""Contiiiiinue..." Giuseppe guides in a hushed, musical tone as I channel all of my efforts into slackening my spine, unclenching my jaw, and unfurling my fists. Responding to his gentle instructions, I inhale deeply from my stomach, hold for three seconds, and exhale through my nose, repeating for several cycles. This is followed by a shorter interval of chest breathing, which feels much more shallow and uncomfortable but also, strangely, more familiar to me."
"Living as an undiagnosed autistic ADHDer for 34 years has trapped me in perpetual fight or flight, placing an invisible vise around my lungs. "The stomach and chest are home to the diaphragm, which allows the lungs to empty completely and thus renew their oxygen supply," Giuseppe tells me afterwards. "According to Chinese medicine, the proper movement of breathing ensures communication between the upper and lower parts of the body, allowing energy to flow freely without blockages.""
"'Letting Go' was created to rebuild healthier relationships between overstimulated individuals and their present. Over the course of three nights, participants benefit from a combination of treatments and therapies aimed at grounding them in the here-and-now, including cooking classes, massages, and guided excursions. "We want our guests to break away from burnout, to reconnect with their senses and self," says Roberta Rovelli, the Senior SPA Receptionist."
An undiagnosed autistic ADHDer experiences chronic fight-or-flight that constricts breathing. Guided breathwork combining diaphragmatic and chest breathing releases physical tension and renews oxygen flow. A practitioner explains diaphragm function and cites Chinese medicine linking breath movement to energy flow between upper and lower body. A retreat called 'Letting Go' offers three nights of sensory therapies—cooking classes, massages, guided excursions—to ground overstimulated guests. Treatments include anti-aging facials and nature walks that restore sensory connection. Participants report reduced burnout and a regained ability to inhabit the present through mindful practices and embodied self-care.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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