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In this episode of The AcuPro Show, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Lixing Lao — President of the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine and one of the most influential voices in acupuncture today.

With over 40 years of clinical and research experience, Dr. Lao has helped shape the profession—from helping reclassify acupuncture with the FDA to mentoring the next generation of practitioners. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring insight on how to thrive as a modern acupuncturist.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How acupuncture needles became FDA-recognized medical devices
• Why acupuncturists need to speak both TCM and Western medicine
• How to explain acupuncture without using “Qi” or “meridian”
• Tuina massage for pain and pediatric care
• Dr. Lao’s top advice for students and new grads
• The future of acupuncture in hospitals, insurance, and research

Whether you’re just starting or growing your practice, this episode will boost your confidence and expand your integrative care toolkit.

➡️ 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.

And connect with @AcuProAcademy on all social media!

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!

Today, I am excited to talk about this group of acupuncture points that don’t always get the spotlight—but absolutely should. Xi-Cleft points are where Qi gathers deeply in the meridians, making them incredibly effective for addressing acute pain, blood disorders, and even emotional disturbances.

With just 16 points across the channels, they’re easy to remember—and once you know how to use them well, they can seriously level up your treatments. Whether you’re supporting patients through intense pain or calming the Shen, these points are clinical gems.

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

• The difference between Yang vs. Yin Xi-Cleft points—and when to use them
• Point combos for menstrual pain, acute leg pain, and bladder infections
• How Xi-Cleft points can calm emotional outbursts and Shen disturbance
• Why these points great for both diagnosis and treatment planning

➡️ 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.

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!

You’ve asked for it—and it’s finally here! I’m taking you inside my treatment room to show you exactly how I do my initial consultation. You’ll learn how I ask the right questions, connect the dots, make a TCM diagnosis, and create a personalized treatment plan—from start to finish.

I invited a long-time friend (and acupuncture enthusiast!) to be my demo patient. She was incredibly open about her health history, which made this case study a powerful learning opportunity.

Curious how to confidently navigate your own patient intakes?
Get ready to be a fly on the wall... Let's go!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The key intake questions that uncover hidden organ system imbalances
• How I connect chronic symptoms to the 5 Elements and past medical history
• A step-by-step walkthrough of how I arrived at my TCM diagnosis
• My full treatment plan, including acupuncture points, herbs, nutrition, and collaborative care tips

➡️ 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.

And connect with @AcuProAcademy on all social media!