Focused Intention Therapy
Zenthai Shiatsu Level 1 Course (Foundations)
2 - 6 of September 2026
Central Portugal - Arganil area
This foundation course is a deep and immersive 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.
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.
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.
Nourishing, plant-based meals three times a day.
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.
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 3rd to 6th September 2026. Check-in is on 2nd September by 6:00 pm, followed by a short opening circle in the evening. Classes will begin on Thursday, 3rd September at 8:15 am and conclude at approximately 5:00 pm on Sunday, 6th September. Participants should check out on Sunday, 6th 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, which includes all teaching and manuals):
Early bird offer €350 (registered before the 15th of July 2026);
Regular price €450 (after the 15th of July 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 Options:
Single Dome with own bathroom and air conditioning — 340 € per person (Sold out);
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.
*Participants who would like to support the space outside the course hours are warmly welcome to volunteer. In exchange for their help, the host is happy to offer a reduction in the accommodation cost.
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@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. -
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 begin at 8:15 AM on September 3rd and finish around 5:00 PM on September 6th.
Check-in on September 2nd between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Check-out is on September 6th.
*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.