CONNECTION & CULTIVATION OF THE LOWER DANTIAN.
Yin Yoga Immersion Weekend - Practice & Theory - Language : English 🇬🇧
The lower abdominal region (below the navel), known as the Lower Dantian (xia dantian 下丹田), acts as the body’s energetic root and serves as the source from which this process—as the center of gravity and reservoir of prenatal Qi—nourishes the Middle (Heart) and Upper (Mind) Dantians.
It is from this region of the body that all the energy animating it originates. It is surrounded by various muscle groups and connective tissues. This complex network of tissues is connected to most of the body’s myofascial lines. The more the nerve pathways that establish this connection develop, the more apparent the relationship with this space becomes. In the internal arts, the lower Dantian refers to the source of Qi (氣)—that is, the area from which it emanates, to which it returns, and where it accumulates and transforms. Its activation or reconsolidation restores its original density, which is cultivated through breathing, stillness, and focused attention— characteristicsof the internal arts. This process of involution is often called “the return to the source.”
To learn more about the Lower Dantian, click the link below to read our article.
WEEKEND IMMERSION PROGRAM
Friday, September 11
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – PRACTICE
Preparation for the Lower Dantian Practice: Yin Yoga & Following the Ox
This preliminary meditation practice has two objectives: first, to define the boundaries of the lower Dantian, and second, to calm the mind. By slowing down all bodily rhythms, the practitioner will find the calm necessary to refocus on the lower Dantian.
This two-hour class includes a Yin Yoga sequence targeting the major bony structures and joints surrounding the spine and hips, as well as a meditation called “Following the Ox.”
Saturday, September 12
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – PRACTICE
Warm-up Routine: Patting the Eight Hollows (Pai Ba Xu 拍八虚)
Pai Ba Xu is a specific tapping/self-massage technique that is highly effective at clearing stagnant Qi from the body.
The Tao of Yoga
This postural practice is a harmonious blend of Yin Yoga and Taoist movements, such as Ji-ben Gong and Song Gong. This combination of exercises targets the body’s main myofascial lines, helping to connect and release the entire connective tissue network.
10-Minute Break
Reverse Breathing - Meditation
This breathing practice is central to cultivating the lower Dantian. In many internal arts traditions, the main goals of reverse breathing are to develop control over the breath and bodily mechanics in order to gather and circulate Qi more consciously. It strengthens the lower abdomen and coordinates the abdominal magnetic field as well as the subtle internal movements that occur during inhalation and exhalation.
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. – THEORY
Lower Dantian - From Anatomy to Energy
An introduction to the Lower Dantian and its various physiological and anatomical correspondences within the body, as well as its function as a storehouse of primordial energy (Jing or essence).
10-Minute Break
2:50 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – PRACTICE
Fundamental Principles of Qigong
A Qigong session to open up the spine and connect with the center of gravity— the Lower Dantian.
Yin Yoga & Meditation
A Yin Yoga sequence and reverse breathing meditation.
Sunday, September 13
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – PRACTICE
Warm-up Routine: Patting the Eight Hollows (Pai Ba Xu 拍八虚)
Pai Ba Xu is a specific tapping/self-massage technique that is highly effective at clearing stagnant Qi from the body.
The Tao of Yoga
This postural practice is a harmonious blend of Yin Yoga and Taoist movements, such as Ji-ben Gong and Song Gong. This combination of exercises targets the body’s main myofascial lines, helping to connect and release the entire connective tissue network.
10-Minute Break
After the Ox Meditation
This preliminary meditation practice has two objectives: first, to define the boundaries of the lower Dantian, and second, to calm the mind. By slowing down all bodily rhythms, the practitioner will find the calm necessary to refocus on the lower Dantian.
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. – THEORY
Understanding and Applying Ting and Song
Ting—attentiveness (聽) —refers to “the energy of listening.” This practice fosters calmness and receptivity, key elements of Taoist meditation, allowing practitioners to attune themselves to the subtle flow of qi and natural rhythms.
Song —often translated as “relaxation” or “loosening” (鬆)—is a fundamental principle that refers to a state of effortless relaxation or release. Song is the relaxed, receptive state; Ting is the listening that becomes possible because of that state.
10-Minute Break
2:50 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – PRACTICE
Fundamental Principles of Qigong
A Qigong session to open up the spine and connect with the center of gravity— the Lower Dantian.
Yin Yoga & Meditation
A Yin Yoga sequence and reverse breathing meditation.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact us using our contact form.
VENUE
HOMEPLACE
Ravanička 42, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Investment
Friday evening class: 40 €
Weekend Immersion:
1 session: 55 €
1 day: 95 €
Both days: 180 €
The rates above do not include lodging and meals.
To register, please click directly on the button below to contact: Marija Milićević at Homeplace - Belgrade