“To see it is to free it”
Gwyn Williams, Zenthai Shiatsu Founder

This module dives deeper into the emotional and psychological terrain of the Five Elements. We explore the core emotional expressions of each element, and how to work with them through the cycles of balance and transformation.

Beyond theory, this module invites honest self-exploration. We look at how our own emotionallandscape, patterns, and conditioning shape our presence as a therapist. Through the art ofself-inquiry, you’ll begin to unravel what might be holding you back from living—and practicing—with more clarity and freedom.

This work not only strengthens our capacity to meet others with genuine care, but also deepens our ability to listen, attune, and hold space for our own transformation. When we deeply meet ourselves, we create the conditions for healing to arise in others.

Topics explored in this part of the Zen Thai Shiatsu Therapist Training include:

• Deepening self-awareness through honest reflection
• Cultivating therapeutic relationships grounded in compassion & non-judgement
• Using presence, deep listening, and Five Element Theory to support emotional
  release
• Specific Zenthai Shiatsu gestures & sequences to support inner harmony & balance
• Introducing tools such as moxibustion, point work, and a deeper look at meridian theory

These two hands-on immersive intensives weave together techniques from Zen Shiatsu,
Traditional Thai massage, and Osteopathy, with the 12 threads (or principles) that make Zenthai
Shiatsu what it is. The focus here is practical, gesture based learning and community
connection. Zenthai Shiatsu is a heart-centred, movement-based therapy. Expect to move – a lot– and marry the structural and energetic aspects of this practice. Expect to play, have fun, and get a lot of “miles in your hands.”

These hands-on bodywork training modules help you:

• Use therapeutic gestures to release stagnation and restore fluid movement
• Work through treatment sequences that address common client needs
• Deepen your focused intention through mindfulness practice
• Receive and offer deeply effective therapeutic sessions
• Strengthen your connection to yourself, your healing community, and the land

Here, we turn our attention to structure – learning how anatomy, posture, and habitual
movement patterns relate to both dysfunction and healing. These modules bridge Western
anatomical understanding of fascia, joints, muscles, and tendons with Eastern energetic maps to address pain conditions and musculoskeletal imbalances.

Through these remedial massage modules, you’ll:

• Learn skeletal and muscular anatomy – both in theory and practice
• Work with soft tissue injuries and joint restriction
• Overlay myofascial pathways with meridian theory
• Understand how TCM organ systems and meridians affect alignment and posture
• Learn Zenthai Shiatsu gestures & sequences for specific body regions and common pain conditions
• Practice movement-based therapy for personal recovery

This module introduces extra traditional Eastern methods that can complement and enhance the Zenthai Shiatsu session. These simple, time-tested tools add depth and effectiveness and can be optionally integrated into practice. This module is fun, engaging, and spacious; working outside the usual class-time framework which allows a more social & collaborative feel.

We’ll explore:

• Cupping and Moxibustion to support energy flow and circulation
• Herbal compresses and poultices for grounding and nourishment
• Thai foot massage techniques for whole-body impact
• Wat Pho-style treatments within the Zen Thai Shiatsu framework
• Hara (belly), pulse, and tongue assessment as diagnostic anchors
• Clarifying intention to deepen practitioner-client alignment

This final module is where everything comes together. Under professional guidance, students plan and provide full sessions in a supervised clinic setting—gaining confidence, feedback, and real-world experience. The module also acts as a graduation, including time to celebrate, connect, and close our journey together.

This final stage of the Zen Thai Shiatsu Therapist Certification includes:

• Full client intakes, assessments, and treatment sessions
• Practical use of Five Element and TCM diagnostics
• Space to refine your intuitive presence and confidence
• Integration of both technical skill and emotional depth developed over the training
• Celebration to acknowledge completion, certification, and your new holistic community

• Group instruction for eight in-person 4-day bodywork intensives
• Online support between modules
• Details coming regarding accomodation and food…
• 4 gesture manuals and 1 general manual with homework assignments and learning materials
• 3 month access to online video content of course materials

We are still settling plans for the location of our modules, but most likely, we will have a wood-fire cedar sauna for use onsite

1-1 treatments during “temple nights” are at a reduced student rate of $100/session.

Payment plans are available over the duration of the 9 months (after initial deposit) and require a signed agreement.

Payment plan timeline is adaptable in cases of financial barrier, please reach out.

Course Dates TBD