Program Host: Vicki Dello Joio
January 8, 2026
8:30 – 9:30 PM Eastern
There is a lot of confusion, fear, and stories about people suffering from an “energetic nightmare” caused by qigong or yogic practice gone awry. I had a dramatic kundalini awakening myself, so I know this terrain from the inside and the outside.
“Qi deviation" is a concept that describes an imbalance or disruption of the body's energy flow, called qi. It can lead to psychotic symptoms while, in reality, it's associated with physical and psychological issues like pain, fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety resulting from incorrect meditation or cultivation practices. Treating the condition can involve a combination of methods, such as returning to correct physical exercises, herbal remedies, and acupuncture.
Over the years in my private qigong therapy practice, I have helped people with Qi Deviation. When this information appeared online, I became busier than I would have liked.
During my time on Qi Talks, I will share my knowledge gained over many decades, and examine the diverse medical, cultural, and spiritual factors involved.
For decades, Michael Winn has been teaching subtle energy methods internationally, from tantric kundalini and kriya yoga to tai chi, qigong, and inner alchemy meditation. He has studied with top spiritual teachers from many different traditions. Michael is a prolific writer on decoding and making esoteric Taoism accessible for Westerners.
• An NQA founder, Vice President (1997) and two-term President (1998-1999). Founded the NQA Advisory Council in 2008 where he remains active.
• Writer/editor of Mantak Chia’s first 7 books. Best known as co-author of the revolutionary Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy, and editor of Healing Love: Cultivating Female Sexual Energy. Author of several books and many qigong articles.
• Founder and Director of Healing Tao USA and the Healing Tao University summer retreat programs in Asheville.
• Creator of 10 home study courses on Qigong and Taoist Inner Alchemy that integrate high level medical-spiritual qigong and inner alchemy meditation. It’s a progressive training of Loving Energy Science that gives practical methods for achieving what Lao Tzu called “Return to Origin” (= “source” in New Age speak).
• On the editorial board of the Journal of Daoist Studies. Has presented papers at numerous international conferences of Taoist scholars.
• He is also on the boards of cutting-edge green tech and cyber-security companies and raises funding for projects focused on human longevity and self-empowerment.
