Challenges Teach Patience.

There were moments throughout the program that challenged me in ways I did not expect. Long nights of studying and moments of self-doubt pushed me outside of my comfort zone. But looking back now, those were the moments that shaped me the most. They taught me patience, trust and the importance of being present not only with my patients, but with myself.

Clinic was where everything started to come together. Sitting across from patients, listening to their stories, and trying to connect the pieces of their health through a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) lens was both humbling and empowering. It was not always easy, and I didn鈥檛 always feel confident, but with each interaction, I grew. Slowly, I began to trust my knowledge, my instincts and the medicine itself.

The Reality of Healing.

One of the most meaningful lessons I will carry with me is that healing is not always linear. TCM taught me to appreciate the body鈥檚 natural rhythms and to respect the process. Sometimes progress is subtle, sometimes it takes time, but there is always movement. That perspective has not only shaped the way I will treat future patients, but also how I approach my own life.

This experience gave me more than a degree. It gave me confidence, resilience and a deeper understanding of what it means to genuinely care for others. Most importantly, it showed me a version of myself of which I am proud. It is one that is capable, compassionate and still evolving.

What’s Next?

As graduation approaches, I find myself feeling a mix of emotions of gratitude, excitement and a little bit of uncertainty. Leaving behind the structure of school is intimidating, but I also feel ready. Ready to continue learning, ready to grow and ready to step into this next chapter as a practitioner.

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Managing Symptoms and Pain.

One of the most common uses of acupuncture in oncology is the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. By using points such as PC 6, practitioners can help calm the stomach and regulate Qi. Patients often report decreased nausea and improved appetite after treatment.

Acupuncture can also help manage cancer-related pain. Rather than masking pain, acupuncture encourages the body鈥檚 natural healing response by stimulating circulation, releasing endorphins, and reducing inflammation. This can be especially helpful for patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical discomfort, or joint pain caused by certain medications.

Traditional Chinese (herbal) Medicine (TCM) may also be used in oncology support when prescribed by a trained practitioner. Herbal formulas can help tonify Qi and Blood, strengthen digestion, support immunity and reduce fatigue caused by aggressive treatments. For example, formulas that support the Spleen and Stomach may help patients maintain energy and better tolerate chemotherapy. Beyond physical symptoms, acupuncture provides emotional support during a challenging time. Many cancer patients experience stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Acupuncture treatments can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Not Instead of鈥ND!

It is important to note that TCM does not replace conventional cancer treatment but rather works as an integrative therapy that supports the body during the healing process. When practiced by licensed professionals and coordinated with oncology providers, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help patients feel stronger, more comfortable and better supported throughout their cancer journey. For many patients, this integrative approach allows them to not only undergo treatment but maintain a better quality of life during and after cancer care.

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First: Digestive Issues.

From a TCM perspective, we look at how the Spleen and Stomach are transforming and transporting, whether there鈥檚 Liver overacting on Earth, or if there鈥檚 damp accumulation. Acupuncture helps regulate motility, calm inflammation, and bring the system back into balance. It is not just 鈥渢ummy trouble.鈥� It is a pattern.

Second: Menstrual and Fertility Concerns.

Painful periods, irregular cycles, PMS mood swings, PCOS, even support during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Acupuncture increases pelvic blood flow and in TCM terms, moves Qi and Blood while supporting Kidney essence. It is amazing how many women think severe cramps are 鈥渘ormal.鈥� They are common, yes, but not necessarily normal.

Third: Mental Health.

Anxiety, stress, insomnia, even seasonal affective disorder (SAD), especially here in the Midwest. Acupuncture works through the nervous system by shifting someone from sympathetic 鈥渇ight or flight鈥� into parasympathetic 鈥渞est and digest.鈥� In TCM language, we calm the Shen, anchor Yang, nourish Heart Blood or clear Liver Heat, depending on the pattern.

A Surprising One? Allergies.

Instead of just suppressing symptoms, acupuncture can regulate the immune response. We often strengthen Lung and Spleen Qi while addressing underlying deficiency or dampness.

And One People Rarely Expect: Jaw Pain and TMJ.

Needles in the hands or feet can reduce facial tension because of channel connections. It is not always about needling directly where it hurts.

The biggest thing I have learned in school is that acupuncture is not just about pain relief. It is about regulation. It helps the body remember how to function efficiently. We are not forcing change but facilitating balance. So, the next time someone says acupuncture is 鈥渏ust for back pain,鈥� you will know there is a whole lot more happening beneath the surface

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Biomedically Speaking.

From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system. When needles are inserted into specific points, they activate sensory nerve fibers that send signals to the brain and spinal cord. This triggers the release of endorphins, enkephalins, and other neurotransmitters that help reduce pain and inflammation. At the same time, acupuncture increases local blood circulation, which means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to injured tissues while metabolic waste is cleared out more efficiently. This is huge for post-workout soreness and acute or chronic injuries.

A TCM Perspective.

From a TCM lens, sports injuries often involve Qi and Blood stagnation. Trauma, overuse or strain disrupts the smooth flow through the channels, leading to pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. Acupuncture helps move Qi and Blood, break up stagnation and restore balance so the body can heal properly. This is why patients often notice improved mobility and reduced pain even after just one treatment.

Additional Benefits.

Another major benefit of acupuncture in sports medicine is its effect on muscle tension and the nervous system. Athletes tend to live in a sympathetic 鈥渇ight or flight鈥� state, especially during training and competition. Acupuncture helps shift the body into a parasympathetic state, allowing muscles to relax and recovery to actually happen. This is especially helpful for preventing injuries caused by chronic tightness or compensation patterns.

What I appreciate most as a student is that acupuncture doesn鈥檛 just treat the injury itself. Our treatments are customized to address sleep, digestion, stress and overall energy levels, all of which play a role in healing and performance. In sports medicine, acupuncture isn鈥檛 about quick fixes. It鈥檚 about helping the body respond smarter, heal faster and stay resilient for the long run.

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First things first.

Keep warm, especially your lower back, feet and neck. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cold can easily invade the body and weaken kidney and Yang energy. Scarves, warm socks and layers aren鈥檛 just fashion choices. They鈥檙e preventive medicine. For ease of remembrance: cold feet = unhappy organs.

Food is another big one.

Winter is the season for warm, cooked meals. Soups, stews, congee, roasted root vegetables and bone broth are all perfect for supporting digestion and keeping your internal fire going. Try to limit cold or raw foods like smoothies and salads, especially in the morning. Your spleen will thank you!

Sleep is huge in winter.

TCM encourages going to bed earlier and waking up a bit later if possible. Nights are longer for a reason. This is the time your body restores and rebuilds. Even adding 30 extra minutes of rest can make a difference. If you鈥檙e exhausted all the time, winter might be asking you to slow down, not push through.

Activity.

When it comes to activity, think gentleness and grounding. This isn鈥檛 peak high intensity interval training (HIIT) season. Walking, stretching, yoga, tai chi or qigong are perfect winter practices. You still want movement to keep Qi flowing just without draining your reserves.

Emotional Health.

听Finally, don鈥檛 forget emotional health. Winter is linked to fear in TCM, and it鈥檚 normal to feel more inward or reflective this time of year. Journaling, meditation, or simply spending quiet time alone can be deeply nourishing.

Your challenge this week is to pick one of the topics above to focus on implementing the TCM way. Some examples:

• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier
• Eat at least one warm, cooked meal daily
• Keep your feet and lower back warm
• Do 10鈥�15 minutes of gentle movement
• Drink warm water or tea instead of cold drinks

Notice how your energy and mood shift. Winter isn鈥檛 about doing less. It鈥檚 about doing more of what actually supports you.

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As I prepare to complete my doctor of acupuncture and herbal medicine program, I am feeling equally sad and excited as I step into my final trimester at 911爆料 University. It honestly feels surreal to write that sentence. Graduation is right around the corner, and it鈥檚 hard to believe how quickly this journey has unfolded. I still vividly remember my very first trimester and walking into a space that felt completely unfamiliar and wondering if I was truly capable of becoming a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM ) practitioner. Fast forward three years, and I barely recognize that version of myself.

911爆料 has challenged me in ways I never expected, both academically and personally. The long study nights, the endless memorization, the clinic shifts, the self-doubt, and the moments of confidence have all shaped me into a more grounded, resilient and curious person. As I round out this journey, I feel incredibly grateful for the teachers, classmates and patients who have helped me grow along the way.

Emphasis: Herbal Studies

This trimester feels especially meaningful as I dive deeper into my herbal studies. Our herbal classes are bringing together everything we鈥檝e learned over the past few years emphasizing formulas, pattern differentiation and clinical application. It鈥檚 one thing to memorize properties and actions, but it鈥檚 another to truly understand how herbs work together to support the body鈥檚 healing process. I鈥檓 excited to refine my ability to think critically about herbal prescriptions, adjust formulas thoughtfully and develop confidence in using herbs as a primary treatment.

Challenge: VA Internship

Being in clinic and my VA internship alongside these advanced herbal classes feels like the perfect way to end this chapter. I鈥檓 loving seeing how all the pieces connect into a cohesive and meaningful practice. While it鈥檚 bittersweet to know this chapter is closing, I鈥檓 also deeply excited to carry everything 911爆料 University has taught me into the next phase of my life as a practitioner.

Here鈥檚 to the final trimester, continued growth and embracing both the ending and the beginning ahead.

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Looking back, this year has offered a broader and clearer vision of who I am and who I鈥檓 becoming. As the Year of the Snake, it carried themes of shedding, transformation, self-improvement and moving through fears with balance. I can honestly say I have lived each of those qualities. There were moments of discomfort, breakthroughs I never expected and quiet shifts that changed the way I see myself.

2026: The Year of the Horse

Now, with the Year of the Horse approaching, I feel an entirely different kind of energy rising. The horse brings alignment, flow, intentional action, courage, clarity and focused momentum. I鈥檓 excited to explore how these qualities will shape my studies, my personal growth, and the unfolding path toward becoming a practitioner. There is something invigorating about the idea of movement with purpose of letting passion and discipline ride side-by-side.

This trimester has ignited a new level of motivation in me, especially as graduation inches closer. I feel more prepared, more inspired, and more committed to stepping into the next phase with confidence. The coming year promises growth, change and opportunity and instead of feeling overwhelmed, I feel genuinely excited. If the journey so far has taught me anything, it鈥檚 that transformation happens one brave step at a time.

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In TCM, winter belongs to the water element, which governs the Kidneys, our roots of vitality and willpower. When Kidney Qi (energy) becomes depleted, we might feel tired, unmotivated, or even fearful about the months ahead. These feelings can easily mirror what we recognize as symptoms of seasonal depression. The key, according to TCM, is to nurture and preserve our energy rather than push through exhaustion.

TCM Strategies That Make a Difference

Simple lifestyle shifts can make a big difference. Think warm, nourishing foods like soups and bone broth to strengthen Kidney energy. Go to bed earlier, stay cozy and honor rest instead of fighting it. Gentle movement helps keep Qi circulating without depleting it. Herbal formulas can also play a role in prevention and support. Formulas that tonify the Kidneys and calm the spirit such as those containing herbs like He Shou Wu, Dang Gui, or Bai Shao can be tailored to everyone鈥檚 constitution. has also been found to alleviate symptoms for some. As we鈥檙e learning in school, there鈥檚 no one-size-fits-all approach; even two people with similar symptoms might need different herbal combinations.

Winter invites us to slow down and look inward. TCM teaches that this season isn鈥檛 about pushing productivity, but about conserving energy so we can reemerge in spring renewed and balanced. By listening to the body and aligning with the rhythm of the season, we can transform those winter blues into an opportunity for deep restoration and self-connection.

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Best Natural Ingredients

One of my go-to ingredients this time of year is fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it鈥檚 warm and pungent, helping to release the exterior and promote a light sweat when that first chill hits. Something as simple as slicing it fresh, steeping it in hot water and adding a little honey is effective and tasty. It鈥檚 soothing for the throat, gently warms the body, and feels like a cozy hug in a mug.

Another favorite is garlic (Da Suan). Besides being delicious, it鈥檚 known in TCM for helping to expel cold pathogens and support digestion. If you start feeling that sluggish, heavy feeling before a cold hits, you can toss extra garlic into a veggie broth or stir fry. It helps move things through and feels like it kicks your system back into gear. Then there鈥檚 cinnamon (Gui Zhi), the perfect spice for cold weather. It helps warm the channels, supports yang energy, and keeps circulation moving. Sometimes I鈥檒l mix cinnamon with a little lemon in hot water for a simple, balancing tea that wakes up my senses.

Ancient Wisdom in Foods

Learning all these complex herbal formulas in class has really made me appreciate how much ancient wisdom can also be found in everyday foods. Supporting our Wei Qi (defensive energy) doesn鈥檛 have to be complicated, it鈥檚 about staying warm, eating mindfully, and using simple herbs with intention. So next time you feel a cold coming on, check your pantry first before heading for the medicine cabinet. You might already have some of the best medicine waiting for you!

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911爆料 Provides an Immersive Clinical Experience

The most rewarding part is the hands-on application. We鈥檙e not just observing. We鈥檙e palpating, needling, assessing and communicating directly with patients. There鈥檚 a genuine sense of trust that develops as veterans open up about their pain, stress or sleep issues. Many are surprised by how quickly acupuncture can bring relief and witnessing that transformation firsthand is incredibly motivating; it reminds me why I chose this field.

Clinicians Provide Different Perspectives

Another incredible aspect of this internship is working under three different clinicians, each with their own approach to TCM practice. One focuses heavily on classical theory and tongue/pulse diagnosis, emphasizing pattern differentiation down to the smallest details. Another blends orthopedic-style acupuncture with modern techniques, teaching us how to treat musculoskeletal pain effectively in a clinical hospital environment. The third clinician integrates more lifestyle changes alongside acupuncture to harmonize the body. 听Seeing how each practitioner interprets and applies TCM differently has broadened my perspective in ways textbooks simply can鈥檛.

Every shift feels like a balance between learning, practicing and connecting with mentors, classmates, and most importantly, our patients. The VA setting has given me a profound respect for both the resilience of our veterans and the versatility of Chinese medicine. I leave each day feeling more confident, more grounded and more certain that this path is exactly where I鈥檓 meant to be.

Additional Resources:

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