The Art of Adapting

The COVID-19 pandemic forced healthcare practitioners to master "the art of adapting," and this article showcases how the acupuncture and bodywork community creatively integrated new practices while reaffirming the value of in-person connection. Remote teaching of qi gong and shiatsu theory flourished, with instructors finding innovative ways to stimulate group qi and embody energetic principles through self-healing practices even on Zoom. Many continue to offer community qi gong classes and detox sessions, proving invaluable for seniors and those impacted by isolation.While virtual consultations for herbal medicine proved useful, practitioners like Janet Cook quickly returned to in-person care for accurate pulse readings. Others, like Victor Manuel, enhanced clinic ventilation for safety, a practice still used for allergy concerns. Steve Rogne found virtual tours and online student recruitment highly appealing, even facilitating advanced clinical studies programs for international students remotely. Though some, like a recent graduate, found online learning isolating, the experience spurred innovation in teaching qi through mindfulness, body scans, and simple hand movements, blending ancient history with modern neuroscience. This collective resilience demonstrates the profession's adaptability and commitment to patient well-being through any crisis.