About

professional and accredited school for movement, bodywork, and acupuncture

BodyWork is a leading accredited school for movement, body-work, and acupuncture training. With over 18 years of experience, the school has guided thousands of students who now practice professionally throughout the therapy field

Recognized by major professional associations, insurance companies, and wellness centers nationwide, it is considered one of the most respected training institutions in its field

Teaching is delivered in small, focused groups, led personally by Tom together with a highly qualified team. The curriculum combines applied anatomy, comprehensive clinical experience, and hands-on practice that reflects the school’s high standards.

The body-work program places strong emphasis on posture, Chi-Gong principles, and effective weight-transfer techniques. In addition, students learn to refine their personal therapeutic “voice” by matching techniques and tools to their individual strengths—ensuring that every graduate develops a unique, authentic approach to treatment
At BodyWork, no two therapists are meant to feel the same. The mission is to empower each practitioner to grow, evolve, and bring their own distinct presence into the world of healing

The Path: To Become a Teacher

I never imagined I would become a teacher

How could I, when I still feel like a student myself constantly learning, even after so many years? And yet, it feels deeply important to pass on the knowledge I’ve received; a gift that’s meant to be shared

I believe in learning with intention, through attention, steady practice, and the guidance of someone who can offer the right tools, someone who can truly see who we are and help us find our own way of playing

I’m profoundly grateful for this field, for the excitement that comes with both treating and teaching. Even the things people say can’t be taught, yes, even those: listening to the patient, sensing rhythm, completing a movement, adjusting touch, depth, and all the subtle nuances we often overlook

Tom Fianen

Dipl.Ac, Lic.S.M.T, Herbalist, SportTherapist

About the Instructor — Tom Fianen

Practitioner of Chinese medicine, natural medicine, herbalism and sports therapy

About the Instructor — Tom Fianen

Tom F. is a license practitioner of Chinese medicine, natural medicine, clinical herbalism, and sports therapy (Lic. S.M.T, Dipl.Ac, M.I.H.A). He operates his clinic in Vale de Gaios (Midoes) in Portugal, specializing in orthopedics, sports-related conditions, and pain management

With a career spanning two decades, Tom is a recognized lecturer and registered therapist in rehabilitative massage, orthopedic massage, medical massage, and related therapeutic disciplines

Since 2006, he has taught a wide range of touch-based therapies, including Swedish massage, medical massage, orthopedic massage, deep-tissue work, Thai massage, rehabilitative massage, and trigger-point therapy

Tom is a graduate of a multi-year program in Traditional Chinese Medicine, listed with the national professional association, with a specialty in Chinese orthopedic medicine. His clinical work also includes emergency medicine, movement rehabilitation, sports injury recovery, orthopedic rehabilitation, dry needling, and a variety of manual therapies such as Tuina, Yam-Kan, Thai massage, Ashiatsu, and medical massage

He is an active member of the Clinical Herbalists Association, ILAM—the Israeli Musculoskeletal Medicine Society of the Israel Medical Association—and the national massage association

Throughout his career, Tom has completed numerous advanced trainings in orthopedics, sports therapy, and pain management, and has practiced sports injury rehabilitation for over 20 years

Tom lectures in continuing education programs at Campus Arazim and for the Meuhedet HMO

He has played key roles in developing integrative therapy frameworks, including leading the integration of complementary care at the Meir Hospital Sports Medicine Center in Kfar Saba

He founded and headed the Sports Therapy track at the “Siim” Sports Center of Tel Aviv University, coordinated the Massage Department at the “Broshim” campus of Tel Aviv University, and served as a senior lecturer in advanced medical and rehabilitative massage programs at Medisin College

He has also taught at the Merav School of the Open University, trained therapists at the Carmel Forest Spa and across the Isrotel hotel chain, and serves as a senior educator for SPIDERTECH in kinesiology taping

In the past, Tom managed the northern branch of the “Merav” Complementary Medicine School of the Open University and Maccabi Healthcare Services. His teaching roots go back to his military service, where he established the emergency-medical training program for the Nahal and Division 132. Since then, he has continued to teach emergency medicine and preventive care