and overthinking (like SP6, HT7, PC6, Yin Tang, LV3)
• Powerful combinations like the “Buddha's Triangle” (LU9, HT7, PC6) for emotional balance
• Practical ways to communicate TCM concepts clearly to patients and apply them in clinic
If you want to feel more confident treating mental health and explaining your point choices, this episode will give you both clarity and clinical insight. 💜
☯️ More AcuPro Episodes you'll love:
Top 15 Acupuncture Points to Calm the Mind
The BEST Acupuncture Points for Fear, Phobia, Anxiety and Shock
The Zang-Fu Organ Theory in Chinese Medicine
➡️ Visit the show notes for all the links mentioned in this episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. So many fantastic episodes are coming your way! If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out.
🩵 This episode is brought to you by Jane, the practice management software I use in my clinic. It’s been a total game-changer for keeping scheduling, charting, and everything running smoothly.
Check it out here, and use my code ACUPRO1MO for a one-month grace period on your new account! 💜
And connect with @AcuProAcademy on all social media!