I am multi- generational Chinese American and have practiced dayan/wild goose qì gōng for over 30 years. My formal teachers were Paul Li and the late Dr. Bingkun Hu who learned from dayan/wild goose lineage holder Yang Mei Jun. I am also a tenured, Full Professor in Asian American Studies at the Claremont Colleges who teaches academic classes on qì gōng and conducts research on qì to address social disconnection.
My lineage and teachers also include my paw-paw who practiced tai chi daily with her chosen family just on the outskirts of where she lived in Chinatown. Key figures in my qì gōng journey are my mom and dad. My mom always taught me and my siblings somatic teaching and ways of knowing as she contributed to the development of Asian American Studies and centering community knowledge as a form of critical consciousness and social action. My dad also learned from Paul Li and the late Dr. Hu. He practices for hours daily and animatedly shares resources with me while we joyously talk about and practice qì gōng together.
I approach teaching by meeting participants where they are and offering core principles along with specific movements in accessible ways.
What is 氣 功 (Qìgōng)?
Qìgōng (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient and contemporary Chinese exercise that combines movement, breathing, awareness, and body posture. There are many forms and styles of qì gōng, ranging from robust movements to meditation in still poses. Generally, there are three main branches of qìgōng: medical, spiritual, and martial arts. Tai chi emerged from martial arts branch.
For many, qìgōng calms and tones the nervous system, builds whole-body coordination, and supports mental focus with a relaxed yet energized feeling. Some describe a deeply rooted, quiet joy or calm alertness when practicing qì gōng. Others reflect on feeling comforted by the gentle movements and being able to drop from the mind in to a respite of effortlessness and space to be.
WHAT IS Qì?
Qì (also seen to as “Chi”, “Ki”, and “Ch’i”) is the active energetic principle that forms part of every living thing. It is the intangible but an energy or life force underlying all living beings. Though it has no literal translation in English, it is most closely translated as “breath” or “air” or “vapor”, and often referred to as “energy flow”, “cosmic energy” or “life force”, Qì regulates a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance and well-being.
WHAT ARE MERIDIANS?
In traditional Chinese medicine, the body is seen as having various channels or “meridians” through which Qì circulates, providing wellness and vitality to all the body’s various muscles, organs, nerves, and other biological systems. When the free and uninterrupted flow of Qì is somehow obstructed, disrupted, or imbalanced, however, it can lead to symptoms of illness and disease, often specifically concentrated around that part or system of the body which that particular meridian is associated with.
One way to think about this is to imagine Qì as being like water and meridians as the river it flows through. That river supports all types of life, and as long as it’s flowing smoothly and freely, that life will flourish. But if the river is blocked or has a dam, then the riverbed will dry up and all the life it supports will start to die. If, on the other hand, a great storm comes and floods the river, then it may overflow, upsetting the ecosystem supporting that life, possibly drowning some creatures and tossing others to the shore. In either case, the only way to restore the healthy ecology of that river is to bring its flow of water back into balance.
Since Qì is in everything and in everyone, in traditional Chinese medicine, Qì is impacted not only by the internal meridians in a person but also what they consume (e.g. food, water, media, violence, etc.) and things that surround them (e.g. systemic violence, housing security, oppressions, colonization, etc.)
According to traditional Chinese medicine, illness and disease can examined and at times remedied at the level of Qì internally and in the surroundings. In other words, an imbalance of Qì internally and in the environment surrounding oneself can correlate to imbalance in well-being and also shed light on one tool to rebalancing.
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WHERE MAY I LEARN AND PRACTICE 氣 功 (QÌGŌNG)?
All abilities and bodies are welcome. No experience necessary. All levels are welcome. Bring open heart, cultural humility, and water. Come early or late. Leave early if needed. As Liz says, “come as you are.” And as Debbie says “Thank you for the freedom to play.”
Your presence is always welcome.
WHAT: Discover the transformative practice of 氣 功 (Qìgōng) (chee-gong), a thousands of year old Chinese system of cultivating energy and awareness. Qìgōng integrates gentle movement, mindful breathing, focused awareness, and aligned posture to harmonize mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re seeking dynamic motion or meditative stillness, Qìgōng offers a pathway suited to everyone.
While Tai Chi is a martial art that incorporates Qìgōng principles into choreographed movement sequences, Qìgōng itself focuses more directly on cultivating internal energy and restoring balance through simpler, often stationary movements that are repeated in cycles.
EXPECT:
* Movements inspired by nature, reflecting cycles of growth, rest, and renewal.
* Grounding stances that connect you to the Earth, much like roots anchor a tree.
* A welcoming environment open to all levels and all bodies—no prior experience needed.
- Guidance to practice in a way that adapts to and centers your own body’s range of motion.
BRING: Comfortable shoes, sunblock, sunhat, water, compassion, and cultural humility.
Please note: These are educational sessions and not medical advice or treatment.
LIVE ONLINE DROP-IN
TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, SUNDAYS
8 A.M. – 8:30 A.M PT .
WHERE: For the live online sessions, click here or go to https://pitzer.zoom.us/j/513664738
We started the practice group in Spring of 2020 when I had a fellowship in Boulder to create a train the trainer curriculum centering qi gong. With the lock-down we pivoted to online and have continued ever since. Liz and Debbie were at the beginning in 2020 and have continued until now. Since then various practitioners from the Plum Village tradition have joined, former students and alum from the Claremont Colleges alongside friends and by word of mouth connections.
IN PERSON DROP-IN: HERMON PARK
WHERE: 5566 Via Marisol, Los Angeles, CA 90042
near or in historic Lawn Bowling Club House depending on weather
WHEN: Wednesdays, April 22, 29 2026
11 A.M. – 11:30 A.M PT (movement practice)
11:30 – 11:45 PT (reflection) optional
Come as you are. Come late. Leave early. All ages. Dogs and cats are welcome.
Please note: These are educational sessions and not medical advice or treatment.
This event may be canceled in the event of rain or excessive heat.
In collaboration with Art in the Park LA
IN PERSON DROP-IN: HUNTINGTON LIBRARY
EXPERIENCE THE ART OF QÌGŌNG WITH KATHY YEP
Join Kathy Yep, professor of Asian American Studies at Pitzer College, as she guides visitors through a drop-in Qìgōng session in the garden.
Wednesdays April 8, May 13, and June 10, 2026 | 11:00–11:45 a.m.
Free with general admission to the Huntington Library
Meet at the Chinese Medicinal Garden
KEY DETAILS:
Bring comfortable shoes, water, and a compassionate mindset.
This is a drop-in session.
Meet at the Chinese Medicinal Garden.
This event may be canceled in the event of rain or excessive heat.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
This practice is offered in the spirit of generosity. Donations or dana accepted for people and/or communities supporting genuine security and a culture of connection.
Suggested $5 – $20 per session. No amount is too small or too big. All are welcome regardless of funds donated.
If you have capacity, you are invited to consider donating to these efforts that support genuine security and a culture of connection or to a place of your choice:
- Measure NDC (a.k.a. No Data Center) is scheduled for June 2. A “Yes” vote means you support a permanent, voter-protected ban on data centers in Monterey Park, CA. A dedicated campaign committee called Yes on Measure NDC has been formed to carry this effort across the finish line. Funds will go towards materials and canvassers in multiple languages. Community and neighbor driven effort.
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-wilson-riles-home-care-and-recovery
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-tricia
No one turned away due to lack of funds. People have offered poems, songs, cards, seeds, art. (K. Yep, PO Box 1313 Monterey Park, C 91754).
Dr. Kathy Yep 