Mediterranean Retreats Center, Skala Vasilikon, Lesvos, Greece
Up to 18 in group
March 21 - April 11, 2026
About this Retreat
Massimo is a 500 Hour Yoga Teacher registered with Yoga Alliance International and a 300h yoga therapy certifaction with International Vasishta Yoga Research Foundation (Kerala, India). Massimo is also a professional Shiatsu therapist and teacher, a qualified kinesiologist and since 1999 the director of Holismos, a centre for complementary therapies in Tuscany and Varese (north of Milano), Italy. He also teaches Anatomy and Pyhsiology in many teacher trainings. He is the founder of Three Treasures Yoga, a YAI registered school.
Massimo spent 12 years practicing the Zen Buddhist Martial Art called Shorinji Kempo, in London, Italy and Japan (2° Dan ) under Sensei T. Mizuno.
Massimo also trained originally as a percussionist, playing for many years in various groups in the UK and in Italy and traveled extensively in Europe and south America performing.
Today one of his main interest is the study of sound, vibration and the effect they have on our lives, health and evolution.
“Elemental World” the newly released CD by Massimo Cantara on Holismos label.
In 2021 he published his book “Ospedale senza dolore” Ed. Epigraphia
He speaks Italian and English.
Details of this retreat
Learn the art of listening with your hands
Holismos International School of Shiatsu has been active since 1996. In all these years we have successfully trained dozens of shiatsu practitioners, both in Italy and in other European countries.Our training course complies with the main European associations and federations. In recent years we have taken our school to the next level, giving birth to an international training body. Holismos International School of Shiatsu operates today in Italy, Spain, and Greece.
BECOMING A SHIATSU PRACTITIONER WITH OUR SCHOOL
HOLISMOS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHIATSU offers the opportunity to embark on a journey of learning and discovery, with a completely new modality: that of three fully residential courses. We offer the opportunity to concentrate on the program, normally developed over a year, in only 21 days. Three different levels are offered (three weeks for each level), in an amazing natural setting, in front of the sea, the perfect location to get away from everyday life and immerse yourself in a new adventure. Every level will consist of 15 hours of online tutorials and Q&As.
HOLISMOS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHIATSU follows a program conformed to the criteria, principles, and style inspired by the teachings of Master Shizuto Masunaga, integrated with a basic understanding of traditional Hatha yoga. There is no lack, however, of references and citations to other ancient and modern Schools of thought on the meaning of Energy and its multiple expressions in man.
The study program proposed by HOLISMOS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHIATSU integrates the theoretical/practical learning of Shiatsu with a substantial component of classical Hatha yoga as well as postural analysis and rebalancing (able to make the practitioner’s movement dynamic, fluid, and effective), together with a good knowledge of functional Anatomy, the latter useful also to allow the future Practitioner to dialogue with the other health professionals without impediments.
Zen Shiatsu ( this is the term coined by Master Masunaga) can be defined as an Energy Medicine that works directly with the life force, thus promoting greater vitality, resilience, and adaptability. Because of these characteristics, Zen Shiatsu is effective in maintaining and promoting health, as well as decreasing symptoms such as back pain, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive tract disorders, asthma and other respiratory diseases, insomnia, menstrual pain, headaches, stress, anxiety, arthritis, and joint pain.
Today Shiatsu is practiced everywhere; even in hospitals, spas, wellness centers, protected facilities, prisons, etc. HOLISMOS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHIATSU offers a new concept of training school, which goes beyond the classic training proposals, favoring all-round knowledge, always remaining within the context of this ancient art called Shiatsu. In our school, shiatsu is complemented by a good knowledge of classical Hatha Yoga, functional Anatomy, Physiology, and postural techniques. Some of the lessons will also include basic biochemistry and nutrition, kinesiology, myofascial work, and yoga therapy. We believe that it is time for Shiatsu to take a quantum leap and we want this to be a distinguishing feature of our school. We are creating and empowering the new generation of holistic therapists. Get in touch to find out more!
Why /Yoga/MTC/Shiatsu together?
Whoever works in the field of Traditional and Energetic Medicine can rightly be called a Naturopath, as this ‘bioenergetic’ practitioner comes into contact with natural phenomenal aspects and their constant fluctuation, trying to decipher their parameters and their influence on the human being. This type of research brings him into contact with sciences and cultures that share the same purpose: the harmony of the individual through methods of investigation and reorganisation such as Yoga, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Shiatsu.
These ancient disciplines are permeated by very similar concepts in that they share the same aims: understanding of the Self and service to Humanity through touch, breath, treatment, concentration and meditation.
CERTIFICATION
After the completion of each level you will receive a certification from our School “Aletheia”. As students come from various countries we advice each one to join their own country’s Shiatsu Associations. Aletheia offers a complet program conformed in every possible detail with the guide lines set forth by the European Shiatsu Federation. This federation represent a coordinatory institution between the single federations, setting base guide lines and European Standards. At the end of the third level and after passing an examination and submitting three history cases and a final dissertation, you will be entitle to obtain the school’s diploma as Professional Shiatsu Practitioner. This certification will allow to work anywhere in the world, according to local legislations on the matter. You will also be able to apply for recognition in your country’s association or federation.
PROGRAM
THE FIRST RESIDENTIAL 150h
This course can also be intended as a complete introductory course with no obligation to continue with the two following levels.
During this course, participants will learn to perform various basic movements and some simple sequences on the recipient, placed in prone and supine positions.
The student will also acquire the basic knowledge for the correct execution of the main asanas of classical Hatha Yoga, as well as pranayama, meditation, and mudra. For a better understanding of the subject will be necessary to explore the philosophical universe related to classical yoga, with a special interest in the therapeutical value of yoga. This information will contribute greatly to the training and transformation of the student into a competent Shiatsu Practitioner.
Each student will gradually develop, through specific exercises and relaxation techniques, a different awareness and perception; they will become familiar with some elementary theoretical notions of Traditional Chinese Medicine, leaving in-depth study to be the prerogative of an eventual continuation of their studies.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to perform a complete shiatsu treatment, integrating movement, asana, and pranayama as integrative support for the patient. At this level, he will be able to perform a full treatment with family and/or friends, capable of bringing a sense of psychophysical relaxation and general well-being.
Participants will receive a CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION.
Topics covered
The concept of ‘holistic’ medicine and the importance of ‘Salutogenesis’.
Western and Eastern approaches to health and healing.
What is Shiatsu: how it works, why it is effective, historical background
Vital energy and the basic concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Posture and attitude
The principles of “right” pressure: “Applying” the weight of the body, The concept of HARA.
Correct use of pressure instruments: the palm of the hand, thumb, fingers, elbow, the cut of the hand- Practical demonstration of a general treatment
Treatment of the recipient in prone and supine position
The main (so-called classical) meridians, their function and location
The concept of energy assessment and energy-structural analysis of the back (the diagnostic areas)
Anatomy and Physiology: the cell, tissues, skeleton, joints, main muscles
Yoga exercises, Stretching of meridians, Do-in, meditation and relaxation
Classical and non classical pranayama tecniques, Hasta Mudra
Principles of yoga therapy
Aspects of Eastern and Western philosophy related to the holistic view of the human being
The concept of Qi / Ki or vital energy