NANCHANG - The health inspection institute of East China's Jiangxi province on Saturday called on the public to offer tips regarding potentially illegal medical practices conducted by self-proclaimed "qigong" master Wang Lin.

Institute head Luo Youwu said two hotlines and an email address have been set up to receive tips, adding that the public can also send tips through conventional mail.

Whistle-blowers need to provide facts, materials or clues pertaining to Wang's alleged crimes, Luo said, adding that the tips provided will be investigated by the agency.

Officials from the provincial health department said they have received an order from the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine to launch an investigation into Wang's medical practices.

Wang, a native of Luxi County in Jiangxi, is reportedly in Hong Kong at the moment, as he has permanent resident status there.

Photos of Wang posing with celebrities, as well as performing tricks such as conjuring snakes out of thin air and shredding steel with his bare hands, have gone viral online. He has also allegedly cured people of illness in exchange for large sums of money.

Many people have voiced skepticism about his abilities and believe he is cheating sick people by claiming to be able to cure them.

Qigong, which combines breathing, physical exercise and mental training methods based on Chinese philosophy, is practiced by people around the world for the purposes of strengthening the body and maintaining health.