Show Notes
In this shoptalk on self-cultivation, Chris Shelton his perspective on the world of Qigong and its profound healing powers. Leaning on his experience of having Qigong profoundly change his life, he shares his practice that unites movement, breath, and mind-focus to harness the body's innate ability to heal. Chris explains how Qigong promotes the harmonious flow of qi, and addresses imbalances and blockages that lead to physical and emotional ailments. He highlights its transformative effect on stress reduction, chronic pain relief, and emotional well-being, making it indispensable for modern-day living. Chris showcases remarkable healing stories achieved through consistent Qigong practice. From alleviating anxiety and depression to supporting chronic illness recovery, the evidence speaks for itself about Qigong's profound effects. Additionally, Chris shares how the LAPD and other law enforcement agencies are using these ancient practices in their work. Explore Qigong's transformative capability by joining Chris for the Holistic Healthcare Provider Masterclass, which will give you tools to prevent burnout and grow your practice, (CA Acupuncture CEUs available), August 1-4. Go to qigongteachertraining.com to register today.
More from Qiological Shoptalk
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Genital lichen sclerosus can take away comfort, intimacy, and quality of life, leaving patients searching for lasting relief. In this episode, we sit down with Juliette Aiyana, holistic dermatology practitioner and Chinese medicine specialist, to explore treating this challenging condition through herbal medicine. We discuss pattern differentiation, tissue repair, inflammation, and the importance of individualized treatment, alongside practical ways to protect sensitive skin. Healing requires careful observation, patience, and integrated care—helping patients find comfort, restore function, and work toward lasting improvement.
Diagnosis in Dong style acupuncture rarely comes from what the patient says. It comes from what the hands find first. In this conversation, We sit down with Sean Goodman — acupuncturist and longtime student of Dong style acupuncture — to explore how this tradition treats atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions. We discuss how palm diagnosis reads the five zang organs through discoloration and subtle shifts in tissue, why Dong style needling often works a whole area in groups of three points, and how a real case combined heart-related points with the Sima combination to clear dermatitis on the neck and arms. We also touch on the "cooling the mountain" technique, when to needle bilaterally versus unilaterally, and why Sean tries to read the body before letting his mind explain what he's finding.
Topical steroids can suppress the skin for years, then withdrawal leaves it unable to find a stable state at all. In this episode, we sit down with Mazin Al-Khafaji, doctor of Chinese medicine and co-author of a manual of acupuncture points, to explore treating TSW through Chinese medicine. We unpack what potent steroids do to the skin barrier and microbiome, the three phases of treatment, and why rushing to heavy tonics can reignite the fire you just put out. Healing skin that's been stripped of its own defenses isn't a quick fix, it's a slow rebuild that asks for patience from both practitioner and patient.
Every practitioner develops a feel for the body that goes beyond what any single test can tell you. For Brian Lau, that feel comes from decades of manual work woven directly into his acupuncture practice. In this conversation, we sit down with Brian Lau and his student Grant Rettison to explore myofascial release in sports medicine acupuncture practice. We discuss how Brian's background in qigong, tai chi, and structural integration shaped his approach, why he keeps the language of the channel sinews central to his manual therapy, and how palpation itself becomes a form of diagnosis. Brian demonstrates live on the knee and forearm, showing how tissue that pulls, resists, or lacks pliability can guide both point selection and pattern differentiation. We also explore the fascia as a fabric, the "canoeing" analogy for finding the right direction of treatment, and why unwinding restricted tissue helps restore the gliding surfaces that support movement and healing.