Chinese Medicine Theory for Medical Qigong
The depth and structure essential to authentic Qigong practice
August 6 - September 24
Time-tested knowledge to deepen your Qigong practice, and the discernment to apply it well.
Revealing how & why your practice truly works
Filling in the “gaps” that most Qigong training leaves out
Grounding your experience in Chinese Medicine’s structured principles
Recognizing patterns — and demystifying deviations
Practicing with the authority that real knowledge gives you
Time-tested knowledge to deepen your Qigong practice, and the discernment to apply it well.
Revealing how & why your practice truly works
Filling in the “gaps” that most Qigong training leaves out
Grounding your experience in Chinese Medicine’s structured principles
Recognizing patterns — and demystifying deviations
Practicing with the authority that real knowledge gives you
Course Details At A Glance:
-
This is essential knowledge for anyone studying Chinese Medicine — particularly for students of Qigong.
Much of the practical theory and essential knowledge that makes Chinese Medicine so remarkable is missing from most Qigong educational programs — often without students realizing it.
TCM and Qigong draw from the same theoretical root, but how each has been taught has diverged sharply — particularly in the West.
TCM has been divested of the arcane and esoteric, and conversely much Qigong has been denuded of its grounding in logic and theory.
As a Qigong student, understanding the theory underlying your practice makes it whole — and will take it deeper than you knew possible.
This is a beginning theory course designed for both students of Qigong and Medical Qigong practice. If you are unfamiliar with the concepts of Chinese Medicine and/or Qigong, feel free to reach out and ask if this course is appropriate for you.
This course is a required part of the MQP program here at Red Thread and meets or exceeds requirements for most other programs.
-
2026 TCM Theory Tuition: $899*
Live Online Training:
Thursdays 9am - 12pm MDT**
August 6 - September 24
Live sessions:
8/6
8/13
8/20
9/10
9/17
9/24
*Tuition includes instruction, direct access to Master Instructor, access to online student account and support materials.
***MDT is UTC -06:00, MST is UTC -07:00
-
Complete Foundations of TCM Theory—Certificate upon completion.
Everything you need—Reading, notes, and regular learning assessments.
Detailed Progressive Training—Walking you step by step through the material.
Didactic, Exploratory, and Interactive Learning—Designed for all learning styles.
In-Depth Case Studies—Giving you real world experience and training.
Direct Access to Our Master Instructor—Receive personal instruction and guidance.
Link this to section:
Complex Chinese Medicine Theory Made Accessible
Qigong practitioners embrace the empirical and the esoteric. TCM values the theoretical and the objective
This course bridges that gap:
Learn the Theory That Is Essential to Medical Qigong
Taught in a way that’s easy to understand and inspires confidence in your practice.
Learn the Theory That Is Essential to Medical Qigong
Taught in a way that’s easy to understand and inspires confidence in your practice.
Why Understanding Chinese Medicine Theory Matters
Channels, Qi, the Five Elements, and the cycles that govern them are as foundational to Qigong as they are to Chinese Medicine.
Unfortunately, much of the practical theory and knowledge that makes Chinese Medicine so remarkable is missing from most modern Qigong training — often without practitioners realizing it.
Why lacking the theory behind your practice is a problem:
Theory without application is rarely embodied.
Uninformed practice will always be limited in scope and depth (and can even be counterproductive or dangerous).
One without the other is only a partial education.
Like two sides of a coin — both are necessary for a practice with true depth.
Practice Qigong with a more complete picture of energetic Chinese Medicine:
A True Source Is Available To You
-
Medical Qigong & Chinese Medicine Expertise
An international teacher of Medical Qigong, Chinese Medicine Theory, and Daoism, Dr. Sweeney's background bridges formal Chinese medical education, private clinical practice, and classical Qigong training—a rare combination in contemporary Qigong instruction.
This depth allows Medical Qigong to be taught as a clinically informed discipline with clear principles, boundaries, and applications.
East Asian Medicine licensure, formal degrees, and certifications:
Doctor of Medical Qigong (DMQ) 医生气功, People’s Republic of China
Doctor of Medical Qigong (DMQ) Certification, International Institute of Medical Qigong, USA
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) 中医医生, People’s Republic of China
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) Degree, Five Branches University, USA
Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM) Degree, Five Branches University, USA
Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, & Biomedicine), National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM), USA
Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) California, USA; (LAc) Colorado, USA
Certified Asian Bodywork Practitioner, Five Branches University, USA
Clinical & Western Medicine Background
Alongside his classical Chinese medical training, Dr. Sweeney applies a practical, rational approach grounded in modern biomedical science. His Western medical clinical education includes extensive formal study of:
Human anatomy & physiology
Organic chemistry & biochemistry
Microbiology
Orthopedics
Pharmacology
Western medical examination & assessment
Nutrition & dietetics
Become fluent in the theory behind your practice through direct guidance from a Medical Qigong master instructor, licensed practitioner, and Doctor of Chinese Medicine.
Practice Qigong with a more complete picture of energetic Chinese Medicine:
A True Source Is Available To You
-
Medical Qigong & Chinese Medicine Expertise
An international teacher of Medical Qigong, Chinese Medicine Theory, and Daoism, Dr. Sweeney's background bridges formal Chinese medical education, private clinical practice, and classical Qigong training—a rare combination in contemporary Qigong instruction.
This depth allows Medical Qigong to be taught as a clinically informed discipline with clear principles, boundaries, and applications.
East Asian Medicine licensure, formal degrees, and certifications:
Doctor of Medical Qigong (DMQ) 医生气功, People’s Republic of China
Doctor of Medical Qigong (DMQ) Certification, International Institute of Medical Qigong, USA
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) 中医医生, People’s Republic of China
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) Degree, Five Branches University, USA
Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM) Degree, Five Branches University, USA
Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, & Biomedicine), National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM), USA
Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) California, USA; (LAc) Colorado, USA
Certified Asian Bodywork Practitioner, Five Branches University, USA
Clinical & Western Medicine Background
Alongside his classical Chinese medical training, Dr. Sweeney applies a practical, rational approach grounded in modern biomedical science. His Western medical clinical education includes extensive formal study of:
Human anatomy & physiology
Organic chemistry & biochemistry
Microbiology
Orthopedics
Pharmacology
Western medical examination & assessment
Nutrition & dietetics
Become fluent in the theory behind your practice through direct guidance from a Medical Qigong master instructor, licensed practitioner, and Doctor of Chinese Medicine.
“The level of expertise and knowledge is amazing...You can’t get this anywhere else!”
“I really enjoyed this class...The curriculum is just what I needed to round out my Qigong practice.”
Everything you need for success is included.
The essentials you need to deepen your Qigong practice and understanding: All in one place — easy, accessible, and immediately applicable.
Everything you need for success is included
The essentials you need to deepen your Qigong practice and understanding. All in one place — easy, accessible, and immediately applicable.
You’ll receive combined live online instruction, texts, notes, case studies, direct mentorship, and expert resources:
-
Six weeks of live video presentations with Dr. Sweeney. Live class means you can ask questions in real time — and each session includes an optional Q&A afterward for anything you didn't get to ask.
Miss a session? Each class will be recorded — review whenever you want.
-
Curated reading from the source texts used in Chinese Medicine university curricula is included.
No need to buy a dozen textbooks.
The most relevant selections from the field’s preeminent scholars are available in your online student portal.
-
Not a voracious reader? Find academic texts dry? Or find it difficult to take notes while listening during classes?
It’s been done for you.
Dr. Sweeney has synthesized the entire course reading into a comprehensive, 170-page course companion book.
This includes everything that you need:
Core concepts
Strategic breakdowns by topic
Reference charts, diagrams, and checklists
Channel illustrations
And more…
All formatted in a searchable PDF that is yours to download and keep forever.
-
Comprehensive foundational Chinese Medicine theory:
Historical significance and cosmology, yin-yang theory, wuxing 五行 (Five Elements), channel theory, vital substances, zang-fu 脏腑 (viscera and bowels), and causes and patterns of disease.
As well as principles of pattern identification (TCM Diagnosis).
All presented with clear, structured live lectures, reviews, readings, notes, Q&A, and direct access to a master instructor.
-
Course video lectures are recorded and archived in your online student portal. Watch again, review, and continue learning beyond the classroom.
-
Downloadable files (yours to keep) to help you learn, review, and use for future reference.
This includes selections of lecture slides and reference guides.
-
Real-world case studies that you can use to implement what you are learning.
Scaffolded in complexity to grow with you as your knowledge deepens — building confidence as you go.
-
Each topical section of the course includes a quiz — providing a fun (yes, really!) way to reinforce what you've learned and keep you on track.
We're with you every step of the way — guiding you and pushing you further, because that's how lasting growth happens.
-
You’ll have direct access to the instructor in and outside of class.
Dr. Sweeney is committed to making sure questions get answered and that you, as a student, succeed.
-
You will be awarded a certificate upon completion of the course, which includes a final comprehensive quiz.
This certificate has been used to meet (or exceed!) the requirements of other Medical Qigong trainings.
Why don’t other programs teach the theory? Good question.
“Practical, informed theory with great cross-referencing in application to Qigong... Well worth the time and money.”
“This is an energetic incorporation of TCM that goes far beyond intellectual understanding—it is fantastic!”
How The Course Is Structured (what to expect & when)
Designed with you — and the best use of your time — in mind
Live Instruction & Guidance
Learn and ask questions in real time
Six live-sessions: Aug 6, 13, 20 and Sept 10, 17, 24
9am -12pm MDT
plus an optional Q&A immediately after.
Individual Mentorship & Support
Direct access to the instructor
Your experiences and questions, addressed by an expert
Structured Reading, Exercises, & Notes
Curated for ease: Only what you need right now
Classical and modern sources, selected for relevance
Community & Connection
Built-in, course-specific group forum
Get support and connect with a like-minded community
Learning With Accountability
Weekly quizzes to keep you on target
Final exam and certificate of completion
Full Access To Everything
Everything you need in one place
Comprehensive resources, yours to keep forever
The Medicine Within Your Practice — Made Easy.
Step-by-step guidance from an expert who understands how to help you put the theory into practice.
Extras Also Included For You:
An RTI student discount at Redwing Books online—for all your Chinese Medicine, Qigong, and Daoist reading needs
Built-in access to the course community forum
Dr. Sweeney’s notes: The entire course reading synthesized into a comprehensive, 170-page course companion book.
All downloads and resources are yours to keep
Course access through January 1, 2027
“This course will be valuable for any student of Qigong. Certain to enrich your practice.”
“I now feel more confident about identifying and understanding energetic patterns at a much deeper level.”
Try It, Risk-Free
Show up for the first session and see for yourself.
If it's not the right fit, we'll refund your tuition.*
-
Refund of tuition, less a $150 administrative fee
You must notify us in writing by email by 6:00pm MT on August 6, the date of the first session
Refunds are returned to the original payment method and may take 6–10 business days to appear on your account
Access to course materials, downloads, and the student portal will be revoked immediately upon withdrawal
This guarantee applies to any first-time enrollee
“The wealth of information provided in this class will accelerate one’s understanding of Chinese Medicine and healing in general.”
“Understanding the theory is vital to effective Qigong... this course has been incredibly helpful in bridging the gaps.”
FAQ
-
Through January 1, 2027. Your course companion book, study guides, and all downloadable resources are yours to keep forever.
-
Six live Online sessions: August 6, 13, and 20, and September 10, 17, and 24.
Each class runs 9am–12pm MDT, with an optional Q&A immediately following.
-
$899. This includes live instruction, all course materials, mentorship access, and your certificate of completion.
-
Every class is recorded and added to your student portal, so you can review it on your own schedule. Live attendance lets you ask questions in real time, but missing a session — or all of them — won't leave you without the material.
-
Dr. Sweeney's 170-page course companion book, study guides, and reference resources — all downloadable and yours to keep forever.
-
No. This is a beginning theory course, designed for anyone new to these concepts. If you're unsure whether it's the right starting point for you, feel free to reach out and ask.
-
Students of Qigong and Medical Qigong, at any level — including those with no prior background in Chinese Medicine theory. It's required for our MQP program, but open to anyone interested in the material.
-
This course is a required part of the MQP program here at Red Thread, and meets or exceeds the theory requirements of most other Medical Qigong programs. If you're unsure whether it satisfies a specific program's requirements, we recommend confirming with that program directly.
-
Just Zoom and a stable internet connection. No special software or equipment required.
-
We offer a risk-free guarantee:
Attend the first session, and if it's not right for you, we'll refund your tuition. See full guarantee details above for terms.
Practice Qigong With Depth & Knowledge
Experience the confidence and results that come with understanding how and why your practice works!