One thing I didn’t expect when I started studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was just how much the work is about energy–not just diagnosing and needling–but feeling, sharing and protecting it. Being in the treatment room isn’t just about what we do with our hands; it’s about how we show up energetically.
Projecting our energy as healers.
Protecting our energy starts before we even see a patient. It could be as simple as taking a deep breath, doing a quick grounding visualization, or reminding ourselves to stay centered no matter what comes up. Some people imagine roots growing from their feet or a soft shield around them. It might sound a little out there, but it really helps keep us balanced and stops us from taking on too much of someone else’s stress or pain.
Receiving energy is more about being present and listening deeply. As students, it’s so easy to get stuck in our heads by worrying about point location, needling technique or remembering the right pattern. But real connection happens when we slow down and really pay attention: to what the patient says, how they look, and how their Qi feels under our hands.
Grounded in calmness.
Giving energy doesn’t mean draining ourselves dry. It’s more about letting the calm, grounded Qi we’ve cultivated flow into the treatment. Whether we’re needling, talking, or even just holding space, our intention and presence matter. The more we take care of our own health and keep our energy (Qi) strong, the more we can genuinely offer to others.
As students of TCM, part of our lifelong practice is refining this cycle of protecting, receiving and giving. It is not a fixed skill, but an evolving art that deepens with each patient encounter. By nurturing our own Qi and respecting the energetic exchange, we not only become better practitioners, but we become healthier, more grounded human beings.
Learn more about Carly’s Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine student journey.
