What exactly is Qi (pronounced “chee”)? In East Asian Medicine and bodywork traditions, Qi is often loosely translated as "energy"—but this single word doesn’t do justice to the depth and nuance of what Qi truly is.

Many of us have heard Qi described as “vital energy.” That’s a helpful start. But Qi is far more than just a mysterious force; it is the very foundation of life itself—present in every breath, every pulse, every movement within and everything that is alive around us.

From the Yang …

De Qi, Touching Qi, and the Spark of Healing in East Asian Bodywork

In East Asian medicine, there is a phenomenon known as de qi — pronounced somewhere between a "d" and a "t" sound, chi.
It refers to the spark, the moment when the practitioner connects with the body’s living energy, or qi, through touch or instrument.

To the trained practitioner, de qi can feel almost electrical — a tangible activation of the body’s internal movement of energy.
In many traditional styles of acupuncture and Ea…

Blood stasis is a central concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and one of the primary issues that gua sha aims to address.

But what exactly is blood stasis, and why is it so important to understand?

In TCM, blood stasis refers to the stagnation of blood in the body. It can result from various factors, including poor circulation, injury, or chronic stress. When blood stasis occurs, it can manifest as pain, swelling, or stiffness. Left unaddressed, it may lead to more significant health…

My Journey from Gua Sha Confusion to Mastery

When I was a student in 1999, our Gua Sha training lasted only three hours. The technique felt confusing and intimidating because it was never properly explained—neither the mechanism behind it nor how it could truly improve the health of our clients. To me, it seemed like an unnecessarily brutal way to stimulate a response, and I felt uncomfortable practicing it.

For years, I only applied Gua Sha therapy in limited cases, mainly for clients struggl…

Evidence-based research has become the gold standard in many healthcare practices—and for good reason. It provides a framework for validating treatments and ensuring safety. However, when it comes to hands-on techniques like Gua Sha therapy, the limitations of this approach become apparent.

The Limitations of Standardized Research in Gua Sha

Scientific studies are often conducted in controlled environments with strict protocols, which can overlook the individualized nature of Gua Sha treatment…

The Right Direction: Why Proper Gua Sha Technique Matters

Are you using Gua Sha correctly? One of the most overlooked aspects of this ancient healing technique is stroke direction—and it can make all the difference in your results. Traditional Gua Sha emphasizes scraping away from the heart to support lymphatic drainage, circulation, and detoxification. However, many modern scraping techniques fail to follow this principle, which can hinder the body's natural healing processes.

In this post, w…

The Ancient Art of Gua Sha: A Timeless Healing Practice

Gua Sha is more than just a skincare trend—it’s a powerful healing technique with deep roots in traditional East Asian medicine. For centuries, this ancient practice has been used to promote circulation, release tension, and restore balance in the body. But did you know that Gua Sha has also influenced modern therapeutic methods?

Gua Sha’s Influence on Modern Techniques

While Gua Sha is often associated with facial massage today, its imp…

Have you ever heard of Shoshin?

This Zen Buddhist concept, translating to “Beginner’s Mind,” is a way of approaching life with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. It means setting aside preconceived notions, even in areas where we feel like experts, and embracing each experience with fresh eyes.

Simple in theory, but in practice? It’s a challenge—especially when emotions run high, or when we strongly believe we already know the answer. Yet, like any worthwhile pursuit, Shoshin tak…