leah mckay
holistic bodywork
shiatsu and holistic massage for deep relaxation and a more lived in body

about shiatsu
Shiatsu is a traditional form of bodywork developed in Japan with its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Japanese folk massage.
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Using pressure and stretches along the same energetic pathways used in acupuncture, shiatsu uses touch instead of needles to encourage a rebalancing of the life energy or 'ki' of the body.
This touch can be subtle, gentle,still, deep or dynamic in response to the moving, changing needs of each individual.
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A shiatsu session is a tactile conversation between the practitioner and the recipient. There is a kind of listening and a response to what is needed. As well as enhancing circulation, flexibility and posture, shiatsu can result in a feeling of well being and a more relaxed and vital sense of a lived in body.
Time is given in each session to address any particular issues or concerns.
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Tratment is usually given on a thick cotton mat (futon) on the floor but a wide comfortable massage table is also available where this is preferred
Please wear loose comfortable clothing, natural fabrics if possible and clean socks. It is best not to eat a large meal less than an hour before treatment. Thank you
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re since then. In addition to practicing shiatsu and massage I enjoy gardening and making pots in my studio at home,
re since then. In addition to practicing massage and shiatsu I enjoy gardening and making pots in my studio at home.
appointment times
fees
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contact
thursday 9-3
fridays 4-8
saturday 12-8
alternative times may be
available on request
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£50 one hour
£65 one and a half hours
home visits(women only)
please enquire for availability
costs are pro rata
for appointments or with any queries
please phone
07742 232 792
holistic massage

Grounded in the Esalen style and using long deep strokes and gentle stretches, holistic massage focuses on helping the body and therefore the mind to relax.
Responding to what you need in the moment each massage will be subtly different, sometimes working deeply on tight muscles, sometimes focussing on acupoints to help release deeper tensions and sometimes using more flowing movements, working with the breath to create a deeper sense of inner connection and balance. The aim is to help the body feel more connected, relaxed and alive!
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Please discuss with me if you would like to focus on particular areas or problems. The massage can be for the whole body or focus on particular areas such as back neck and shoulders or head hands and feet, for example.
This can be decided at each session.
Unscented organic almond or grape seed oil or lotion is used with the addition of organic essential oils if requested.
about me

I have been interested in the body and what animates it from an early age which led me to studies in dance , tai chi, biofeedback and Esalen massage Later I trained in acupuncture and oriental medicine, graduating, after a three year course, in 1982 with a B.Ac from the International College of Oriental Medicine in East Sussex, one of only two institutions teaching the subject at that time. However, although I continued to teach at ICOM and practiced acupuncture for a few years, my real interest was in the therapeutic value of touch. I had begun training in Shiatsu with Michael Rose, a direct student of Shizuto Masunaga who developed the Zen shiatsu style, while still studying acupuncture. Then in the mid 80s I decided to move to Japan to continue my studies at the IOKAI school which Masunaga had founded. I later moved to the U.S. where I was apprentice to Pauline Sasaki, a well known international shiatsu teacher
After further travels and the birth of my daughter, I returned to London settling in Barnes in 1992
In addition to practicing massage and shiatsu I enjoy gardening and making pots in my studio at home
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