Hey there, acupuncture students! It’s Dr. Richard Lai here— Welcome back to another episode of “Study Acupuncture with Me,” where we not only tackle the boards together, but also the real-life challenges that come up on this journey.

In this episode, we dive into a deeply important topic: how abusive or toxic relationships can impact your health from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective—specifically, how the liver and qi flow are affected by emotional turmoil. I’ll walk you through the physiological and emotional connections, share personal experiences, and offer actionable TCM tools for healing and moving forward. Plus, you’ll find resources and encouragement if you or someone you know is struggling. Remember, you’re never alone in this—your well-being matters just as much as your studies.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

Timestamps:

• 00:00 — Warm welcome & personal reflection on why this topic matters

• 00:58 — Crisis resources for anyone facing abuse or feeling unsafe

• 02:18 — How abuse affects everyone (not just women) & personal story

• 05:13 — Key signs of abusive relationships & the strength of seeking help

• 07:11 — The liver and anger: TCM’s view on emotions and qi stagnation

• 11:07 — Physical & emotional symptoms of liver qi stagnation

• 13:53 — Practical TCM strategies for unblocking liver qi & self-healing

• 17:18 — Claiming space, setting boundaries, and the upward nature of liver energy

• 18:12 — The most important takeaways—and encouragement just for you

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment on my socials, subscribe to the podcast, and be sure to visit www.studyacuwithme.com for free study resources and to join our supportive email list. You’ve got this, and I’m rooting for you every step of the way!

Happy studying, and keep taking up space—you deserve it!
Resources mentioned:- In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE — that’s the National Domestic Violence Hotline, or visit thehotline.org - If you’re younger or a student, you can text “LOVEIS” to 22522 through Love is Respect. - And if you're outside the U.S... look up LILA.HELP