Qigong & Yin Yoga Retreat 2025
Join Peter & Sue. For a whole week of qigong & yoga here at Yoga Evolution Retreats for the date 4th to 10th May 2025.
Harmonizing the Five Elements
All Prices Are In Pounds
All prices are per person and include, food, accommodation, all classes
Single Room £600 - Twin Room £550 - Double Room £550 - Single/double en-suite £700 - Room with a veranda £750 - Eco caravan £500
This very special week will help immerse you in the theory & practice of both Nei Dan (internal) & Wei Dan (external )alchemy qigong. The week is suitable for both beginners to qigong & more experienced practitioners wanting to deepen their integrity & theoretical knowledge. It is also useful for Yoga Teachers / Practitioners who are wanting to introduce more qigong into their practice & or teaching.
The goal of the Qigong techniques is to "Harmonize the Five Elements" and to balance the elements of earth, fire, water, metal, and wood within the body. It is thought that these components influence the emotional and physical makeup of the body, and that bringing them back into harmony will enhance general health and wellness. The five elements can be harmonized in the following ways:
1. Earth Element: The earth element stands for food and stability. Practicing grounding techniques such as qigong, yin yoga, and nature walks to balance the earth element. Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods like root vegetables can also support the earth element.
2. Fire Element: The fire element stands for digestion, desire, and transformation, In qigong it is the heart. we use breathwork and qigong movements to balance the heart fire, The muscle tendon changing forms aid to fuel the fire element.
3. Water Element: The element of water stands for flexibility and fluidity. Engaging in fluidity-promoting activities such as swimming, qigong, yin yoga movements can help to counterbalance the water element. Restoring the water element's equilibrium can also be facilitated by consuming hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water.
4. Metal Element: The Metal element is associated with stability, clarity, and precision. It is the element of autumn, a time when nature begins to contract and prepare for the colder months ahead. Those who are born with a Metal element have a strong sense of ethics, value structure, and are good at organization and planning.
5. Wood Element: In qigong, the Wood element is associated with growth, renewal, and regeneration. It is the element of spring, a time when nature begins to sprout new growth after the dormant winter months. Mindfulness practices such as the kindness meditation really enhance this element.
Through practices like yoga, Qigong, meditation, breathwork, and mindful eating, one can integrate the five elements into their daily lives. By fostering physical, emotional, and spiritual harmony, practices that bring the elements back into balance can boost general health and wellness.
As teachers we have spent a long time studying with qigong masters including Master Mantak Chia & Dr Yang Jwing Ming and many others.
Weather permitting the qigong sessions will take place in the Bagua (out door 8 sided practice space) to enhance your grounding into Mother Earth & bring you closer to nature. There will be around 4 hours of physical practice a day including - Special warm up sequence to gently prepare your muscles & joints for the qigong sequences created by Peter Adapted versions of the muscle / tendon changing classic the Yi Jin JIng & The 8 Silk Brocades Ba Duan Jin Seasonal qigongs to purge, tone &. Enhance the lung organs at this time they are the most vulnerable & also the most receptive to practice. We will cover over many qigong forms during this week drawn from a wide range of experience.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a peaceful and gentle form of yoga that emphasizes long-held poses and passive stretches. It is intended to target and stretch the body's connective tissues, including the joints and ligaments, tendons, and fascia. The following are some essential elements of yin yoga:
Fundamentals of Yin Yoga
The first is **Long Holds**: Postures are usually maintained for three to ten minutes or more. Deeper connective tissue stretching is made possible by the extended time spent in the pose.
- Passive Practice** Yin Yoga encourages practitioners to relax into the poses, in contrast to more dynamic forms of yoga that actively engage muscles. This encourages the nervous system to become calmer.
- Targeting Connective Tissues** Yin Yoga aims to improve the health and flexibility of connective tissues, which may contribute to increased flexibility and joint mobility.
-Mindfulness and Meditation**: Yin Yoga's calm tempo and contemplative style offer a chance for mindfulness and meditation, urging practitioners to focus inside and establish a connection with their body and breath.
- Yin and Yang**: The practice is based on the Chinese philosophical notion of Yin and Yang, where Yang stands for activity, dynamism, and the masculine, and Yin for attributes like quiet, receptivity, and the feminine. The goal of Yin Yoga is to harmonize these energies.
Yin Yoga Advantages
- Improved Flexibility: Yin Yoga can gradually increase flexibility by focusing on body tight spots.
- tension Reduction: The gradual practice promotes relaxation and can aid in lowering anxiety and tension.
- Better Joint Health: Yin Yoga helps to increase joint circulation, which may reduce pain and increase range of motion.
- Emotional Release: The practice's meditative component helps promote mental health and emotional release.
A stronger mind-body connection can be fostered by practicing Yin Yoga, which can increase awareness of the breath and bodily sensations.
Normal Classes for Yin Yoga
A typical Yin Yoga class could consist of a number of sitting or lying positions, body-supporting props like blankets or bolsters, and quiet intervals to promote profound relaxation. With an emphasis on mindfulness and breathing, the ambiance is frequently soothing.
Incorporating. Healing sounds , inner smile meditation, organ visualisation & organ optimisation techniques In depth breath sessions identifying any unhelpful patterns you may have in your breath, gently leading the breath into the lower dantian & activating the lower dantian Meditation sessions drawing from the Buddhist & Daoist traditions There will be two 1.5 hours of informal lectures each day including Fascia and Five element theory and an overview of qigong. Including history & styles fascial lines of the body Breathing techniques especially the embryonic breath Understanding qi, yin- yang theory & meridian network of the body Cultivating the virtues of the Dao 5 element theory over view 5 element theory - in depth look at the metal element & lung organ for the season of autumn If you have any questions about the practices please email.
Somatic Yoga
Somatic yoga is a style of yoga that combines traditional yoga techniques with the ideas and methods of somatic education. "Somatic" is derived from the Greek word "soma," which means "body." With an emphasis on awareness, movement, and interior sensations, somatics highlights the body's internal experience.
Key elements of somatic yoga include the following:
- Mind-Body Connection** Somatic yoga places a strong emphasis on the mind-body connection. It helps practitioners to develop a greater awareness of their emotional and physical moods, listen to their bodies, and pay attention to sensations.
- Awareness and Movement**: Somatic yoga places an emphasis on soft, flowing movements that foster internal awareness rather than rigorously following external postural alignment. With this method, practitioners can investigate their range of motion and learn how their bodies react to movement.
- Release of stress**: The goal of somatic yoga is frequently to relieve the body's stored emotional and physical stress. People can find relief from persistent stress, discomfort, or tension by using breathing techniques and mild exercises.
- Personal Exploration**: Somatic yoga promotes self-discovery and personal investigation. In order to promote a sense of strength and autonomy in their practice, practitioners are encouraged to alter poses and movements to fit their own needs.
- Healing and Integration**: Somatic yoga promotes healing on a variety of levels, including psychological, emotional, and physical, which is why many people find it helpful. The method can be especially helpful for people who are struggling with stress, trauma, or body image concerns.
- Mindfulness**: Mindfulness practices are frequently incorporated into somatic yoga, which encourages practitioners to be totally present and involved in their breath and movements. This feature encourages rest and a closer relationship with oneself.
Somatic yoga provides a comprehensive approach to wellbeing by encouraging a better comprehension of the body and its sensations as well as a stronger sense of balance and tranquility in daily life. Many people find it to be a suitable practice because it is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Qigong For Organ Health & Inner Strength
"Yao Shi Gong," another name for Muscle Tendon Changing Qigong, is a traditional Chinese practice that emphasizes the development and improvement of both physical and energetic health. It highlights the relationship between the body's muscles, tendons, and internal energy (Qi), and is frequently linked to martial arts and traditional wellness practices.
Essential Elements of Qigong for Muscle Tendon Change:
The origins of this type of Qigong come from an Indian Monk called Da Mo can be found in ancient Chinese medicine and martial arts, namely in the teachings of several schools, which include elements of Taoist and Shaolin practices. In the past, it was thought to be a means of enhancing internal energy, strength, and flexibility.
- Physical Benefits**: The practice usually consists of dynamic stretching and soft, flowing motions that can assist to improve muscle resilience, strength, and flexibility. It assists general physical health, strengthen muscle-tendon connections, and improve posture.
- Cultivation of Energy**: Tendon Muscle Changing Qigong highlights how Qi flows across the body. In order to activate and circulate energy, practitioners frequently learn to link their breath with movements. Better energy, less stress, and a sense of inner balance can result from this.
- Breath Work**: Syncing breath with movement is a key element of Qigong practice. Deep, organic breathing techniques are typically used in the activities, which are thought to promote energy flow and relaxation.
- Meditative Aspects**: Muscle Tendon Changing Qigong has meditative components in addition to its energetic and physical components, which support emotional stability and mental clarity. As practitioners move and engage with their bodies, they frequently enter a meditative state.
- Suitability**: This practice may be modified for varying fitness levels and is accessible to a broad spectrum of people, from novices to seasoned practitioners. It is used to improve general well-being, relieve stress, and promote healing.
People can develop a better understanding of their bodies, enhance their physical well-being, and foster emotional and mental balance by learning Muscle Tendon Changing Qigong.
Sue: Sue has been practicing and teaching qigong for over many years and teaching five element theory for many more years.
View More About Peter & Sue, Click Here
Peter: Peter has his background in Martial Qigong and has been practicing for over 40 years.