I’m Andrea Rao

Zenthai Shiatsu therapist and teacher, movement facilitator

My work is a personal journey of balance and awareness. Over the years, I’ve learned that to truly support others, I must first care for myself, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

My approach is rooted in meditation and movement, and in cultivating compassion, authenticity, and simplicity. These are not just concepts I teach, they are lived practices.

My background in physiotherapy gives me a deep understanding of the body, which I bring naturally into my work with Zenthai Shiatsu and movement facilitation.

This ongoing inner work allows me to hold space for others with presence, clarity, and grounded support.

For me, healing begins within. From that place, service emerges naturally, with authenticity, steadiness, and heart.

Working with people is something I truly value, as it constantly invites me to grow, reflect, and understand myself more deeply.

“Healing begins within, and from this place, the ability to be of service emerges effortlessly”.

The whole journey until here

My journey with bodywork began at 17, when a motorcycle accident left me with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus. Regular sessions with a physiotherapist sparked my fascination with the human body and its incredible capacity for movement and healing, leading me to study physiotherapy and complete a master’s degree in Sports Physiotherapy.

Now, as a bodywork practitioner with over a decade of experience, I integrate physiotherapy with Zenthai Shiatsu and Yoga. I spent three years working with a professional rugby team in Italy, and my true evolution began when I journeyed East, studying Traditional Thai Massage in Thailand, Zenthai Shiatsu in Australia, and Traditional Hatha Yoga in India.

Since then, I have traveled across Australia, Italy, and Portugal, guiding workshops and retreats, and sharing at festivals what has become a profound part of my life, living and embodying values through presence, attention, and conscious action.

The beginning of Energy in Motion

It all began in a time of inner stagnation, when I realized I was living according to inherited patterns, conditioned habits, and old ways of being that no longer served me. It was a life constrained by expectations, routines, and unexamined beliefs, a stillness that felt safe but limiting.

At some point, I chose to move. I let go of what no longer aligned with who I truly am, and in that movement, everything began to flow differently. A new current of energy emerged, bringing possibility, creativity, and vitality into my life.

I left my home country with only a backpack and curiosity, ready to learn from every place, every teacher, and every culture I encountered. Through Eastern philosophies and these experiences, I discovered meditation, became more aware of my breath, and truly learned to listen to my body.

I realized that happiness and a different kind of life were possible. I began moving every day, caring for myself with attention, and saying no to what felt toxic, substances, habits, and relationships that pulled me away from who I am. Step by step, I set my life in motion, allowing this new energy to guide me toward a life that feels authentic, aligned, and fully mine.

Through this journey, I discovered core values within myself, principles that I anchored to and that now guide both my life and my work, shaping the way I support others and move through the world.

What people are saying

  • Receiving a treatment from Andrea was a really pleasant and meaningful experience. From the very beginning, you can feel the care and attention he puts into his work. During the session, I felt relaxed and also got in touch with parts of myself that I hadn’t connected with for a long time. It left me with a sense of lightness and clarity. Thank you, Andrea, for this special experience.

    Greta, ayurvedic practitioner

  • From the moment I met Andrea, I felt his genuine care and dedication. During the session, I became aware of parts of myself that had been closed off or neglected, and slowly they started to emerge. Andrea has a natural way of guiding you to what feels real and true within yourself, which left me feeling lighter and more centered. I also noticed a spark of creativity and inspiration that I hadn’t experienced in years. His presence is calm, attentive, and authentic, making it easy to feel safe and open throughout the session.

    Rosalba, yoga teacher

  • I met Andrea at a yoga and massage workshop in the forest. I could feel his energy, deeply connected to his body and to nature, and his genuine desire to share what he has learned through his experiences and practice. It was clear he was there to serve from the heart. A few days later, I received a massage session with him, where respect, connection, communication, love, breath, and mindfulness were present throughout. Afterward, I felt more balanced, connected to my body, and lighter in both body and mind. Beyond harmonizing the body and soul, Andrea inspires me to approach life from a place of presence, connection, and balance. Thank you, Andrea, for offering such a heartfelt and enriching experience.

    Agus

  • Mountain landscape with logo for Zenthai Shiatsu

    Zenthai Shiatsu Courses

    A transformative journey into the foundations of Zenthai Shiatsu, where deep listening replaces doing, fostering connection, presence, and natural healing within a supportive community.

    This four-day immersion is an experiential exploration of Zenthai Shiatsu, designed for bodyworkers, yoga practitioners, and anyone seeking to refine their touch, expand their understanding of energetics, and explore structural therapy.

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  • A group of people huddled closely together with arms around each other, one person has a visible tattoo on the arm.

    Zenthai Flow Workshops

    This three-hour movement-based practice weaves together mindfulness, connection, and healing touch. Rooted in the Five Elements from ancient Chinese tradition, this immersive class/workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore and embody the elements through movement, touch, and interaction, all within the enriching framework of a conscious and supportive community.

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  • People practicing yoga on mats inside a studio with aerial yoga hammocks hanging from the ceiling.

    Zenthai Flow Movement Class

    This is a movement therapy class rooted in yoga asana, integrating basic Qi Gong and animal movements.

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  • Personalized Bodywork Therapy

    Personalized bodywork that draws from my background in physiotherapy and the healing arts of Zenthai Shiatsu and Traditional Thai Massage. Whether you're seeking relaxation, recovery, or a return to balance, I tailor each session to your body’s unique needs, working either on the floor mat or the massage table, depending on what best serves the moment.

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