Focused Intention Therapy
Zenthai Shiatsu Level 1 Course (Foundations)
4-day intensive from 2nd to 5th April 2026
Colares, near Sintra (Lisbon area)
This four-day foundation course is a deep dive into Zenthai: a conversation beyond words and a meeting point between Thai Yoga Massage, Zen Shiatsu, and osteopathic technique. It’s an embodied integration of movement, touch, and mindfulness, offering a poetic way to experience the Five Elements Theory of Ancient Chinese Tradition. Taught in a retreat-style setting, it weaves together Yoga Asana, Zen Shiatsu (Japan/TCM), Traditional Thai Massage, and osteopathic techniques, all grounded in mindful presence.
Throughout the journey, you will learn a complete 90-minute sequence, gaining practical tools and valuable insights into structural and energetic therapy. Over four days, you’ll cultivate inner awareness, refine your sense of touch, and connect with a vibrant conscious community.
This Level 1 foundation course is the only prerequisite to enter the Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist Training pathways currently offered in Europe. While the formats may vary, such as Gwyn Williams’ 3-year program or other programs with different Zenthai Shiatsu teachers, the ultimate goal is the same: to train as a Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist.
The ‘5 Elements’ module is also part of the full three-year Zenthai Shiatsu therapist training with Gwyn Williams in Europe, but it can be taken later and naturally fit into your own timing.
*Please note that the Elements module will be offered by Andrea in May in Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal, following the Level 1 course. More info here: Elements Module.
Who is this course for?
Zenthai Shiatsu Level 1 is more than just a course; it’s an experiential journey for those who wish to step out of routine and rediscover connection, presence, and care.
This training weaves the intuitive wisdom of various ancient healing traditions into a modern, practical, and embodied approach. It’s designed for manual therapists wanting to expand their skills, yoga practitioners and teachers seeking to deepen their embodiment and ability to support others, and those interested in energetic and structural therapy, but not limited to that.
You don't need any previous experience in Yoga or massage. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just taking your first steps into bodywork, this course is for you if you feel called towards a holistic vision of health and want to awaken your natural therapeutic abilities.
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
Morning grounding practices: Zenthai Flow Movement classes based on Yoga asana, Qi Gong, breathing, and somatic exploration.Daily teaching sessions blending theory, philosophy, and practical application.
A hands-on introduction to functional anatomy, learning to locate key bones and muscles often linked to pain, tightness, poor posture, and restricted movement.
Guided practice in both offering and receiving mindful, high-quality bodywork.
A deep nurturing of your sense of community and unity, as you connect with others in a heart-centered space.
An opening of the spiritual heart, allowing compassion and trust to naturally arise.
Space for emotional release, creating room for healing, clarity, and transformation.
Nourishing, plant-based meals three times a day.
What you will walk away with
Learn a complete Zenthai Shiatsu sequence (over 90 minutes), with plenty of hands-on practice in offering and receiving, all guided through clear teachings, live demos, and step-by-step instruction.
Refined skills of touch, sensitivity, and presence in bodywork.
Greater awareness of your own body and mind, supporting your ongoing growth.
Plenty of integrated, hands-on experience to embody the teachings.
A comprehensive student manual and access to online high-quality videos for home study.
A certificate of completion, opening the path to further Zenthai studies.
Connection with the broader Zenthai network through the online community.
Highlights past events:
Your experience
Our course takes place on a large community farm (10,000 m²) in Colares, a peaceful village nestled within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, between the mountains of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean. Far from the rush of the city, yet only a short distance from Lisbon, Colares offers a serene landscape of lush forests, ocean breeze, and timeless beauty, a place where time slows down, and nature gently holds you.
The farm itself is an authentic and simple land, perfect for gathering in introspection, connection, and learning.
We usually begin in our open-air temple, a sacred space surrounded by nature, inviting everyone to slow down and fully arrive.The farm is easily accessible by tram, bus, or car, and is only a 5–10 minute walk from the center of Colares town.
The farm is run collectively and not for profit. Its main intention is to nurture a different future by working with children and the land.
It also hosts a community school that welcomes children and young people of all ages, from early education to later stages, offering them the chance to learn and grow in close connection with nature, surrounded by trees, animals, and the gentle rhythm of the land.
All income generated is reinvested into supporting the local community through these projects, encouraging social initiatives and sustainable growth. Everything is done with great care and in deep respect for the Portuguese land, its people, and its values.
It is a place built with love, a strong and caring community where hearts and hands come together to create meaningful change.
For me, choosing spaces like this is part of my mission: to keep Zenthai Shiatsu and the courses I offer authentic, simple, and close to people.
I look for places away from luxury but with the necessary comfort, so that every participant can fully experience the practice in a supportive and truthful environment.
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 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:
Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th Apri 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 das Pantas, Colares, 2705-139.
(The exact address and location will be provided during the application process. If you need the exact location earlier to arrange accommodation, please contact me directly.)
Investment:
Course fee for the training includes all teaching, manual, and clear, high-quality videos for home study.
Early bird offer €350 (registered before the 1st of March 2026);
Regular price €450 (after the 1st of February 2026).
Accommodation:
This course is non-residential, which means that accommodation needs to be arranged independently.
Both Colares and Sintra offer a variety of options, from simple guesthouses and hostels to more comfortable accommodations. We will suggest some places to stay during the application process.
Food:
Lunches can be arranged by a catering person who will prepare meals for us. Anyone who wishes to use this service should let us know in advance so that we can organize accordingly.
*If you genuinely feel called to join but financial reasons prevent you from doing so, please reach out; we can find a way.
Additionally, a WhatsApp group will be created to facilitate easy communication among participants, for carpooling, sharing transport, and other practical arrangements.
*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)
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Yes, this is an official Zenthai Shiatsu Level 1 training 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. -
The course will take place in the small village of Colares, in the municipality of Sintra, near Lisbon.
The exact address will be communicated to participants in due time, before the event.
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The farm is located about 5 minutes on foot from the centre of Colares, in the Sintra municipality. The exact address will be provided once your spot in the course is confirmed. You can use the “Moovit app” to check public transport schedules and plan your trip easily.
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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.
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Please bring comfortable clothing suitable for both massage practice and movement exercises. During the receiving of a massage, body temperature can drop significantly, so it’s recommended to wear warm clothes. During the giving of a massage, you may feel warm. It’s important to remember that we will be in connection, and there will be physical contact during the massage, so personal hygiene is very important. Make sure your clothes are clean and comfortable for the practice.
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The course will start on the morning of the 2nd of April and finish on the evening of Sunday, April 5th. 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.
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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.