The science of movement and the human body are what endota Retreat guide Toby Mills is most passionate about, which is what led the trained Osteopath and dancer to pursue the study, practice and teachings of Qigong.

This wellness medium (pronounced chee-gong) revolves around energy work, and involves the act of meditation, deep, controlled breathing and movement, with a strong focus on posture. It’s an ancient Chinese practice and healing technique that connects mind, body and spirit. By following a Qigong sequence, you are opening the flow of energy while balancing your own internal energy. This is by enhancing your Qi.

The slow, repetitive and thoughtful movements of Qigong have a great connection to health. By strengthening, stretching and balancing the body, circulation and internal strength are improved, stress is eased, bone density is increased, while physical and mental tensions are soothed.

“How we enter the space, prepare our body for practice, leaving our day behind — the stresses, the worries — and then how we close is equally important. Closing is essentially about protecting ourselves, about preparing ourselves to re enter and re engage with the world around us, hopefully feeling more centred.”

Toby Mills on practicing Qigong.