Focused Intention Therapy
Zenthai Shiatsu 5 Elements Module
7 - 11 of September 2026
Central Portugal, Arganil area
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. While it can also be taken independently - depending on your personal journey -completing Level 1 beforehand allows for a more integrated and harmonious learning experience.
Level 1 remains the only prerequisite for entry into the Therapist Training Program. The 5 Elements module invites you to deepen your understanding of Zenthai Shiatsu and further explore the wisdom and application of Five Element theory.
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 wishing to bring its wisdom into daily life.
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 Libelula is a quiet eco-space in the mountains of central Portugal, created for retreats, gatherings, and time spent close to nature. Far from busy roads and everyday distractions, the Quinta offers a simple and grounded atmosphere where people can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with themselves and the natural world around them.
The surrounding landscape is wild and peaceful, with forests, fresh spring water, and open skies that fill with stars during the summer nights. A natural pool invites refreshing dips on warm days, and dragonflies, the inspiration behind the name Libélula, are part of the life and spirit of the place.
Daily life at the quinta follows a natural rhythm. Meals are vegetarian, seasonal, and prepared with care, using many ingredients grown directly in the garden. Whether sharing food outdoors, sitting around the fire, or walking through the mountains, Quinta da Libelula offers a space that feels authentic, calm, and deeply connected to nature.
You can discover more about the farm and the space here: https://quintadalibelula.center
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 into it 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 will run from the 8th to 11th September 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 is on Monday, 7th September, from 2 pm to 6 pm, and check-out is on Friday, 11th September.
Location:
Quinta da Libélula (20 minutes driving from Arganil)
*More accurate location details will be provided during the booking process.
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).
*If you genuinely feel called to join but financial reasons prevent you from doing so, please reach out; we can find a way.
Accommodation:
Single Dome with own bathroom and air conditioning — 340 € per person (Limited availability);
Double Dome (2 person shared) with shared indoor bathroom facilities and air conditioning — 290 € per person (Limited availability);
Big Dome (4-person shared) with Shared indoor bathroom facilities and air conditioning — 265 € per person (Limited availability);
Tipi Tent (4 people capacity) with outdoor toilet and shower in our beautiful garden — 220 € per person (Limited availability);
Own tent with outdoor toilet and shower in our beautiful garden — 145 € per person.
*It is possible to rent a tent and camping gear for an extra €5 per night (limited availability).
Accommodation price includes:
Arrival on Wednesday;
Dinner on Wednesday evening;
Accommodation until Sunday (Check-out on Sunday after the classes);
Full retreat catering throughout the retreat;
3 homemade vegetarian meals per day, plus a tea & coffee station always available.
Support from our core team;
Firewood preparation;
4x4 transportation (driving up and down);
Music and sound equipment;
Shared infrastructure;
Operational and hosting support.
Additional stay after the course can be arranged separately and would include:
Accommodation for the extra nights;
Food contribution for the following days.
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 remaining balance is due upon arrival.
Accommodation and food costs need to be arranged directly with the host by sending an email to info@quintadalibelula.center.
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 at andrea_rao@yahoo.it for questions and payment instructions.
Combined Training Offer
If you choose to take part in both the Level 1 Foundation Training and the 5 Elements Module, you will receive a 5% discount on the total tuition fee.
Participants joining both modules will stay at Quinta da Libélula for the entire duration of the experience, from September 2nd to 11th, 2026, fully immersed in a peaceful natural environment and the supportive rhythm of retreat life.
Between the two trainings, one dedicated day is set aside for rest and integration. This space allows the body and mind to absorb the experience more deeply, slow down, and come back into balance.
During this pause, you are invited to rest, explore the nature, or simply enjoy the stillness and quiet atmosphere of the farm.
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. -
By car: arrive in Arganil and then follow the location details that will be provided after registration. Once you arrive at the meeting point, a 4x4 vehicle will come to pick you up and take you to the venue.
By public transport: the best way is by bus and the options are:
• Porto airport to Moita da Serra
• Lisbon Airport to Moita da Serra
• Lisbon Airport to Coimbra, Coimbra to Moita da Serra.
From Porto Airport, buses are much more frequent than from Lisbon Airport. However, you can also take a bus to Coimbra and from there change to another bus to Moita da Serra.
From Moita da Serra, you will be picked up by us and taken to the location, with a small donation requested to help cover transportation costs.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
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The course will run from Tuesday, 8th September to Friday, 11th September 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 on September 7th between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Check-out Friday, 11th September.
*Dinner will be provided at 7:00 pm.
*If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know in advance so arrangements can be made.
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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, including:45 minutes for breakfast
1 hour lunch break
Evenings are free, offering space for you to integrate what you’ve learned, rest deeply, enjoy the surrounding nature, 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.