Zenthai Shiatsu Level 1: Immersive Retreat in Mexico.
A 5-day immersive experience in nature, movement, touch, and community, learn, connect, and transform
Only a few spots available!
This foundation course is a deep dive into Zenthai Shiatsu: a floor-based system of bodywork influenced by Zen Shiatsu, Traditional Thai Massage, and Osteopathy. It is 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, the course weaves together bodywork practices with mindful movement inspired by Yoga Asana, Qigong, martial arts, and animal movement, creating an immersive exploration of touch, presence, and therapeutic practice.
Over four days, you will learn a complete 90-minute sequence, gaining practical tools and insights into structural and energetic therapy. You’ll cultivate inner awareness, refine your sense of touch, and connect with a vibrant conscious community.
This Level 1 course, or the “5 Elements” module, can be used as a prerequisite to enter the Therapist Training Program.
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 movement classes.
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.
All meals, snacks, drinks, and fresh local ingredients with options for every diet.”
What you will walk away with
A complete Zenthai Shiatsu bodywork sequence (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 video resources.
A certificate of completion, opening the path to further Zenthai studies.
Connection with the broader Zenthai network through the online community.
Your experience
A space designed for connection, nature, and deep restoration.
The course will take place at Casa Chango Retreat Center, nestled in the tropical forest just outside Puerto Escondido, Mexico, along the beautiful Río Colotepec, only 2 kilometers (1 mile) from the beach. (Final location will be confirmed upon reaching the minimum number of participants.)
Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, and dessert, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Options for vegetarian and special diets are available. Guests are welcomed to the table as family and friends, enjoying abundance in a warm, shared atmosphere. The kitchen staff prepares gourmet meals that balance fresh, healthy food with indulgent treats, leaving you energized and satisfied.
This is a space to relax, recharge, and connect with nature and yourself. To retreat is an act of kindness toward oneself, to slow down, breathe with the earth, and reconnect with your body, senses, and heart. Among quiet hills, the song of the river, and the warmth of shared presence, new spaces open for your true self to unfold.
Here, nature becomes our guide. She teaches us to let go, receive, transform, and walk, step by step, toward a more aligned and authentic life. This is a space where nourishment, connection, and simplicity come together naturally.
Details:
Proposed Dates:
Wednesday, 10th February – Sunday, 14th February 2027
*Dates are subject to confirmation based on the number of participants. We’ll update you by mid-August at the latest.Arrival (check-in): Wednesday, 10th February.
Departure (check-out): Sunday, 14th February.Please note that participants are advised to wait before booking flights or travel arrangements until the retreat is officially confirmed.
Location:
Casa Chango, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, México.
Investment:
Course fee (for the training includes all teaching and manuals, 1 month free access to the online video resources):
Super early bird$460 (registered before 1st of June 2026).
Early bird offer$580 (registered before the 1st of August 2026).
Regular price$690 (after the 1st of August 2026).
Retreat fee*:
4-bedded room: $515/person.
Private room/shared bathroom: $880/person - Double occupancy 580/person.
Private room/private bathroom: $1040/person - Double occupancy 640/person.
Private room/private bathroom: & air conditioner $1200/person - Double occupancy 800/person.
*Retreat Fee Includes:
3 delicious & nutritious meals per day, desserts, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Tea, coffee, and fruit are available anytime.
Meals from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure.
Full access to Casa Chango amenities: pool, jacuzzi, open-air gym, air-conditioned dance studio, lounge, dining area, river trail, and massage area (massage services not included).
Booking and Cancellation Policy:
Super Early Bird & Early Bird:
Secure your spot now: Pay only 50% of the course fee at the time of booking.
Accommodation payment: Pay 50% of your accommodation starting 1st August.
Final balance: Remaining amount due 2 months before the course starts.
Regular Price:
Booking: Pay 50% of the total cost (course + accommodation) at the time of booking.
Final balance: Remaining 50% due 2 months before the course starts.
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 can fill your spot from the waiting list, you will receive a full refund, minus 50% of the course fee already paid.
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 other 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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For detailed travel information, please visit Casa Chango’s official website using the link below.
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The course is rich and immersive, offering a deep and valuable learning experience to explore together.
To ensure we can move through the material at a steady and grounded pace, the days are intentionally structured as full days. Sessions begin at approximately 8:30 am and conclude around 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
Regular breaks are included throughout the day to support both learning and well-being.Evenings are free, offering space to rest, integrate the experience, connect with fellow participants, or simply enjoy and explore the beauty of the surrounding area.
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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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This course is intended for educational purposes and to support the development of skills in Zenthai Shiatsu and bodywork. The techniques taught are designed for learning, personal practice, and self-awareness, and may be applied to support general well-being.
This training does not replace professional medical care. If you have any serious medical conditions, injuries, or if you are pregnant, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before participating.
Participants are encouraged to practice mindfully, respect their own limits, and always ensure informed consent when working with others.
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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.