Huo 活 – shen 身 means in Chinese “lively/vital (huo) body-person (shen).” This “body” encompasses all the – explored and unexplored, conscious and unconscious – possibilities, qualities, and skills that the individual has at their disposal as a person to live life to the fullest. In other words, vitality on physical, mental, and emotional levels. In this process, there is a strong focus on, on the one hand, the psychosocial aspect, and on the other hand, responsibility for one’s own well-being, with respect for individual disposition and sensitivities. The Huoshen Foundation aims to highlight this form of vitality from the perspective of psychophysical activities.

Why “Huoshen”?

Chinese health practices such as taijiquan and qigong are body-oriented approaches that help us become aware of our bodies and better manage our health. The movements, postures, and even meditations generate a sense of presence and inner well-being. These activities also have a social dimension: in groups or in pairs, they sharpen our perception of others and influence our way of being. Moreover, they serve as a means for personal self-exploration.

For over ten years, the founder of Huoshen practiced these disciplines in China herself and guided others on their path toward more well-being. Upon returning to Belgium, she taught taijiquan and qigong in Belgium and France for more than thirty year. Choosing a Chinese term as the name for the foundation was therefore a natural decision.