THE BREATH OF THE EARTH
Yoga and Naturopathy Retreat
April 17–21, 2026
Venue: ZenSicily – Case Don Ignazio, Noto
The Earth is the mother of life.
Gaia to the Greeks, Prithvi and Bhūmi in the Ayurvedic and Yogic traditions.
Prithvi represents the Earth element, associated with stability, solidity, grounding, and the sense of smell. Bhūmi is a term that refers to “land,” an area or extension, but also to the body of a living being. It is one of the names of the Earth goddess in Hinduism and holds deep significance in Buddhism, where it refers to the “grounds” or “stages” a bodhisattva passes through on their spiritual journey.
The Earth is both creator and destroyer.
Many cosmogonic epics describe the sacred marriage between the feminine Earth and the masculine Sky. Gaia and Uranus gave birth to Time, the Earth, the mountains, the Gods, and humankind.
In Chinese philosophy, Earth (Yin) and Sky (Yang) united their forces to create humanity.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, when Earth stands at the center of the elemental cycle, it acts as a stabilizing force. Energy expands through Wood and Fire, and contracts through Metal and Water — Earth is the point of balance that governs these transitions.
Earth is home to all the elements, the stable center where they take root.
RETREAT PROGRAM
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
Arrival in the afternoon – room assignments and welcome herbal tea.
Evening Yoga and meditation practice.
Dinner and seminar introduction.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Traditional Chinese Medicine – relationship between organs, meridians, and emotions.
Learn which organs are supported by practices for the Earth constitution, and how to use scents, flavors, and touch for self-healing.
Use of essential oils for emotions and meridians. A new perspective on sensory awareness through yoga, naturopathy, and mindful cooking.
SUNDAY, APRIL 19 – THE TERRAIN
Who I am and how my genetic makeup and daily habits shape the conditions underlying health or illness.
We will explore practices that nourish and cleanse the terrain through yoga, treatments, and herbal use. Recognition of one’s individual constitution.
MONDAY, APRIL 20 – EARTH AS ELEMENT AND PLANET
The Earth lies at the center of the cosmic movements, according to one viewpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
During the seminar we will explore the axes that cross this center of balance: Metal–Wood and Fire–Water.
Just like humans, the Earth is influenced by the energetic movement of planets that also guide plants, which can be wisely used to support our health. We will discover together how the intelligence of plants — acting through their own soil — helps heal our organs with the same wisdom.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Morning Yoga practice. Breakfast. Closing circle.
DAILY SCHEDULE (for seminar days)
7:00 a.m. – Yoga practice (Asana & Pranayama)
8:15 a.m. – Breakfast
10:00 a.m. – Naturopathy workshop
1:00 p.m. – Lunch
4:00 p.m. – Meridian treatment: self-massage and cleansing exercises (workshops).
Herbal tea with Q&A.
6:30 p.m. – Evening practice (Asana & Meditation)
8:00 p.m. – Dinner
Retreat Facilitators
– Yoga teacher and Naturopath
Elena Zanghi – Communication assistant and Naturopath
Federica Pitino – Naturopath, co-founder of Manicò – Itinerant Natural Cuisine
Andrea Tedeschi – Co-founder of Manicò – Itinerant Natural Cuisine
