As winter loosens its hold and the energy of spring begins to rise, this Chinese New Year Day Retreat in Steyning, Sussex is an invitation to awaken gently and reset your energy for the year ahead.
In Chinese medicine, spring is governed by the Wood element — the season of growth, flexibility, vision, and new beginnings. Join me on Saturday 7th or Sunday 8th February 2026 for this spring wellness retreat near Brighton, where you’ll align with the powerful transition into the Year of the Fire Horse.
Just as trees stretch naturally towards the light, this is your time to clear stagnation, rebalance your nervous system, and plant the seeds for what you want to flourish in your health, life, and personal direction.
Why this Seasonal Shift Matters
iMoving from the stillness of winter into the rising vitality of spring can feel physically and emotionally unsettling if we don’t support the body properly. In Chinese medicine, spring is governed by the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, which are responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy), emotions, digestion, and nervous system balance. When this system becomes congested or out of balance, it can show up as frustration, irritability, tight shoulders, headaches, hormonal tension, poor sleep, or digestive discomfort.
This Chinese New Year spring day retreat in Steyning, Sussex is designed to gently harmonise your body and mind using Qi Gong, acupressure, seasonal self-care, and nervous system support, so you can move into the new season feeling clearer, calmer, and more energised — rather than depleted or overwhelmed.
The day includes:
Qi Gong (Suitable for All)
Release tension, open the body, and encourage the free flow of energy.
Seasonal Acupuncture
Benefit from a seasonal acupuncture treatment, to move your energy through the seasons.
Spring Self-care Teachings
Knowledge you can take home as daily practices, supporting balance and vitality.
Spring-inspired Herbal teas and Nourishing Food
Grounding you in nature’s rhythm and supporting your wellbeing from the inside out.
The Option to Sauna, and Swim in the Natural Pond
Invigorating, restorative, and the perfect complement to the energy of renewal.
Personalised Chinese New Year Predictions for 2026
Find out how the energy my effect you in the year of the Fire Horse.
The Details
📍 Steyning, Sussex
* Saturday 7th or Sunday 8th February
* 9:30am – 4:30pm
* £149 – includes all practices, seasonal lunch, snacks, refreshments, plus use of the sauna and natural pond
The Benefits of Attending Awaken Gently into Spring
Jo guides you to effortlessly connect with the natural ebb and flow of the day's energy to help you rest deeply, restore your energy and revitalise your wellness.
This Immersive Retreat Allows You To:
- +Feel lighter, clearer, and more energised as you step into spring.
- +Learn self-care rituals rooted in Chinese medicine that support you through the seasonal shift.
- +Release the heaviness of winter and make space for creativity and growth.
- +Experience the revitalising contrast of heat and cold with the sauna and natural pond.
- +Leave with tools and practices you can continue at home, keeping you aligned with the energy of the season.
Your Revitalisation Doesn’t End When The Retreat Does
Jo will help you effortlessly integrate your newfound energetic insights and practices into your daily life, so the effects of your retreat can ripple into your life back home and those around you.
Your Host Jo Darling
Jo has been helping people live happier, healthier lives for almost 20 years. She has a degree in Acupuncture and years of extensive study and practice utilising the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine.
With deep expertise in the art of Yang Sheng, the practice of nourishing life, Jo creates a truly transformative wellness retreat. Blending acupuncture, Qi Gong, and self-care wisdom, she guides participants in how to eat, sleep, move, and feel in harmony with their bodies and nature. At each retreat, Jo ensures that every aspect of the experience is thoughtfully tailored, offering a deeply personal and enriching journey toward lasting well-being.
Through her retreats and Acupuncture practice she has witnessed the profound impact that self-knowledge coupled with bespoke, natural self-care practices can have on people’s lives. She has curated her retreats to give you the rare opportunity to do just that.
Testimonials
Jo is a great teacher, extremely talented and so much fun. She held the space for us all to be safe and open and flawlessly had the balance to be on the same level as everyone else.
Her healing talents are in her listening, understanding and communication as much as in her teaching and treatment sessions
Jayne
Molino Del Rey 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Terms and Conditions
Jo Darling Day Retreats – Terms & Conditions
(For One-Day Local Retreats in the UK)Effective from 26 June 2025
1. Payment Terms
- Day retreats must be paid in full at the time of booking.
- You can choose to pay via Klarna on this website to spread the cost.
- If you'd like a payment plan, please contact me via the contact form and I’ll do my best to arrange something flexible.
- Payments are non-refundable, but your ticket is fully transferable to another person.
2. What’s Included
Your retreat fee includes:
- All sessions, activities, and teachings listed in the retreat description
- Meals and refreshments as stated
What’s not included:
- Transport to and from the venue
- Any additional treatments or sessions not listed as part of the retreat
3. Travel
- You are responsible for arranging your own travel to and from the retreat venue.
4. Health & Responsibility
- You are responsible for your own health and wellbeing during the retreat.
- By booking, you confirm you are physically and mentally fit to participate.
- Please let me know in advance about any medical conditions, allergies, or mental health concerns that may affect your participation.
- My retreats are not a substitute for medical care or therapy.
5. Liability
- I am not liable for any personal injury, loss, damage, or expenses incurred during the retreat, unless caused by proven negligence.
- You attend and participate in all activities at your own risk.
6. Changes & Cancellations by Me
- I reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances (such as illness or venue issues).
- In the unlikely event that I have to cancel, you’ll be offered:
- A full refund of what you’ve paid, or
- A transfer to another retreat of your choice (subject to availability).
7. Behaviour & Group Dynamics
- I aim to create a kind, inclusive, and respectful space.
- I reserve the right to ask a participant to leave (without refund) if their behaviour jeopardises the safety or wellbeing of the group.
8. Acceptance
By booking and completing your payment, you agree to these Terms & Conditions in full.
What is group acupuncture
Group acupuncture is acupuncture treatment in a group setting. Usually up to 6 people receive treatment simultaneously.
Before treatment Jo takes your full health history via an online form. On the day she'll ask about any current issues such as if you have your period.
Jo then treats you for relaxation and points to help your energy flow from one season to the next.
Treatment is of the same high standard as 1-2-1 sessions following heatlh and safety guidelines as set out by the British Acupuncture council.
I'm new to Qi Gong what does it entail?
Jo teaches very simple Dao Yin Qi gong. Slow meditative movements suitable for complete beginners to seasonal Qi Gongers.
Everyone will get something from the session no matter how experienced they are.
Dao Yin is self healing and non prescriptive with the breath. You can go at your pace and enjoy the gentle movement surrounded in nature.
What happens during the workshops?
As a self confessed Chinese medicine nerd Jo is passionate about sharing ancient wisdom for self care.
Too often medicine is about fixing when actually there's so much we can do to understand ourselves better and support our energy to optimise our wellbeing,
Jo shares Chinese medicine in a relatable, doable way so that everyone can find something to take away into every day life.
Payment
Payment terms
Payment terms from the T&Cs
- Day retreats must be paid in full at the time of booking.
- You can choose to pay via Klarna on this website to spread the cost.
- If you'd like a payment plan, please contact me via the contact form and I’ll do my best to arrange something flexible.
- Payments are non-refundable, but your ticket is fully transferable to another person.
Do you offer payment in installments
Yes you can either pay in instalments via Klarna or facebook. If you would prefer to pay direct via installments message Jo directly hello@jodarling.co.uk
What payment methods do you take?
Shop pay, Google pay, Apple Pay. Visa, Mastercard and Amex
