Zenthai Shiatsu Elements Foundation Training & Digital Detox Retreat

October 22-25, 2026

4-Day Immersive Training Retreat
Quadra Island

Journey into the poetic and insightful landscape of the 5 Elements of Chinese Medicine through Zenthai Shiatsu bodywork practice & theory.

Zenthai Shiatsu Elements Foundation Training

Zenthai Shiatsu bodywork draws from Zen Shiatsu, Traditional Thai Massage, and Osteopathic Techniques, woven together into a dance of giving and receiving with heartfelt presence at its core.

Open to complete beginners, returning Level 1 students, and experienced Zenthai practitioners, this training brings Chinese Medicine theory to life through touch, movement, personal inquiry, and connection with nature

Learn five complete Zenthai Shiatsu sequences—one for each of the Five Elements—during an immersive four-day bodywork training and digital-detox retreat on Quadra Island.

The training begins with accessible foundations while introducing Five Elements theory and sequences that are not taught in the standard Level 1 or Level 2 curriculum.

Like the Level 1, this course can be used as a prerequisite for the 9-month Zenthai therapist program.

Each day we will explore and experience the Elements through

  • Practice of yoga, qi gong and partner yoga
  • Giving and receiving bodywork sequences
  • Mind labs and play shops to explore our inner world
  • Nature and community connection


You will leave with five Zenthai sequences that balance each element, and many juicy take-homes to guide you towards deeper health and alignment with natures rhythm 

Digital Detox

The setting is a stunning lakeside property on Quadra Island, 15 minutes walk to the ocean, with a big sauna onsite, and shared indoor sleeping accommodation. 

The property is outside of cell reception and there is no Wi-Fi available onsite, leaving us an exquisite chance to digitally detox and tune in to full presence. We recommend turning your phone completely off upon arrival, and leaving it that way until we wrap up. 

The property does have a land-line, if you need to make calls home or in case of emergencies. The landline number can be given to friends or family before the training begins, should they need to contact you. 

While the techniques and knowledge can be life-changing, the favourite part of these retreats has always been the community; how we come together through touch, heart-shares, singing, dancing, eating, and sharing home for 4 days. 

Whether you’re already a bodyworker, yoga teacher, movement practitioner, or simply someone curious about healing through touch, this training offers a strong foundation. 

Transform. Cultivate inner awareness, a deepened sense of touch and enrichment of conscious community. Dive into the dance of sacred ritual and playful curiosity
– Gwyn Williams, Zenthai Shiatsu Founder 

In this training, you will:

Learn 5 bodywork sequence to use on their own or integrate into your practice.

Explore yoga, partner yoga, and Qi Gong to ground and strengthen your body.

Receive an illustrated manual, course video, and 32-hour certificate.

Deepen connection through movement, touch, and group discussion.

Give and receive nourishing, full-body sessions.

Build confidence through guided flows and partner practice.

Once completed, you can optionally move on to our in-depth Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist Training - 9 Month Program.

“Transform. Cultivate inner awareness, a deepened sense of touch and enrichment of conscious community. Dive into the dance of sacred ritual and playful curiosity”

More Information

$975 CAD + GST : Shared room

$1070 CAD + GST : Private room* 

$925 CAD + GST : Each for couples/ bed share-ers*

$925 CAD + GST : BYO tent or van* 

* = limited spots available on a first-come, first-served basis

– Four days of instruction (8:30a-4:30p Thu-Sun)

 Arrival time is Wednesday between 4 and 10pm

– Four nourishing lunches

– Sauna (open one night of the training weekend)

– Printed manual with photos and course notes

– 1 month free access to online course videos 

– 32-hour practitioner certificate

Please note: breakfasts and lunches are brought and created communally, and a schedule will be organized beforehand. Expect to bring ingredients and help cook! 

Payment plans are available if needed.

If finances are a barrier to you but you are deeply feeling the call, please be in contact and we’d be happy to try and find a creative solution.

The training takes place at Village Bay Lake House, a peaceful lakeside property on the north end of Quadra Island, BC.

Travel Information:

  • Quadra Island is reached by a 10-minute ferry from Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove. Please see Quadra Island ferry information when planning your journey.
  • Village Bay Lake House is approximately a 35 to 40-minute drive from the Quathiaski Cove ferry terminal.
  • The final part of the drive follows a well-maintained gravel road.


Please review the
venue’s directions before travelling. More detailed arrival instructions will be sent a few weeks before the training begins.

Please plan to arrive on Wednesday between 4pm and 10pm, as the training starts at 8:30am the following morning.

Jasper Clara Rose

Clara is a full-time Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist, Facilitator, and Acupuncturist with nine years of experience. She completed her Zenthai Therapist and Zenthai Flow teacher trainings in 2017 with founder Gwyn Williams.

In 2022, she assistant-taught the full nine-month Zenthai Therapist Training alongside Gwyn and is honoured to be the first person to offer this training in North America.

Clara is known for teaching with clarity, warmth, and playful enthusiasm. Alongside Zenthai, she is also a qualified AcroYoga teacher and Traditional Qi Gong instructor. 

Clara draws inspiration from her love of all things movement, from the changing seasons of the natural world, and from all the beloved teachers and friends that have blessed her life. Clara believes that healing together as a community is fundamental to health and is so grateful for the foundation of togetherness that Zenthai Shiatsu has brought into her life.

Please visit her website to learn more: www.westcoastzenthai.com

Supporting Clara is Victor Lai, a Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist and AcroYoga teacher based in the Comox Valley. Victor assists throughout the training, supporting students while coordinating registrations, logistics, and participant communications. From your first email to the closing circle, he helps create the welcoming, community-centred environment that supports the learning journey.

To Register

  1. Complete the registration form (linked below). 
  2. Send a $200 CAD deposit to secure your spot.

Canadian students:

Please send deposits via e-transfer to info@westcoastzenthai.com

International students (outside of Canada):
Please send your deposit via Wise transfer to @westcoastzenthaitherapies

Questions?

For any questions you may have, please email our Lead Support Facilitator, Victor Lai.

For more detailed information on the modality of ZENTHAI SHIATSU, please visit the website www.zenthaishiatsu.com

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