About Us
Located in the heart of Uvita, Puntarenas, our Academy offers a unique learning experience where students can master the art of Shiatsu surrounded by the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Founded by Glauco, a body-mind therapist with over 25 years of experience. The Academy reflect his passion for Oriental Philosophy, Traditional Chines Medicine, Martial Art and Yoga.
Our Mission
Contribute to a Healthier Happier World grounded to the wisdom of Nature. We aim to create a space where individuals can experience healing, wellness and balance through Traditional Chinese Medicine & Shiatsu.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see this Healing Art flourish in Costa Rica and, in time, to integrate it within the broader context of Indigenous Traditional Medicine, creating an harmonious synthesis of wisdom and practice.
What you will learn?
We offer two program formats - both include 240 hours of theory and 240 hours of hands-on practice, and lead to the same certification. Whether you're based in Costa Rica or traveling from abroad, you’ll receive the same depth of training and support on your journey to becoming a Shiatsu practitioner.
​
Weekly Program
A year-long journey with weekly in-person classes, ideal for those living locally or seeking slow, steady integration of the practice into daily life.
​
Residential Program
Two immersive 3-week blocks, held 4 months apart — perfect for international students or anyone looking for a focused, retreat-style learning experience in the heart of Costa Rica.
​
Our certification program offers a comprehensive blend of theory, technique, and practice. Here’s what you’ll explore on your path to becoming a confident Shiatsu practitioner:​
Shiatsu Techniques
Learn the core manual techniques of Shiatsu, including perpendicular pressure, assisted stretching, joint rotations, and full-body sequences in supine, prone, and lateral positions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Build a strong foundation in TCM theory — including Yin-Yang dynamics, the Five Elements, Zang-Fu organs, and the 12 classical and Zen meridians — along with essential diagnostic principles.
Anatomy & Physiology
Gain applied knowledge of the human body, studying muscles, joints, internal organs, and body systems from a therapeutic and functional perspective.
Body Diagnosis
Develop the ability to read the body’s signals through Hara (abdominal) and back diagnosis, facial expression, tongue and pulse analysis, and emotional state — to tailor each treatment effectively.
Hands-On Practice
Engage in over 270 hours of guided, supervised practice — working with classmates and real clients. Receive continuous feedback to refine your touch, technique, and presence.
Professional Integration
Prepare for real-world practice with tools to confidently receive clients, conduct sessions, follow up on cases, and maintain therapist ethics — culminating in a supervised treatment ceremony.
Glauco Donati
Founder & Lead Instructor
Glauco Donati became a certified Shiatsu practitioner in 2000 and has since dedicated 25 years to the study and teaching of body–mind therapies. His approach blends Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zen Shiatsu, Oriental philosophy, Yoga, and Martial Arts into a deeply intuitive and grounded way of teaching.
​
Glauco’s passion lies in helping students develop not just technical skill, but also presence, awareness, and inner connection. He teaches with clarity, warmth, and a strong commitment to honoring the wisdom of tradition while making it accessible to modern life.
​
Through his guidance, Shiatsu becomes more than a method — it becomes a practice of listening, healing, and transformation.
“This training is not just a certification — it’s a journey of transformation.”
-Glauco Donati
Our Team
Who Our Students Are
This program is designed to meet you where you are — whether you’re an experienced practitioner looking to expand your knowledge, or just beginning your journey into the healing arts.
​
We welcome:
-
Wellness professionals, yoga teachers, and bodyworkers seeking to deepen their therapeutic practice
-
Aspiring practitioners entering the world of holistic health
-
Caregivers and individuals on a personal path of healing and transformation
​
No previous experience is required — only an open heart and a genuine interest in learning through touch, presence, and connection.
