Chinese Medicine Matters
Traditional Chinese Medicine related articles, interviews, and news to support practitioner and student knowledge and lifelong learning. Select your favorite podcast provider to subscribe and get notified of new recordings!
Episodes
202 episodes
Supporting The LGBTQIA+ Community During Politically Challenging Times
In this episode, Denise Cicuto shares conversations with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies, exploring the challenges many are facing in today’s political climate and the ways practitioners can offer meaningful support.T...
Yin and Yang, Part Three: the Binary that Encompasses Diversity
In this special Pride Month episode, Yvonne Lau and Skye Sturgeon continue their exploration of Yin and Yang by examining one of TCM’s most foundational principles through the lens of diversity, biology, and clinical practice.Together, t...
Optimizing Female Fertility with Prepared Chinese Medicines
In this episode, Janet Borges presents Laura Stropes’ clinical guide to supporting female fertility with prepared Chinese medicines. Exploring the four phases of the menstrual cycle through a TCM lens, Janet discusses treatment principles, horm...
Cold in the Uterus
In this episode, Skye Sturgeon explores the TCM pattern known as Cold in the Uterus and its role in gynecological and reproductive health. He discusses how Cold, Yang deficiency, Blood stagnation, and lifestyle factors may contribute to menstru...
Tian Ma for Perimenopause & Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang for Hot Flashes
In this episode, Janet Borges explores the clinical applications of Tian Ma Wan and Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang in supporting perimenopause and menopause-related patterns. She discusses common presentations including hot flashes, headaches, dizziness...
Navigating Menopausal Brain Changes
In this episode, Denise Cicuto, L.Ac., explores the cognitive and emotional shifts that can arise during perimenopause and menopause through both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives. She discusses the Heart–Kidney connection, ...
An Integrated Approach to Caring for Patients with Hyperemesis
In this episode, Raven Lang, L.Ac. O.M.D., walks through a striking case of hyperemesis, offering a closer look at how severe pregnancy-related nausea unfolds in real clinical settings. She shares her approach to treatment, including hands-on t...
Blood Stasis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In this episode, Dr. Skye Sturgeon explores the physiology and pathology of Blood in TCM, with a focus on how stagnation develops, how it presents clinically, and why it can lead to serious systemic effects. From characteristic pain patterns an...
A Chat About Blood, Part 2
In the second part of this conversation, Yvonne Lau and Dr. Skye Sturgeon turn to the pathology of Blood in Traditional Chinese Medicine, exploring patterns like Blood deficiency and Blood stasis and how they appear in the body. Along the way, ...
A Chat About Blood, Part 1
In this first part of a two-part conversation, Yvonne Lau and Dr. Skye Sturgeon explore Blood (Xue) in Traditional Chinese Medicine, one of the concepts that most closely parallels modern physiology. From its relationship with Qi to its vital r...
Nutritional Therapy in TCM
In this episode of Chinese Medicine Matters, Janet Borges explores nutritional therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine, based on an article by Yvonne Lau. From the energetic properties of foods to how diet can support constitution, seasonal bal...
Seasonal Skin “Allergies” and the Search for Balance
Many skin flare-ups that appear with the changing seasons are assumed to be allergies, but that is not always the case. In this episode, David Heron explores how shifts in temperature, humidity, sunlight, and daily habits can aggravate underlyi...
Cang Er Zi: A Surprisingly Inspiring Herb
In this episode of Chinese Medicine Matters, Yvonne Lau, President of Mayway Herbs, discusses Cang Er Zi (Xanthium sibiricum). Well known in Chinese medicine for opening the nasal passages and dispelling Wind, this humble spiny fruit also carri...
A Chat About Yin & Yang (Part 2)
In Part 2 of this ongoing Chat series, Dr. Skye Sturgeon and Yvonne Lau move from philosophy into clinical application, exploring how Yin and Yang guide diagnosis and treatment in Chinese medicine. They discuss the Eight Principles, organ relat...
A Chat About Yin & Yang (Part 1)
In Part 1 of this ongoing Chat series, Dr. Skye Sturgeon and Yvonne Lau explore Yin and Yang beyond the familiar symbol. Beginning with the Taiji diagram, they discuss how duality, perception, and transformation shape our understanding of reali...
Gui Pi Tang: A Formula for Settling the Mind
In this episode, Dr. Skye Sturgeon explores the enduring relevance of Gui Pi Tang (Return the Spleen Decoction), a classical formula with over 2,000 years of history that remains a staple in clinical practice.Often categorized as a Qi an...
2026 Chinese New Year Holiday Traditions
In this episode of Chinese Medicine Matters, Yvonne Lau joins us to explore the traditions of Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (Chūn Jié 春節), beginning February 17, 2026 -- the Year of the Fire Horse.Celebrated over 1...
Predictions for 2026 Year of the Yang Fire Horse
Fire, fire, and more fire.In this episode, Wendy Goldman breaks down what the Year of the Yang Fire Horse means on a personal and collective level, from rapid change and innovation to health, emotions, and opportunity within chaos. Learn...
Preparing for Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Chūn Jié or Spring Festival, is a time of renewal, ritual, and preparation for the year ahead. In this episode of Chinese Medicine Matters, Yvonne Lau shares traditional and modern ways to prepare for the holiday...
Lichun (Beginning of Spring): Clinical Reflections on Seasonal Transition
Lichun marks the release of winter’s stagnation and the first stirring of spring Yang. Drawing from classical texts and clinical experience, Yvonne Lau explores how seasonal transition influences Liver Qi and emotional regulation. Y...
Two Formulas for External Wind-Cold-Damp Invasion
In this episode of Chinese Medicine Matters, Dr. Skye Sturgeon discusses two closely related classical formulas used for external Wind–Cold–Damp invasion: Jing Fang Bai Du Wan (Release the Exterior Teapills) and Ren Shen Bai Du San ( Resilient ...
Cerebral Tonic Tablets
Brain fog, mental fatigue, forgetfulness, this week we’re talking about Cerebral Tonic Tablets (Bu Nao Pian). Tune in as we explore how this classic formula supports memory, focus, and cognitive clarity by nourishing the Sea of Marrow and calmi...
The Charlotte Maxwell Clinic
In this episode, Mary Lynn Morales and Ray Reider join us to share the work of the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, a free clinic serving women in the Oakland area who are navigating cancer with limited financial resources.They discuss the lif...
Holiday Wishes from Mayway
As the year comes to a close, join us for a heartfelt message from Yvonne Lau, President of Mayway Herbs, as she shares warm holiday wishes and expresses gratitude for your support throughout 2025. It’s our way of celebrating the season and say...