ZENTHAI LEVEL 1 FOUNDATIONS
1st to 4th of October 2026
in Inverness, Scotland
Embark on a transformative journey in our immersive four-day foundation workshop, where we delve into the realm of Zenthai bodywork - an intricate fusion of yoga asana, Zen Shiatsu, traditional Thai massage, and osteopathic principles, all intertwined with mindfulness at the core.
You will learn a full Zenthai sequence, gaining practical tools and invaluable insights into structural and energetic therapy, while also cultivating inner awareness, a refined sense of touch, and a deeper connection with your surroundings and others. This serves as both an initiation into the art of Zenthai Shiatsu bodywork and an invitation to explore further depths within this modality.
WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?
YOU WILL WALK AWAY WITH:
Zenthai Level 1 Training is designed for individuals passionate or curious about the healing arts, offering an avenue to explore a practice that integrates intuitive wisdom and insights from various ancient healing traditions into a contemporary framework. It welcomes bodyworkers, movement enthusiasts, yoga students, teachers and anyone interested in the opportunity to broaden their skillsets and to deepen their connection to personal embodiment.
You will gain valuable techniques to facilitate physical, emotional, and energetic healing in yourself and others. Whether you are experienced in holistic healing practices or just beginning your journey, Zenthai Level 1 Training offers a valuable opportunity for growth and exploration.
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A 90 minute Zenthai treatment sequence - lots of giving and receiving bodywork gestures; fully supported with teachings, demonstrations and instructional guidance
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The threads of Zenthai ~ these are ways we can offer touch in a loving, therapeutic and effortless ways
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Increased inner awareness through mindful and movement based practices, ritual and nature based ceremony
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The 5 elements of Nature ~ from the lens of TCM; the mind, memories and emotions relate to our meridians and acupressure points, so when we work on the meridians and chi, we can improve vitality, function and a greater sense of wellbeing in the heart
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A manual and video of the material covered
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Level One Zenthai Shiatsu Certificate
YOUR EXPERIENCE at Anam Cara Retreat Centre
Perched 600 feet above Inverness with sweeping views towards the Monadhliath Mountains, Anam Cara is a retreat centre like no other - just three miles from the city yet surrounded by farm and woodland. Set in seven acres of varied landscape, the centre offers winding paths through wooded areas and a sheltered fruit and vegetable garden, with endless scope for walking and reflection.
Nutritious, wholesome vegetarian meals are prepared by experienced cooks, using organic produce where possible - including from our own garden. Special diets are catered for on request. Participants join a simple 'Helping Hands' wash-up rota, fostering a warm sense of community.
Guests stay in three timber-clad cabins nestled into the hillside, each with south-facing mountain views. Rowan and Willow each sleep up to five guests across three single rooms and one twin room, with a shared bathroom. The Bothy offers one single and two twin rooms for up to five, also with shared facilities. The turf-roofed Pavilion provides a cosy communal space for meals and relaxing together.
DETAILS
WHEN: Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th of October 2026
(we will start at 8.30am on Thursday and will finish around 5pm on Sunday).
Arrival on Wednesday 30th of September for an opening circle - dinner and accommodation included;
Departure on Monday the 5th - breakfast included.
LOCATION: Anam Cara Retreat Centre
18 Upper Leachkin, Inverness
SCOTLAND
IV3 8PN
EXCHANGE *
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Residential £950 - includes course fee for the training, all teaching, manual and video, accommodation & food. On site accommodation provides cabins with 7 small but cosy single rooms and 3 twin rooms
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Non residential £650 - this is offered with priority for local participants and does not include meals, however you are warmly invited to join the group for shared lunches, which are a beautiful part of the training experience and help foster community and connection. All lunches and dinner on the last day are included.
*PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE and a non-refundable deposit of £400 secures your place.
**If you genuinely feel called to join but financial reasons prevent you from doing so, please reach out; we can find a way.
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Registration Deadline:
Registrations will close when all places are filled. Once the deposit is received, your place is confirmed.
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Cancellation by participant:
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If you wish to cancel and you find another person to take your place before the course start date, you may transfer your registration.
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Alternatively, if we manage to fill your spot from the waiting list, you will receive a full refund minus a £50 admin fee.
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If you cancel and we cannot fill your place, there will be no refund of payments already made.
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*Please note if circumstances change due to natural disasters or other extraordinary event the retreat may be cancelled last minute, in which case you will be fully refunded.
WhatsApp +44 7570978922 or Email lovingawarenessbodytherapy@gmail.com for questions and payments
YOUR FACILITATOR
VALENTINA
For over 20 years, movement has been at the core of my life. Whether through dance, yoga, or simply being in tune with my body, this connection has shaped everything I do.
It’s this deep love for movement that led me to explore various body therapies, such as Remedial Massage, Traditional Thai Massage, Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage and Zenthai Shiatsu.
In 2023, I completed my Zenthai Shiatsu Flow training, which opened up the incredible opportunity to teach workshops in Bali, Italy and the UK, alongside my yoga flow classes.
My work is also inspired by ancient traditions that connect us to nature, something I weave into my everyday life and rituals. This deep reverence for the world around us is something I hope to share in my teachings.
What I’ve learned on this path has not only expanded my toolbox of therapeutic practices but also been a pivotal part of my own healing. It’s taught me the profound importance of creating a safe and nurturing space for others, and I bring that energy into everything I do.
I will be supported by my husband Joey and my friend Lou - both experienced Zenthai therapists and wonderful humans - in delivering some of the content and both will be offering plenty of hands-on support in the space and unmatchable good vibes and wisdom.