my teacher Kuwahara sensei answered this question by saying dont worry.  if you are concerned with absorbing evil qi, then you will,  if you are peaceful and focused on true tonification,  the righteous qi will persevere.

i personally have practiced some qi gong methods that help to establish boundaries.  they can act as shields.  i dont think about putting a shield between my patient and self, but i think my qi knows how to protect me.  i also find that it is important to set a clear intention before and after treatments, to remain centered and in control of my own qi. I do this with hand chimes,  i ring them three times while connecting with my source.   A nice hand washing is also a great way to clear cleanse away unwanted energy.


true tonification comes from the universe.  we dont give our energy to our patients,  we merely open ourselves up to the world around us and share it with another.  connect your feet to the earth, your head to the sky, feel the qi merge in your dan tien and then direct it through your needles into your patient.  it is the same action as in internal kung fu of striking some one with your fist, this form is used to direct qi pulling from the earth, directed by the feet, gathered at the waist, and projected through the arms to the needle.  the point of contact.


japanese acupuncture systems have highly refined meditative needling techniques.  i suggest exploring them.


thanks