Working with the Chakra system - releasing energy patterns
Advanced Thai Yoga Massage & bodywork training (40h) with Katrin Heuser

This training is for bodywork practitioners with a reasonable amount of experience and who are ready to dive more deeply into the subtle layers of our Being and learn how to touch and connect with someone's energy. Drawing from the yogic teachings of the Chakras as well as their application in western psychology, we will look at how different patterns manifest in body and how we can create the space for release, healing and growth. 

This course offers the opportunity to expand on your knowledge, your repertoire and techniques in order to give a more therapeutically relevant treatment. Aside from learning a variety of techniques such as dynamic moves and how to use your feet, knees and elbows, we will focus on the subtle touch and how to develop your intuition. 

Casa do Limoeiro set amongst the rolling hills of Alenquer is the perfect setting offering the ideal environment for study, focus, connection and practice. ​​Join us in rural romantic Portugal for a true immersion into this ancient healing art. This is a retreat and a training course in one ~ perfect to go deep, find more presence, connect with your Self and nature, and expand your repertoire.  

Upcoming courses

9th - 15th October 2023
​at Casa do Limoeiro (residential), Portugal

Register here

(takes you to the Hadadi website for registration)

Why use the Chakra system as the 'map' in  Thai Yoga Massage or other bodywork

Thai Yoga Massage and other Eastern practices draw in many aspects from the Yogic philosophy and understanding of our energetic Being. We don't just work on the physical body, but on our Being as a whole, which means we also touch people's emotional and mental, as well as energetic state. Here are just some of the ways this informs our treatments:

• The Chakras have very different qualities, which might be reflected in the moves we choose - we can work with deeper pressure for more grounding for example, or more stretches for more uplift.
• The Chakras relate to various functions in our body, which we can address, vitalise and restore specifically in a treatment, for example the digestive system for the 3rd Chakra. 
• The Chakras also map different parts of the body's anatomy, and we could focus on a particular area more, like the shoulder girdle for the 4th Chakra. 
• The Chakras correspond with different elements, which we can bring into our touch. We might work with more fire and energy, or more flowing like water, or very light like air. 
• Each Chakra speaks to a whole range of emotions and depending on what the client might share with you, the focus of your treatment might shift. When people suffer from pain in their body, it often relates to emotional, stress or anxiety tension. 

Course overview

​In this course you will learn:

• All the different qualities of the seven main Chakras, their tendencies and imbalances
• How these imbalances in each Chakra can manifest as physical, mental or emotional symptoms
• The developmental issues and trauma that can contribute to an imbalance
• A large selection of moves and techniques to support each of the seven Chakras
• How to create and hold a safe space
• Resourcing tools
• How to hone your listening skills
• The subtleties of a healing touch
• The different qualities of touch
• The fundamentals of self-care
• How to develop your own Hara

This is probably the most comprehensive advance course I offer in terms of volume of material. The basis of the training is Thai Yoga Massage, but I also draw from osteopathic principles, cranio-sacral therapy, Chinese Medicine, Shamanic practices and Polyvagal theory.  

The course is packed with moves and techniques to elevate your practice. This will allow you to give treatments with a much more therapeutic focus, addressing conditions such as: 

• digestive issues
• pelvic girdle pain, back pain, joint pain
• stagnation, lack of vitality
• headaches
• ​respiratory issues
• poor circulation
• and more

Examples of a couple of basic sequences​

The schedule of this training

​First day - everyone arriving in the afternoon. We will have dinner together and then join for a short session to connect.

The other days will typically unfold like this: 
7.15-8.15am - Yoga & movement practice themed around the Chakras (optional)
8.15am - breakfast
9.30am-1pm - class 
1pm - lunch
4pm-7pm - class
7.30pm - dinner

On the last day we will have yoga, breakfast and class. Everyone will leave straight after lunch. 
Half-way through the week, we will have half a day off. Depending on what people want to do and also the weather, we can organise a walk or visit a local vineyard amongst other things. 

About Casa do Limoeiro

Casa do Limoeiro set amongst the rolling hills of Alenquer is the perfect setting offering the ideal environment for study, focus, connection and practice. ​

​A traditional house in an idyllic little village in Alenquer, 45 minutes north of Lisbon. The large garden offers not only a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the country air, but an abundance of fruit and vegetables for our meals.

Accommodation is designed for sharing, rooms are simple and comfortable. All the rooms are en-suite. The yoga dome and practice space is a very light space with beautiful views of the organic kitchen garden. Roaming peacocks and chickens may provide some entertainment ;) 

The food is made with natural ingredients prepared with care and consideration. The organic, locally sourced, naturally high-in-energy and balanced meals will provide delicious replenishment for body and soul.

Equity pricing

This training course is offered with a scaled pricing structure with three options rather than one fixed price. The intention is to allow more people to access the course, supported by the community and those who have access to more funds. Please choose the option that feels appropriate to you and your circumstances. You will not be asked to justify your choice.

TIER 1
REBALANCING
For those with good financial resources and wish to support the participation of others to help rebalance systemic inequity.

590€

TIER 2
FAIR
For those with medium incomes and who have sufficient financial resources and can pay the fair value for the training.

540€

TIER 3
SUPPORTED
For those who currently have limited financial resources and can benefit from a place supplemented by the community.

490€

Accommodation and food

The cost of accommodation and food is separate. The available accommodation options (6 nights) are: 
310€ - shared ensuite - 4 beds
335€ - shared bathroom - 2 beds or double
365€ - shared ensuite - 2 beds
​Single accommodation is available at an additional 160€, subject to availability.  

Prices include three delicious meals per day, and tea, fruit and biscuits during the day. They do not include travel to and from Casa do Limoeiro, insurance or any extra activities. 

Depending on requirements, we will organise transfers from and to Lisbon at a small additional cost (20€-40€ per person incl. both ways).

Register here

(takes you to the Hadadi website for registration)

More about me

My whole life, I have been interested in the body and movement. After many years of dance, my Scoliosis lead me to Pilates and finally to Yoga and Thai Massage, which then became my path in life.

For me, my work is about the never-ending exploration of the body and mind, and a way of discovering the beauty of life. As we bring the awareness to what is happening inside and where we are in the present moment, the body is encouraged to release where it is holding. Then we can embark on a journey of restoration and growth.

I hold a 500h Level 4 NVQ Yoga Teaching qualification, trained in Manual Lymph Drainage and have studied extensively in Thai Yoga Massage and Osteothai, including a Master Osteothai qualification, over the past years. Through my work as a bodyworker comes also my understanding of trauma, chronic conditions and pain, as well as the influence of working with fascia, the craniosacral system, structural support and regulation of the nervous system.

​I used to run a Yoga Festival in London and launched an online anti-stress breathing programme. Since 2015 I live in Lisbon and run Little Yoga Space, where I teach and give Osteothai treatments, and I am the director of Hadadi, offering foundation and advanced training courses in Thai Massage and trauma-informed Yoga worldwide.