MEET OUR TEAM
LAUREN APOSTOLA (SHE/HER)
Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies
+61 434 404 381
Lauren is a qualified Shiatsu Therapist based in Melbourne / Naarm. She completed her Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies at the Australian Shiatsu College, gaining experience in cupping, moxibustion, gua sha and additional skills in Tui Na (Chinese Remedial Massage).
Through her studies and personal experience, Lauren has come to believe deeply in the healing power of touch. She is inspired by the traditional wisdom of Eastern cultures, that speak of taking the middle path in all things.
Lauren creates a beautiful, nurturing and safe treatment space. She invites awareness back into the body, and to areas of the inner landscape that feel blocked or disconnected. Her years of chronic illness in her teens led her to journey the path of alternative therapies, and to be in service to helping others find their healing potential within.
Passionate about building roots in community, she can be found creating wholesome meals at local workshops and events. Her food nourishes with its diversity, colour and love. She sees the kitchen as a place for creating transformation and connection.
To Lauren, shiatsu is a holistic and embodying experience. She believes it is through stillness and holding that the magic happens.
MICHELLE ELISE (SHE/HER)
Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies
+61 476 928 609
Michelle is a Shiatsu Practitioner who brings a warm and calming presence to her practice which offers a sense of comfort for you and your treatment experience. She studied at the Australian Shiatsu College specialising in Zen, Classical and Barefoot Shiatsu techniques, as well as cupping, moxibustion and gua sha.
As a practitioner she is committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where all feel welcome and comfortable to explore what they need to in a session. Michelle’s approach to Shiatsu is grounded and intuitive, centered in the belief that touch is a powerful tool for our physical and emotional wellbeing.
Open to working with clients of all ages and health issues; she’s particularly interested in digestive support, abdominal massage and ‘Movement Shiatsu’ - a practice that encourages the receiver to become an explorer of their own body and be consciously involved in their healing journey.
When not on the futon Michelle loves to dance, see live music and connect with her community. She balances the yang with lots of time in nature walking, bird watching and bathing in the Birrarung.
ANASTASIA BEHRAKIS (SHE/HER)
Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies
+61 407 531 956
Further training: moxibustion, teishin (non-insertive needling), and movement shiatsu.
With a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Anastasia has a particular interest in mental-emotional health. It was during her own personal journey with mental health that she discovered shiatsu and realized how instrumental bodywork can be for the mind and spirit.
This profound experience led her to study shiatsu and shift her attention from talk therapy to working with the body. Psychology remains a passion of hers, and has fostered her abilities as a bodyworker to hold space and presence for whatever is happening for the client on the day.
Anastasia’s many years of experience working with disability also taught her the powerful impact bodywork has on daily physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Anastasia's style is deep, slow, and nourishing, with plenty of stretches and movement when appropriate. She includes acupressure points that are chosen specifically to suit the client's body's individual needs. Her shiatsu treatments incorporate moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, and oriental dietary therapy.
Outside of work and study, Anastasia enjoys finding moments of stillness in nature, dancing anywhere and everywhere, crocheting, reading fiction, as well as cultivating meaningful relationships with loved ones.