I’ve been receiving massages from Derek for several years and for various reasons. The initial sessions were for an imminent onset of plantar fasciitis, a really painful condition that I was keen to avoid. During those sessions Derek worked on opening and releasing the tension that had developed in my lower leg and foot and avoided it developing further. These sessions were an extended part of an overall body massage.
I continue having massages from Derek, sometimes for a specific problem and other times to relax and help maintain my overall physical and mental wellbeing. Derek is very intuitive, knowledgeable and thorough, and works with you to locate and relax the sources of areas of tension, stiffness or pain.
I wholeheartedly recommend Derek for both helping to relieve specific issues but also for maintaining wellbeing and experiencing a most enjoyable and relaxing massage!
“I came across Derek in Edinburgh’s Five Winds Tai Chi Chuan and, knowing him as a gifted martial artist, felt confident that his massage skills would be as high quality as his martial practice.
Regardless of whatever examples of age or injury I’ve brought to the table, I always leave feeling younger, more mobile, more alert and more relaxed.
Whereas some practitioners seem nervous about ‘leaning in’ for a more thorough treatment, Derek is happy to accommodate but always checks that one is happy with the increased pressure. Keen as I am to avoid clichés like the plague, I feel that ‘no pain, no gain’ very much applies here. Even when free from stiffness or injury, I like to book in now and then for a kind of MOT and service and aways feel rejuvenated.”
“I highly recommend Derek as a massage therapist. I found the massage very thorough working deeply with the tissues and particularly appreciated the abdominal massage .
The space was very calm and I left with a sense of ease and was more grounded. I am aware that body work really is a wonderful way to help the body process and release held tension . Thank you Derek.”
“Derek offers a deep listening to what your head, heart, and body are expressing. A safe, held, and incredibly informative experience. A multifaceted approach to massage that I personally found to be extremely helpful to relieve emotional and physical tension in this body. I found two hours was really where I could lean in and open to the massage and enable time for the revelations of the body’s tension to be discovered.
I can’t wait to return and incorporate Derek’s knowledge and experience to support my personal journey in healing, compassion and how to keep a body cared for with injuries when pushed to it’s physical limits as a tree planter. I encourage you to have an openness to gift yourself this time but also the curiosity to see what discoveries come to you.”
“I have been to Derek for a massage on a number of occasions. The first time, after a fall and subsequent injury. As someone recovering from experiences of abuse, I am anxious to trust people with my body. However, the compassion with which Derek addressed my needs allowed me to feel relaxed and comfortable at all times, returning regularly either for specific needs or general maintenance.
Derek’s holistic understanding of the body and mind enable him to facilitate recovery in a really meaningful and supportive manner. I strongly recommend Derek and all that he has to offer.”