Qi Zone Wellness, pursues a mission to provide health and wellness to communities impacted by the war on drugs. . , . Qizone offers educational trainings and workshops for individuals and organizations worldwide .

In 2021, Juan founded Qi Zone Wellness, an organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness in communities negatively impacted by the war on drugs. Through free community wellness events, Qi Zone offers acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki, tai chi, yoga, drumming circles, and dance, creating spaces for healing and connection. These gatherings also provide healthy meals and connect participants to resources through partnerships with community-based organizations.

Growing up in the South Bronx, Juan both witnessed and experienced firsthand the individual and collective harms associated with drug use, as well as the hardships accompanying systemic underinvestment in his community. He brings to his work a deep commitment to ending the war on drugs, dismantling the apparatus of mass incarceration, and providing services, education, support, healing, and love to those most in need.

He began his work in harm reduction as a outreach volunteer and later received training in NADA acupuncture. He currently has 20 years of experience in Harm Reduction and Holistic Health . He holds a massage therapy degree in Shiatsu from the Swedish Institute and certifications as a Reiki Master, Tai Chi and Qigong instructor, and personal fitness trainer, and is a black belt in ITF Taekwondo. He is also a registered trainer with the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association and has trained thousands to be soldiers in the ongoing struggle for health justice in this country. In 2026 Juan became a Galaxy gives Fellow.

My passion is bringing holistic services to people that may not otherwise be able to access them– like myself when I was first introduced to harm reduction on the streets of East Harlem. Using my own personal and professional experience I work with formerly incarcerated people, military veterans and young injection drug users using acupuncture and other holistic tools as an introduction to wellness and harm reduction. The most important tool I have is my love and respect for the people I serve and my community. 

The main ingredient for healing is love. The acupuncture needles we use are an extension of that love. I feel we must educate future generations on the legacy of Dr. Mutulu Shakur, the Black Panthers, the Young Lords and Act Up. We must not accept stigma, racism and oppression. We must speak up for our rights and heal together as a community.

– Juan Cortez