Qi theory founds all other theories in acupuncture. It is because all phenomena are contrasting perturbations of a single field of energy that acupuncture points have their effects, qigong works, and we can correlate seasons, emotions, colors, etc. Godwin draws on the classical texts of Daoism and acupuncture to construct a rational understanding of Qi that can accommodate all the wonderment of Qi-based practices and theories while keeping his feet firmly on the ground. If we hope to understand our art, propel it into the future, and integrate it with our society, we have to understand the idea of Qi and all of its implications.
Jacob Godwin, EAMP, MAOM, Dipl. OM
Jacob Godwin graduated with his Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from
the Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Austin (AOMA) in 2005. He practiced for
four years in Austin, Texas before moving to Spokane, Washington where he now lives and
practices. Jacob came to East Asian Medicine through his interest in Daoist and Zen
philosophies as well as his practice of martial arts, meditation, and qigong. Because of his
background in these philosophies, Jacob is well-versed in the theories that comprise East Asian
Medicine. This interest led him to write Acupuncture in Black and White: Qi, Yin-Yang, and the
Cosmology of the Yijing, an exploration of the very foundations of Asian Medicine. Jacob
currently enjoys life in the mountains of the northwest with his wife and family, and practicing
and teaching East Asian Medicine.
Jacob has practiced meditation, qigong, and martial arts for two decades. He has a black belt in
Kenpo Karate and has studied Taijiquan, Baguazhang, Yiquan, and Xingyiquan over the past nine
years. Jacob’s teachers include Kawakami Takayuki, Tony Morelli, Li Junfeng, Ma Dongxin,
Cheng Shaoming, and currently, Fong Ha of Berkeley, CA. Jacob practices and teaches Fong Ha’s
Taijiquan, Yiquan, qigong, Yijinjing, Tai Chi Ruler, and meditation. Jacob’s practice of these arts
greatly influences his practice and understanding of East Asian Medicine.
