Accept Cookies

Ask the Practitioner: Kirsty Manning

by

Picture of Kirsty Manning
Kirsty Manning

As part of our Therapy of the Week, we have a quick Q&A with Kirsty to help you get to know more about her and the therapies that she offers

Why did you choose to start doing holistic/deep tissue massage?

Having had some disappointing massages in the past, I finally found a massage therapist who really listened to what I wanted and needed. Massage helped me manage the physical and emotional effects of a sometimes stressful job. She inspired me to find out more about massage and after doing an introductory weekend course, I was hooked and haven’t looked back since.

What’s you favorite other alternative or complementary therapy?

Thai yoga massage, I love that this treatment is floor based as it helps me feel very grounded during and after the massage.

How do you feel your therapy benefits your clients?

I think touch is a really powerful medium which can bring many benefits. In the current climate it can be difficult to justify “treating” ourselves with a massage, however the value of looking after our bodies and our wellbeing shouldn’t be underestimated, what’s more important than your health? Among many other benefits holistic and deep tissue massage can help stimulate the immune system, relieve muscular pain, improve sleep and reduce stress.

If you won £1 million what would you spend it on?

I have family living in America and we don’t often get the chance to get together so I would pay for us all to go on a big holiday together, somewhere exotic. I’d probably try to buy a house with a big garden for my cats to enjoy as well. I’d give some to charity also although choosing which causes would be challenging as there’s so many deserving ones!

Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share with us?

I have a great recipe for Phad Thai which is one of my favourite dishes but it’s a bit long to write out here. The secret is a little tamarind sauce and plenty of peanuts!

Leave a Comment

"Acupuncture during pregnancy was amazing… each trimester is a different… during the first I needed energy and help with the sickness, during the second I had a rash, during the third I was suffering from pelvic problems and insomnia and the extra weight... the personal, friendly and detailed individual approach was so beneficial to me. I feel like it paid a huge part in my well-being over the 9 months… thank you, Amelia.”

Kelly

I had been suffering from a severe and unexplained break out of hives for over two weeks, when a friend recommended Stepping Stones to me. The hives had been so bad that they covered my face and body and I had been back and forth to the doctors with no luck; none of the medication they gave me worked and it was getting worse. When I came to Stepping Stones I had never had acupuncture before and didn't know what to expect. But the space was clean and relaxing and Amelia was very kind and welcoming and put me at ease straight away. After just one session at the multi-bed clinic the hives went down 50% by the following day, and then continued to consistently fade away over the next two days. I then had one more session, and the following day they were completely gone! I feel so happy and grateful to have found Stepping Stones and would definitely recommend it to anyone. Thanks so much Amelia.

Molly

I came to Stepping Stones after a long period of sleeplessness and general fatigue. After one session I already feel significantly energised and rejuvenated - my skin is glowing and I have slept better than I have in weeks! The clinic is serene and comfortable and the perfect place to enjoy treatment. I would highly recommend incorportating acupuncture at Stepping Stones into any plan to live a happy and healthy life

CA, London

I just wanted to say a big thank you to all for the treatment (and warm welcomes and cups of tea) you've given me over the last few months.

I think that as is the case with many symptoms unease, brought about due to imbalances in the body, the signs and symptoms appear gradually and over a period of time, and likewise do not just tend disappear over night. Having said that I feel that the course of acupuncture I've received has been of great benefit, and there are subtle improvements and changes in my general wellbeing which I can say the treatment, at the very least, played some part in bringing about.

M, London

I was first attracted to the Stepping Stones project when my husband found the card in the church. The very cleverly designed card was telling me of affordable acupuncture, with the added bonus of being very near to my home. When I first phoned for an appointment I felt encouraged by the friendly voice of Amelia.

On my first visit Stacey interviewed me most sympathetically, I immediately felt safe. Although the space is rather small they create a comfortable atmosphere, the room is warm and privacy is always maintained with the use of towels and screens.

I have had many treatments, they are always helpful, and it is so nice to be able to complain about pain knowing they will be understanding and can offer relief. Once the needles are in place, privacy and comfort is ensured, the wonderful warming lamp and the quiet allows for deep relaxation.

I am happy to recommend Stepping Stones to anyone, I have already informed several friends.

Pat, De Beauvoir

I’d thought about acupuncture before, but had never been able to afford it. My experience here has been very positive – it’s inclusive and relaxed. The treatments are enjoyable and, over time, the process has made a definite difference in my life. The diet and lifestyle advice, which goes with the acupuncture itself, would also have been unavailable elsewhere, and support with my nutrition in particular has been really good in helping me make changes beyond the treatments.

D, 28 London