Predrag Vlatkovic | MysticMag Content Editor and Coordinator
In this MysticMag interview of Dr. Roger Jahnke, you’ll explore his profound journey into Tai Chi and Qigong, and how a personal tragedy shaped his career in holistic medicine. Dr. Jahnke shares his wisdom on the transformative power of these ancient practices and their potential to improve health and well-being. Learn more in this exclusive interview!
How did you get into Tai Chi and Qigong? And what drew you to this line of work? If you can even call it work?
When I was 10, my father died of leukemia at the age of 39. I think that was probably the most profound spark. Not very long after this happened, I began to say that I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. That traumatic event left a deep imprint on my life. As a result, I pursued premedical studies, but I soon realized it wasn’t what I had envisioned. The focus was almost entirely on technology and pharmaceuticals, with little emphasis on health or optimizing well-being—things that truly mattered to me.
When I asked about preventive medicine, the response was: “We diagnose and treat diseases. If you want to understand health, go elsewhere.” This led me to explore other fields, including world literature, where I encountered the wisdom of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching.
In Chapter 10 of the Tao Te Ching, I discovered what I believe to be some of the most profound questions a physician could ask a patient. The first is: Can you quiet your restless mind and truly understand the essence of the world around you? The second: Do you have a regular practice that supports your flexibility and nurtures your energy? And the third: Can you refine your inner awareness to the point where you perceive the presence of an inner light? These questions are far better for health than simply asking, “What’s wrong, and what drug can I give you?”
This realization guided me toward Chinese medicine, where I spent 40 years practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine. While the clinical results were incredible, I noticed most patients were impatient—they wanted quick fixes rather than self-exploration and personal growth, which Chinese medicine encourages.
Meanwhile, I was teaching Qigong to students who were deeply engaged, unlike my patients. I eventually shifted my focus to teaching Qigong and Tai Chi, realizing that by training teachers, I could reach far more people. My mission—however ambitious—has always been to contribute to a healthier world, and this is how I’m doing it.
What are the benefits of someone practicing Tai Chi and Qigong?
There are two paths: one where people want quick fixes—herbs, treatments, surgeries—and another where they embrace practices like Tai Chi and Qigong. Many people are hesitant to try these practices, thinking they don’t have time or that it seems foreign or spiritual.
But real change requires personal commitment. That’s why, before I stopped my clinical practice, I required patients to attend two Qigong classes and a life coaching session. Engaging in Qigong or Tai Chi demands a commitment to personal growth, both physically and emotionally. These practices promote self-awareness, mindfulness, and managing emotions by focusing on simple yet powerful principles: proper posture, breathwork, and relaxation.
The health benefits are immense. A deeper breath increases oxygen flow, supports cell function, and activates the lymphatic system to remove toxins. Adjusting posture creates space for organ function, and relaxation triggers neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin, promoting pain relief, rest, and trust.
In essence, these mind-body practices harmonize energy (Chi) in the body, offering a multitude of physiological and emotional benefits at virtually no cost—just a little time and dedication.
What does it take to become proficient in Tai Chi and Qigong?
To make progress in Tai Chi or Qigong, there’s a cost, but not just financial—there’s the investment of time, focus, and presence. Engaging in a practice like this requires curiosity and a commitment to self-development. It’s easy to avoid this by saying, “I don’t have time,” or “I’ll just follow someone else’s advice.” But true growth comes from making the decision to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being with a daily practice.
You can start for free—there are plenty of Qigong videos online. If you want more guidance, there are teachers, classes, and communities you can join. The real cost is choosing to invest in yourself, letting go of old habits, and embracing a mindful, purposeful practice.
This path doesn’t require esoteric knowledge; it’s based on simple, practical principles: posture, breath, presence. These principles help align your body, mind, and spirit, creating harmony and balance. In doing so, you gain control over the things that matter most, rather than being overwhelmed by external factors.
So, if you’re ready to begin, start small, practice consistently, and you’ll discover the profound benefits of these ancient practices for yourself.
What are your workshops like? And maybe you could say a little bit about your trainings and what your offerings are with the IIQTC?
This is a big subject with many avenues to explore. Attending a local workshop, like those at a YMCA or gym, is just dipping your toe into a much larger world. My role is to create a space where the larger conversation can unfold.
I offer two types of workshops: public workshops and professional trainings. Public workshops range from brief 30-minute sessions at conferences to multi-day retreats at various centers. These events give people a chance to experience Tai Chi or Qigong in an immersive setting.
On the professional side, the focus is on training individuals to lead these practices. Since 2001, we’ve trained over 4000 teachers and practice leaders. The entry-level certification is the “Healer Within Medical Qigong Practice Leader” (a 12-to-16-hour training), followed by “Tai Chi Easy Practice Leader Training”, which combines 5 movements from Yang Tai Chi and Healer Within Medical Qigong in a 25-to-32-hour training. These programs equip participants to guide others, including nurses, social service workers, and military personnel.
For those seeking a deeper professional path, the IIQTC offers a 200-hour teacher training program. This includes three levels: Level 1 (Integral Qigong), Level 2 (Integral Tai Chi), and Level 3 (Alchemy). Alchemy dives into ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras, Tao Te Ching, and Heart Sutra, exploring deeper principles for enlightened living. The goal is to discern what you can and can’t control, and to find peace in that awareness.
Ultimately, this practice leads to freedom—freedom from the distractions of what’s out of your control and a focus on what you can influence. The path I offer is well-organized, providing the tools needed to achieve this balance and peace.
And maybe you could just speak finally about if there’s anything else in your overall offering?
Yes, I also do holistic life coaching. The Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi (IIQTC) is one part of my work, while the holistic life coaching model, called “Circle of Life,” is another. Both are part of Health Action Synergies, which trains Qigong and Tai Chi teachers and practice leaders as well as holistic life coaches.
In 2003, my wife and I founded the Healer Within Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Santa Barbara, California. The Foundation promotes community-based Qigong, Tai Chi, and other mind-body practices by partnering with individuals and organizations to sponsor trainings, community practice groups, and research initiatives.
I am also a co-founder of the National Qigong Association (NQA), another 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which supports the broader Qigong community in the United States. The NQA fosters public education and scientific research to document and share the benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi.
My goal is to contribute to a sustainable humanity—not just sustaining beings, but a way of being. In small, self-sufficient communities, people celebrate life and support each other, something we’ve lost. Despite challenges, I continue to work toward this ideal.
One core lesson I’ve learned is the importance of discerning what you can and cannot control. Mastering this helps prioritize what truly matters, freeing you from unnecessary stress.
