GIUSI PEZZOTTA
Women’s Hormonal Health: Abdominal Sacral Massage, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine
Having spent my late teens and early 20’s dotted with a few surgeries and medication, I started looking into my health in search for different answers. For a story that made more sense. That I could trust. That was more empowering and made me feel less hopeless.
Don’t get me wrong, I needed some of those surgeries (not all) and I am grateful for them. But three years of epileptic medication? I was not sure at the time but I knew I didn’t feel right. So I weaned myself off the tablets a whole year earlier. A very stupid thing to do. And one that I strongly would not recommend even if I was lucky. But when you feel like the life has been taken out of you because of what you ingest every day and you have no other choice, then you might not do the best thing.
That is one of the reasons why I trained as a bodyworker, acupuncturist, herbalist and yoga teacher. Because I have always wanted to live in a world where people have choices and options about their health.
Studying and being a patient of East Asian medicine made me realise that often what is missing in the mainstream healthcare is ‘the invisible web’.
You are like a puzzle whose pieces have not been put together. The single pieces are there but the links are missing.
So for example, you cannot not see the connection between your headaches and your menstrual pains. Or you do not understand why your joint aches are worse when you eat certain foods. Or you wonder why you cannot conceive when all the tests have come out clear.
Good news!
Chinese medicine gave me those answers thanks to all the trainings I’ve done since 2004. I’ve also studied various types of bodywork, got a degree in acupuncture, a master in Chinese herbal medicine and trained as a yoga teacher. Yep, I’m a bit of a training junkie.
But what all those things have in common is the basic idea of the interconnectedness of life. So, for example, the environment we live in, seasons, what we eat, the people we decide to hang out with as well as the constitution we are born with, all have an impact on our wellbeing.
With a knowledge of all the above and practical ways to embody them into our lives, we can become more kind towards ourselves and live more aligned to the cyclical nature of life which will bring a state free from dis-ease.
Less serious stuff?
Previous lives must have seen me in Asia since, in addition to my work, most days I would choose noodle soups and dhal bhat over Italian food (the blasphemy!)...unless my sister's tiramisu is involved!
But even after 20+ years in the UK, I still retain most of my Italian bluntness.
My favourite time of the day is early morning when everyone is asleep. I am a sun worshipper, love slow travel and generally prefer a quiet (some might say unconventional) life.
For more info about my work please visit my personal website here
REBECCA ELLIS
Acupuncture, Bowen, Therapeutic Movement & Yoga Classes (Group & Private)
My professional journey began with studies in health, exercise and outdoor education, rooted in my lifelong passion for sport and nature. During an early period of travel, I was introduced to alternative medicine and Eastern philosophy. It was during this time that I began to recognise the limitations of traditional exercise methods and consider how I wanted to work.
Coming from a family with a strong healthcare background many of whom were nurses, I’ve always had a strong drive to help others but from a more integrative and holistic perspective. This led me to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I was captivated by its poetic analogies and its view of the body as intricately connected to the larger environment. The more I studied, the more I appreciated how TCM resonated with my personal philosophy of health and healing.
While studying in London, I also discovered yoga and Taiji, which deepened my understanding of movement and energy. My primary Taiji teacher, Michael Acton, has played a significant role in my understanding and practice of Chinese Medicine & human movement to this day.
Upon qualifying with a BSc in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I was fortunate to gain diverse work experience, both within the UK and internationally. Alongside my TCM qualifications, I trained as a Bowen therapist, providing a needle-free alternative to those seeking a gentler approach. I am currently one of the tutors for the Bowen College U.K.
I also became a yoga teacher, therapist and teacher trainer, expanding my therapeutic toolkit to offer clients a broader range of healing options. Over time, I realised the importance of integrating movement with therapy to promote long-term health, which naturally led me to shift my focus towards back into teaching and integrating therapeutic movement.
Currently, my work centres on combining movement disciplines to harness the transformative power for the body, mind and overall longevity. This approach emphasises functional movement, self-empowerment and creating lasting, positive change. I am passionate about helping individuals of all ages, genders and abilities to move better, regardless of any challenges they may face.
This transition represents a return to my roots in sport and health, but with the added depth of the knowledge and wisdom I have gained over the years.
Outside of my professional life, I maintain a deep connection to the outdoors. I enjoy tending to my allotment, walking with my dogs and spending time in the ocean. I also love to travel and share many adventures with my wife, Giusi.
TESSA BLAIR
Indian Head Massage, Kinesio-Taping, Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Soft Tissue Therapy, Thai Table Massage
Tessa is qualified as a Level 5 Soft Tissue Therapist and is registered with the ISRM.
She offers massage and soft tissue therapy, pregnancy massage, Thai table massage, kinesio-taping and Indian head massage. Tessa is at the clinic on Mondays & Fridays between 10.00-16.00 (outside of these hours
by request here).
Tessa has had various injuries over the years including a recent full hip replacement and having experienced the benefits of soft tissue therapy first hand, inspired her to pursue this profession.
After 16 years of farming, just prior to COVID Tessa decided to retrain and set up her massage business ‘Active Muscle Therapy’ on her farm in Cornwall and also sees clients at Honiton Chiropractic Clinic.