Zenthai Shiatsu Level 1: Immersive Retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico.
A 4-day (5 nights) immersive experience in nature, through movement, touch, and community - A space to slow down, learn, and reconnect.
Limited availability!
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 like setting, the training 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 for Connection, Nature & Deep Restoration
This course takes place at Casa Chango Retreat Center, nestled in the tropical forest just outside Puerto Escondido, in the beautiful region of Oaxaca. Located along the peaceful Río Colotepec and only minutes from the beach, Casa Chango offers a unique blend of nature, comfort, and community.
Surrounded by tropical gardens, river trails, and breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains, it is the perfect setting to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Guests can enjoy the infinity pool, jacuzzi, hammocks, and beautiful open spaces designed for relaxation and inspiration.
Our practice/classes sessions will take place either in Casa Chango’s stunning 2,000-square-foot open-air movement space, immersed in nature, or in the air-conditioned yoga and dance studio with sprung wooden floors and mirrors, depending on availability and the needs of the group.
During the retreat, there may be the opportunity to join optional local excursions, such as beach visits, baby turtle releases, bioluminescent lagoon tours, local markets, shopping trips, and mezcal experiences. Availability depends on local conditions and must be requested in advance. Additional costs may apply.
All meals are included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, and dessert. Prepared with fresh local ingredients, the menu includes vegetarian and special dietary options, offering both nourishing meals and delicious treats.
During our stay, there may be another group sharing the retreat center. Thanks to the spacious layout of Casa Chango, with its many gathering, practice, and relaxation areas, there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the experience comfortably. The team at Casa Chango is experienced in hosting multiple groups and is committed to creating a harmonious and enjoyable environment for all guests.
Casa Chango is more than a retreat center—it is a welcoming sanctuary where nature, movement, and meaningful connection come together, creating the ideal environment for rest, personal growth, and transformation.
For more information about the venue, visit: www.casachangomexico.com
You can also watch a short video of the venue here: Casa Chango Video Tour.
Details:
Dates:
The course will take place from 3 January to 6 January 2027.
As there will be a short opening event on the evening of 2 January, accommodation is required from 2 January (check-in) until 7 January 2027 (check-out).
Location:
Casa Chango, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, México. (https://casachangomexico.com/).
Investment (Training + 5 nights accommodation):
Super Early Bird — until 31 August 2026
4-Bedded Room: 1,055 Euros (Limited availability)
Private Room (Shared Bathroom): 1,450 Euros (Limited availability)
Private Room (Private Bathroom): 1,625 Euros (Limited availability)
Early Bird — 1 September – 15 November 2026
4-Bedded Room: 1,155 Euros (Limited availability)
Private Room (Shared Bathroom): 1,550 Euros (Limited availability)
Private Room (Private Bathroom): 1,725 Euros (Limited availability)
Regular Price — from 16 November 2026
4-Bedded Room: 1,255 Euros (Limited availability)
Private Room (Shared Bathroom): 1,650 Euros (Limited availability)
Private Room (Private Bathroom): 1,875 Euros (Limited availability)
Special pricing for Mexican participants: If you are Mexican, please contact me directly to discuss local pricing and payment in Mexican pesos (MXN).
*Limited places available. Spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
**Additional accommodation options, including a private room with a private bathroom and air conditioning, or a double room, may be available upon request, subject to availability.
Retreat Fee Includes:
6 days and 5 nights accommodation.
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:
Booking & Payment:
To secure your place in the course, a 400 Euros non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
The bank details for the bank transfer will be provided after your application form is submitted.
Payment Schedule:
The remaining balance is due no later than 4 weeks before the start of the retreat.
Registration Deadline:
Registrations will close when all places are filled. Once the deposit and the application form are 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 place from the waiting list, you will receive a refund of 50% of the amount paid. The remaining 50% will be retained to cover administration and management costs.
If your place cannot be filled from the waiting list, we are unfortunately unable to refund any payments already received.
Course Cancellation (by us / organizer):
If the course is cancelled due to insufficient registrations or other extraordinary circumstances, all payments made to us will be fully refunded. Please note that we cannot reimburse any travel-related or other personal expenses, including flights, visas, insurance, or any costs not paid directly to us.
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.
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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.