Code of Ethics for Medical Qigong Practitioners

Written by Raymond Bourret and Bernard Shannon

Preamble

In an ideal world a code of ethics is completely unneeded, as every person would be full alignment with Heaven, Earth, and Divine; live in harmony with nature; and act with Virtue towards all.

As we work our way toward this ideal, meandering as we will, this Code serves as an internal compass, guiding Medical Qigong practitioners in their art. Inspired by the oath of Sun Simao (circa 652 A.D.), who was a Daoist adept, physician and scholar.

Medical Qigong is energetic healing modality based upon a differential diagnostic rooted in Chinese medical theory, guiding healing through both inner and outer transformation,

A Medical Qigong practitioner is both a facilitator of healing and a cultivationist who is engaged in a lifelong journey of transformation and awakening.

Sun Si Miao

When people lose sight of the Dao, codes of morality and justice are created.
Dao de jing, 18

Respect and Dignity of the Individual

The Medical Qigong practitioner welcomes each client without judgment or discrimination, offering attentive listening, and compassionate care. They respect the personal journey of each client and recognize that illness and discomfort are often part of a larger process of personal transformation. 

A practitioner shall respect the client’s free will in their choices, journey, and beliefs, fostering an interaction conducive to growth and healing. The practitioner will obtain informed consent before beginning any therapeutic intervention. As part of the discussion (or written material) the practitioner will include the format of treatment, expected number of treatments, any requirement of activities outside of the treatments, and potential adverse experiences as part of the healing process.

Confidentiality and Integrity in the Therapeutic Relationship

A practitioner embodies honesty, integrity, humility, and transparency in all aspects of their practice.

The practitioner shall comply with all laws and regulations within the jurisdiction of their practice, including but not limited to upholding absolute confidentiality regarding all personal information entrusted to them.

In addition, they will provide clear truthful information about the expected outcomes, potential benefits, and limitations of Medical Qigong.

Commitment to the Best Good 

The practitioner is committed to practicing with great care, discernment, and responsibility. They shall never intentionally or through ego recklessly harm a client. 

Recognizing that healing is a multidimensional process, the practitioner understands and informs the client that the circulation of Qi may sometimes provoke energetic releases which may manifest as physical sensations, emotions, and memories. When a client experiences these, the practitioner remains present and attentive. They respect the client’s ability to integrate these changes and acknowledge the work it may to take to fully transform trauma and pain. To catalyze this, practitioners may offer self-care exercises, encourage seeking community, or refer to other qualified specialists to ensure holistic support and the best possible care for their clients.

Knowledge, Expertise, and Reflective Practice

Practitioners are deeply aware that true mastery in Medical Qigong emerges from a lifelong journey of learning, self-cultivation, and refinement—where the evolution of the self and the depth of therapeutic presence are inseparably intertwined.

Cultivating a reflective demeanor, they understand that their inner state, intentions, and presence shape the quality of the healing space they hold. To transcend limiting patterns and unconscious biases, they curate a life of diligence in growth and transformation.

Receptive to feedback from their clients and peers, they self-assess and adjust their approaches as necessary to ensure relevant, respectful, and effective care.

The Dao is so empty

those who use it
never become full again
it dulls our edges
unties our tangles
softens our light
and merges our dust
it's so clear
as if it were present

 DAO DE JING, 4