I’m Andrea Rao

BODY WORKER, ZENTHAI SHIATSU THERAPIST

My work is centered on caring for myself and embodying balance, as I navigate and release patterns, fixations, and past traumas. Through daily movement, meditation, and the practice of the Five Elements from ancient Chinese philosophy, I nurture presence, clarity, and resilience within.

Inspired by my own journey and the guidance of my teachers, I have realized that only by healing ourselves can we truly support the healing of others. In this way, healing others does not depend on my will or effort; it unfolds naturally and organically, beyond intention and the involvement of the ego.

By grounding myself in the wisdom of the Five Elements, I maintain a centered presence. In this state, sharing, guiding, and supporting others arises spontaneously, in the right timing and circumstances.

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

The whole journey until here

My journey began at 17, when I had a motorcycle accident that left me with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus. I started seeing a physiotherapist regularly, and through this experience I discovered a deep fascination with the human body and its capacity for movement and healing. This passion led me to study physiotherapy at university.

As a bodywork practitioner, I now bring over a decade of experience, integrating my background in physiotherapy with the art of Zenthai Shiatsu and Yoga.

A dedicated movement practitioner for many years, I hold a master’s degree in Sports Physiotherapy and spent three years working with a professional rugby team in Italy. Yet 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 travelled across Australia, Italy, and Portugal, guiding workshops and retreats, and sharing at festivals what has become a deep part of my life. Along this journey, I have seen values slowly transform into virtues, lived daily and shared with the world through presence, attention, and conscious action.

The beginning of Energy in Motion

For me, “Energy in Motion” truly was born after years of struggle and suffering, when I realized I had a role in my own misery. I understood that to stop it, I needed to be honest with myself and face the psychological resistances I had long avoided. This acceptance led me on a journey of self-discovery, exploring new paths and ways of feeling well, different from anything I had tried before.

I stopped following the paths everyone else was taking, which I had blindly followed until then, and turned to Eastern philosophies that cultivate awareness of the breath, presence, and the body. I discovered that happiness was still possible. I began changing my diet, moving every day, and, most importantly, started saying no to toxicity, substances, alcohol, and relationships that had drawn me away from myself or caused suffering.

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 Level 1 Foundations

    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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    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 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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    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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