Heidi Keep

Heidi Keep MAR. ITEC. Dip. Shiatsu. - Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Reiki, Reflexology

I have trained and worked as a therapist in Devon since1990, when I gained an ITEC qualification in A&P and Holistic Massage at the Stewart Mitchell Practice and Training School, followed by ITEC qualifications in Aromatherapy and Sports Therapy. In 1990 I gained an Advanced Course Certificate in 'Precision Reflexology' with the Prue Hughes School of Reflexology. In 1994 I gained a Practitioner Level Diploma in Shiatsu and in 1994 took the Shiatsu Society Examination, which allowed be to become a practitioner with the Shiatsu Society. Between 1997-99 I was initiated into the Reiki I and II degrees (Ursi System of Healing) by Cate Atkins, Reiki Master Teacher.

Before concentrating on my healing practices I worked as a seed analyst. My healing work has taken me to residential homes for the elderly, day centres for adults with learning difficulties, The Centre for Oriental Medicine in Totnes, The Healing Room - now Oak Integrated Health Practice in Chudleigh, client's homes, and various festivals and camps.

In 1993 I gained a C&G Further and Adult Education Certificate, which allowed me to set up 'The Ki School of Holistic Therapies' and teach Reflexology courses accredited by The Association of Reflexologists, along with other shorter courses in holistic therapies. I have also been employed by Devon County Council to teach classes/workshops for examination (ITEC) and vocational courses and helped at the Devon School of Shiatsu as a class assistant. Recently, I have taught part-time for other Reflexology schools and for various Flower Remedy Courses run by Aquarius Flower Remedies, a workers co-operative producing and marketing flower remedies, massage oils, soaps, creams etc.

I have attended workshops in Transpersonal Psychology, Healing, Herbal Medicine, Colour, Body language, Macrobiotic Cookery and Shiatsu for pregnancy.

I have used complementary therapies to help a wide range of people, from childhood to old age. Although one cannot claim to cure, most clients seem to have found some form of benefit, whether it be for relaxation or acute or localised conditions such as headaches, neck tension, colds etc. or more chronic systemic problems such as M.E. Women have also benefited from treatments before, during and after pregnancy, for P.M.T., period pains and menopausal problems.

I am at present studying part-time for a BA (hons) in Fine Art. This also links in to art facilitation I conduct locally, with Adults with special educational needs.

I also work part time as a Stained Glass artist when time permits.

Apart from working as a therapist and artist, I am a mother of 27 and 8 year old sons and a 9 year old daughter. I enjoy reading, live music and theatre, country walks and beach combing.

My approach

I have a strong holistic approach to the Healing Arts, drawing upon the wisdom and vision of Traditional Chinese Medicine. For thousands of years these practitioners have examined how diet, climate, time of year, living conditions, emotions and spiritual aspects may effect their client's life. Why change what has worked for thousands of years?

You may not be able to change immediately, everything in your life for the better, but self-empowerment and awareness go along way towards healing and making whole. You are very much a partner when you come to the treatment. It is important to me that you get as much out of a session as possible, be, that a visit for a one-off relaxing, Aromatherapy massage, or a treatment that is part of a whole series of sessions for serious chronic conditions.

Although some clients know the treatment they want, others are unsure or confused by complementary therapies. I am happy to discuss what treatment(s) would best suit your needs, including initial 'taster' sessions.

When clients arrive for a first appointment, I will take a case history, to find out about their past and present health and lifestyle. This allows me to formulate a treatment plan and avoid any contraindications. If appropriate, clients are asked to notice how the treatment affects them during, after and between treatments. They may also be asked to carry out some sort of self-treatment at home, such as change in diet, work on pressure points or reflex points, exercises such as meridian stretches or relaxation techniques (visualisation or breathing).

Further sessions are then booked as necessary.

Tuition

I am happy to run workshops/classes in Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Shiatsu. We are also happy to put together packages for specific topics or groups. Please feel free to contact me on 01626 854289 or via contact details on this website.

See also latest news for classes on this website.