The power of massage therapy

I love a good relaxation or therapeutic massage. In this Trainer Tips interview, I talk with Rhiarna Brook from Real Bodies. Rhiarna is a certified Zen Thai Shiatsu therapist and personal trainer. Her approach to fitness is truly holistic and centres entirely on you and where you’re at physically and emotionally. I sat down with her to learn what it is about this unique style of massage therapy she practices that leaves you feeling restored from the inside out.

Ask That Fit Girl: What is Zen Thai Shiatsu?

Rhiarna: Zen Thai Shiatsu is a combination of traditional Thai, Zen Shiatsu and Osteopathy techniques. It can be best described as a healing therapy – it brings balance to the body and mind through the release of tension in the muscles and fascia; and by working along energy lines and acupressure points. This has the effect of unwinding the nervous system, creating a sense of space in the joints and a feeling of restoration.

Ask That Fit Girl: Who is it good for and why?

Rhiarna: Anyone can benefit from this style of massage. It’s available to everyone. Some of the people I see range from teenage girls to individuals in their 80s to business professionals.

Zen Thai Shiatsu helps to relieve pain – physical or emotional – and almost everyone says they feel centred and calm after a session. The power of this style of therapy is that it focuses on you as a whole – your musculoskeletal system, your nervous system, your spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Everything is interconnected and Zen Thai Shiatsu helps to recognise and alleviate some of these blockages in the body.

Every session will always be unique because every day is different and as individuals we are in constant states of flux emotionally and physically on any given day.

Ask That Fit Girl: What results can the average Joe/Jane expect from regular sessions?

Rhiarna: I believe regular sessions can help speed up recovery from exercise, injury or illness and with a Chinese medicine influence, it will increase you longevity. Zen Thai Shiatsu helps to alleviate pain, clear the mind and gain more body awareness. I have a client I’ve been seeing regularly for years who has chronic back pain. He has regular sessions with me for pain relief as sometimes prescription medication just doesn’t work.

I like to think about Zen Thai Shiatsu in terms of the Chinese philosophy of ying and yang. Zen Thai is the yin, topping up and replenishing your energy tank to offset the yang of energy going out. One of the things you learn is how to breathe to calm the nervous system, similar to the breathing practice you find in yoga.

Ask That Fit Girl: What advice do you have for those wanting to get back into exercise and leading a healthier lifestyle?

Rhiarna: Choose something you enjoy doing and don’t be afraid to try something new. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable and really listen to your body.

Rhiarna is a passionate and unique personal trainer, group instructor and Zen Thai therapist. Her background includes horse riding, tennis, triathlons, Muay Thai kick boxing, cross fit, yoga and more!

Rhiarna believes her purpose is to support, nurture and educate others on how to connect their mind and body through movement, and to inspire others to be authentically them. Follow Real Bodies on Facebook or drop into her studio space at the Newmarket Soccer Club, 35 Badger Street Newmarket.