Root & Align: A Breathwork, Qigong & Self-Inquiry Retreat

Root & Align is a six-day breathwork, qigong and self-inquiry retreat led by Mario Santoni at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, in Piedmont, Italy. It is held in English and is open to anyone with a curious mind and heart, whatever their experience with these practices.

Three practices run side by side: Conscious Circular Breathing, qigong, and a silent partner form of self-inquiry known as the dyad. Together they move in one direction, which the program describes as returning to the Self through releasing, embodying and awakening.

What to Expect

The days follow a steady rhythm. Mornings begin with qigong from 7:15 to 8:30, followed by a silent breakfast. The long late-morning block, from about 9:45 to 12:45, is given to one main practice: grounding and alignment in qigong, circular breathing, or an intensive dyad session. After lunch there is a second session, usually breathwork or qigong, then a dyad from 17:30 to 18:45. Dinner is at 19:00, and each evening closes with a short practice or, on the third and fourth days, dance.

Conscious Circular Breathing is offered as a way to purify vital energy and to soften emotional patterns and beliefs. Qigong, with its slow and conscious movement, grounds and integrates what arises, building and circulating Qi and conditioning the body and meridian system. The self-inquiry dyad is guided by the questions "Who am I?" and "Who am I not?". Partners take turns speaking and listening in silence, without commentary, and the question is offered anew each round. The aim is direct experience rather than intellectual answers.

The retreat opens on the arrival afternoon with a meeting and an introduction to qigong. The middle days deepen each practice, including a dyad intensive, and the fourth day brings the practices together in a session on unification. On departure morning there is qigong, breakfast, and a closing and sharing circle before lunch.

About Mario Santoni

Mario Santoni leads the retreat and guides all three practices: breathwork, qigong and self-inquiry. Participants with questions about breathwork and their own health are invited to contact him before registering.

The Setting

Mandali Retreat Center sits in Quarna Sopra, Piedmont. The centre has peaceful practice rooms, contemplative outdoor nooks, permaculture gardens and hiking trails. Yoga and meditation props are provided. Its Body Care Centre has a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and indoor heated swimming pool, all free to retreat guests. Massages and therapies there cost extra.

Five nights of accommodation are included, in a single, twin, premium or shared room, or in a hermitage, a more secluded lodging on the grounds. Meals are vegetarian and full board, with fruit, teas and filtered water available throughout the day. Breakfasts are taken in silence.

Guests arrive via Malpensa International Airport. Flights and transfers to and from the centre are not included.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome, and no previous breathwork, qigong or self-inquiry experience is needed. The retreat is taught in English.

Breathwork is generally safe, but some conditions call for care. If you are pregnant, or live with epilepsy, severe asthma, cardiovascular issues or a psychiatric condition that deep inner work or changes in breathing could affect, contact Mario before registering. The same applies if you have a history of trauma or have recently had surgery.

The price covers accommodation, meals, the Body Care Centre facilities and every session in the program.