Background

Energy Work

Apart from the wisdom imparted from my yoga teachers I have gained further experience by attending various workshops and retreats on Yoga, Shiatsu and Tia Chi. All with lots of other great teachers and energy healers. And it’s here I’d like to mention Elaine Lietchi who is both a great teacher and healer.

Elaine is probably the most experienced shiatsu teacher and practitioner in Scotland and I feel privileged to have studied under her. The 3 year course at the Shiatsu School in Glasgow is truly amazing. The depth of study is only one great aspect to the course. You are guided through the practical and theoretical at a pace that makes sure the knowledge becomes second nature. So you don’t just know it in your head but your whole being, you live it. Although a great self development, the main aspect of the training is achieving the ability to help heal others which is a gift in itself. The knowledge and experience gained here prepped me well for becoming a Seasonal Yoga Teacher.

After gaining my qualification in Shiatsu I practiced from a clinic on a weekly basis, worked within Strathclyde University, City of Glasgow College, British Gas, SECC Glasgow, Borders Books and many other workplaces and events. I then became a board member of the Shiatsu Society (UK) for 3 years. I took a step back from practicing Shiatsu so intensely in 2016 to focus more on my yoga teachers training.

Breath work

I find Pranayama (breath work) just as important, if not more important, than asana work. This is partly due to my own experience. Having had asthma since childhood I became to rely heavily on inhalers. In just 2 weeks I managed to reduce the use of inhalers by 90% with breath work alone. I then eventually managed to come off them completely. This was by practicing the Buteyko Technique (which was overseen by a GP so I wouldn’t advise any asthmatic to just suddenly stop using their inhalers!). The Buteyko technique isn’t actually practiced itself in yoga, though aspects of it is very inherent within some Pranayama. I now incorporate Pranayama into my daily yoga routine. Different Pranayama have different effects on the body and they cannot be under estimated for overall health and well being. More info