Unpacking: Chinese Medicine and the Role of Qi in Healing

What if pain relief isn’t only about fixing tissue, but also about restoring flow, energy, attention, and trust in your body?Acupuncture, Qigong, and physical therapy experts explore how Chinese medicine approaches chronic pain. Learn how qi is described in Chinese medicine, why “stuck” energy is often framed as a source of pain, and how practices like acupuncture and qigong aim to support healing by improving circulation, regulation, and resilience.The conversation also covers practical takeaways: how qigong can be adapted for different abilities, why consistency matters more than a quick fix, and how community and the patient–practitioner relationship can influence outcomes.Whether you’re new to Chinese medicine or looking for complementary tools alongside Western care, this interview offers a clear, grounded look at how people use these methods to manage chronic pain over the long term.Guest: Kirstin Lindquist, Business Owner, Acupuncturist & Intuitive TrainerKirsten is a licensed acupuncturist (California Acupuncture License #4661) and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine with more than 30 years of experience helping people remove old patterns and reconnect with their true nature. Through acupuncture, qigong, and the teaching of intuition and personal energy management, she guides patients toward lasting health and personal transformation. Kirstin practices relational medicine, bringing deep presence and compassion to every patient interaction. She holds a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences and a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Stanford University. Today, she specializes in helping patients address metabolic health challenges - including high blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, and other cardiometabolic risk factors - using evidence-informed, natural approaches.Energy Matters, WebsiteEnergy Matters, YouTubeGuest: Gail Whang, Teacher of Dayan "Wild Goose"​ QigongGail is a certified Dayan Qigong instructor and former educator who spent 30 years teaching in the Oakland Unified School District. After retiring, she discovered qigong—a practice that transformed her from a lifelong multitasker into a more mindful, balanced, and present person. Inspired by its profound impact on her health and well-being, Gail completed a year-long teacher training program at the Wen Wu School to become a certified instructor. Today, she is passionate about helping others experience the physical, emotional, and energetic benefits of qigong, empowering them to cultivate resilience, self-healing, and a more positive approach to everyday life.Gail Whang, YouTube9-week Beginner Qigong Online ClassLinks to interesting things from this episode:“The Intriguing Health Benefits of Qigong” The Wall Street Journal“Qigong and Tai-Chi for Mood Regulation” “The Treatment of Depressed Chinese Americans Using Qigong in a Health Care Setting: A Pilot Study”