Understanding the energy in your body is essential because it influences everything from your physical health to your emotional well-being. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this energy is called Qi (pronounced “chee”), and it is seen as the vital life force that flows through pathways known as meridians. When Qi flows freely, we feel balanced, calm, and strong. When it becomes blocked or depleted, we may experience illness, fatigue, or emotional distress.

Modern science is beginning to catch up with what ancient traditions have taught for thousands of years. Research into biofields, electromagnetic activity in cells, and the nervous system shows that our bodies are constantly generating and responding to subtle energy. Practices like acupuncture, Qigong, and energy medicine techniques tap into this system to restore balance. Even simple actions—like breathing deeply, tapping certain points, or moving with intention—can shift how energy flows and how the nervous system responds.

This is why learning to work with your body’s energies is so powerful. It can help reset the nervous system, ease anxiety and depression, release trauma, and cultivate inner peace. By understanding energy, we gain tools not only to heal ourselves but also to support others in their healing journeys.

Energy medicine is my latest nerd moment, and honestly, it has been amazing. I feel so good when I wake up every day. I’ve been taking a class with Donna Eden and her husband David Feinstein, and the practices they teach have given me a whole new appreciation for how simple movements and touch can shift the way I feel.

Donna Eden is a pioneer in energy medicine since the late 1970s, teaching people to work with their body’s energies for health and vitality. Her husband, David Feinstein, is a clinical psychologist who collaborates with her, co-authoring books like Energy Medicine and The Energies of Love. Together, they empower individuals with simple, accessible tools for self-healing, emotional balance, and deeper connection. Their work builds on traditions like TCM while making them approachable for everyday life.

 A Brief History of Chinese Medicine

To appreciate energy medicine today, it helps to look back at where it all began. Chinese medicine has roots going back thousands of years, emphasizing balance of energy (Qi) through practices like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and movement therapies.

• Origins: Evidence of Chinese medicine dates back over 3,000 years.

• Philosophy: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the concept of Qi (vital energy) and the balance of Yin and Yang. Illness is seen as an imbalance in these forces.

• Key Practices: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tai Chi, and Qigong.

• Global Influence: By the Tang dynasty, TCM spread across Asia. In modern times, it has become integrated into healthcare systems worldwide.

 Acceptance in the West

While TCM thrived in Asia for centuries, its journey into Western culture took time. For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese medicine was practiced mainly within immigrant communities in the U.S. and Europe. Mainstream acceptance began in the 1970s, when President Nixon’s visit to China brought acupuncture into public awareness. Since then, institutions like the Cleveland Clinic have incorporated Chinese herbal medicine into wellness programs, marking a watershed moment. In 2022, the World Health Organization officially included TCM diagnoses in its International Classification of Diseases, further legitimizing its role in global healthcare.

This growing acceptance paved the way for modern energy medicine practices, which blend ancient wisdom with contemporary psychology and neuroscience.

Step-by-Step Calming Routine

Building on this foundation, I’ve found that simple daily practices can make a profound difference. Here’s the calming routine I use, inspired by both TCM and energy medicine:

• Pericardium 6 (Neiguan): Pressing the inner wrist calms the heart and reduces anxiety.

• Kidney 1 (Yongquan): Massaging the sole of the foot grounds energy and restores vitality.

• Stomach 36 (Zusanli): Stimulating below the knee boosts energy and immunity.

• Governing Vessel 20 (Baihui): Tapping the crown of the head clears mental fog and uplifts mood.

• Triple Warmer Meridian: Tracing along the arm reduces stress and rebalances energy.

By moving through these points step by step, I feel both calm and energized, ready to face the day with clarity and strength.

 Energy Medicine for Mental Health

What makes these practices even more powerful is their impact on emotional well-being. Energy medicine is increasingly used to complement traditional therapies for depression, anxiety, and trauma. Techniques like acupressure, tapping (EFT), and Qigong help release stored trauma and rebalance the nervous system.

• Depression & Anxiety: Energy healing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin, which promotes calmness.

• Trauma: Eden Method practitioners teach tools to release energetic imprints of trauma, helping people feel safe and empowered.

• Inner Peace: Practices like Reiki, acupuncture, and Qigong foster relaxation, grounding, and resilience, creating a deep sense of inner calm.

 Important Notes

It’s important to remember that these techniques are complementary practices and not substitutes for medical care. Effects vary by individual, and they are best used alongside professional support. Always consult a qualified practitioner if you have health concerns.

 Closing Reflection

I’m always looking for new ways to help others heal, and energy medicine has opened up a whole new path for me. What excites me most is how these practices connect ancient wisdom from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern approaches to working with the body’s energies. Whether it’s calming anxiety, easing depression, releasing trauma, or simply resetting the nervous system, these techniques create space for inner peace and vitality.

There are so many complementary practices—acupuncture, Qigong, Reiki, tapping, meditation—that can facilitate deeper healing when combined with energy medicine. Each one offers a unique doorway into balance, resilience, and self-discovery. For me, the journey is about weaving these tools together, not only to support my own well-being but to share them with others who are searching for calm and renewal.

Healing is never one-size-fits-all, but when we learn to listen to our bodies and work with their energies, we discover that peace and vitality are always within reach.