Chinese energetics

Chinese energetics is one of the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), alongside acupuncture, pharmacopoeia and dietetics. It includes tuina (energy massage), qi gong (movement and breath), and the balancing of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).

Qi (vital energy) flows via 12 meridians. Imbalance of Qi, yin-yang or the five elements is considered the underlying cause of disorders. The energy practitioner restores flow through touch (tuina), movement (qi gong), breath and sometimes diet.

Tuina lasts 60 to 90 minutes: clothed energy massage on the meridians, sometimes with cupping or moxibustion. Qi gong is practiced in group or individual classes: slow movements, breath, intention. A prior energy assessment identifies your dominant imbalance.

Energy fatigue, chronic pain, digestive disorders, sleep disorders, stress, immune support, perimenopause support, emotional disorders (anger, fear, sadness according to the 5 elements).

Qi gong is the subject of growing clinical studies: beneficial effects on balance in seniors, fibromyalgia, anxiety, quality of life in oncology. Tuina is less studied in the West but well integrated in Chinese hospitals.

Verify the training (ideally several years in TCM). Typical fees: $70 to $110 per session. Group qi gong classes cost $15 to $25 per session.