Catherine Balaam

Catherine Balaam I offer Bengali Massage, Hanna Somatics & Bowen Therapy Bengali Massage in Bristol to help people fi I have worked full-time offering this treatment since 2006.

I trained as a holistic massage therapist and aromatherapist in 2003 and in 2005 I traveled to India seeking a true master of therapeutic massage. I was incredibly lucky to have my hopes fulfilled and exceeded; learning the amazing and magical technique that I now call Bengali massage with Guru Prassad (Gupi to his friends) in Auroville. Gupi also introduced me to a book by Thomas Hanna on Somatic

s and I instantly wanted to learn how to pass this amazing work on to others professionally. Bengali massage is a dynamic full body treatment that gently releases and dissipates the tension and holding habits of the muscles, often caused by underlying emotional, mental or physical issues. It encourages the body’s own healing process with long sweeping strokes over the whole body, stretching and subtle vibrational movements, exploring the range of motion of each joint throughout the skeleton from fingers to vertebrae. This unique experience helps to reawaken the body and restore the mind-body connection. Expect the unexpected in this magical treatment! I also offer Clinical Somatic Movement sessions - a clothed treatment in which I teach gentle and specific, mindful movements to bring awareness back into the body. This re-educates and releases the chronic holding habits of the muscles that create tension and pain. It is a powerful and empowering process giving us back the ability to help ourselves find ease and comfort in daily life. I offer 1-1 clinical somatic sessions for specific injuries or areas of pain and I also run regular drop in classes, courses and workshops for a more general approach.

Let's start 2022 as we mean to go on! Come and join me to open your heart and find a deeper and easier breath on my soma...
05/01/2022

Let's start 2022 as we mean to go on!
Come and join me to open your heart and find a deeper and easier breath on my somatic movement workshop 'Releasing the Breath'
This Saturday the the 8th January 10-12. Available on zoom or limited spaces at my space in Kingswood.

Book your place here https://www.catherinebalaam.co.uk/hanna-somatics-classes-courses

Can't wait to see you there!

It's such a joy to be able support someone who has been going through something so big for so long.
26/11/2021

It's such a joy to be able support someone who has been going through something so big for so long.

This is my homemade candy beetroot kvass and the last of the courgettes in some courgette, rosemary and seed crackers to...
19/11/2021

This is my homemade candy beetroot kvass and the last of the courgettes in some courgette, rosemary and seed crackers topped with homemade fermented beet tapenade and alfalfa sprouts. Let me know if you'd like any of the recipes.

I have worked with so many people over the years and I find it amazing at how many of them are surprised with a substant...
13/11/2021

I have worked with so many people over the years and I find it amazing at how many of them are surprised with a substantial improvement on the first session.
I think there is an assumption that if you've had pain for many years and you have tried many things then improvement will be slow and minimal and this is just not necessarily the case!

13/04/2021

Well I was really looking forward to starting massage again and then I go and sprain my Sartorius/ really blimmin hurt my knee!
At least I can still offer Bowen and Somatics one to one sessions though... phew.
I am lucky to be able to do Bowen on my own knee along with knowing how to regain movement using Somatics. I'll be back massaging before you know it!

Very excited about the arrival of my new Bowen couch and looking forward to welcoming new clients onto it form the 12th ...
19/03/2021

Very excited about the arrival of my new Bowen couch and looking forward to welcoming new clients onto it form the 12th April.

I have already tried it out on some of my existing clients and it is brilliant!

"The world needs this massage and there's only me" - GupiThis is what my teacher said to me when I was training with him...
14/12/2020

"The world needs this massage and there's only me" - Gupi

This is what my teacher said to me when I was training with him back in 1994.
Many people ask me how I came across the unique and beautiful massage technique that I offer. The full the story is too long to share here but I thought I could share this picture of me and my teacher from 17 years ago when I was only 25 and completely unaware of how much my time with him would change my life and touch the lives of many clients and students over the years.
I am so grateful for all the chance meetings and conversations that led me to his door and looking back now I really think that there was no chance in any of it, it was totally meant to be.

If you would like to experience the wonderful technique that is bengali massage and hear the lovely story that got me to my teacher you can book a session through my website. I also offer vouchers and it makes a wonderful gift for any one that needs some next level pampering.

Address

Northend Avenue
Bristol

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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