Awakening the Wisdom of the Body at Menla

Join Mingtong Gu, a renowned Chinese Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute, for an transformative yoga retreat in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Taking place Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the serene Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY, this immersive event bridges ancient energy practices with modern wellness science. Whether you're seeking deeper body awareness, stress relief, or a meaningful connection to traditional healing wisdom, this yoga retreat event in Phoenicia offers a rare opportunity to study with a globally recognized teacher in an idyllic mountain setting.

This is more than a typical yoga class—it's an invitation to awaken your body's innate intelligence. Mingtong Gu's signature approach combines somatic awareness with energetic cultivation, drawing from thousands of years of Chinese wellness traditions. Attendees will experience a carefully designed journey that honors both the physical and energetic dimensions of human experience, leaving you refreshed, grounded, and reconnected to your body's natural wisdom.

What to Expect

From the moment you arrive at Menla's peaceful grounds, you'll step into a sanctuary designed for deep transformation. The retreat creates a supportive container where modern practitioners can explore ancient body-centered practices. You'll move through guided sessions that blend gentle movement, breathwork, and meditation—each element designed to quiet the mind and activate subtle energy pathways often overlooked in daily life.

Throughout the day, expect to experience a progression that honors both effort and ease. Sessions will guide you through foundational principles, building toward deeper states of awareness and vitality. Mingtong Gu teaches with clarity and compassion, meeting students exactly where they are while inviting them toward greater potential. By day's end, most participants report feeling simultaneously relaxed and energized—a hallmark of truly integrated practice.

The retreat concludes with integration time, allowing you to absorb the teachings and carry their benefits into your everyday life. You'll leave with practical tools, renewed body awareness, and access to a supportive community of fellow seekers.

About the Artists

Mingtong Gu is a respected Qigong master whose life work centers on making ancient Chinese energy practices accessible to modern students worldwide. As founder of the Chi Healing Institute, he has dedicated decades to bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary wellness science. His teaching style is grounded, practical, and deeply rooted in authentic lineage practice—making complex energetic concepts tangible and transformative for students of all backgrounds.

Venue & Location

Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa sits on 600 peaceful acres in Phoenicia, NY, nestled in the stunning Catskill Mountains. This destination wellness center is renowned for its commitment to holistic healing, featuring world-class spa facilities, organic gardens, and architecture designed to harmonize with the natural landscape. The retreat center's serene atmosphere, combined with its proximity to pristine forests and mountain streams, creates an ideal setting for deep practice and renewal.

Located approximately 90 minutes north of New York City, Phoenicia offers the perfect balance of accessibility and retreat from urban distractions. The venue provides ample parking and is easily reached by car; public transit options are also available for those traveling from the city.