Vanessa Joubin White
Shiatsu practitioner, Maternity & baby Shiatsu, birth and postnatal Doula
My name is Vanessa and I am a Shiatsu Practitioner and a Doula.
I began my journey as a Shiatsu practitioner in 2010 (graduated in 2013) after a life changing trip to Taiwan. I realised how my Taiwanese friends took care of their physical, emotional and mental well-being through bodywork and the Chinese energetic system. When I came back to London from this trip, I went for a Shiatsu massage. I was fascinated by the subtility of the touch: how a pressure on my foot would resonate in my tummy and how peaceful I felt when the session finished.
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a form of massage rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Through gentle pressure along the body’s meridians as well as stretches and joint mobilisation, Shiatsu helps release tension and create space. It helps reduce discomfort of physical and emotional pain and stress. I have worked with people with depression and anxiety.
My approach to Shiatsu
Through presence and touch, I will support and guide the body to find its balance, natural alignment and inner space. Each touch is intentional, grounding, and supportive. Shiatsu is both gentle and powerful, sensitive and energetic. Skilled and free-flowing, it is like a dialogue, a meditation. It offers a safe and restorative space to come home to yourself.
Shiatsu and Pregnancy
Shiatsu is also wonderful during pregnancy and the postnatal period. I trained with Suzanne Yates of Wellmother in 2018-2019 in Fertility and Maternity Shiatsu to support women from conception to birth and after. Shiatsu is a gentle and nurturing way to support your changing body. It supports relaxation, relief from symptoms, emotional balance. It can help ease heartburn, back pain, and pelvic discomfort. It is a wonderful connection to your baby and prepares your body for labour and can help find comfort during childbirth. Shiatsu is also a very nurturing support in the postnatal period, it can help with breastfeeding and recovery.
I accompany people from birth to end of life with the gentle touch of Shiatsu.