What is Tong Ren?

Tong Ren is an energy therapy that was developed by renowned Chinese acupuncturist, Tom Tam, in the greater Boston area. In healing session, the practitioner taps on energy points to attract healing energy to the area and remove stubborn energy blockages. For distance healing, the practitioner uses a small, silicon acupuncture model as a conduit for the client’s body. The tapping points include locations along the spinal column that relate to the central nervous system, similarly to chiropractic, as well as points along the acupuncture meridians. Tong Ren is based on the idea that illness and specific symptoms relate directly to blockages in the body’s flow of bioelectricity, blood, hormones, and life force energy (Chi/Reiki). Oftentimes blockages can be felt manually along the spine as “knots,” where they inhibit the central nervous system’s natural functions. You can read more about Tong Ren here.

How does Tong Ren work?

Tong Ren healing theory is based on the idea of Synchronicity: that humans, animals, and even some objects (like pendulums) have a natural propensity to synchronize. By encouraging the body’s energy field to regulate (i.e. removing energy blockages and encouraging energy to flow evenly throughout the body), the body will also synchronize with the collective, healthy patterns of human-kind. Essentially we are returning your body’s energy field to its natural blueprint, which allows your organs and tissues to function more normally and thus your overall health to improve. For additional information on Tong Ren theory, see this explanation by William Daly, MD.

What can I expect from my Tong Ren session?

Like Reiki, Tong Ren can be done in person or remotely. If it is your first Tong Ren session, I recommend an in-person appointment if possible, because while energy healing can happen at any distance, our brains have a remarkable ability to get in the way of natural healing. Because distance healing is a new concept for many people, you may find that your conscious mind is more accepting of healing energy when you are in close physical proximity to the practitioner. However, whether you are close by or across the globe, the experience can be the same. You will remain fully clothed for your healing session. You may experience buzzing or tingling in your extremities, a relaxation response in your muscles, or the sensation of warmth. If we remove a large, long-held blockage of energy in the body, some people will experience more intense heat, almost like a hot flash. Other people won’t feel anything specific during the treatment but will nonetheless experience a reduction in symptoms later on.