Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese movement practice that helps you optimise your energy and release stress. It provides a balanced workout for body, heart and mind. Literally, 'Qi' means life force, and 'Gong' is the skill to work with it. 

All my classes and workshops offer a combination of breathing and activation techniques, stretching and flowing exercises. You learn how to increase and store energy and release challenging emotions, stress and pain. 

You also learn practical life skills regarding energy management, healthy boundaries, connecting to earth, nature and the universe for support. We work with specific animals for grounding, courage, playfulness and much, much more.

Breathing, conscious movement and imagination are the three core ingredients of the practice. That means that anyone can participate, also if standing or walking is difficult. You can join from a (wheel)chair or even your bed.

Qi Gong is for everyone who is interested in a conscious approach to movement, health and spirituality. You don't need any prior experience to participate, and at the same time if you practised for a long time, it's always great to learn from a new teacher. 

Because of my background and personal experience, my teaching style might appeal particularly if you:

• have a busy job and are in search of a good work/life balance, want to let go of stress, and reconnect with meaning

• would like to improve your balance, muscle strength, joint mobility, and access more energy without going to the gym!

• want to learn to move safely with injuries

• experience chronic health issues and want to improve your well-being in a gentle way from the inside out

• are a spiritual seeker who enjoys working with energy and would like to meditate in motion or apply shamanic techniques in a concrete and accessible way

• are a professional dancer or body-worker and interested in a different way to get to know your body

This practice is very accessible, whatever your level of experience, fitness, or age. Everyone is welcome!

That's absolutely fine. It's  a gentle practice that helps you get to know your body in a different way. There are no requirements in terms of fitness, flexibility, experience or age! Come as you are with curiosity to learn something new :-)

I worked with people of all ages, people who thought they had two left feet and people who experienced severe chronic health conditions. Each and everyone of them was able to adapt the practice to their situation, capacity and needs, and feel the benefits of this practice!

You can try the practice for free for two weeks, and can always cancel if this isn't your thing or not what your body needs right now.

If you have specific concerns you can always email me.

Qi Gong emphasises flow and direction of energy in movement. It literally means the 'skill' ('gong') to navigate our life force ('qi').

Qi Gong is even older than Tai Chi. You will recognise the word ‘Qi’ in both, so both help to consciously direct life force. Qi Gong uses shorter, repetitive movements that focus on mobilising a specific part of the body, while in Tai Chi you often learn a longer and more complex routine or 'choreography'.

In general, Yoga has more emphasis on postures, poses and stretching. It can be perceived as more demanding for the body. Where Yoga often feels uncomfortable or even impossible for me, I have never felt Qi Gong to be too difficult, especially because it is easy to adapt every movement to suit your body.

For me Qi Gong is an essential part of my first aid kit and essential care for my body with Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune condition on the rheumatoid spectrum. It also nurtures my lifeskills and is closely connected to my spiritual practice, so it's a wonderful and versatile practice!

Qi Gong is probably safer than going for a walk. However, as with all practices, there is a possibility of overdoing it, resulting in muscle pain, twisting or strain.

I pay a lot of attention to helping you find your particular movement range and ability. I distinguish between good pain and bad pain, talk about safe stretching (the 60-70% rule!) and muscle strengthening to support hyper-mobility.

As we work with energy and the mind, it can amplify conditions that affect brain chemistry, such as psychosis. Our classes are unlikely to aggravate such conditions, but please let me know if you are concerned about this.

I wrote several documents to answer general questions about how to engage with the practice safely, and any specific effects you might notice when doing Qi Gong. 

• Safety Guidelines for Trying New Moves

• Moving with Chronic Pain and Physical Discomfort

• Effects of Deeper Breathing

You can always contact me if you have additional questions!

Many amazing people offer classes, workshops and free videos. I know it can be overwhelming to choose.

The first thing to check is whether you feel "at home" with someone. Do you like their style, sense of humour, pace of the class, voice and amount of explanations they give? It is important that you give yourself time to find out.

You can do a few sessions on my YouTube Channel to see if my style speaks to you.

Also, you can try the Qi Studio Membership for free for 14 days, to see what you can expect. 

After your free trial, you can cancel any time, so really there is not much risk! 

Come and check out if it's as magical for you as it is for many others...

I offer Holden Qi Gong from a European and women's perspective. This approach is particularly translated to western life-styles.

In addition, there are several things that influence my teaching style:

1. I have a strong academic foundation as a medical anthropologist (MA) and dance scholar (Ph.D.), and I am able to translate complex concepts in clear and accessible language, without getting spacey about it. I know how important it is to understand what you are doing, and if I don't know the answer to your questions, I will always find out and get back to you.

2. I danced all my life. This gives me a nuanced perspective on the initiation and (anatomical) development of movements. I also know firsthand what it is to move with injuries and will give you many tips and tricks to first avoid injury, and to keep moving while you are healing. I can guide you in moving safely with hyper-mobility. Even professional dancers say that they get to know their body in a different way when they work with me.

3. I have a strong shamanic practice that influences the way I teach Qi Gong. It is truly part of my daily, embodied, nature-based spirituality. People often tell me they are amazed at how "present in their bodies" they feel after class. I invite you to bring spirit and soul back into your body so that you can meet the challenges in your life in an empowered way.

4. I live with an auto-immune condition on the rheumatoid spectrum. That means I am familiar with pain, fluctuating energy levels and navigating (and animating!) a life with chronic illness. My work is sensitive to struggling bodies, healing bodies and asymmetric bodies.

5. I have an introvert and Highly Sensitive Personality (HSP) and bring a quality of quiet spaciousness and reflection to my classes that helps people to recover from noise and overwhelm, establish healthy boundaries and practise good energy hygiene.

That's a very good question! There is a wonderful selection of free videos online. However, dropping into live classes as part of your membership is great to:

• receive encouragement and support from your teacher

• ask all your questions

• get feedback on your posture and movement

• dedicate a specific time for your practice each week 

• enjoy moving in community with others which really makes a difference and helps you stay motivated

You’ll need a device that is connected to internet to join your live classes and access your video library.

The live classes happen via ZOOM, which you can open via a simple link.

To practise Qi Gong, you need no specific gear or clothes. You can even practise in jeans and on sneakers. I recommend wearing thin shoes, socks with anti-slip sole or bare feet. 

Your body will also thank you if you don't eat less than an hour before class.

You can use a chair with straight back and no arm rests if you want to do the movements seated or need some support while standing. 

The 45 minute sessions on Wednesday mornings happen on the floor. It helps if you work on a soft carpet or yoga mat. You might also have a meditation cushion, firm pillow or blanket handy, should you need to support your body in different ways. The other sessions rarely include floor work.

These classes are great when you: 

• want to move gently to improve your general health and wellbeing

• are recovering from an injury or operation

• want to increase mindfulness and presence

• like to meditate in motion

• want to embody your spirituality

Sessions focus on the power of the mind and movement to work with emotions, strengthen your boundaries, and explore other life skills through movement. These classes are gentle, and most movements can be done seated if you need. Therefore they are particularly supportive if you cope with health issues, low energy or injuries.

These sessions are great when you: 

• want to strengthen your abdomen, buttocks and legs

• have chronic pain or injury in your lower back

• struggle with pain in your psoas muscle

• like to learn how to move from your centre

• want to practise the ancient fore-runner of Pilates with even more attention to breath

• want to include meditation and nature imagery while you work your core

These are the strongest workout sessions of the Membership. I struggled for years to get on the mat (didn't really like Yoga or Pilates), until I realised that core strength training could be both meditative and fun, and my mental and emotional wellbeing improved radically.

These sessions are great when you:

• juggle an intense work-life balance and want to dedicate space for movement to stay healthy

• want to improve your muscle strength, balance and flexibility

• like to learn more about the taoist background of the practice and Traditional Chinese Medicine

• are recovering from burnout and making your way back to action

I like to call these sessions a workout for body, heart and mind. These classes deepen your practice. You also get to work with emotions and life skills although you might work up a little sweat while you’re at it!

Because we have more time, we can go into movement variations, stretch and strengthen more, and also have longer time for getting into the flow-state. 

These are the Dutch version of the Wise Warrior classes.

Deze sessies zijn vergelijkbaar met de Engelse 60 minuten lessen van de Wise Warrior. Ze zijn prima geschikt om je te ondersteunen bij:

• een drukke baan en balans tussen werk en privé

• het onderhouden of verbeteren van je gezondheid door regelmatig te bewegen

• het verbeteren van je spierkracht, balans en flexibiliteit

• je herstelproces na een burn-out en weer langzaam in actie wilt komen

• en ook als je meer wilt leren over de taoïstische achtergrond van Qi Gong en de Traditionele Chinese Gezondheidsleer.

Ik noem deze sessies wel een training voor lichaam, hart en geest. Je gaat aan de slag met emoties en levensvaardigheden, hoewel je je daarbij misschien wel een beetje in het zweet werkt! 

Omdat we meer tijd hebben, kunnen we dieper ingaan op bewegingsvariaties, meer stretchen en versterken, en hebben we ook meer tijd om in de flow-staat te komen.

You will be asked to create an account by entering your email address, and a password of your choice.

After this sign-up process, you have immediate access to your class library and can also attend as many live classes as you want.

In the first week, you will receive four emails from me so you will quickly feel at home and get the most out of your Membership. This includes a form in which you can Focus Your Practice, by setting and sharing your personal intention.

You also automatically become a member of the Wild Soul Tribe, our online community outside of social media. In your personal membership area, you can edit your profile and settings, add a photo and introduce yourself to other members.

If you already purchased something through my website in the past and your payment information is on file, your subscription will continue automatically after your trial period unless you actively cancel it.

If your payment information was not previously on file, your membership will end after two weeks. You will then receive an email inviting you to upgrade to the paid version. You can also add or amend your payment details following these steps.

You can also click on any membership link on my website. Then you will be asked for your bank details and you will immediately be a member again with access to all video libraries and live classes.

Join for free for 14 days, so you can see if this is right for you. You will not be charged during your free trial.

If you choose to pay monthly, your subscription will renew monthly on the same day as you join the Membership. With this option you can cancel any time by logging into your account on www.elinekieft.com, selecting your Membership, and choose "cancel".

If you choose to pay annually, you will receive 2 months free, but you cannot cancel in the meantime.

The price you choose at the start is valid as long as you remain a member. You will never be asked to pay more. 

If you're having technical problems or have questions about the online portal, please email and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

The Membership costs 39€/month.

If that is too much for you right now, you can fill in this form to discuss a bursary rate. I have participants who pay 9, 19 or 29€/month to reflect their financial situation.

If you are able to pay a little more, you can choose the Generous option of 49€/month, helping people who might not otherwise be able to afford to join.

Whatever you choose, you will have access to the exact same content, including a 2-week free trial, access to live 30, 45 and 60 minute online classes and the video libraries. 

As long as you'll stay a member, you'll never be asked to pay more than the price point you choose today.

I really hope you are able to invest in your health and wellbeing - because that is truly the greatest treasure you have.

Some people ask: "how much is your health worth to you?" Or: "can you afford not to do it?"

I want you to have access to a healthy-happy practice, so feel free to fill in this Bursary Membership Application Form, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

• 14 Days Free Trial

• New Classes Each Week

• 24/7 Video Replay

• Personal Feedback

• A Warm Community & Safe Online Group

• Tools to build your Own Qi Kit

• Regular Wild Soul Alchemy Newsletters brimming with inspiration

Because of the way my website platform works, I choose to host all my Qi Gong activities under the same Membership. 

As I happen to teach one weekly class in Dutch as well, this is offered as part of the same Membership.

You can simply ignore this in your Portal space, and enjoy the majority of classes in English. You don't have to worry about learning Dutch :-)

The most common reason the links don't work is if you are already a member of the FREE Wild Soul Tribe.

Please login to the website with your existing email address and password.

In the top right corner, go to "Settings", and scroll down to "Billing". There you find "Community". Click "Edit" at the end, and then you see options to change or cancel your  plan. Change it from the Free Wild Soul Tribe to the Qi Studio Membership. 

You will then be guided through the same checkout process as described under "What happens when I join a Membership?" 

That should solve it, but if that doesn't work, the easiest thing is to cancel your FREE Wild Soul Tribe Membership via the above steps, and then sign up for the Qi Studio Membership. 

Please let me know if you still run into trouble and we'll figure it out together! 

I've worked with a huge variety of people, and all of them had empowering experiences in class.

Of course, you'll have to see if this movement style suits you, but if it does, I guarantee you will develop a totally different relationship to your body, heart and mind!

I firmly believe in taking an active stance in our own health and wellbeing, and this would be a great step.

Qi Gong is really not about how supple you are, or how far you can stretch. The whole idea is about getting to know your body in a different way and finding your own zone of comfortable challenge. This includes moving with and through your mental blocks, using breath, gentle movement and your imagination.

In my approach, flow and enjoyment are much more important than form! So here is an invitation to ditch perfection and dare to have fun!

I know there is a mover inside you, waiting to be set free! Classes are accessible to all levels and abilities.

The most important thing is that you feel free to explore all the wonderful ways in which your body was designed to move (an ability most of us lost as adults).

I explain each movement in detail and you can always ask questions. I'm just happy to see you move, so please know that you are welcome however you are!

Just the other day, a participant said, ‘with you I never feel like I'm not doing it right, which I always felt with yoga!’

I know you've got so much on your plate and it can be daunting to start a new practice. However, you will notice a difference in your energy and mood very soon. Your feeling of 'I have to' becomes a joyous 'I would love to', and your practice will support you through your day instead of adding more stress or responsibility.

When you sign up you receive several emails from me to explain how the membership works. After that, you receive a maximum of 1 email a week to find all your new routines easily and effortlessly.

Totally understand! Qi is invisible, and science so far hasn't been able to 'prove' it. I would ask you though, are you alive? Do you know what animates you?

You can simply think of it as a movement practice that works with the energy of life, that releases stress and tension and helps you resource yourself.

You don't need to believe in anything, you can simply observe the energy moving through your body. It's all about your experience, and how it makes you feel!

Qi Gong is experience-based and doesn't require any belief. Therefore, it doesn't contradict other religious practices, so you can engage with Qi Gong as a christian, buddhist, jew, hindoe or pagan... and probably all religious practices under the sun! 

I think that most mystical branches of traditional religions recognised this primal energy originally, but that it got obscured over time, and the 'direct experience' became further and further removed from the believer. So it might be very possible that Qi Gong even enhances your regular spiritual experience!