Retreat Centres

What is a retreat centre? Well the verb retreat essentially means to withdraw “especially from something hazardous, formidable or unpleasant” (The Free Dictionary). However the noun refers to both a place of privacy, peace, quiet and security, as well as a period of seclusion or solitude. Originally, the term developed from the the Old French past participle retrere (draw back), from the Latin retrahere, into the noun retret. The meaning of ‘place of seclusion’ developed from 1423, and could also be used as an ‘establishment for mentally ill persons’ since 1797 (Online Etylology Dictionary).

Today  retreat encompasses the idea of withdrawal from one’s usual lifestyle and environment for many reasons, whether personal, spiritual or for business purposes. Often they are situated in the midst of nature, whether tropical rainforests, mountains or the countryside. Retreat centres developed to provide a place of peace and respite for those wanting to escape the stress and busyness of modern lives. Often they now provide programs to improve one’s health and lifestyle, including relaxation strategies (e.g. massages, yoga). There are also many spiritual retreat centres that allow space and time for reflection, prayer and meditation. Organisations have also now picked up on the idea, and often hold retreats to aid teambuilding, enhance strategic planning and communication, engage in problem-solving and creative thinking.

The Benefits of Relaxation

Relaxation has many proven benefits for your health and well-being. Mostly it reduces stress, which is the root cause for many diseases. Relaxation techniques whether spa treatments, deep breathing or visualisation, helps to give the heart a rest by slowing the heart rate, which in turn reduces blood pressure, slowing the rate of breathing which reduces the need for oxygen, increases blood flow to the muscles, and decreases muscle tension.

As a result, most people will have more energy, better sleep, an improved immune system, increased concentration and greater efficiency, and often less headaches.