Focused Intention Therapy

Zenthai Shiatsu 5 Elements Module

4 day intensive, 19 - 22 of May 2026

in Oliveira Do Hospital, Portugal

This four-day course is a living, embodied exploration of the Five Elements according to Ancient Chinese tradition, integrated into the holistic approach of Zenthai Shiatsu.
It is designed as a natural continuation of the foundational Level 1 training, and while it can also be taken independently depending on your personal path, completing Level 1 first offers a more harmonious learning experience.

Level 1 is the only prerequisite required to enter the Therapist Training Program.
The “5 Elements” module is also an essential part of the Therapist pathway, but it can be completed at a later stage if needed.

Together, Level 1 and the “5 Elements” module form the core foundation of the full 3-year therapeutic training pathway with the founder of Zenthai Shiatsu, Gwyn Williams, in Europe.
However, Level 1 alone is sufficient if you wish to participate in the 9-month training.

Who is this course for?

While completing Level 1 Zenthai Shiatsu beforehand is recommended, this course is open to anyone curious about the philosophy and theory of the Five Elements or wanting to bring its wisdom into daily life. It offers a chance to explore how the Five Elements can help create more harmony within ourselves and with others, through simple lifestyle choices, conscious nutrition, and the hands-on practice of Zenthai Shiatsu bodywork. Participants will cultivate presence, deepen body awareness, and bring the insights of this ancient healing art into everyday life in a practical and meaningful way.Beyond offering practical and profound tools, this training is often experienced as a transformative time, a chance to slow down, reconnect with yourself, your body, and a heart-centered community.

What you will receive

  • Hands-on practice: Daily sessions of giving and receiving Zenthai Shiatsu, including structured sequences linked to the Five Elements.

  • Morning grounding practices: Zenthai Flow Movement classes based on Yoga asana, Qi Gong, breathing, and somatic exploration.

  • Theoretical teaching: Physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of the Five Elements, plus functional anatomy fundamentals.

  • Course materials: Complete manual and recap videos for ongoing reference.

  • Community access: Join an online network of Zenthai Shiatsu practitioners.

  • Certification: Official “5 Elements” Certificate in Zenthai Shiatsu.

  • Accommodation & meals: 4 nights in single or shared rooms, plus one vegan meal per day.

What you will walk away with

  • Practical experience in Zenthai Shiatsu bodywork, with element-specific sequences for Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

  • Deeper body awareness, sensitivity to subtle energies, and refined touch.

  • Understanding of how to apply the Five Elements in bodywork and movement.

  • Knowledge of functional anatomy for addressing postural imbalances, pain, and movement limitations.

  • Confidence in giving and receiving touch, with the opportunity to rediscover the healing power of innocent, heartfelt touch.

  • A sense of inner grounding, connection, and presence to carry beyond the training.

  • Certificate of Completion.

Highlights past events:

Your experience

Quinta da Carva is a beautiful farmhouse located less than a 10-minute drive from Oliveira do Hospital in the heart of Portugal, in the Coimbra district. Centrally positioned, it is easily accessible by car: about 1 hour from Coimbra, 2 hours from Porto, and 3 and 15 minutes from Lisbon.

The farm enjoys a privileged location, nestled in untouched nature at the foot of the magical Serra da Estrela natural park, one of Portugal's most beautiful, quiet, and energetically powerful places. The land where we stay is crossed by the Cobral River, a crystal-clear stream with icy, living waters that flow directly from the mountain springs of the Serra da Estrela. From here, different trails begin, inviting exploration and connection with nature.

The property extends over 10 hectares: gently rolling hills dotted with ancient oak trees, full of quiet corners where one can read, lie in the sun, or listen to the silence, and to the wisdom of the Cobral River, which always has something to teach us.

All meals are plant-based, fresh, local, and seasonal, with some ingredients coming directly from our own garden. The kitchen lovingly accommodates all dietary needs, allergies, and intolerances.

To retreat is an act of kindness towards oneself.
It is the choice to slow down and breathe with the earth, water, and wind through the trees.
It is a return to the body, feeling, to the heart’s rhythm.
Among the quiet hills, the song of the river, and the warmth of shared presence, new spaces open, allowing what we are to unfold gently.
Here, nature becomes our guide.
She teaches us to let go, to receive, to transform.
And to walk, step by step, toward a more aligned and authentic life.

* Please note that the course takes place on a farm immersed in nature. While the property is home to a few people, the space will be entirely dedicated to the course during your stay. This is not a luxury retreat center yet we put a lot of love so that, authenticity, simplicity, and human warmth are at the heart of the experience. It’s a place for those who wish to connect with nature, enjoy the genuineness of shared life, and experience meaningful moments with other participants. If you’re seeking an authentic, down-to-earth experience, away from luxury, you are warmly welcome.

Small waterfall flowing over a stone wall surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a forest setting.
Yellow house with red roof in grassy landscape, surrounded by trees under clear blue sky.
Sunlight filtering through trees near a small waterfall.

Details:

Dates:

  • Tuesday 19th - Saturday 22nd May 2026

    (We will start at 8:00 am on the first day, gathering around the fire. We finish at 5:30 pm on the last day.)

Location:

  • Quinta da Carva, Lagares da Beira (5/10 minutes driving from Oliveira do Hospital)

Investment:

  • Course fee (for the training includes all teaching and manuals):

    • Early bird offer €350 (registered before the 1st of March 2026);

    • Regular price €450 (after the 1st of March 2026).

  • Accommodation: (includes four nights’ accommodation with three plant-based meals per day; Sunday’s dinner will instead be provided on Wednesday evening):

    • Three-bedded room: €180 per person (Limited availability);

    • Twin or double room: €200 per person (Limited availability);

    • Single room: €240 (Limited availability);

    • Camping in a tent or motorhome: €152 per person (Limited availability) -*For the camping option: if finances are tight, feel free to reach out; there might be the possibility to contribute to the course with a few hours of volunteering.

      *It is possible to rent a tent for an extra €5 per night.

      *I warmly encourage you to stay with the group, as sharing space and time often deepens the experience and supports personal growth and transformation. However, if you live nearby and prefer to save on accommodation costs, you can join the course as a non-residential participant.

*If you genuinely feel called to join but financial reasons prevent you from doing so, please reach out; we can find a way.

*Giving Back / Donation:
Please note that the 2,5% of the course proceeds will be donated to Dhamma Sacca Vipassana Centre in Spain, supporting their meditation retreats and community work.

Booking & Cancellation Policy:

  • Booking & Payment:
    To secure your place in the course, a €100 deposit is required at the time of booking.
    You may choose to pay the full course fee upfront or reserve your spot with a deposit.

  • Payment Schedule:

    • A second payment of €100 must be made two weeks before the course starts.

    • The remaining balance of the course fee is to be paid upon arrival.

    • Accommodation and food costs can be paid on the first day of the course.

  • Registration Deadline:
    Registrations will close when all places are filled. Once the deposit is received, your place is confirmed.

  • Cancellation by participant:

    • If you wish to cancel and you find another person to take your place before the course start date, you may transfer your registration.

    • Alternatively, if we manage to fill your spot from the waiting list, you will receive a full refund minus a €50 admin fee.

    • If you cancel and we cannot fill your place: no refund of payments already made.

  • Course Cancellation (by us / organizer):

    • If the course is cancelled due to insufficient registrations, or other extraordinary circumstances, deposits and any payments will be fully refunded.

  • Waiting list:

    If the course is fully booked, you may join a waiting list. In case of early cancellations, we will contact you to offer the available spot.

Email andrea_rao@yahoo.it for questions and payment instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Yes, this is an official Zenthai Shiatsu Course recognised and supported by the founder, Gwyn Williams.


    This course serves as a foundational requirement for progressing with your studies toward becoming a Zenthai Shiatsu therapist through the 9-month training program.

  • Getting to Oliveira do Hospital

    From Porto Airport
    The easiest option is by bus — about 3.5 hours.
    Check schedules and book tickets at: www.rede-expressos.pt/pt

    From Lisbon Airport
    First, reach Lisbon Oriente station (by metro, taxi, or even on foot — it’s around 3 km).
    From there, take a bus to Oliveira do Hospital.
    Schedules and tickets: www.rede-expressos.pt/pt

    Note: Coimbra is the closest major city to Oliveira do Hospital. If you're looking at other travel options, arriving in Coimbra first and continuing from there can work well.

    A WhatsApp group will be created to help coordinate travel and stay connected.
    Once in Oliveira do Hospital, someone might be available to pick you up, or you can easily take a taxi to the course location.

    Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

  • Quinta Da Carva can accommodate participants only starting one day before the course begins. Dinner will be provided on the evening before the course starts.

  • The course is rich and immersive, filled with valuable content for us to explore together.

    To ensure we can go through everything at a steady, grounded pace, our days are intentionally long. We begin each morning at 8:00 am and end up around 5:30 pm.

    Breaks During the Day
    To support your learning and well-being, there will be regular breaks throughout the day, including:

    • Lunch breaks

    • Morning and afternoon tea/coffee breaks

    Evenings are free, providing space for you to process what you’ve learned, rest deeply, or connect with fellow participants.

  • The course will begin on the morning of May 19th and conclude on the evening of Saturday, May 22nd. Daily sessions will run approximately from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Please note that these times are approximate and may be adjusted slightly according to the needs of the group.

  • Payment details will be provided by Andrea via email after you have submitted the application form, which will be sent once you have expressed your interest in participating in the course.

  • This course is intended for educational purposes and to develop skills in Zenthai Shiatsu and bodywork. The techniques taught are for learning, practice, and self-awareness, and may be applied to support general well-being.

    This training does not replace professional medical care. If you have serious medical conditions, injuries, or are pregnant, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before participating. Always practice mindfully, respect your own limits, and ensure informed consent when working with others.

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