Medical qigong is a modality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Qigong is a way of affecting and directing the body's qi for various kinds of benefit. Rather than using needles, herbs, or massage, medical qigong relies on the ability to direct qi with the mind, the hands, but without necessarily touching the body.

Like its better known counterparts acupuncture and herbal medicine, medical qigong requires thorough knowledge of TCM scientific theory in order to be used skillfully. To develop skill with medical qigong, a practitioner needs to be highly disciplined, with a very focused mind similar to that of a well-seasoned meditator. To practice medicine as subtle as medical qigong, a practitioner must be highly perceptive in order to make the most accurate diagnosis as well as impart the proper treatment.

Medical qigong is well suited for very sensitive people, children, and people in frail health, but can be beneficial for everyone. Medical qigong involves working directly and subtly with a person's qi in ways that are not invasive, and can be used to treat many subtle and spiritual conditions that cannot be treated with acupuncture, massage, or herbology.

A trigger point occurs when a nerve begins to fire erratically due to stress or over use. The different groups of muscle fibers simultaneously attempt to contract and relax resulting in a specific band of tension or a 'knot'. Knots cause localized muscular tension and restricted range of motion. Pain is often referred to another area of the body. For example, trigger points in the shoulder and neck muscles can precipitate a migraine. Trigger point therapy (acupressure) consists of applying firm, steady pressure to the knot, which resets the nerve signal, and allows the knot to release.

Thai massage is performed with the client dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. Unlike deep tissue massage, oils or lotions are not used. Manual pressure, compression and stretching are used to increase circulation and flexibility. Thai massage is great for lengthening muscles that have become tight or cramped whether from overexertion or from sitting too long in the same position.

This is a wonderful treatment for any mother-to-be. In this session, I specifically address sciatica and low back pain. I was trained in pre-natal massage by a licensed nurse practicioner (at the Atlanta School of Massage) who specialized in pre-natal care. I will work with my client in right and left side posture for half of the session and supine (face-up) for the other half.

Reiki is a form of therapy that uses simple visualization techniques with the goal of improving the flow of life energy in a person. Reiki (pronounced ray-key) means "universal life energy" in Japanese. Reiki practitioners are trained to detect and alleviate blockages of energy flow. This modality is used to achieve similar effects as traditional massage therapy, such as reducing stress, stimulating the immune system, and increasing circulation.