about

Ian Elliott
Yoga, Movement Facilitator, Shiatsu Therapist, CYT, EST.
After struggling with health issues, and noting a lack of long-term efficacy in many prescriptive western remedies, Ian first began exploring options for self-care in 2004. Seeing the necessity of a lifelong commitment to personal wellness and wanting to share this understanding with others, he began to develop the means to assist his friends and neighbours in cultivating and maintaining their own sense of balance. These days, that neighbourhood extends to all corners of the city of Toronto – and with the introduction of online classes and destination retreats, now reaches worldwide.
Shiatsu:
Having first experienced the benefits of shiatsu massage while residing in South-East Asia, Ian turned to the modality as a means to aid in recovery from chronic back pain. Noting shiatsu’s capacity to assist with nervous system regulation, alleviating pain and providing a deep sense of calm and relaxation, he became a certified therapist in 2009 under the tutelage of Leny Carbone, EST, R. Ac. He currently offers treatment in his home studio and at clients’ residences, and has been part of a team providing shiatsu therapy at the University of Toronto campus since 2015.

Yoga

Movement Study

Shiatsu Massage
A popular form of traditional Japanese therapeutic massage, Shiatsu means “finger pressure” and describes the rhythmic, systematic application of perpendicular pressure on various points on the body. Typically thumb, finger and hand pressure are used, with the occasional application of elbow or knee pressure on those with more robust physiques – all in a manner that’s highly tailored to suit individual tolerance. This pressure has a damping effect on the nervous system, inducing a deep relaxation response which can help to relieve tension and alleviate painful conditions.
Yoga & Movement Study
With a mandate to foster healthy individuals and communities, he draws wisdom from all of these modalities, furthering his understanding with ongoing study in movement exploration, biomechanics, pain science, and trauma-informed instruction, favouring an evidence-based approach to wellness. He supports his own yoga and movement practices with strength training, running, mindful dietary habits and various creative pursuits.