Qiological Podcast
Michael Max
Acupuncture and East Asian medicine was not developed in a laboratory. It does not advance through double-blind controlled studies, nor does it respond well to petri dish experimentation. Our medicine did not come from the statistical regression of randomized cohorts, but from the observation and treatment of individuals in their particular environment. It grows out of an embodied sense of understanding how life moves, unfolds, develops and declines.
Medicine comes from continuous, thoughtful practice of what we do in clinic, and how we approach that work. The practice of medicine is more — much more — than simply treating illness. It is more than acquiring skills and techniques. And it is more than memorizing the experiences of others. It takes a certain kind of eye, an inquiring mind and relentlessly inquisitive heart.
Qiological is an opportunity to deepen our practice with conversations that go deep into acupuncture, herbal medicine, cultivation practices, and the practice of having a practice. It’s an opportunity to sit in the company of others with similar interests, but perhaps very different minds. Through these dialogues perhaps we can better understand our craft.
Medicine comes from continuous, thoughtful practice of what we do in clinic, and how we approach that work. The practice of medicine is more — much more — than simply treating illness. It is more than acquiring skills and techniques. And it is more than memorizing the experiences of others. It takes a certain kind of eye, an inquiring mind and relentlessly inquisitive heart.
Qiological is an opportunity to deepen our practice with conversations that go deep into acupuncture, herbal medicine, cultivation practices, and the practice of having a practice. It’s an opportunity to sit in the company of others with similar interests, but perhaps very different minds. Through these dialogues perhaps we can better understand our craft.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 27, 2021 • 1h 20min
197 Divergent Perspectives on Conversing with the Channels • David Euler
In nature we see that rivers have a flow and shape, but in times of flooding or if there are obstructions they will find other ways to move their water downstream. The divergent channels can be seen as a channel phenomenon that allows the main channels to deal with various kinds of excess. In this conversation with David Euler we explore his perspective on divergent channels and his process of using palpatory feedback as an aid in diagnosing and assessing the effectiveness of his treatments. Listen into this discussion on channel flow, the wisdom of the body, and using your sense of touch to guide your treatment.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Apr 20, 2021 • 1h 13min
196 Reflections on Yin • Brodie Welch
Attending to yin in a world that preferences yang does not come easy, and perhaps only begins to catch our attention once we’ve reached the edge of what activity can sustain. In this conversation with Brodie Welch we look at how sometimes subtracting counterintuitive as it seems, allows our lives to be richer and fuller.Listen in to this conversation on quietude, the curious nature of change, learning to put your voice forward, and the importance of being clear on your “why.”Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Apr 15, 2021 • 43min
Encore Episode, The Herbal Methods of Dr Jiang Tong
This is a solo show where Michael shares the methods and formulas his teacher in Taiwan, Dr. Jiang Tong, used in the treatment respiratory illness.Here are two articles written by Dr. Jiang that Michael translated for The Lantern, that detail his thinking and formulations.An Exploration of Allergic RhinitisThree Formulas for Cough
Apr 13, 2021 • 1h 16min
195 Hands on With Horses • Sam McLean
There are yin and yang ways to be with a horse, or for that matter— with a person as well. That yin aspect might be yielding, but it’s far from weak. And having a broad receptive gaze allows us to see the wholeness beyond the so-called broken parts of those we are here to serve.In this discussion with Sam McLean we look at some of the multifaceted aspects of using touch and presence. The importance of not having an agenda, how a sense of yielding is essential to connection and the essential role of a loosely held sense of attention can guide our mind and hands in the work we do.Listen in to this conversation on listening, following, presence and touch. And how something luminous we see in others is a reminder of some resources we carry within ourselves.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 15min
194 Restoration of the World • John Stan
Our work as practitioners involves restoration. We know that neither we nor our patients are separate from the natural world. Our daily clinic might be focused on the microcosm that is our patient, but we know that their relationships to family, kin and friends are also part of the tapestry of their lives. As is the health and vitality of their communities and world at large.In this conversation with John Stan we explore the backstory of the manufacturing and environmental impact of our most essential tool— needles. Listen in to this discussion of all that goes into those pins you use everyday and how a few changes of habit can have an impact on the waste generated by your clinic.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Mar 30, 2021 • 1h 26min
193 Physiology, Congruence and Counterflow • Bryan McMahon
There is a saying in Chinese, 以人為本, Understanding a person is basis of knowing how to treat them. Our work requires we both understand our medicine, and understand how it applies to that individual who sits before us in our clinic.In this conversation with Bryan McMahon we explore the importance of congruence in health and illness, take a look at the dynamics of counterflow that will give you a new perspective on this pathomechanism. And we’ll look into how more deeply understanding physiology will help you with difficult presentations in the clinic.Listen in to this discussion of medicine, service and the interactions of heaven and earth through the dynamics of the five phases and six qi.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Mar 23, 2021 • 1h 10min
192 Having a Home Office • Ji Ling Lin
What is the best business model and size of acupuncture practice? That depends on the practitioner, their values, goals and individual perspective. Just like our medicine, while there are core principles that form a foundation, the methods that arise and the various ways to engage the medicine and a practice as unique as each individual. In this conversation Ji Ling Lin, a fairly recent graduate, grabs the microphone and steers this conversation with podcast host Michael Max and gets his perspective and experience with having a home office. Listen into this discussion on the benefits and challenges of having a home office, and how our practices are an expression of our own spirit, vision and values.
Mar 19, 2021 • 57min
Encore Episode, Mistakes and Discoveries- Group Discussion on Learning Saam Acupuncture
Mistakes and discoveries go hand in hand. And there is really no way to get it right in medicine without getting wrong on the way to getting right.This is another in a continuing series of conversations between Toby Daly along with Laura Christensen and Sharon Weizenbaum who are actively engaged in learning the Saam acupuncture method.While we know that the practice of medicine requires of us constant study and sometimes diving into a new perspective, it is usually easier said than done.Listen in to this conversation for some areas of uncertainty in the midst of learning a new system, and for the clinical insights that come from attentive and thoughtful practice.
Mar 16, 2021 • 1h 19min
191 Fluid Physiology and Pathology • Steve Clavey
We think of the meridians as being a connective network within the body. But it is the fluids that actually permeate all the organs and tissues, and in a sense connect and allow for communication between all aspects of the body. And at the same time provide the medium for nourishment and exchange.In this discussion with Steve Clavey we discuss the vital role of fluids, the vast connectivity of the San Jiao, the mischief created by phlegm, and how some simple herbal formulas can make a big difference in the state of a patient’s fluids and health.Listen into this conversation on fluid physiology and pathology and how the process of learning medicine is an ongoing investigation in proving to ourselves how this medicine works. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Mar 9, 2021 • 1h 22min
190 The Power and Practice of "No" • Elisa Yip
East Asian medicine practitioners want to be helpful. That is often a large part of what drew us to this work. Sometimes being helpful is not in what we say yes to, but rather that to which we say, no.In this discussion with Elisa Yip we look at how saying no is deeply related to our ethical and moral stances. How our “yes” is more trustworthy when we can say “no,” and that there is a lot we can find out about ourselves when we dig into the discomfort that comes with a heartfelt and unequivocal, no. Listen in to this conversation on the power of no, and the clarity that it can bring. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
