Qi Gong

氣 Qi = breath, vital energy
功 Gong = work, cultivation
氣功 Qi Gong is the cultivation of energy.

As an ancient art of moving meditation, Qi Gong has its roots in Taoism philosophy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Based on the acupressure points and the meridians lines, it cultivates Qi, the internal energy flow through breathing, visualization, movement and meditation. It is a traditional healing therapy for self-awareness and self-care.

It is essential to practice grounding techniques that connect the body to the earth, using stances that mirror the stability of trees and mountains. The concept of “rooting” in Qi Gong is similar to the deep roots of a tree, which stabilize and nourish the practitioner’s energy.

Following the traditional way, Yiwen usually practices Qi Gong in the park. She also teached Qi Gong in the park when the weather gets warm. It is usually from May till the end of September.

Urban Qi Gong Amsterdam

In Coronavirus pandemic period, Amsterdam had a few months of quarantine (March-May 2020). Yiwen took a long walk every morning. During the walk, she had the idea of “Urban Qi Gong Amsterdam”.

Is it utopian to turn the city of Amsterdam into a field of experimentation and playground? At least, it was possible in the lockdown, with almost no traffic and no people. The city was empty and quite.

So she started the first public Qi Gong practice at the Dam square, and later continued the Qi Gong practice at many different public spaces in the city. This becomes her lockdown project of “Urban Qi Gong Amsterdam”.

The studio was closed.
Can I practice at the Dam square? Yes!
Can I practice in front of the supermarket? Why not!