Can Eastern Medicine Go Where Western Medicine Can’t?

In this special episode of the Self Reflection Podcast, host Lira Ndifon steps into new territory by inviting two transformative guests: Eric Yuan from the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Department and Dr. Harry Ding, a fifth-generation Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner. Together, they discuss their innovative community program that bridges the gap between Western medical administration and Eastern holistic practices. Eric shares his personal testimony of overcoming a severe thyroid condition through Dr. Harry's care, which inspired them to serve over 1,200 patients by treating not just the body, but the mind and soul with "love as the best medicine."

The conversation dives deep into the metaphysics of health, explaining the concept of "Chi" (life force energy) and how stagnation in specific meridians can manifest as emotional struggles like depression, anger, or worry. Dr. Harry breaks down the art of pulse diagnosis, explaining how a practitioner can detect mental health issues simply by feeling the rhythm of the blood flow in the wrist. He details how different positions on the left and right wrist correspond to internal organs like the heart, liver, and spleen, offering a window into a patient's emotional state without them saying a word.

In a vulnerable and educational segment, Lira undergoes a live consultation and pulse reading. Dr. Harry analyzes her sleep patterns, digestion, and stress levels to reveal a "weak spleen" and "blood deficiency" caused by overthinking and irregular eating habits. The episode concludes with actionable TCM advice for listeners, including the importance of sleeping before 11:00 PM (liver time), incorporating red meats for blood regeneration, and drinking rose tea to release stress stagnation.