Focused Intention Therapy
Zenthai Shiatsu 5 Elements Module
18 - 22 of May 2026
in Oliveira Do Hospital, Portugal
This retreat-style course offers a living, embodied exploration of the Five Elements from the perspective of Ancient Chinese tradition, integrated within the holistic approach of Zenthai Shiatsu.
It is designed as a natural continuation of the foundational Level 1 training.
Level 1 is the only prerequisite required to access the Therapist Training Program and to continue along the Zenthai Shiatsu pathway.
The “5 Elements” module is a separate course, created to deepen the understanding of the Five Elements for those who wish to continue studying Zenthai Shiatsu after Level 1, but who may not yet feel ready to commit to the full Therapist Training.
This course is offered by me, Andrea, as a continuation of the September Level 1, and is available exclusively to students who have already completed Level 1.
Who is this course for?
This course is open to anyone who has already attended Level 1, and especially to students from the September Level 1 with Andrea.
It offers an opportunity to explore how the Five Elements can support greater harmony within ourselves and in our relationships, through simple lifestyle choices, conscious nutrition, and the hands-on practice of Zenthai Shiatsu bodywork.
Participants will cultivate presence, deepen body awareness, and integrate 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 journey - a chance to slow down and 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.
Details:
Dates:
The course would run after the level one, leaving only one day in between to rest. It is the same length as the level one, 4 days
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) -*Only for the camping option: if finances are tight, feel free to reach out. The hosting farm offers an opportunity to reduce accommodation and food costs by contributing a few hours of volunteer work.
*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.
Booking & Cancellation Policy:
Booking & Payment:
To secure your place in the course, a €150 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:
The training balance needs to be finalized 2 weeks before the course starts.
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.
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 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)
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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/ptFrom 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/ptNote: 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.
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The course will run from Tuesday, 19th May to Friday, 22nd May 2026. It will start at 8:15 am on the first day and finish at approximately 5:00 pm on the last day. Check-in should be done on Monday, 18th May, and check-out should be done on Friday, 22nd May.
*Dinner will be provided on the evening before the course starts.
*If you wish to stay an extra night, this needs to be communicated in advance, so we can organize the space accordingly.
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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 approximately at 8:15 am and end up approximately at 5:00 pm.
*Please note that these times are approximate and may be adjusted slightly according to the needs of the group.
Breaks During the Day
To support your learning and well-being, there will be regular breaks throughout the day.Evenings are free, providing space for you to process what you’ve learned, rest deeply, or connect with fellow participants.
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Payment details will be provided by Andrea via email after you have submitted the application form.
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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.