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
Mar 2, 2021 • 1h 19min
189 Cultivating Confidence • Vanessa Menendez-Covelo
Confidence at the beginning of any endeavor, especially at the beginning of a medical practice, a new business, or new career is not possible. You may have some skills, tools and competence in their use. But confidence, that comes later after you’ve had some skin in the game and learned to sort out problems and challenges on your own.In this discussion with Vanessa Menendez-Covelo we explore how the learning process itself is our teacher, that our confidence comes not from knowing but learning to work through the gaps in our knowledge, and that persistence and perseverance are required for this journey.Listen in to this conversation on developing a sense of stability in your work, the importance of learning through challenging situations and how a background in computers can help you with learning and practicing acupuncture.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Feb 23, 2021 • 1h 22min
188 Herbal Medicine for the Aftermath of Covid • Nigel Dawes
There is a moment in between sensing and allowing what is felt to enter the world of cognition and concept. It’s a liminal space of being and feeling and if you can linger there for a moment there is information that is beyond the ken of words. In this discussion with Nigel Dawes we explore how palpation allows us an opportunity to imbibe that sensual place between being and thinking, and how that can help us with our diagnostic work. We also consider how our herbal medicine readily lends itself to the treatment of Post-Covid syndromes and how our medicine can be of great service in the aftermath of coronavirus infections. Listen into this conversation on cultivating that attentive perceptual space just this side of language and the maps of the mind, the opportunities for using ancient formulas for modern problems and the circuitous journey that went into the writing of Nigel’s new book.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Feb 16, 2021 • 1h 14min
187 Money Archetype and Metaphor • Lacey Dupre
There isn’t anyone who doesn’t have an opinion about money. Regardless of what kind of economic system you have an ideological bent toward, one thing is for sure; as long as humans have worked together and pooled their resources for mutual benefit there has been some way of recognizing value and exchange. In this conversation with Lacey Dupre we look at the yin and yang of money, consider some archetypal influences and get friendly with the transformative potential of money.Listen into this conversation on money, value and worth. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Feb 9, 2021 • 1h 31min
186 Language, Presence and Practice • Randy Clere
Zhuang Zi says, “Words exist because of meaning. Once you've gotten the meaning, you can forget the words. Where can I find a man who has forgotten words so I can talk with him?” Any seasoned practitioner will tell you that skillful use of language and the ability to listen beyond words is an essential aspect of clinical practice. In this conversation with Randy Clere we explore the use of language not only so that we may better understand our patients, but so that they may better understand themselves. Listen in to this discussion of how the fluid medium of language facilitates connection, rapport and presence.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Feb 2, 2021 • 1h 19min
185 Reflections on the Dao: Practical Philosophy and the Art of Medicine • David Marks
I rather enjoy the idea of our medicine being a sort of applied philosophy, that there is a way of looking at the world that has such coherence and connection that it not only helps us to make sense of this moment, but to bring healing as well. David Marks set off on the path of medicine through his interest in philosophy, which in turn has guided him through a life of practice, inquiry, filmmaking and writing. Listen in to the conversation on how receptivity and curiosity can take you a long way.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Jan 26, 2021 • 1h 42min
184 Celestial Secrets of the Mythic Tang Ye Jing • Sabine Wilms
The Tang Ye Jing— where to start? Way back in the Shang Dynasty so the story goes. The Yang Ye Jing is a “lost” text on herbal medicine that has played hide and seek with practitioners over the centuries. How much of it is myth? How much archetypical patterning? And how much a ghost story we like to tell ourselves? All worthy questions. And while the topic of this episode touches on the Tang Ye Jing, our main concern is a medieval text from a Buddhist cave with its own colorful story— the Fu Xing Jue.In this discussion with translator and historian Sabine Wilms we trace the footprints of the Tang Ye Jing through history and discuss its connection to the Fu Xing Jue, another text equality fascinating and problematic. Listen into this conversation on the mythic roots of herbal medicine, stolen treasure and principles of medicine that are timeless regardless of their source.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Jan 19, 2021 • 1h 11min
183 Nourishing Life • Peter Deadman
True entrepreneurs and visionaries don’t go into something for the money. They go into it because of purpose and passion. The business piece is in service of the difference they are looking to create in the world.It’s not surprising that Peter Deadman would be focused on Yang Sheng, the Nourishment of Life, he’s been at it his entire adult life in various forms and pursuits. Listen in to this conversation on passion, business and how our interests don’t just help us to make a living, they assist us in creating a Life.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Jan 12, 2021 • 1h 12min
182 Hands On with Microcurrent • Malvin Finkelstein
Forty years is a long time to practice medicine and gives plenty of opportunity to follow your interests while helping patients. Our medicine includes various kinds of hands on bodywork, and in this conversation we explore the use of micro current. While electricity is often applied to needles in our work, Malvin Finkelstein has found a way of using a micro current probe along with bodywork to bring rapid and profound changes to the underlying tissues.Listen in to this conversation on electricity, touch and how profound change can occur right under our fingers. Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Jan 5, 2021 • 1h 6min
181 Teaming Up on Cancer • Kym Garrett
Working with the conventional medical system takes a lot more than simply letting doctors know your practice exists. Like any relationship it takes time, effort and persistence, along with a sense of common values and language.In this conversation with Kym Garrett we explore the process of building a practice around the treatment of cancer that dovetails with conventional treatment. Listen in for this discussion of building trust and creating a practice that helps patients to navigate between Chinese medicine and modern oncology.Head on over to the show notes page for more information about this episode and for links to the resources discussed in the interview.
Dec 29, 2020 • 1h 15min
180 Reflections and Observations on 2020 • Michael Max
Here we are at the end of 2020, you'd think the alliterative rhyme of 2-0, 2-0 would imply a year of balance of and stability. It's been anything but, and yet, it's been a year that has asked us to grow in terms of flexibility and resilience and through adversity discover strengths of which did not we did not realize we were capable. This last episode of the year is a solo show taking a look back at the year, along with a glimpse into the future, along with some thoughts of shadow side of our practices and thoughts in response to questions from students. Listen in to Michael's thoughts over tea here in the winter of the year.
