Relax at The Retreat

19/10/2026

A little guidance for the week ahead

Our three cards have a lovely message for us this time. A gentle reminder to let go, trust the journey and make space for new beginnings.

Release negativity

The Full Moon in Scorpio invites us to release old worries, unhelpful patterns and anything that feels heavy. Be kind to yourself and remember, you don't have to carry everything.

Luck is on your side

The New Moon in Sagittarius encourages us to look ahead with hope. Stay open to new opportunities, follow what inspires you and trust yourself enough to take that first step.

Conclusions are within reach

The Full Moon Eclipse reminds us that sometimes things need to come to an end before something new can begin. If you've been waiting for clarity, give yourself time and space for things to unfold.

A little thought to take with you

What could you let go of today to make room for something lovely tomorrow?

Take a breath, trust yourself and remember to look after your own wellbeing along the way.

Take control of your wellbeing.

12/10/2026

12/10/2026

A cup of autumn wellbeing

This evening before bed, I'm drinking a beautiful British tea blend of hibiscus, elderberry and cassia bark.

Hibiscus, the vibrant flower traditionally cherished in women's herbal wellbeing. Elderberry, the much treasured hedgerow berry, long associated with seasonal wellbeing and supporting our natural defences during cold and flu season. Cassia bark, bringing warming spice and comfort as the autumn chill sets in.

This is folk herbalism at its simplest. Plants gathered, treasured and enjoyed for generations, bringing a little warmth, nourishment and seasonal ritual into our everyday lives. But carefully blended with skill by experts, so that you don't have to forage and create your own! Thank you Loose Leaf Tea its a beautiful blend.

Sometimes wellbeing is simply a warm cup of tea, a quiet moment and the wisdom of plants.

What are you brewing this autumn?

SeasonalLiving TheRetreat

07/10/2026

THE ZHI 志

In Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are said to house the Zhi, often translated as our Will.

The Zhi is our deep inner determination.

It is the part of us that helps us keep going when life asks something difficult of us.

Not force.
Not pushing.
Something calmer and deeper.

The reserves we draw upon when we need courage, resilience and perseverance.

As acupuncturists, we recognise that sometimes our physical wellbeing is connected with how deeply supported and resourced we feel.

The Zhi reminds us of the quiet strength that lives within us.

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07/10/2026

Autumn is my favourite time of year, we can start to get cosy in the studio, this evenings sound bath with Eve was the perfect cosy chill out, looking forward to the next one very soon! #

07/10/2026

Qigong is so much more than stretching.

When you watch Qigong, it can look gentle. Slow movements, shifting weight, flowing arms and relaxed breathing.

But underneath those movements, your body is doing a lot of work.

Qigong trains balance, coordination, posture, muscular endurance, joint mobility, proprioception and the ability to move with control.

And there is another benefit that is particularly important as we age: bone health.

Research into Qigong and Tai Chi suggests that regular practice can have a positive effect on bone health, particularly through weight-bearing movement, muscular loading and improved balance.

And no, you don't necessarily have to lift heavy weights to give your bones a reason to adapt.

Standing, shifting your weight, holding your body against gravity and repeatedly moving with controlled resistance all create physical loading.

This is one of the reasons I love Qigong.

It may look soft and effortless from the outside, but it is quietly training the body in many different ways.

Strong doesn't always have to look strenuous.

Sometimes strength is built through consistency, control, balance and simply asking the body to keep moving.

Qigong is a beautiful way to do exactly that.

At The Retreat, we practise Qigong as part of a wider approach to wellbeing helping the body stay mobile, grounded, strong and connected whilst relaxing and moving meditatively.

Take control of your wellbeing.

05/10/2026

THE PO 魄

Psrt 2 of 5
In Chinese Medicine, the Lung houses the Po, sometimes called the Corporeal Soul.

The Po is our instinctive, physical self.
The part of us that responds before we have time to think.

A sudden breath.
A shiver.
The instinct to pull away.
The silent knowing held within the body.

The Po connects us to sensation, instinct and our physical experience of being alive.

As acupuncturists, we recognise that the body has its own language.
Sometimes, we need to listen to it before we try to understand it.

04/10/2026

THE SHEN 神

In Chinese Medicine, the Heart is said to house the Shen, often translated as our Spirit.

It is the part of us connected with consciousness, awareness, presence and our experience of being alive.

When the Shen is settled, we can feel present within ourselves. Our mind is clear, our spirit bright and we feel connected to life.

As acupuncturists, we recognise that wellbeing is not simply about the physical body. We consider the whole person, including the subtle aspects of mind, emotion and spirit.

The Shen is not something separate from the body.

It is the light that lives within it.