33: Study Acupuncture with Richard Lai (Podcast)

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🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

Richard’s Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Show Notes

I was so excited to sit down with Richard Lai and have him be a guest on the AcuPro Show. Richard is a physical therapist, acupuncturist, and the man behind “Study Acupuncture With Me.” Our engaging conversation covered a multitude of topics, from his inspiring career journey and the balancing act of managing family life to his thoughts on teaching Traditional Chinese Medicine. Richard opened up about the challenges he faced and provided valuable insights for both practitioners and students.

Building a Career in Healthcare and TCM 🏗️

Richard shared a foundational quote that set the tone for our discussion: “Your patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” He reflected on his path starting from a background in physical therapy and acupuncture to becoming a passionate educator. Raised with traditional values from his family heritage, Richard’s initial exposure to TCM came through his family’s practices and home remedies, which deeply influenced his decision to become an acupuncturist.

Richard described how he navigated multiple career paths before committing to healthcare. A significant influence came from his judo teacher who recommended physical therapy due to its direct impact on people’s lives. His physical therapy career came with remarkable experiences, including an internship with the Boston Celtics. Richard emphasized the blend of physical therapy and acupuncture as a powerful toolset for comprehensive patient care, highlighting how these modalities address both physical and mental health.

Teaching and “Study Acupuncture With Me” 🎓

Transitioning from practitioner to educator, Richard noticed a gap in accessible, comprehensible TCM education. He started “Study Acupuncture With Me” to simplify TCM concepts, making them more digestible for students. His mission was driven by his struggles in school, both in physical therapy and acupuncture, where he wished for a mentor who could break down complex topics in a straightforward way.

The discussion took a personal turn as Richard and I shared our initial struggles with teaching – the performance anxiety and the daunting imposter syndrome. We both agreed that the key to effective teaching lies in genuine care for students’ understanding and progress. This idea strongly resonated with Richard’s teaching philosophy, reminding him of his mentor’s wisdom in physical therapy: “Your patient doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Balancing Life, Teaching, and Practice ⚖️

Balancing multiple responsibilities is a theme that many can relate to, and Richard elaborated on his own hurdles — from managing a busy practice to nurturing a family while creating educational content. He admitted to often feeling overwhelmed but emphasized the importance of planning, persistence, and forgiving oneself when plans go awry.

A particularly touching moment in the interview was Richard’s sharing of a vulnerable period where he contemplated quitting his educational initiatives due to perceived inadequacies and financial strains. It was heartwarming to hear how community support, especially from his wife and colleagues, rejuvenated his passion and determination to continue contributing to the TCM community.

Words of Wisdom for Students who Study Acupuncture 💭

Richard’s parting advice for students studying TCM was simple yet powerful: “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” He encouraged students to focus on consistent, incremental progress rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of the learning journey.

My conversation with Richard Lai was not only insightful but also deeply motivating. His passion for TCM and his dedication to education encapsulate the spirit of what we aim to bring through our podcast. If you haven’t had a chance to check out “Study Acupuncture With Me,” I highly recommend you do. Richard’s ability to simplify complex concepts can make a world of difference in your learning journey.

Disclaimer

The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.