What if one of the most powerful healing tools isn't a supplement or medication—but a simple movement practice rooted in breath, awareness, and human connection?
In this live Evolution of Medicine Podcast episode from the Institute for Functional Medicine Annual Conference, James Maskell speaks with Dr. Carol Penn about the role of Qigong in functional medicine and why it may be one of the most important foundational practices for modern health.
Drawing on her background as a professional dancer, osteopathic physician, and educator, Dr. Penn explains how movement can transform physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. She shares how her experiences working with people with disabilities first revealed the healing potential of creativity and embodied movement.
The conversation explores how Qigong maps onto the Functional Medicine Matrix, supporting structural integrity, nervous system regulation, breath function, and overall systems health.
James and Dr. Penn also discuss the growing crisis of social disconnection and why group movement practices may help rebuild community, improve resilience, and support both mental and physical health.
Additional topics include dementia prevention, healthy aging, intergenerational healing programs, osteopathic medicine, and the future of community-based wellness initiatives.
The episode closes with a vision for bringing Qigong and movement-based healing into parks, healthcare systems, medical education, and everyday life as a practical tool for restoring both individual and collective health.
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About the Guest:
Dr. Carol Penn is an osteopathic physician, educator, former professional dancer, and choreographer with more than two decades of experience in movement-based arts and healing.
Before entering medicine, Dr. Penn spent 22 years as a professional dancer and worked extensively with individuals with disabilities, where she witnessed the transformative impact of movement, creativity, and self-expression on physical and emotional well-being.
Today, she integrates osteopathic principles, functional medicine concepts, and Qigong into her teaching, research, and clinical work. Dr. Penn serves on the faculty of the Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she teaches courses in integrative medicine and Qigong-informed osteopathic practice.
Her work focuses on the relationship between movement, structure, breath, nervous system function, community connection, and whole-person health.
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