Feeling Stuck? How Liver Qi Stagnation Shows Up

Hey there, future acupuncturists! Welcome back to "Study Acupuncture with Me." I’m Dr. Richard Lai, your friendly DPT and LAc—and today, we’re diving into a super relatable topic: liver qi stagnation. Whether you’re prepping for boards or already treating patients, I’m here to help you break down this essential TCM concept in a way that’s practical and easy to remember. In this episode, you’ll learn how liver qi stagnation shows up in real life—think daily frustrations, that tense feeling in your shoulders, or when tiny setbacks just seem to get under your skin. I’ll share not only how you can recognize these signs in your patients (and maybe even yourself!), but also how to connect the dots to clear TCM diagnoses and treatment plans. Plus, I’ll cover go-to acupuncture points and lifestyle changes that actually work—because being a great practitioner is about helping people thrive, not just survive! Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & a personal story from the gym 00:38 – What is liver qi stagnation and why does it matter? 02:26 – Common signs, symptoms, and how to spot them in your clinic 03:57 – How movement and lifestyle impact liver qi stagnation 05:08 – Key clinical findings: tongue, pulse, and patient stories 05:53 – Top acupuncture points and living advice to move qi 07:28 – Practical ways to create moments for qi flow in daily life 08:21 – Why early recognition & lifestyle changes are essential 09:01 – Summing it up and how to keep learning with me If you enjoyed this episode, please drop a comment on my socials—I always love hearing your feedback and questions! Don’t forget to subscribe to the "Study Acupuncture with Me" podcast, and head over to www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to sign up for my exam question newsletter