Zen Thai Shiatsu Massage Therapist Training - 9 Month Program

In this module, the Zen Shiatsu branch of the practice is our focus; Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) and Five Element theory are introduced and we explore how Earth, Metal, Water, Wood,
and Fire shape our physical health, emotional experience, and way of being in the world.
This part of the Zen Thai Shiatsu Therapist Certification brings a grounded introduction to the
energetic lens of practice. Upon completion you will:

• Understand the core concepts of TCM and the Five Elements
• Connect each element to its related Zang-Fu organ system
• Recognize the physical and emotional patterns that signal elemental imbalance
• Locate key meridians and primary acu-points
• Use basic diagnostic tools to assess disharmony
• Offer hands-on techniques to support balance and vitality
• Explore foods and lifestyle practices that nourish each element

“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 emotional
landscape, patterns, and conditioning shape our presence as a therapist. Through the art of
self-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