PORTUGAL
The Essence of Deep Touch
A Myofascial Somatic Liberation Training - Level 1
Portugal · 1 - 7 June, 2026
A 7-day immersive training in fascia release,
deep tissue massage and nervous system attunement.
Real moments from the Portugal Training
Learning the Art of Deep Touch
The Essence of Deep Touch is an immersive professional training in fascia-based bodywork.
It offers the Level 1 training program of the Myofascial Somatic Liberation pathway.
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→ Learn more about the full Level 1 training
Over the course of a week, you will learn how to offer deep, slow and emotionally attuned massage sessions that work not only with muscles and fascia, but with the nervous system and emotional body.
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Alongside learning practical hands-on techniques, you will also receive nourishing touch each day, allowing you to experience the work within your own system.
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Through this reciprocal process, the body softens, perception deepens, and a natural understanding begins to emerge of how to support others through touch.
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The Training Experience
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This training invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and enter the landscape of the body with care and precision.
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You’ll learn to offer full-body touch that is structurally and anatomically grounded, drawing from myofascial release and deep tissue techniques while remaining sensitive to the nervous system and emotional responses that can unfold through touch.
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Alongside these hands-on techniques, the training cultivates the subtle skills of presence, listening and energetic awareness that allow sessions to become deeply restorative and transformative.
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During this week you will develop both the practical skills and the embodied sensitivity needed to begin offering this work to others.
The learning is highly experiential and hands-on.
Each day, you will observe, give, and receive two full bodywork sessions, giving you extensive hands-on practice.
Through this rhythm of practicing and being worked on, your system becomes more receptive and your hands gradually become more refined and precise, learning to respond to what they meet in the body.
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Daily practices such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, voice work and ceremonial spaces support integration, allowing what moves through the body to land gently and sustainably.
"I came into this course knowing basically nothing about massage and left feeling entirely confident. Within a few days of completing it I was taking appointments and receiving exceptional reviews. Daniel takes you through this experience at a great pace, meets you wherever you are, giving more attention if required. I left with a new understanding for the importance of slowing down, in all ways of life."
- Rebecca, Canada
The Field We Pratice In
This training takes place within a warm, grounded and playful group field, where learning happens not only through instruction, but through direct experience - through touch, presence and the body's natural capacity to release and reorganize.
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It is not only about learning how to touch, but also about remembering how to listen.
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Anatomy is explored directly through touch, learning on the body rather than only through theory. As you work with the structure of the fascia, anatomical understanding becomes increasingly tangible and grounded in your hands.
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In this relational space, connection deepens - with your own body, with others, and with the deeper intelligence that lives beneath the surface.
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More than simply a training, the week becomes a gradual spiraling process of opening, unwinding and empowerment.
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"I was blown away by the deeper inner effects that this training immersion gave me. The techniques and style we learned were exactly what I was always looking for but never had found a practitioner who could teach and work in this profound and connected way. Dan's energy and style of teaching are both so comfortably connectable. He's approachable as an equal friend and also holds the authority of the most skilful maestro of his art."
- Lasse, Finland
The Space That Holds
the Work
Nestled in nature just 30 minutes from Lisbon,
The Shanti Space offers a safe and beautiful container for deep emotional and physical exploration.
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Surrounded by rolling hills, quiet walking paths, and open skies, the land itself supports slowing down, sensing inward, and reconnecting with natural rhythms.
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The venue, an old Quinta set in a national park, is endowed with beautiful fruit trees, giant oak corks, grape vines, vistas and a stream at the end of the garden.
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The practice spaces are warm, light-filled, and intentionally designed to support embodied learning, focused practice, and rest.
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The Garden Shala is a beautiful converted glass Victorian Greenhouse, a great workshop space along with an incredible outdoor yoga deck overlooking the valley of high trees.
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Between sessions, there is space to walk, breathe, integrate, and simply be - allowing the work to settle beyond the mat and table.
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Held & Nourished
Throughout the retreat, you’ll be nourished with three daily meals prepared with care, love and vitality by our amazing chef Zoe (www.wild-delicacies.com)
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The food is nutrition-dense, gluten-free, and designed to support deep physical and emotional work - grounding the nervous system while keeping the body clear, and well-fueled.
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Meals are made from fresh, seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully balanced to sustain energy, aid digestion, and support the body’s natural rhythms.
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Shared meals also become moments of connection and integration - time to rest, digest, and gently transition between inner work and daily life.
Who Is This Training For
This is for anyone drawn to explore the power of deep, slow and profound emotional bodywork.
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It is open to those new to bodywork as well as experienced practitioners who wish to bring more depth, clarity, and presence into their work.
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If you are curious about how touch can support emotional release, nervous system regulation, and embodied awareness, and if you value learning through direct experience rather than theory alone, this training offers a supportive place to begin or deepen your path.
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Please note: This training is designed to touch deeply and to be deeply touched. A respectful presence and clear boundaries are essential.
"I arrived simply to learn how to give a somatic massage, but I left with so much more. The training opened a deep inner process and reconnected me with something timeless within myself. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. I’ve already signed up for Level 2, knowing this is not just a training - it’s a path I want to continue walking."
- Laura, UK
What You'll Receive
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7 days/ 6 nights accommodation
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3 daily nourishing meals
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Daily bodywork/massage lessons and practice sessions
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Daily yoga, meditation, breathwork, and voice work
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Integration circles, kirtan and ceremonial spaces
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Course manual
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Video recordings of all bodywork sequences
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Certificate of completion
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Pre- and post-retreat support
Your Stay at The Shanti Space
A range of comfortable accommodation options are available on-site, allowing you to fully immerse
yourself in the retreat experience.
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All options include full participation in the training, meals, and practices. Also included are the Training Manual, Video Recordings of all bodywork sequences, a Certificate of Completion and a Group Zoom Integration Call.
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After your application, I’ll personally confirm availability and next steps.
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Choose the room option that feels right for you below.
Still unsure which option is right for you? Feel free to reach out with any questions. → Get in touch
Practical Details
Dates & Schedule
Dates: June 1 - 7, 2026
Arrival: June 1, 15:00
Departure: June 7, 12:00
Location & Arrival
Location: The Shanti Space, near Lisbon, Portugal
The retreat center is approximately 30 minutes from Lisbon airport.
Detailed arrival information and travel support will be shared after registration.
Certification
Participants receive a Level 1 Training Certificate upon full participation.
Payment & Cancellation
A deposit is required to confirm your place.
Cancellation terms are outlined during the booking process.
This training is an invitation to slow down, to listen, and to reconnect with the intelligence of touch - in yourself and in others.
If you feel called, you’re warmly welcome to join us.