Welcome to Mayway's Podcast "Chinese Medicine Matters"! Subscribe to our RSS feed to enjoy current and future podcasts on diverse and interesting TCM topics.
Episode 34: Pregnancy Loss
February 10, 2023
Fertility and women’s health is a very popular acupuncturist and herbalist’s specialty. Success stories permeate, giving hope to those who wish to become pregnant and have had difficulty in the past. These successes are wonderful; however, not every patient has this success story. In this episode, Dr. Kim Peirano discusses miscarriage and how to support a patient through the loss of a pregnancy. Listen & Subscribe Here or read the full article.
Episode 33: Male Factor Infertility
February 3, 2023
The incidence of male factor infertility is believed to be increasing in the Western world. It is associated with problems of sperm quality and/or delivery with numerous factors implicated, including low sperm concentration, non-liquefaction of semen, high proportion of abnormal sperm, sperm motility problems and structural impediments in the reproductive pathway. In this episode, William Maclean gives us an in-depth look into male infertility. Listen & Subscribe Here or read the full article.
Episode 32: Liu Wei Di Huang Tang
January 27, 2023
Mayway's own Yvonne Lau discusses the formula Liu Wei Di Huang Tang (also known as Six Flavor Rehmannia). This humble six-ingredient formula is used to tonify Liver and Kidney yin, created by Qian Yi and recorded to his "Key to Therapeutics of Children's Diseases" 小儿药证直诀 around 900 years ago, forms the basis of a myriad of modifications. According to folks at Lanzhou Foci (the makers of the Plum Flower© version), Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is the most popular classical TCM formula used in China today. Listen & Subscribe Here or read the full article.
Episode 31: 2023 Year of the Water Rabbit Predictions
January 20, 2023
The Lunar New Year arrives on January 22nd and brings us the Year of the Yin Water Rabbit. What does the Rabbit have in store for 2023? The biggest difference is that last year was a Yang year and this year is a Yin year. Yin and Yang are opposites, and we really see the difference in these two years. Wendy Goldman, L.Ac. analyzes the energies of the Year of the Yin Water Rabbit and provides her predictions for our year ahead. Listen & Subscribe Here or read the full article.
Episode 30: Cold Weather Kidney Tonics
January 13, 2023
Winter is an ideal time to strengthen and tonify the Kidneys to ensure the Yang Qi is warming the interior, channels, and collaterals. The TCM functions of the Kidneys include storing the Essence, governing fluid metabolism in the lower burner and lower extremities, receiving the Qi from the Lungs, ruling the two lower orifices, regulating reproductive and sexual function, and housing the Life Gate (Ming Men – 命門) Fire. In this episode, Janet Borges discusses Mayway Herbs' three popular Kidney tonic formulas: Golden Book/Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, Right Side Replenishing/You Gui Wan, and Two Immortals/Er Xian Wan.Listen & Subscribe Here or read the full article.
Episode 29: Ling Zhi: Mushroom of Immortality
January 6, 2023
Ling Zhi is one of the most recognized Chinese herbal medicines, both in appearance and in its many significant medicinal properties. It has been used for thousands of years to enhance health, clear mind and spirit, and to promote longevity. This extraordinary medicinal mushroom is also one of the most extensively researched traditional herbal medicines. Despite this knowledge, there often remains confusion within the TCM community as to when and how to utilize this extraordinary gift of nature.Listen & Subscribe Here or read the full article.
Episode 28: Moxa Season
December 30, 2022
In this episode, you will hear an excerpt from Susan Johnson’s video "Use of Moxa", where she discusses how to use a moxa pot for treating your acupuncture patients and some common points for placement of the moxa pot for great success. Moxa is an excellent way to deeply warm the body between the change of seasons.Listen & Subscribe Here or read the full article.
Episode 27: Suan Zao Ren and Bai Zi Ren
December 23, 2022
Mark Frost, L.Ac. and herbal chair at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, San Francisco highlights 2 important herbs: Suan Zao Ren and Bai Zi Ren. The herbal functions are compared and the TCM functions are discussed along with how to select the best herb option for your patients.Listen & Subscribe Here or watch the Herbalist Corner video.
Episode 26: Astragalus and Immunity
December 16, 2022
This episode is recorded from an article written by Kim Chatfield where he discusses our immune system in relation to Astragalus. Kim highlights modern research showing how Astragalus affects our immune system at a molecular level and how it can support a variety of health conditions from common cold to recurring infections.Listen & Subscribe Here or read the original article here.
Episode 25: Acupuncture Strategies to Support the Shen
December 9, 2022
In this episode, we will discuss four acupuncture treatment strategies to support the shen. These four treatments offer a variety of ways to help our patients with emotional and psychological complaints. The effects of these treatments are to return the patient to a deepened state of peace, acceptance of circumstance, and a feeling of being reunited to the peace and security of the higher self within. Listen & Subscribe Here or Read the Article
Episode 24: Stabilizing Shen & Hun: Insomnia
December 2, 2022
In this episode, William Maclean will discuss insomnia and stabilizing the Shen and Hun. Roughly 60 million Americans suffer from some form of insomnia, yet Western medicine does not have a clear solution to this problem. Will Maclean takes an in-depth look at instability or agitation of the shén and hún associated with sleep disorders. He explores the underlying causes within this framework, listing key diagnostic points for the most common clinical presentations and offering treatment advice based on the evaluation of the patient. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 23: Giving Tuesday - a Highlight of 4 TCM Non-Profits
November 25, 2022
Listen to an overview of 4 TCM non-profits and the good they are doing in the world. First up is Acupuncturists Without Borders - a global organization providing trauma support during disasters along with ongoing support for refugees, veterans, and underserved farmworkers. Next is the Acupuncture Relief Project providing healthcare to patients in Nepal in a community acupuncture style. Third is Universal Holistic Healthcare, an organization promoting integrative healthcare to underserved and under-resourced communities both domestically and globally. And last is Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, an integrative non-profit in Oakland, California providing care for low-income women with cancer. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 22: Herbal Supply Update, Fall 2022
November 18, 2022
Eva Lau, Vice President of Mayway Herbs, provides an update on the current state of the Chinese herbal medicine supply chain. Discussions include the impact of the supply chain caused by the pandemic along with natural disasters including flood, drought and earthquakes. Learn how climate change is contributing to challenges for sourcing important medicinal herbs.Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 21: Three Herb Formulas for Food Stagnation
November 11, 2022
Food stagnation corresponds to indigestion or an upset stomach. Food stagnation is not a disease but rather a variety of symptoms that are experienced; including mild abdominal pain or cramping and a feeling of fullness soon after eating. In this podcast, Skye Sturgeon covers three popular formulas for Food Stagnation; find out which formula is best for you and your patients. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 20: Abdominal Distension
November 4, 2022
In this episode, William Maclean, M.Sc. Chin. Med will discuss abdominal distension, fu zhang and pi man. Fu zhang refers to a sense of fullness, discomfort, blockage or obstruction across the either the upper or lower abdomen, or across the abdomen as a whole. Pi man is distension specifically in the epigastric area. As a general rule, abdominal distension is due to an obstruction to the correct movement of Spleen and Stomach qi. The obstruction itself may be due to the presence of some pathogen, internal or external or due to weakness or stagnation of qi. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 19: Lingering Pathogens with Will Maclean
October 28, 2022
In this episode, you will hear an excerpt from Will Maclean’s course on Lingering Pathogens. These disorders are characterized by persistent illness or morbidity subsequent to an acute infectious process that was unresolved, poorly managed or occurred in an individual without the resources to throw it off. Will defines a lingering pathogen and how they may differ based on geographic location. Listen & Subscribe Here or take the full continuing education course for 9 CEUs/PDAs!
Episode 18: Moxa Strengthens the Kidneys and Mingmen Fire
October 21, 2022
Moxa is an excellent way to deeply warm the body, more important now, as we head into fall and winter. In fact, between the change of seasons, there is a two to four week period which my friend, Dr. Hoang Ta, refers to as “Moxa Season.” During this interval, he says that the “Life Gate is open.” If a person is to become ill during this time, the illness is said to invade the body more deeply and be quite difficult to expel. Susan Johnson has experienced this first hand and discusses the use of moxa for strengthening the kidneys and mingmen fire. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 17: Medicinal Mushrooms
October 14, 2022
Professor Mark Frost, L.Ac., from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, highlights 3 medicinal mushrooms: Reishi (Ling zhi / Ganoderma), Shiitake (Xiang gu), and Maitake (Hui shu hua). While all three are known for their traditional Chinese medicine use benefiting qi, blood, and overall health, Shiitake and Maitake are also common culinary herbs. Reishi is said to calm the spirit, nourish the blood, and regulate pathogenic dampness; Shiitake for benefiting the liver and relaxing the vessels and channels; Maitake for regulating the blood and harmonizing. Listen & Subscribe Here OR Watch the Video Here
Episode 16: Fires and Metal: Fall Lung Formulas
October 7, 2022
The Lung is called the tender organ because it is the most external organ and connects the body to the outside world. Therefore, the Lung is easily attacked by external pathogenic factors such as wind-cold or wind-heat, and is very susceptible to dryness, especially in Autumn. Because of its dry, hot nature and the fact that it carries toxic particles, wildfire smoke and wood smoke are generally considered a combination of dryness, heat and heat-toxins in Chinese medicine. Exposure may present as a wind-heat or wind-dryness invasion in some people. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 15: History of Patent Medicine
September 30, 2022
What are now commonly referred to as “patent” medicines are prepared or manufactured Chinese herbal medicines, such as teapills and tablets, which have been made according to standard herbal formulas created hundreds and in some cases even thousands of years ago. The earliest records of prepared or “patent” medicines were some ancient formulas designed to be administered as “honey pills.” These earliest “patents” were discovered in the Wu Shi Er Bing Fang (Formulas for the Treatment of 52 Diseases), a medical book recovered from Ma Wang Dui Tomb Three in Hunan province in 1973. This work appears to have been composed during the Warring States Period (403 B.C. - 221 B.C.) before the end of the third century B.C. and includes details of than 250 medicinal substances and many herbal formulas. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 14: Protect them with Jade Windscreen
September 23, 2022
For countless generations, Jade Windscreen Powder (Yu Ping Feng San) has been utilized to address surface deficiency patterns that lead to spontaneous perspiration, aversion to wind, and frequent invasions of common pathogenic influences. These complaints are the result of surface deficiency due to deficient or unregulated Wei Qi. The etiology of Wei Qi deficiency are manifold and determined by a comprehensive differential diagnosis. The most common causes of deficient Wei Qi include Lung, Spleen and Kidney deficiency patterns. Professor Mark Frost discusses Jade Windscreen, the 3-herb powerhouse formula that addresses surface deficiency patters that may cause invasions of common pathogenic influences. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 13: Exploring Blood and Immunity
September 16, 2022
There is often a tendency in TCM education to equate the TCM concept of Wèi Qì (衞氣) with the immune system and this leads to oversimplification and misunderstanding. In traditional Chinese medicine, while there are obvious areas of conceptual overlap, the biomedical “immune system” must also include other facets of Qi plus aspects of the TCM concepts of Blood, Yang, Yin, Jing, and Marrow to be properly understood. In this episode, Dr. Skye Sturgeon explores a more complete understanding of how to assess the condition of a patient’s blood by providing insight into the use of a common laboratory test, i.e., the Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 12: Interview with Raqib Katz - 30+ year L.Ac., Herbalist & Teacher
September 9, 2022
Yvonne Lau, the president of Mayway Herbs, interviews Raqib Lynn Katz, a practicing acupuncturist and herbalist with over 30 years of experience. Raqib is currently an Associate Professor of Herbology at Five Branches University. Her background also includes dance movement therapy, bodywork, and physical therapy. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 11: Herbalist Corner: Huang Qi L& Fang Feng
September 2, 2022
Professor Mark W. Frost, MSTCM, L.Ac., Herbal Chair at American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM), joins us to highlight two important herbs for immunity. Huang Qi and Fang Feng are discussed including their TCM functions and how to select the best herbs for your patients. Listen & Subscribe Here OR Watch the Full Video Here
Episode 10: Strengthening Children's Resistance to Illness
August 26, 2022
In TCM terms, the defense against illness is referred to as Wei Qi. The Spleen is the origin of Wei Qi, and the Lungs are responsible for its spreading and distribution out to the surface of the body. Children by nature have immature Spleens, and as a result their Wei Qi is also less well-developed. In addition, many children are finicky eaters, posing further challenges to strong Wei Qi. Thus, doing what we can to enhance strong Spleen and Stomach Qi, and maintain a healthy balanced diet can go a long way to prevent illness. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 9: Finding the Right Ginseng
August 19, 2022
Ginseng is arguably one of the most well-known Chinese medicinal herbs, yet the word is casually used to refer to many different herbs, some with slight variations and others with completely different actions. Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng, Eleuthero and others are all discussed. This week, we take a look at all of the “ginsengs,” help you identify true ginsengs, and the TCM differences between them. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 8: Watermelon Tonic + Mung Bean Dessert Soup Recipes
August 12, 2022
Drinking the slightly bitter tonic watermelon tea is a perfect way to cool down and nourish Qi, Blood and Yin in the summer heat. Or try the Chilled Mung Bean and Coconut Milk Dessert Soup! According to traditional Chinese medicine, Lü Dou/mung beans are sweet and cold, enter the Heart and Stomach, and they clear heat, relieve toxicity, dispel summer heat, relieve thirst and restlessness/irritability. Both are perfect for soothing overheating effects of the long summer days with elevated temperatures. Listen & Subscribe Here or check out the full recipes: Watermelon Tonic Tea & Chilled Mung Bean with Coconut Milk
Episode 7: Purple Cloud Healing Salve DIY
August 5, 2022
Have you ever wanted to make your own therapeutic ointments from Chinese herbs? Dr. Skye Sturgeon will teach you how to make Zi Yun Gao, a famous, over 350-year-old Chinese herb formula that’s applicable for a variety of skin conditions containing Zi cao, Dang gui, and Gan cao plus optional Shend di huang and Huang qin. Listen & Subscribe Here OR visit the article page for the full recipe and demonstration video!
Episode 6: Five Spirits, Five Paths
July 29, 2022
Dr. Kim Periano, DACM, L.Ac. presents the topic Complex PTSD. The consistent devaluation of our intrinsic goodness as human beings is often reduced to only the value we provide another, rather than who we are as a person, unique and full of passion and creativity. The effects of this type of society extend beyond making ends meet and feeling safe. Over time this can actually cause significant trauma, now known clinically as Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD). Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 5: Restful Sleep Formulas
July 22, 2022
Do current events keep you up at night, causing restless sleep? Vivid dreams or nightmares? Disturbed Shen can contribute to sleep complications and increased stress. While acupuncture can certainly help with Shen disturbance and provide relaxing relief, oftentimes, the proper use of herbs will prove to be a longer-term solution. We take a deeper look at three formulas for Calming the Shen that may lead to more peaceful sleep: An Mien Pian, An Shui Wan, and An Shen Bu Xin San/Wan. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 4: The Legend of the White Phoenix
July 15, 2022
The Chinese phoenix/feng huang (鳳凰) is a symbol of joy and peace believed to appear only during times of harmony and prosperity. She represents the power sent from the heavens to the Empress and favors leaders who are just and without corruption. If a phoenix is used to decorate a house, it signifies that the people who live there are loyal and honest. She is the Yin equivalent of the dragon and is often depicted together with the dragon to symbolize the happy, harmonious union of Yin and Yang. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 3: TCM Heat and Inflammation
July 8, 2022
Latent heat as a Chinese medicine concept has ancient origins dating to the Huangdi Nei Jing and the Shang Han Lun, first appearing in Chapters 3 and 5 of the Su Wen. It was used to explain how the exposure of a Cold pathogen, believed to occur in winter, changed to Heat in the spring. Latent Heat has developed into a useful concept to explain how Internal, Organ, or Blood Heat can arise without obvious disease proceeding through the Four Levels or Six Stages. In this episode, you will learn more about Latent Heat, Lingering Evil Qi, Inflammation, the Immune System, and more. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 2: Year of the Tiger Predictions - Mid-Year Check In
July 1, 2022
This episode is a mid-year check-in of licensed acupuncturist Wendy Goldman’s 2022 Year of the Water Tiger Predictions. Wendy walks us through the year's energies and gives insights into treating patients and living in harmony with the universe. According to Chinese philosophy, we have the concepts of Yin and Yang, and Heaven, Earth and Humanity. The way these elements combine determines the energy for the year. Listen & Subscribe Here
Episode 1: The Mayway Story
June 29, 2022
In our inaugural episode, Mayway President Yvonne Lau tells the story of her 50+ year-old family business—how it started and how it evolved into the company it is today. Filled with childhood memories of growing up in Chinatown among herbs, it chronicles the Lau family’s journey to their American Dream. Listen & Subscribe Here