Puzzle Exchange

Everyone in the room had a wearable. The 3 doctors on stage didn't.That gap is the whole conversation. This is the Executive Longevity Lab, the first in a new series from Puzzle Exchange. Cross discipline, clinician led, and a room small enough to actually think. 3 founders from 3 different practices sit down to pull apart what longevity has become in San Francisco, and what it actually takes.It opens with Dr. Deb leading Ba Duan Jin, a 900 year old qigong practice, and lands on the simplest advice in the room: move with people you like, try new things, and listen to your body.Chapters:0:00 A 900 year old warm up: Ba Duan Jin1:16 Meet the panel2:03 The wearable in the room: the data doesn't match how you feel3:05 Pain is information, not a verdict6:50 Why two of the doctors don't wear one10:30 A sleep score of 85 and still tired: what Chinese medicine reads11:20 Simple, sustainable, self directed: it has gotten very capitalistic13:45 Regenerative medicine and peptides: tools, not miracles16:02 Where the money should go: community, sidewalks, and food21:08 Hype vs tradition, and starting kids early30:00 The AI question: anxiety, self diagnosis, and a fragmented system36:10 Chinese medicine as the original holistic model46:56 Closing advice: move with friends, try new things, listen to your bodyThe panel:Dr. Deb Ma, licensed acupuncturist with 17 years in Beijing, now at Puzzle Acupuncture in Bernal Heights, San Francisco. https://puzzlesf.comDr. Lindsay Stephens, chiropractor and physical rehab specialist, co-founder of Motus. https://motusclinic.comDr. Veronica Jow, sports medicine physician and internist, founder of Avid Sports Medicine. https://avidsportsmed.comHosted by Jenny Chen, Puzzle Exchange. https://puzzleexchange.spaceMore from Dr. Deb on what Chinese medicine looks for instead of a score: https://puzzlesf.com/blog#Longevity #ChineseMedicine #Wellness #Wearables #Acupuncture #PuzzleExchange

I hosted a panel in SF with a therapist, a philosopher, and an engineer. Three takes that almost agreed, then sharply didn't.David Khalili (therapist): VCs are buying therapy session data. The pitch to therapists is free premium software in exchange for access to every client session.John Coyle (philosopher and engineer): "Every question of technology is a political question." Pushed back hard on the inevitability framing.Rayyan Zahid (engineer): Spent 10 billion tokens last month. Felt more relaxed than he had in a year and a half. His agents now teach other agents.The takeaway:The future isn't optimistic. Jobs will go. Governments will give the bare minimum to survive. We should not treat any of this as inevitable. That refusal is what makes us human.Recap with interactive takes: https://puzzleexchange.space/Subscribe to the calendar for the next one: luma.com/puzzleexchange.

00:00 Introduction00:35 Therapeutic Approaches in Gaming00:53 Understanding the Geek and Gamer Community02:58 The Role of Creativity in Therapy05:08 Challenges Faced by Gamers and Artists07:28 Parental Perspectives on Gaming09:40 The Impact of Gaming on Mental Health12:16 Building Relationships Through Gaming14:47 The Importance of Communication in Therapy17:07 Exploring the Game: Source of Dreams19:21 Therapeutic Role-Playing and Personal Growth21:24 The Five Resources for Overcoming Stresshttps://www.puzzlesf.com/https://www.hiddenquesttherapy.com/

Burnout doesn’t always look like collapsing. Sometimes it looks like pushing through… until you can’t.In this panel, 3 clinicians unpack what burnout actually is, why it can be hard to recognize in time, and what helps in real life.What we cover:How clinicians define burnout (and why it’s more than “stress”)Why burnout can feel sneaky—and the early warning signs people missThe “system” piece: how culture, work, and expectations shape burnout3 simple tools you can try today:PanelistsA clinician panel featuring a chiropractor/somatic practitioner, a homeopath, and a sex therapist. Moderate by a tech founder who's been through burnout. Kathleen Scheible — trauma-informed homeopath Dr. Kim Makoi, DC, PhD — mind-body chiropractor, NET expert, author David F. Khalili, LMFT — therapist, sexologist, founder of Rouse Relational WellnessModerated by Tingyi Chen from Puzzle Exchange Podcasthttps://www.puzzlesf.com/https://rousetherapy.com/https://www.bernalhomeopathy.com/https://www.drkimsf.com/

What if the reason your sciatica isn’t improving is simply that you’re doing the wrong exercises: too many, too soon, without knowing what helps? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ashley Mak, a physical therapist who specializes in sciatica pain.Dr Ashley breaks down his simple “test–retest” approach: try one movement, observe what changes, and double down on what reduces symptoms.Dr Ashley also shares how he built iFixer Sciatica to make education and recovery more accessible, including a library of 200–250 exercise videos. In this conversation, we cover:Why “more exercises” can make sciatica worse (and what to do instead) The test–retest framework for finding what your body responds to PT vs. acupuncture: different lenses, same goal—and how to integrate both How to return to activity without falling into the post-rehab “danger zone” Dr Ashley: https://ifixyoursciatica.com/Dr Deb: https://www.puzzlesf.com/

In this episode of Puzzle Exchange, we sit down with Caitlin Blair, a psychotherapist and founder of Tiny Cottage Therapy, to talk about the real (often invisible) weight of burnout, cultural identity, and the unique pressure many AAPI caregivers carry. In this conversation, we cover:Why AAPI caregiving expectations can be heavier, and how to set boundaries without collapsing into guilt How stress often shows up first as sleep + digestion issues (and why we ignore mental signs until the body forces our attention) Somatic tools for “always-on” urgency: mindful movement, walking, and simple bilateral stimulation exercises How to find a therapist (and why “vibe + trust” matters more than perfect credentials) Therapy stigma in Asian families—and the “good kid” mask that keeps us bottling everything up Caitlin Blair runs Tiny Cottage Therapy and specializes in anxiety, burnout, and cultural identity. She also facilitates an AAPI caregiver support group designed especially for adult children caring for aging parents. https://www.tinycottagetherapy.com/Dr Deb is an acupuncturist from Puzzle Acupuncture at Bernal Heights, SF. Her whole philosophy is gentle care that actually works. https://www.puzzlesf.com/

Guest: Belinda HanartHost: Dr Deb00:00 Opening Thoughts and Reflections04:42 First Experience with Acupuncture05:38 Understanding Acupuncture Techniques08:01 Exploring Emotional Connections to Physical Pain08:29 Transitioning from Corporate to Holistic Healing12:29 Reflexology and Body Awareness12:43 The Power of Acknowledgment14:42 Understanding Body Signals22:02 Crystals and Energy Protection25:03 The Vagus Nerve and Stress Response29:07 Reflexology as a Healing Tool35:50 Emotional Processing and Relationshipshttps://www.puzzlesf.com/blog/your-feet-tell-a-story-what-acupuncture-and-reflexology-actually-have-in-common

A candid conversation about cancer support, resources, and integrated medicine.This episode honors the complex, layered, and deeply human journey of cancer survival—from diagnosis through long-term recovery.In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked aspects of cancer recovery—the emotional, psychological, and identity shifts that happen during and after treatment. Our guest Elizabeth shares insights on:What You'll Learn:- How humor and truth help us process trauma and grief- Comprehensive cancer support resources (support groups, therapy, alternative medicine)- Why traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, herbal medicine) complements Western cancer treatment- Managing side effects: nausea, fatigue, and pain during chemotherapy- The crisis that comes AFTER treatment ends—identity reconstruction- Supporting partners and families navigating cancer's impact- Community, advocacy, and breaking the silence around cancerResources Mentioned:National Cancer FoundationUCSF Cancer Support GroupBay Area Cancer ConnectionsLocal hospital nurse navigatorsIntegrative medicine: acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapyCouple's therapy for partnersWriting groups for cancer survivorsFeatured Expert:Lizabeth Hamlin, therapist of 49 years Dr Deb Ma, acupuncturist of 17 years https://www.puzzlesf.com/blog/the-weight-of-silent-shame-with-breast-cancerhttps://www.lizbethhamlin.com/

Join Dr. Deb, a modern TCM doctor with 17 years of clinical experience, as she sits down with Dr. Cory Shank, a non-traditional chiropractor redefining what chiropractic care can be.In this episode, we explore the evolution of chiropractic and acupuncture, moving beyond traditional approaches into specialized techniques for infants, prenatal/postnatal care, and holistic healing. Learn how light-touch acupuncture and gentle adjustments can address birth-related misalignments, latching issues, and more.We also discuss the energetic side of healing, working with animals, and emotional release in treatment. But here's what makes this special: we did a cross-treatment exchange where acupuncture healed a chronic lower leg pain, and chiropractic care resolved hip impingement.Perfect for healthcare practitioners, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone curious about integrative medicine.Keywords: Acupuncture, Chiropractic, TCM, Postnatal Care, Infant Health, Holistic Healing, Alternative MedicineDr Cory: https://www.coryshank.com/Dr Deb: https://www.puzzlesf.com/

I just had this rare & honest chat with Dr. Kim Makoi that most practitioners avoid: death, grief, vulnerability, and the messy, magical human experience we're all navigating.In this episode of Puzzle Exchange Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kim Makoi, a chiropractor and Neuroemotional Technique (NET) specialist, to explore how our deepest emotional wounds show up physically—and how we can release them.https://www.puzzlesf.com/blog/i-learned-about-neuro-emotional-technique-(net)-love-death-emotions-puzzle-exchange-podcast-with-dr-kim-makoiMore about Dr Kim: https://drkimsf.com/More about me: https://www.puzzlesf.com/

Discover the connection between your mind, emotions, and fertility journey. In this episode, we explore how emotional blocks and childhood trauma can directly impact conception with Lucy Yaldezian, a hypnotherapist specializing in mind-body work for fertility.Host: Dr DebRead more: https://www.puzzlesf.com/blog/hypnotherapy-for-smoking-fears-fertility-eft-tapping-acupuncture-in-san-francisco

I know complaining about the insurance system is a cliché. To doctors, the medical insurance system is like a KPI system that goes too far. It sets incentives for "someone" to get paid instead of for fixing patients. Talking to Dr. Lindsay Stephens, founder of Motus Clinic, I discovered how she's able to work outside of the system while building a sustainable practice that actually works around solving real issues.Main Themes - The core problems with insurance systemsEconomics: Why Both Doctors and Patients Lose - Financial realities and the quality trade-offsHow Real Medicine Works: Collaboration and Time - What actually enables good patient outcomesBuilding a Better System: The Network Model - The solution and vision forward

Dr. Lailah Kara-Newton shares her journey from OBGYN residency to AI healthcare startup founder, tackling patient communication challenges.

Two medical practitioners examine the intersection of traditional healing modalities and modern healthcare challenges. Debbie, a TCM doctor trained in Beijing for 17 yrs, and Kathleen Scheible, a former semiconductor engineer turned homeopath, discuss their clinical approaches and patient care philosophies.

Walking through San Francisco's Chinatown feels like stepping into a time capsule taking you 30 years back in time. The SF Chinatown become an outdated, even embarrassing representation of modern China.The same problem exists with Traditional Chinese Medicine in America: with only a 3-year master's degree required to practice, the quality of care is significantly lower than what you'd receive in China, practitioners earn less, and public awareness is minimal.Dr Deb joined by Rita Chen discuss their experience of practicing TCM in the US.Americans deserve access to authentic, high-quality TCM and proper education about its benefits—but changing the system and educating patients is an uphill battle. Walking through San Francisco's Chinatown feels like stepping into a time capsule taking you 30 years back in time. The SF Chinatown become an outdated, even embarrassing representation of modern China.The same problem exists with Traditional Chinese Medicine in America: with only a 3-year master's degree required to practice, the quality of care is significantly lower than what you'd receive in China, practitioners earn less, and public awareness is minimal.Dr Deb joined by Rita Chen discuss their experience of practicing TCM in the US.Americans deserve access to authentic, high-quality TCM and proper education about its benefits—but changing the system and educating patients is an uphill battle.