Join Bitter Cup
TCM practitioner, Jing Fang
Online consultations
We're looking for English-speaking practitioners who work from the classical formulas of the Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue, and who can explain that reasoning to a patient on a video call.
Your role
What you'll do
See patients over video
45-minute initial consultations on Zoom for Healthcare. Patients arrive with their body pattern results and intake form already filled in.
Reasoning from the classics
Differentiate by formula pattern (方证), choose a base formula, and adjust it to what the patient presents.
Explain it plainly
Tell the patient, in everyday English, which formula you're starting from and which of their symptoms point to it. Write it up in the visit note.
How we explain a case
This is the conversation we want you to have
Every visit should answer two questions for the patient: which classical formula are we using as a base, and which of your symptoms indicate it?
The patient says
"For two weeks I go hot, then cold, through the day. My mouth tastes bitter, I don't want to eat, and there's a tight, full feeling under my ribs."
The practitioner explains
Base formula: Xiao Chai Hu Tang 小柴胡汤
- Alternating fever and chills (往来寒热)
- Fullness and discomfort in the chest and flanks (胸胁苦满)
- No appetite, quiet and withdrawn (默默不欲饮食)
- Bitter taste in the mouth (口苦)
"These are the signs of a Shaoyang pattern. Think of it as the body stuck halfway: not fully fighting the illness off, not fully giving in to it. This formula helps it move through."
Who we're looking for
Experience
Licensed acupuncturist
An active license in at least one US state. California licensure is required to see our current patients.
Clinical experience
At least 3 years in independent practice, with herbal prescribing as a regular part of treatment.
Jing Fang training
Formal study of the Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue, and a practice built on formula-pattern (方证) differentiation.
Fluent English
Comfortable explaining TCM reasoning to patients with no background in it, without leaning on jargon.
Telehealth
Experience with, or readiness for, video consultations: reading the tongue and complexion on camera and taking a thorough history.
Clear notes
Writes visit notes that state the base formula, the indicating symptoms and any modifications.
Apply
Tell us about your practice
It takes about five minutes. We reply to every application within 5 business days.
Application sent. Taking you to the confirmation page…
Your application didn't send. Check your connection and try again, or email hello@bittercup.com.