Daoyin Tao helps therapists create an experience that clients remember, return for and recommend.
Developed in 2001, valued by therapists and clients ever since, and in response to continued requests, Daoyin Tao is now returning to be shared with a new generation of practitioners.
What is Daoyin Tao?
Daoyin Tao is a face, neck and shoulder acupressure massage system developed by Anna-Louise Haigh and first introduced to practitioners in 2001.
Combining acupressure, a distinctive flowing massage sequence and holistic wellbeing principles, Daoyin Tao offers therapists a structured yet adaptable treatment approach that can be integrated into existing practice and tailored to the needs of each individual client.
Developed as a complete treatment system rather than a collection of standalone techniques, practitioners learn how to select and combine acupressure points within a clear treatment framework, creating sessions that feel both personalised and purposeful.
Clients often describe Daoyin Tao as far more than a face, neck and shoulder massage. The treatment encourages deep relaxation, helps ease physical tension and supports a greater sense of balance and wellbeing.
For therapists, this can translate into enhanced client experiences, repeat bookings, word-of-mouth referrals and a treatment they genuinely enjoy delivering.
Here is what Daisy has to say about Daoyin Tao…
I have been a Daoyin Tao Practitioner since April 2004, having first discovered Anna-Louise at an Excel Complementary Therapy show.
I can honestly say, since that show I have never looked back!
I was already a Massage and Indian Head Massage therapist but Daoyin Tao gave me a much deeper understanding of working with energy in the body through acupressure points and the Chinese 5 element system.
I even gave up practising Indian Head Massage as I found Daoyin Tao much more therapeutic for my clients.
I have had excellent results with my clients over the years both as a ‘stand alone’ treatment or combined with other therapies such as Reiki.
My clients love it and it has been and still is one of my most popular treatments.
I can highly recommend Anna-Louise and her training and cannot imagine a time when Daoyin Tao will not be a part of my work.
What Could Daoyin Tao Add to Your Practice?
By completing this training, you will be able to:
✓ Deliver a structured face, neck and shoulder treatment with greater confidence
✓ Enhance your existing therapy practice with a distinctive treatment approach
✓ Support clients experiencing stress, tension and the demands of modern life
✓ Offer a treatment experience that many clients find deeply relaxing and restorative
✓ Integrate a proven treatment system into your existing professional practice
✓ Learn a therapy approach that has been developed, taught and refined over 25 years
Helping Therapists Create Meaningful and Memorable Client Experiences
Daoyin Tao has been part of my professional journey for more than 25 years. In this short video, I’d like to share what makes it different, and why I believe it continues to offer something valuable to both therapists and their clients.
Why Clients Recommend and Return
✓ Relief from the effects of stress and tension held in the face, neck and shoulders
✓ A deeply relaxing treatment experience that encourages rest and restoration
✓ A whole-body sense of balance, wellbeing and renewal
✓ Time and space to slow down, switch off and reconnect with themselves
✓ An improved sense of calm that often extends beyond the treatment session
✓ A nurturing and personalised treatment experience
✓ Minimal undressing and maximum comfort
✓ Combines beautifully with other favourite therapies
For You as a Therapist and Your Career
✓ Gain a deeper understanding of your clients’ individual needs
✓ Create meaningful and memorable client experiences
✓ Deliver treatments that are both effective and enjoyable to provide
✓ Learn a highly adaptable treatment approach that integrates easily into existing practice
✓ Create bespoke “Holistic Heaven” wellbeing sessions
✓ Develop greater confidence in treatment planning and delivery
✓ Low-strain for your hands, shoulders and back
✓ Can be comfortably delivered sitting or standing
The Story Behind Daoyin Tao
Daoyin Tao (pronounced Dow Yin Tow, as in TOWn)
The origins of Daoyin Tao can be traced back to 1995, when I became fascinated by the potential of massage to support clients experiencing sinus discomfort, headaches and migraines.
My longstanding interest in Eastern philosophies, ancient wellbeing traditions and energy-based approaches eventually led me to study extensively and guide several study tours to China and Mongolia.
Drawing upon my studies in advanced massage, Eastern wellbeing approaches and meridian-based techniques, I began developing a specialised treatment sequence focused on the face, neck, shoulders, scalp and ears.
As client feedback grew and the treatment continued to develop through real-world practice, the foundations of Daoyin Tao naturally emerged.
After several years of development and refinement, Daoyin Tao was formally launched, and began its journey into therapy rooms across the UK, Canada and Ireland.
At the heart of Daoyin Tao is the philosophy of ‘The Soft Way’.
Rather than relying on force, complex protocols or rigid routines, practitioners are encouraged to work with sensitivity, awareness and natural treatment flow.
This balance between structure and flexibility is one of the qualities that therapists often value most about Daoyin Tao.
How the course is structured
The training combines foundation knowledge with practical application, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to deliver the treatment safely and professionally.
Foundations
Self-study online, start anytime
The origins and philosophy of Daoyin Tao
Understanding the treatment approach
Introduction to Eastern wellbeing concepts
Simplified Five Element principles
You have unlimited access to this content
Practical Skills
On-site Two Day Training
Acupressure point application
Massage techniques
Treatment flow and rhythm
Full treatment sequence
Client positioning and comfort
Practitioner body mechanics
Creating your own ‘Holistic Heaven’ sessions
Growing your client base with Daoyin Tao
Completing the course
Confident and Competent
Knowledge Builder Quizzes
Ongoing assessment
Case Studies – 3 volunteers x 3 sessions each
Case Study review consultation
Certificate issued upon satisfactory completion of all elements
Post- course continued guidance and support
Who Is This Course Suitable For?
Daoyin Tao is suitable for qualified therapists who wish to expand their skills, enhance their treatment offering and provide clients with a deeply relaxing and rewarding treatment experience.
As this is a Continued Professional Development training opportunity, this course requires an Anatomy and Physiology and Massage qualification to Level 3 which enables practitioners to become insured.
Students will ideally be qualified in one or more of these modalities:
- Massage Therapists
- Holistic Therapists
- Complementary Therapists
- Beauty Therapists
- Reflexologists
- Bodyworkers
- Other appropriately qualified practitioners
If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the requirements, please get in touch to discuss your individual circumstances.
Meet Your Trainer
Anna-Louise Haigh is the creator of Daoyin Tao™ and has worked within the complementary therapy, personal development and wellbeing fields since 1988.
She originally launched Daoyin Tao in 2001 and spent many years training therapists before her work evolved into a broader portfolio of wellbeing, personal development and transformational programmes.
Following continued interest in the treatment and ongoing requests for training, she is delighted to be reintroducing Daoyin Tao for a new generation of practitioners.
By followiing her inner compass, her journey has taken many interlinked directions over the years, including lecturing internationally. She is known for her supportive teaching style, practical grounded approach and commitment to helping therapists develop confidence, competence and professional standards while learning to trust their intuition.
Anna-Louise has authored three well-received books, developed professional and personal growth training programmes and supporting thousands of people through teaching, mentoring and therapeutic work.
At the heart of everything I create and teach is a Soulistic philosophy that seeks to bring greater harmony, wellbeing and joy to the mind, body, heart and soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous acupressure experience?
No. The training is designed to teach the acupressure techniques required within the treatment.
Is the course accredited?
The original Daoyin Tao course was fully accredited and the new format has been submitted for approval to a reputable professional association.
June 2026 – This process takes a few weeks, and the outcome will be posted here. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this, please contact Anna-Louise by email at info@ anna-louisehaigh.com
Can I get insurance after I complete the training?
The original Daoyin Tao course was fully insurable by reputable companies. As at June 2026, the course is currently going through the process of being reviewed by the underwriters and any update will be posted here.
If you have any questions, or to get the latest information, please contact Anna-Louise by email at info@anna-louisehaigh.com
How long does each section take to complete?
It is anticipated that the self-paced Online Theory Foundation modules will take between 12 – 15 hours of independent study. Keep a record of your time spent for CPD purposes.
Two-day Practical Training – approximately 14 hours
Case Studies and Follow-up review by Zoom are in addition to the above.
The total learning commitment: Approximately 26 – 35 hours
How many CPD points does this course provide?
In general, 1 CPD point per hour of study or training is awarded by most professional therapy associations. You are advised to check with your current professional association for clarification.
You are strongly advised to keep a record of your online study, training and case study related hours.
How is Daoyin Tao different to other acupressure or face massage treatments?
Daoyin Tao combines acupressure, massage and traditional Eastern wellbeing principles within a structured yet flowing treatment sequence.
Its emphasis on “The Soft Way” encourages therapists to work with sensitivity, awareness and natural flow rather than rigid technique.
Clients report not only feeling the benefit as expected but also enjoying a sense of greater balance and wellbeing throughout their whole body. The extended resonance of Daoyin Tao is discussed in the practical training.
How long is a typical Daoyin Tao session?
The full treatment typically takes approximately 30 minutes, although timings may vary depending on practitioner style and client needs.
Can Daoyin Tao be combined with other therapies in the same session?
Daoyin Tao is the perfect companion to other therapies such as back massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Aromatherapy massage, Chakra Balancing and can be an integral part of an Ear Candling treatment.
Practitioners are encouraged to create their own version of a ‘Holistic Heaven’ session which would include 30 minutes Daoyin Tao and then either 30 or 60 minutes of another therapy to suit the client needs and wishes. Charges would vary accordingly.
Do I need to bring anything with me for the practical module?
You are asked to bring one large bath sheet, a hand towel, (and a blanket or fleece during the colder months.) Other than that, you only need bring a pen, water bottle, lunch (or purchase nearby) and wear comfortable appropriate clothing.
All materials, oils and equipment are provided.
Become a Next Generation Practitioner
This year marks 25 years since Daoyin Tao was first introduced to practitioners.
Course Dates & Investment
Ready to add Daoyin Tao to your professional skillset?
Join the Course anytime and start with the self-paced yet supported Theory online modules
Then join the practical training at a chosen venue/dates
What’s Included
✓ Online foundation learning
✓ Practical two-day training workshop
✓ Comprehensive course materials
✓ Assessment
✓ Case study guidance
✓ Certificate upon successful completion
Plus ongoing support and guidance during and beyond the course
Next Practical Training Dates
Friday & Saturday, October 9 & 10, 2026
10:00am – 5:00pm each day
Practical Training group size: 8 participants maximum
Venue
The Old Chapel
Staintondale
Scarborough
YO13 0EL
Your Investment
Your complete course investment is £595
Pay by installments
Secure your place with a deposit of £95.
Followed by four equal monthly instalments of £125.
A receipt will be provided for your records upon completion of payment.
Daoyin Tao – Feeling is Believing!
Clients love the experience.
Therapists love the ease and flow of delivery.
Since 2001, Daoyin Tao has remained a trusted favourite among clients and therapists alike.
Now returning for a new generation of practitioners.
I’d love to welcome you onto a future training.
Read our Terms and Conditions here