In this conversation, Indira Plata Alvarado shares her powerful experience at a Qigong children’s retreat in Xi’an, China — the first time it was open to Western families. Over 12 days, children and parents explored Qigong practices that blended fun memory exercises, speed reading, and brain hemispheres activation with unique energy experiments designed to build creativity, confidence, and focus. From recalling dozens of pictures with ease to learning how to coordinate left and right hand drills, the retreat showed how Qigong for kids can unlock natural learning abilities while strengthening emotional stability.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the retreat were the Qigong experiments. Children practiced sensing qi, imprinting information into objects, softening metal spoons, and even identifying their parents while blindfolded with remarkable accuracy. These playful yet profound demonstrations helped families experience the tangible side of qi energy while deepening parent-child connection. More than just tricks, the program emphasized transformation — showing how Qigong retreats can help children and adults alike build resilience, sharpen their minds, and apply practical Qigong in daily life.