036: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing: Acupuncture, Cupping & the Future of Medicine with Dr. Tom Ingegno

Episode Summary:In this enriching episode of Real Food Mental Health, Cody Cox sits down with Dr. Tom Ingegno, a seasoned acupuncturist and integrative medicine expert with over 23 years of clinical experience. Together, they explore the expansive world of East Asian medicine, the philosophy behind acupuncture and cupping, and how these ancient modalities are supported by modern science to support both mental and physical health. Dr. Tom breaks down complex ideas—like meridians, energy (Qi), and the endocannabinoid system—with clarity and humor. They also discuss EFT, meditation, and the role of ancestral health wisdom in today’s fast-paced, disconnected world.🧠 Topics Covered:What East Asian medicine encompasses beyond acupunctureThe origins and evolution of acupuncture, meridians, and QiHow acupuncture impacts the nervous system, circulation, digestion, hormones, and mental healthThe science and cultural history of cupping therapyEmotional Freedom Technique (EFT) as modern acupressureHow traditional medicine blends with integrative health modelsCommon reasons acupuncture “doesn’t work” for some peopleCreating personalized treatments based on emotional patterns and symptom presentationWhy meditation is the #1 practice for improving health and awarenessReconnecting with our humanity in a high-tech world🧰 Resources & Mentions:Charm City Integrative Health – Dr. Tom’s clinic in Baltimore, MDThe Cupping Book by Dr. Tom IngegnoAltered Traits by Daniel Goleman & Richard Davidson – a science-based look at the effects of meditation🌿 Quotes to Remember:“Acupuncture is an expression of humanity.” – Dr. Tom Ingegno“We’re not trying to go backward, but we’re trying to reconnect with what it means to be human.” – Cody Cox“The goal isn’t always to remove the problem immediately—it’s to teach the body where health is and how to return to it.”🙋‍♀️ Who Should Listen:This episode is perfect for anyone curious about acupuncture, East Asian medicine, or natural ways to manage stress, anxiety, pain, and inflammation. It’s especially insightful for holistic practitioners, wellness seekers, and skeptics who want to understand the science behind ancient practices.Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights. Have questions or suggestions? Send Cody a message on Signal Messenger: cox.07Follow Cody on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ for more tips and conversations about holistic nutrition, mental health, and family wellness.To support Cody and the production of this podcast, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/codycox ⁠⁠⁠⁠To access clinical-grade (the highest quality) supplements and other health products, ⁠⁠⁠⁠visit my dispensary⁠⁠⁠⁠.Visit his website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠beavercreekwellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can read more about him and schedule sessions.