A five-day retreat immersed in nature, working on and with the body, practicing with expert teachers: multiple levels of touch, traditional Thai massage (Nuad), Dynamic Thai massage, and Osteothai; the practice of mindful movement, meditation and the spirit of welcome and community (sangha).

FROM TRADITION TO THE PRESENT
Much of what is known today as “Thai Massage” has been shaped by modern adaptations, commercial influences, and changing cultural contexts. Together, we will delve deeper to understand and question current trends, trace the roots of tradition and reconnect with the original essence of this healing art. In this fifth edition, we will explore the roots of Traditional Thai Massage, its legacy, its influences and its connections with the contemporary art of Dynamic Massage and Osteothai.

TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES
We will delve into the fundamental principles that give Thai Massage its depth and power, such as the Sen lines and the theory of the Elements, along with those principles that resonate with the philosophical foundations of osteopathy. Both traditions view the human being as an interconnected whole, in which structure and function, matter and energy, body and spirit are profoundly intertwined. Both approach healing not as an act of repair, but as a process of listening, facilitating, and creating the right conditions for balance and vitality to emerge from within.

FOCUS
Presence, touch, and awareness; Sen lines; Elements theory (Thai); Multiple levels of touch and rhythms (Dynamic and Osteothai); connections and integrations between the theoretical and practical foundations of the disciplines: Thai massage and osteopathy.

TOUCH AND MINDFULNESS
Through sharing and daily practice, we will seek to rediscover what is truly at the heart of Thai massage: the timeless qualities of presence, mindful touch, and loving kindness. We will examine how these qualities have evolved, what may have been lost along the way, and how osteopathic perspectives can illuminate new levels of understanding within the tradition.

MULTIPLE LEVELS OF TOUCH AND RHYTHMS
This is what is needed to “dialogue” with the different layers (energetic and physical) and tissues of the body. We practice different types of touch and rhythms to support the system at every level: musculoskeletal, fascial, fluidic, energetic, cranio-sacral.

A RETREAT FOR STILLNESS
Stop, calm, rest…as the great masters teach us, it is only in the practice of stillness (calm abiding) that we find the prerequisites for individual and collective healing.

AN INVITATION
This retreat invites anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of listening and presence, anyone who works on or with the body, anyone with experience (even minimal) in Thai Massage, Shiatsu, or floor practices, and anyone who wishes to enhance their skills with diverse and useful perspectives, which will also arise from encounters with other experienced therapists and practitioners. We also welcome anyone with backgrounds in physio, osteopathy and reflexology, who wishes to explore traditional Thai floor work; dancers, those who work with expression and creative healing and anyone who wishes to find new inspiration and nourishment for their vocation, and above all, who wishes to practice the art of conscious touch.

TEACHERS

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

WHAT YOU WILL PRACTICE EVERY DAY

WHERE

Tenuta Ferracci (Borgo San Lorenzo)
We are located in the stunning Tuscan hills, in the forest, in a tranquil atmosphere approximately 600 meters above sea level. Just 25 km from Florence, the Renaissance city, in a land of history and nature, a place of peace and spirituality, near the Sanctuary of Montesenario, along the “Via degli Dei” pilgrimage route, near Fiesole and the famous Mugello area.

ACCOMODATION AND FOOD

The main house is a typical Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by an immense chestnuts forest, far from the noise and lights of the city. The outdoor space is abundant and generous. The house is simple. It has multiple rooms/dormitories (with 4, 6, or 8 beds, mostly bunk beds), plus shared bathrooms and showers. For those who prefer, you can bring your own tent/caravan. Three vegetarian meals (with dairy) are provided. We can provide vegan and gluten-free meals.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Journey from tradition to contemporaneity, bridging Nuad, Dynamic Thai and Osteothai

Date: 19-24 August 2026
Where: Borgo San Lorenzo, Hills of Florence, Tuscany
Duration: 6 days (5 nights)
Schedule: from 5 pm on the 19.08, to 3 pm on the 24.08
Prerequisites: all level Thai Massage; practictioners of other style on the floor
Language: Italian and English, with translaltion
Teachers: Flora Bisogno, Balazs Nemeth, Christoph Wischnewski
Costs: EARLY BIRD before il 1.05 € 840,00 (food and accomodation included)
€ 890,00 after this date
FOR BOOKINGS CLICK HERE

ASK FOR MORE INFO

Five days of retreat and work on/with the body in which we practice: multiple levels of touch exploring Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad), Dynamic Thai Massage and Osteothai; the personal practice of mindful movement, meditation; the spirit of welcome and community (sangha).
In this fourth edition we will focus on the Fascia

FOCUS ON THE FASCIA NETWORK
It is now well known that fascia constitutes the architecture of our body, that it is a “constitutive” tissue, a multi-lamellar, dense and stratified structure, which forms a continuum throughout the body, performing a function of support and shock absorber of the force of gravity. It envelops and penetrates all the organs, muscles and nerve fibers. The fascial network allows directional motor control, coordination, synchronization. Fascial tissue is also closely linked to our emotional world.
Knowing the wonderful world of fascia and knowing how to feel and treat it is today essential for every holistic operator who wants to support the overall well-being of the person and promote self-regulation.

MULTIPLE LEVELS OF TOUCH
This is what is needed to learn to communicate with the different layers and tissues of the body. We learn different types of touch to support the system at every level: musculoskeletal, fascial, fluidic, energetic, craniosacral, etc.

RHYTHM AND QUIET IN THAI MASSAGE AND OSTEOTHAI: THE CHANGES OF RHYTHMS
Being able to adapt and change the rhythm of your treatment to the different needs of the receiver brings greater therapeutic effectiveness, creativity, fluidity as well as playfulness and intuition in the practice.

LIFE IS RHYTHM
Rhythm is one of the fundamental principles of life.
Rhythm allows adaptation, transformation and evolution.
To respect and acknowledge the rhythms that regulate biological, physical and natural life allows us to find a beneficial balance that will always be made up of alternating phases of movement and stillness.

THE STILLNESS
Stop, calm down, rest… as the great masters of Buddhism teach us, it is only in the practice of stillness (calm abiding) that the preliminary conditions for individual and collective healing are found. In bodily practices it is in the moment of stillness that the “system” integrates and adjusts, rediscovering homeostasis and self-regulation.

AN INVITATION TO TRAIN THE MINDFUL TOUCH
During the retreat you will be guided into the depth of the art of touch.
Immersed in nature we will be able to recall our silent, creative and healing inner space as well as to resonate with kindness of the heart. In the practice of principles and techniques that we will share, one step at a time we will “touch” our deep being and we will learn to extend this same experience to others and everything around us.

FOR WHOM
This retreat is an invitation to come back home, in the center of your heart. We wish the participate for those who work with body-mind -spirit system, who have minimal or advanced experience in Thai Massage, Shiatsu or Yoga practice, fisio, osteopath and anyone who wants to implement their own practice with different and useful perspectives, anyone who want to learn how to take care with love and kindness through the art of touch.
We also welcome dancers, artist or those who work with expression, all those who wish to find new inspiration for their vocation.

TEACHERS
You will be guided by  Flora (Italy) e Kelly (Usa), both Master Osteothai (France) with experience in Thai Massage, Yoga and meditation. You will be able to appreciate their different geographical origins and cultural specificities, their careful, efficient, kind and fun way of transmitting and sharing.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

WHAT YOU WILL PRACTICE EVERY DAY:

KELLY NICHOLS BIO

Kelly’s attraction to Thai Yoga Massage was immediate. Within a couple of months of receiving her first Thai Yoga Massage, she set off on an international journey to immerse herself in the Thai healing arts. Her unique approach to Thai Yoga Massage infuses a variety of styles that were inspired by her studies at Costa Rica school and the Integral Touch Institute in Thailand and Indonesia. In 2012 she became national board certified as an NCBTMB approved provider. In 2014 she became registered with Thai Healing Alliance, RTT. In 2016 she found a new approach in Osteothai that bridges the two worlds of eastern and western modalities with founder/teacher, David Lutt. In 2019 she entered a master Osteothai course with David Lutt and Jorg Schurpf. Upon completion she continued to teach the principles in her courses in the USA and abroad. Other teachers Kelly has worked with over the years are Sunny Klaber of Costa Rica, Janice Gagnon of California, Jörg Schürp of Switzerland, Krishnatakis from Greece, Deon Dewet of California. From Chiang Mai, Ohm Rinraya at Omsala, master Pichet Bonthumme, and Pi Jem Tanachon. Her sister, Kim Nichols-Cech who planted the seeds long ago to become a Therapist which led her down this path. Kelly also shares her deepest gratitude for her parents Perry & June Nichols and the upbringing they provided her.

Learn  More:
https://www.iluvmassage.net/

https://www.facebook.com/thaiyogaofknoxville

WHERE:

Tenuta Ferracci (Borgo San Lorenzo)
In the splendid Tuscan hills, in the middle of the woods and in a peaceful atmosphere. We are located in the splendid landscape of the Tuscan hills, at about 600 meters above sea level. 25 km from Florence, the city of the Renaissance, in a land of history and nature, in a place of peace and spirituality near the Sanctuary of Montesenario, along the pilgrimage route of the “Via degli Dei”, near Fiesole, as well as to the famous Mugello area.
The main house is a typical Tuscan farmhouse, surrounded by an immense chestnut forest, far from the noise and lights of the city. The outdoor space is abundant and generous. We will have time to go for walks and excursions, alone or in a group. We will come into deep contact with the beautiful trees surrounding the practice house.

FOOD AND ACCOMODATION:

The house is rustic and simple. It has multiple rooms/dorms (with 4-6-8 beds, mainly bunk beds), plus shared bathrooms and showers.
For those who prefer it is possible to come with your own tent/caravan. Unfortunately we are unable to provide water and electricity. In this case the cost is the same.
HOW TO ARRIVE TO THE LOCATION:
By plane you can fly to Florence, Bologna or Pisa airports.
By car follow the signs for Tenuta Ferracci (Polcanto)
By train: from Florence central station (SMN) take the regional train to Vaglia station (about 45 min.)
If you arrive at Vaglia station, let us know in time and book a ride (contribution 5 euros per car).

MEALS
3 vegetarian meals (with dairy products). We can provide vegan and gluten-free meals. Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies or special dietary requirements.

DAILY SCHEDULE:

Thai and Osteothai Massage Retreat: “Diving into the Fascia”

Date: 18-23 June 2025
Where: Polcanto – Borgo San Lorenzo (FI)
Duration: 6 days
Schedule: from 18:00 of the 18 till 16:00 of the 23
For Whom: all levels of Thai Massage; pratictioners of other kind of bodywork with some experience; also dancers and performers;
Language: Italian and e English, with translation.
Teachers: Flora Bisogno, Kelly Nichols (Usa)
Cost: € 790,00 – EARLY BIRD before il 1.05 (included food and accomodation); € 890,00 after this date
BOOKING
If you are coming from Europe Click here for booking
People from USA please contact:

ASK FOR MORE INFOS

Five days of retreat and work on/with the body in which we practice: multiple levels of touch exploring Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad), Dynamic Thai Massage and Osteothai; the personal practice of conscious movement, meditation; the spirit of welcome and community (sangha).

FOCUS ON THE HEART
In this third edition we will focus on the Heart: the master/fulcrum of the organs.
The heart and its arterial network are the central system for the rhythmic movement of life through the myocardium and all the systems connected to it: it is a master-clock generator of systemic coherence; defined as the fulcrum of fulcrums as its vital function is that of integration. Far from being a mere pump and system of pipes, ancient traditions and scientific research have shown that the heart can influence the entire body in various ways. The heart is, in fact, a highly complex, self-organized information processing center with its own functional “brain” that communicates with and influences the cranial brain via the nervous system, hormonal system and other pathways. These influences profoundly affect brain function and most of the body’s major organs, and ultimately determine the quality of life.

THAI MASSAGE & OSTEOTHAI: THE CHANGE OF RHYTHMS
Being able to adapt and change the rhythm of your treatment to the different needs of the receiver brings greater therapeuIc effecIveness, creaIvity, fluidity as well as playfulness and intuiIon in the practice.

MULTIPLES LEVELS OF TOUCH
This is what is needed to learn to communicate with the different layers and issues of the body. We learn different types of touch to support the system at every level: musculoskeletal, fascial, fluidic, energetic, craniosacral, etc.

WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS RETREAT:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN AND PRACTICE EVERY DAY:

PASI KUUSELA BIO

WHERE:

ACCOMODATION AND FOOD:

INDICATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE:

THAI YOGA MASSAGE RETREAT: “A journey toward the Heart”

Date: 21-25 August 2024
Where: Borgo San Lorenzo (Florence)
Days: 5
Schedule: from 12 pm of the 21st till 4 pm of the 25th
For Whom: beginners and advanced in Thai Massage and other massage disciplines
Language: Italian and English, with translation
Teachers: Flora Bisogno, Pasi Kuusela
Costs: € 690,00 for EARLY BIRD before 30.05 (included food and accomodation); € 760 after this date

CLICK FOR BOOKING: application 

ASK MORE INFOS