Office Hours with Angelique and Toby

Thanks so much to our sponsor, Classical Pearls. This week, Toby and Angelique sit down without a guest for a clinic catch-up. Angelique shares two allergy cases using Wind Pearls, while Toby talks about what he's been seeing in his own practice. Then they tackle a question every newer practitioner wrestles with: how do you predict who will respond to treatment? Angelique draws on an idea from Mat...

Thanks so much to our sponsor, Classical Pearls. In this episode of Office Hours, Angelique and Toby talk through the practical realities of clinical decision-making—from reading a patient’s body and recognizing subtle changes during treatment to knowing when to step back and let the patient become the authority on their own experience. The conversation begins with a case from Dr. Angela C. Wu inv...

In this episode of Office Hours, Toby and Angelique sit down with Sabine Wilms, PhD to explore classical Chinese medicine, translation, and the deeper meaning behind foundational texts. Sabine shares how her background in East Asian studies, anthropology, and medicine led her to a lifelong practice of translating and teaching ancient Chinese texts. A major theme of the conversation is the differen...

Insurance billing can be one of the most frustrating and financially consequential aspects of running an acupuncture practice. In this episode of Office Hours, Dr. Eoin Gregory of Family Billing Solutions explains what practitioners need to know before they sign an insurance contract, submit a claim, or hand their billing over to someone else. Eoin draws on his background as a retired chiropractor...

Angelique and Toby talk with Warren Sheir about Chinese medicine, nutrition, and the practical power of food as an everyday therapy. The conversation moves from Warren’s background in macrobiotics and traditional Chinese medicine to his book, Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen, and the real-world dietary advice he uses with patients. What makes this episode useful It works because it feels practical a...

In this conversation, Heiner Fruehauf traces his path from a German family of nature-cure physicians to founding the College of Classical Chinese Medicine and coining the term "classical Chinese medicine" . His lifelong effort has been to recover the immaterial, spiritual dimension he argues was filtered out as the medicine passed through a materialist lens. That conviction runs through everything...

Join us in this episode as Ellen Goldsmith, acupuncturist and author, discusses the profound role of food in healing and prevention. Whether you're a practitioner or someone curious about integrating Chinese dietary principles, her insights reveal how everyday eating can be a powerful act of self-care and healing. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Ellen Goldsmith and episode overview 00:24 - Ell...

Angelique and Toby discuss the role of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in fertility treatment, end-of-life rituals and integrating cultural practices. They present clinical case studies on autoimmune eye conditions, herpes, and more. Finally they explore channel theory including divergent and sinew channel treatment strategies. Toby just released a new book! https://a.co/d/04KI93FR This Substack...

Consider watching this one on youtube. The visuals may help anchor your understanding of the historical physicians and formulas that Dr. Tsaur mentions. In this episode we explore the journey of Allen Tsaur, from childhood in Taiwan to becoming a Chinese medicine translator and practitioner. We discuss the value of classical texts, translation challenges, and how deep study informs clinical practi...

In this episode, Angelique and Toby share the real-world challenges of managing a rapidly growing practice, including scheduling, client communication, and insurance strategies. The discussion provides practical tips for handling peaks and valleys in client volume while maintaining quality care and clinical efficiency. Key topics: Navigating peaks: how to allocate slots for emergent and ongoing ca...

Join Angelique and Toby as they explore an innovative plan to reinvent Chinese medicine education, addressing its financial, operational, and societal challenges. Their discussion details a comprehensive approach to creating a sustainable, accessible, and modern Chinese medical school from the ground up, leveraging AI, new funding models, and flexible infrastructure. Key Topics The critical financ...

In this conversation, Angelique and Toby discuss various aspects of running a practice, including the importance of organic interactions, updates on business changes, the introduction of new treatment tiers, scheduling strategies, and a detailed case study of a patient with unique symptoms. They reflect on the challenges and rewards of their work, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and the...

In this conversation, Angelique and Toby engage in a dynamic discussion about listener cases, particularly focusing on a clinical case involving Dupuytren's contracture. They explore treatment strategies, the importance of self-cultivation for practitioners, and the balance between professional demands and personal well-being. The conversation emphasizes the significance of patient-practitioner re...

Ryan, Angelique and Toby discuss the enormous challenges facing Chinese medicine schools, particularly the financial burdens on students and the sustainability of these educational models. The conversation highlights the need for transparency, potential reforms, and the importance of creating sustainable educational pathways that align with realistic financial outcomes for graduates. Takeaways: Th...

In this conversation, Philip Suger discusses his journey as a Saam acupuncture practitioner, sharing insights on the challenges faced by new practitioners, managing needle sensitivity, and the role of intuition in clinical practice. He also delves into the evolution of acupuncture styles, the process of writing a book on Saam acupuncture, and the significance of learning from patient experiences....

What does it mean to truly embody the practice of Chinese medicine? Sharon, Angelique, and Toby dive into - The Journey of the Practitioner: Insights into learning and teaching acupuncture and herbalism. The Inner Work: Why self-acceptance is the secret ingredient in clinical success. Ethics & Wisdom: Navigating the responsibility of sharing knowledge while staying aligned with the universe's...

In this conversation, Angelique, Val, and Toby delve into the intricacies of teaching and practicing Chinese medicine, emphasizing the importance of mindset, communication, and self-care. They discuss the challenges faced by new practitioners, the significance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of Chinese medicine education. The dialogue highlights personal experiences, teaching philosophie...

In this conversation, Angelique and Toby discuss the recent closures of Chinese medicine schools, the challenges faced by the profession, and the importance of adapting to changes in the field. They explore various techniques such as moxa and Gua Sha, share insights on clinical experiences, and emphasize the value of role models and continuing education in Chinese medicine. The conversation also t...

This conversation between Angelique, Toby, and Maya explores the experiences and insights of practitioners in the field of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The discussion covers various topics including patient care, treatment outcomes, the challenges faced by new practitioners, and the importance of patient advocacy. Maya shares her personal experiences with licensing, practice, and the medical...

In this conversation, Angelique and Toby discuss various practices and adaptations in acupuncture and herbal medicine as they transition into the Yin season. They explore treatment techniques, including the use of moxa and specific herbal formulas for women's health, while also addressing the challenges of mixed heat and cold symptoms. The importance of trusting the process in patient care and the...

In this conversation, the Angelique and Toby discuss various patient cases, focusing on the complexities of treating seasonal allergies, the importance of modifications in acupuncture techniques, and the challenges faced in clinical practice. They reflect on patient interactions, the significance of comfort during treatment, and the unique responses patients have to acupuncture. The discussion als...

In this conversation, Angelique and Toby share personal updates, patient experiences, and insights into the challenges and realities of clinical practice. The discussion covers the transition from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to the Saam system, the importance of trusting the medicine, and the complexities of patient care. They also delve into the nuances of herbal medicine, including modifi...

This conversation delves into various aspects of acupuncture practice, focusing on kidney supplementation in pain management, the importance of clinical experience, and the use of tinctures in herbal medicine. Angelique and Toby share insights on patient coping mechanisms during treatment, reflections on their clinical journeys, and the challenges of starting a new practice. They emphasize the nee...

In this conversation, Toby and Angelique discuss various aspects of acupuncture practice, particularly focusing on home visits, patient dynamics, and the integration of Western and Chinese medicine. They share insights from their clinical experiences, including specific patient cases and treatment approaches. The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities in Chinese medicine educa...

This conversation explores various aspects of acupuncture practice, including the challenges of pain management, the integration of herbal medicine, and the importance of work-life balance for practitioners. Angelique and Toby share personal experiences and insights on patient care, treatment techniques, and the need for support in their professional journeys. TakeawaysWearing scrubs helps transit...