Hi, I’m Kate.

 

I am the practitioner behind Instar Holistic where I offer one-to-one holistic massage; Japanese Anma therapy/clinical structural balance, yoga instruction, plus group sound bath sessions, yoga workshops, retreats and talks. I have over 20 years clinical experience and continue to remain curious how every single body is different.

 

Anma means 'push-pull' and is one of the oldest forms of traditional Japanese bodywork.  It comprises of a unique blend of palpatory techniques; soft tissue massage, acupressure, passive stretches and fascial release techniques for joint /spine mobilisation. ​

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Initially studying the Five Elements system through an interest in Chinese Martial Arts over 20 years ago, this foundation has continued to be an inspiring model for learning more about the body in clinical practice, but also using it to understand the world around us generally. Appreciating how nature's cycles flow and how basic elements permeate through all things - including us - lies at the core of my practice. This interest in 'energy anatomy' first led to training as a Reiki practitioner in 2003 and teacher in 2006. I have developed and teach a short course in Energy Development for personal and professional practitioners working with energy-based modalities. The course aims to under pin holistic health with an adaptable but simple daily practice and focus on self-care including; Japanese Do-In exercises, 5 Element Qi Gong, self-massage and Acupressure, breathing and meditation practices.

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As a lifelong student curiously exploring all things musical; particularly woodwind, guitars, synths, drums and percussion - further study led me to the British Academy of Sound Therapy (BAST, 2005-7). Utilising the unique sounds of quartz crystal/ Himalayan singing bowls and gongs, and finding my natural voice - I experienced the profoundly transformational effects of intentional sound and vibration therapies.

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Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training followed in 2007, as well as qualifying as an Ayurvedic Technician, which led to working at residential clinics in the UK and abroad offering Panchakarma detox programmes, (Ayurveda UK, 2006-10). I've taught Yoga classes to hundreds of people in diverse communities, schools, gyms and private clients - to all ages and levels of ability/mobility. I've learned that every single body is different and everbody learns and practices in their own unique way. This has helped me develop an inclusive approach to teaching and keeps me on my toes.

Further training has included foundation level Shiatsu and Macrobiotics, (Devon School of Shiatsu 2013-14 and Five Element Theory and Practice (Ealing School of Shiatsu 2014); and additionally KCR Level 1 and 2 (Kinetic Chain Release - Ireland 2017) - a fascial/ joint freeing system.

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In more recent years study has included; Anma training with Amatsu UK ltd (Dennis Bartram 2018-2020) and Anma qualification with Amatsu Therapy International (UK)(Jane Langston 2020). On going Professional Development and further training in Anma/Seitei with Clare Heal's School - The Amatsu Training Space, Cardiff (2025-present) and Simon Heather (College of Sound Healing) (2020 -present).

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Available at Space Therapies by appointment only:

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Tuesday: 12.30 - 3.30pm
Wednesday: 11am - 3pm