Hey there, future acupuncturists! Welcome back to another episode of “Study Acupuncture with Me.” I’m Dr. Richard Lai, and whether you’re studying for your board exam or already practicing, I’m here to help you learn, retain, and fall in love with Traditional Chinese Medicine—one car ride chat at a time!
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most commonly asked questions about TCM dampness: What’s the difference between external and internal dampness, how do you spot them in your patients, and can external dampness really turn into internal dampness? Spoiler alert: Yes, it can! I’ll walk you through clinical tips, key signs and symptoms, and handy mnemonics for differential diagnosis so you’ll feel more confident in clinic and ready for your next exam.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
The basics and key differences between external and internal dampness
Real-world examples of dampness in your patients
How external dampness can transform into internal dampness
Clinical pearls: diagnosis, tongue and pulse, and my favorite “OLD FARTS” mnemonic for patient assessment
How to confidently approach differential diagnosis in practice
Timestamps:
00:00 – Warm welcome & episode inspiration
01:11 – Explaining external dampness: causes, symptoms, and diagnosis tips
03:45 – Internal dampness: spleen deficiency, signs, and the role of diet
07:04 – Can external become internal dampness? The progression explained
09:21 – Mnemonics and clinical tools for differential diagnosis
10:55 – Final thoughts: Chronic vs. acute dampness, and the importance of thorough evaluation
If you found this helpful, let me know your thoughts or questions over on my socials! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a clinical pearl, and visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin for free study resources and to join my email list—I send weekly tips to help you pass your exams and become the acupuncturist you’re meant to be.
Keep up the amazing work—happy studying, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!