Chinese Medicine Matters

In Part 2 of this ongoing Chat series, Dr. Skye Sturgeon and Yvonne Lau move from philosophy into clinical application, exploring how Yin and Yang guide diagnosis and treatment in Chinese medicine. They discuss the Eight Principles, organ relationships, and how practitioners assess balance and imbalance in the body.

The conversation also touches on aging, Jing, and the role of attention and lifestyle in maintaining health and harmon...

In Part 1 of this ongoing Chat series, Dr. Skye Sturgeon and Yvonne Lau explore Yin and Yang beyond the familiar symbol. Beginning with the Taiji diagram, they discuss how duality, perception, and transformation shape our understanding of reality, and why nothing is ever purely Yin or Yang.

This conversation offers a philosophical foundation for understanding Yin and Yang as an active, dynamic relationship rather than simple opposit...

In this episode, Dr. Skye Sturgeon explores the enduring relevance of Gui Pi Tang (Return the Spleen Decoction), a classical formula with over 2,000 years of history that remains a staple in clinical practice.

Often categorized as a Qi and Blood tonic, Gui Pi Tang is uniquely focused on addressing Spleen Qi and Heart Blood deficiency while calming the Shen. Dr. Sturgeon discusses its historical roots, key herbal components, and why ...

In this episode of Chinese Medicine Matters, Yvonne Lau joins us to explore the traditions of Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (Chūn Jié 春節), beginning February 17, 2026 -- the Year of the Fire Horse.

Celebrated over 15 days, the holiday is filled with meaningful customs, auspicious foods, temple visits, red envelopes, and time-honored dos and don’ts. Yvonne shares insights into daily traditions, many ro...

Fire, fire, and more fire.

In this episode, Wendy Goldman breaks down what the Year of the Yang Fire Horse means on a personal and collective level, from rapid change and innovation to health, emotions, and opportunity within chaos. Learn how to stay grounded, prepared, and in harmony as this powerful year unfolds.

About the Author
Wendy S. Goldman, L.Ac. has been in private practice in San Diego for 25 years. She is also a 14th ...

Chinese New Year, also known as Chūn Jié or Spring Festival, is a time of renewal, ritual, and preparation for the year ahead. In this episode of Chinese Medicine Matters, Yvonne Lau shares traditional and modern ways to prepare for the holiday, with a focus on clearing stagnation, supporting healthy Qi flow, and setting the stage for health, harmony, and good fortune.

From decluttering and cleaning to auspicious foods and...

Lichun marks the release of winter’s stagnation and the first stirring of spring Yang. Drawing from classical texts and clinical experience, Yvonne Lau explores how seasonal transition influences Liver Qi and emotional regulation. 

You can access the written article here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/lichun-beginning-of-spring-clinical-reflections-on-seasonal-transition

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In this episode of Chinese Medicine Matters, Dr. Skye Sturgeon discusses two closely related classical formulas used for external Wind–Cold–Damp invasion: Jing Fang Bai Du Wan (Release the Exterior Teapills) and Ren Shen Bai Du San ( Resilient Warrior Teapills).

The episode focuses on the key point of differentiation between these formulas, constitutional strength and the presence of Qi deficiency. Dr. Sturgeon reviews their traditi...

Brain fog, mental fatigue, forgetfulness, this week we’re talking about Cerebral Tonic Tablets (Bu Nao Pian). Tune in as we explore how this classic formula supports memory, focus, and cognitive clarity by nourishing the Sea of Marrow and calming the Shen.

You can access the written article here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/cerebral-tonic-tablets

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In this episode, Mary Lynn Morales and Ray Reider join us to share the work of the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, a free clinic serving women in the Oakland area who are navigating cancer with limited financial resources.

They discuss the life-changing care the clinic provides, the deep sense of meaning that comes from volunteering, and the hope this work brings to women who often have very little support. 

For listene...

As the year comes to a close, join us for a heartfelt message from Yvonne Lau, President of Mayway Herbs, as she shares warm holiday wishes and expresses gratitude for your support throughout 2025. It’s our way of celebrating the season and saying “thank you” for being part of our community.

Watch the video here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/holiday-wishes-from-mayway

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This episode explores the nature of Qi: its origins, how it functions in the body, and why it’s so central to Chinese medicine. Yvonne Lau and Dr. Skye Sturgeon talk about Qi cultivation, the ways acupuncture and herbs can affect Qi, and how practices like Qigong help support its movement and resilience.

You can watch the video here: https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/a-chat-about-qi

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This week, Dr. Skye Sturgeon guides us through the rich philosophical world of the I Ching and its central archetype: the “Superior Man,” or junzi. Drawing on classical commentaries and historical context, Skye illustrates how this ideal of cultivated character shaped Chinese culture for centuries, and how its insights into virtue, conduct, and self-reflection remain deeply relevant today.

You can access the written article here: ht...

In this special Giving Tuesday episode, we highlight three nonprofit organizations bringing compassionate, community-centered care to people facing crisis, illness, and long-term health inequities.

You’ll hear from:

Acupuncturists Without Borders, whose trauma-informed, heart-centered disaster-relief work has supported communities around the world for nearly two decades.

Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, a volunt...

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most frequently encountered digestive complaints in modern clinical practice, often leaving patients frustrated by limited biomedical treatment options. In this episode, Dr. Skye Sturgeon explores IBS through a Traditional Chinese Medicine lens, outlining how pattern differentiation provides a more nuanced understanding of the condition.

You can access the written article here: https://www.mayw...

In this episode, Yvonne Lau takes us on a journey into the history, preparation, and traditional uses of Shen Qu, also known as “the divine ferment.” A key ingredient in many classic digestive formulas, Shen Qu has roots in ancient brewing traditions and a fascinating production process that blends herbs, fermentation, and traditional craftsmanship.

Yvonne explains how Shen Qu is made at Mayway’s Meiwei Hebei facility, why it has be...

Constipation is one of the most common yet often misunderstood digestive disorders seen in clinic. In this episode, William Maclean discusses the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to constipation, exploring its diverse causes, from Heat, Phlegm, and qi stagnation to Blood, yin, and yang deficiency. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, William shares insights into diagnosis, differentiation, and the lifestyle factors tha...

In this episode, Dr. Skye Sturgeon explores Solitary Hermit Teapills, a time-honored formula for Wind-Cold-Damp Bi with underlying deficiency. Known for supporting the Liver and Kidneys while dispelling Cold and Damp, this classic prescription helps ease chronic pain, stiffness, and weakness in the lower back, hips, and legs, especially when symptoms worsen in cold, damp weather.
Learn how the fourteen herbs in this formula har...

Wind-Damp Bi syndrome, often marked by joint pain, stiffness, and heaviness, can be eased with herbal formulas that expel Wind and Damp, invigorate circulation, and warm the channels. In this episode, we explore three classic formulas: Juan Bi, San Bi, and Xuan Bi, and how they are applied in clinical practice. Tune in to learn the unique strengths of each formula and how they can support patients struggling with Bi syndrome.

You ca...