Chinese Medicine Matters

As kids head back to school, keeping their immune systems strong is top of mind. In this week’s re-release episode, Mayway President Yvonne Lau shares insights from Mark Frost on how Traditional Chinese Medicine can strengthen children’s resistance to illness. From the role of Wei Qi to practical herbal strategies, discover timeless approaches for supporting children’s health in the classroom and beyond.

You can access the written a...

What’s next for Chinese medicine education in a shifting world? School leaders Catherine Niemiec and Thomas Kouo join Yvonne Lau and Skye Sturgeon to explore student motivations, professional identity, and bold ideas for sustaining and evolving the medicine, from scope expansion to integrated care. This is part one of a two part interview. 

Please enjoy this discussion with Yvonne Lau, President of Mayway, and Dr. Skye Stu...

In this episode, Dana Yates explores Chu Shu, literally “End of Heat,” the solar term that marks summer’s close and the transition to autumn. From ancient agricultural traditions to seasonal foods, wellness practices, and cultural customs, discover how this time-honored marker offers guidance for harmonizing with nature’s shift from Yang to Yin.

You can access the written article here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/chu-shu-e...

This week on Chinese Medicine Matters, we explore the Earth element, its role in digestion, emotional balance, and the seasonal energy of Late Summer. Join Lauren Coffelt as she shares insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine on how to nourish the body, calm the mind, and return to center.

You can access the written article here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/late-summer-the-earth-element

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This week on Chinese Medicine Matters, we explore Eleuthero, or Ci Wu Jia, a long-revered Qi tonic and adaptogen.

From its historical use in Chinese medicine to its reputation for enhancing stamina and resilience, this episode dives into what makes Ci Wu Jia a valuable herb for supporting active, overstressed, or recovering patients.

Tune in for a thoughtful look at this unique botanical and its applications in to...

Headed somewhere hot and humid this summer? In this episode of Chinese Medicine Matters, Lauren Coffelt shares her personal experience traveling from Portland to Costa Rica...TCM-style. From navigating travel stress and food stagnation to managing tropical bug bites and sunburns, Lauren dives into her herbal travel kit and lessons learned along the way.

Packed with real-life tips and suggestions for advising your own patie...

Sang Ju Yin, or “Mulberry and Chrysanthemum Drink,” has been a trusted formula for clearing Wind-Heat and soothing summer discomforts for centuries. In this episode, we explore how this gentle blend helps ease seasonal symptoms, like cough, sore throat, and irritated eyes, and supports the Lungs in the warm months. Tune in to learn the history, applications, and thoughtful modifications that make Sang Ju Yin a go-to remedy for summ...

Explore the Fire element in Chinese medicine, a season of connection, joy, and transformation. Lauren Coffelt shares insights on how Fire governs the Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, and Triple Burner, why balance matters in summer, and simple ways to nurture vitality without burning out.

You can access the written article here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/summer-and-the-fire-element-season-of-expression-and-connection

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As we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes a real challenge, and for many, sarcopenia is an unseen but impactful force. In this episode, Dr. Skye Sturgeon dives into the biomedical and TCM perspectives on this age-related muscle loss. Learn the key symptoms and risk factors, explore how Western and Chinese medicine intersect in treatment, and discover how acupuncture, herbal formulas, and traditional Chinese exercises can help slow...

Erectile dysfunction is a common and often complex issue that many men face, but TCM offers a deeply nuanced and effective approach to treatment. In this week’s episode, Dr. Skye Sturgeon shares insights from his recent article, exploring the multiple TCM patterns that can contribute to ED, from Kidney Yang deficiency to Liver Qi stagnation and more.

Tune in to learn how herbal formulas, lifestyle changes, and mind-body practices li...

This week on Chinese Medicine Matters, we head into the Herbalist’s Corner with Mark Frost for a deep dive into three powerful Yang-tonic herbs: Yin Yang Huo, Xu Duan, and Tu Si Zi. These herbs are key players in formulas that support vitality, fertility, and men’s health. Mark shares insights on their functions, classical uses, and modern applications to help practitioners better understand how to harness their restorative power i...

Mayway President Yvonne Lau shares the story of Lan Cai He 藍採和, one of the Eight Immortals of Daoist legend. Known for their flower basket and genderfluid presence, Lan Cai He challenges modern ideas about identity while offering timeless insight into transformation, queerness, and the healing magic of Chinese mythology.

Read the article here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/lan-cai-he-a-genderfluid-chinese-deity

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In this episode, Susan Johnson, L.Ac., shares her go-to acupuncture protocols for treating dysmenorrhea and PMS using Master Tung’s Magic Points. She covers specific point combinations, herbal formulas, and clinical insights for addressing Liver qi stagnation, blood deficiency, and hormonal imbalance throughout the menstrual cycle.

Read the article here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/dysmenorrhea-and-premenstrual-syndrome-pm...

In this episode, Denise Cicuto, L.Ac., returns to share her Chinese medicine approach to postmenopause, offering clinical insights, lifestyle tips, and heartfelt wisdom from decades of experience. From Kidney Jing and Yin decline to vaginal dryness, joint pain, and emotional well-being. Discover key herbal formulas, acupuncture points, and compassionate care practices to support your patients during their Second Spring.

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In this special episode, Yvonne Lau shares the rich folklore and herbal wisdom behind Bai Shao (white peony root), one of the most beloved herbs in Chinese medicine.

Learn how this elegant plant, central to so many classical formulas, was said to reveal its healing power to the great physician Hua Tuo, not through science alone, but through a mysterious, moonlit encounter.

Tune in for a tale of intuition, women’s ...

In this episode, fertility specialist Rachel Blunk, L.Ac., FABORM shares insights, case studies, and her personal journey through recurrent pregnancy loss and how Traditional Chinese Medicine helped her and many of her patients find healing and hope. From Spleen Qi deficiency to blood stagnation, she explores common causes of miscarriage and offers practical, compassionate tools for support.

Read her article here: https://www.mayway...

Endometriosis affects one in ten people who menstruate, yet many still struggle to get a diagnosis or effective care. In this episode, we’re joined by licensed acupuncturist Denise Cicuto to explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine can support patients with endometriosis through individualized herbal formulas, acupuncture, and self-care strategies. Denise shares insights from both clinical practice and personal experience, with com...

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Skye Sturgeon for a fascinating episode on Chen Pi—aged tangerine peel traditionally used to regulate Qi, support digestion, and treat dampness and phlegm. But with sourcing challenges and concerns around pesticide contamination, true Chen Pi has become increasingly difficult to find.

Skye walks us through how to make your own organic Chen Pi at home—from selecting the right tangerines to dry...

In this special episode, Eva Lau reconnects us with the roots of Earth Day and shares ways to recognize and work with herbs growing all around us. From Chinese Yam and Red Sage to tangerine peels and longan pits, discover how everyday plants and kitchen scraps can serve a deeper purpose in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Plus, get inspired with tips for sustainable herbal living, foraging wisdom, and simple ways to care for your heal...