National Qigong (Chi Kung) Association USA :: NQA :: pain relief :: Tai Chi T'ai Chi

2008 Conference Info

The theme of the 2008 Conference is Qigong: Embracing Healthy Change. The conference is scheduled for August 8-10, 2008. It will be held at the Pearlstone Center, in Reistertown near Baltimore, Maryland. Visit their site at www.pearlstonecenter.org.

2007 Slide Show
See photos from the 2007 Conference

Dowload: Presenters' Bios | Workshop Descriptions | Schedule

Pearlstone is set in a clearing among beautiful walking trails along two streams and a nearby lake—a perfect, distraction-free atmosphere to meet, to learn and to get away from the daily pressures of life. There are several lounges scattered throughout the lodge and meeting house where you can slip away for some quiet time.
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Keynote Kevin Chen
Kevin W Chen, Ph.D. MPH. is an associate professor in the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Educated in both Chinese and American universities, Dr. Chen is an NIH-funded investigator conducting survey research on substance abuse, and clinical studies investigating the efficacy of Chinese energy therapy for treating osteoarthritis and addiction. With intensive training in research methodology and statistics, Dr. Chen has had much experience in designing and implementing various research projects, including clinical trials, and has long been interested in the scientific study of qigong and its medical applications.

As a certified instructor of medical qigong and a Ph.D. in research psychology, Dr. Chen is among the few scientists who have both knowledge of qigong and active involvement in qigong research in the U.S. His research includes both verification of qi energy through laboratory detectors, and medical application of qigong therapy in clinical settings. He has been involved in clinical trials to examine the efficacy of qigong therapy in treating heroin and cocaine addiction, as well as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer and chronic pain. Dr. Chen is the Director of Research for the Qigong Institute.

Introductory Keynote by Thea Elijah
Thea Elijah has been a student of Chinese energetic medicine, including acupuncture, herbs and Qi Gong for over 20 years.

Thea is the former Director of the Chinese Herbal Studies Program at TAI Sophia Institute and at the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture. She is also a Master Teacher of the Shadhuliyyah Sufi Order, and a teaching assistant at the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism. Her primary focus is the underlying principles of energy medicine in a cross-cultural context, with a particular emphasis on heart-centered healing. She currently teaches Chinese medicine, Sufi healing, and Medicine Without Form across the United States, and especially in Southern Vermont, where she lives with her family.

2009 Conference Info

Asilomar Conference Center on the Monterey Peninsula in California has been selected for the June 25-28, 2009, NQA conference. More information will be furnished later.