Health and Wellbeing

Kaikoura is a truly relaxing place with a gentle pace of life and breathtaking scenery. Whether you live and work here or are simply passing through, why not complement your surroundings with a spot of therapeutic rest and relaxation in the form of one of the many fantastic health and well-being alternatives on offer here.

Traditional Maori healings can be found in Kaikoura’s diverse mix of well-being centres, with local Maori clairvoyant Jackie Muir employing the help of her Tupuna, or ancestors, in her work at Healing Touch.

Jackie can help teach you to draw on the roots of your own ancestors for strength, knowledge and unconditional love. Believing in the concept of the strength and importance of self-love to promote a better world, she offers meditational workshops, with a view to sharing the seeds of knowledge, laughter and learning, of which there is always an abundance. Meditation workshops are run on a six-weekly basis. 

At Te Matauranga O Humarie, Symonde Laugesen also uses traditional Maori healing techniques in her work, in which she helps to address a number of aspects of both physical and spiritual needs.Offering a holistic alternative to traditional medical treatments, Symonde’s approach is an instinctive use of a variety of cultural techniques, including Maori miri-miri, in which locally gathered natural ingredients are used in the preparation of oils and balms. Conditions ranging from sleeping disorders and fertility problems to sporting injuries and diabetes can all be aided by one, or a combination of, Symonde’s treatments.

Body awareness expert Ruth Stirnimann concentrates on body-orientated spiritual, mental and emotional balancing techniques and encourages people to raise their self awareness. Body awareness is all about becoming tuned in to the energy which flows through the body, learning in turn to use this energy and to understand the base vibration of the soul. Ruth is trained in craniosacral therapy and energy harmonising methods. She offers individual treatment at her home, by appointment, in these areas.  One of the bases for Ruth’s work is becoming aware of the subtle, individual, and unique rhythms of your souls breath. She also teaches “perceptible breath”, which is a breathing science that supports the awareness of your individual breathing rhythm and patterns, reconnecting you to your soul, and therefore enhancing holistic healing. 

Dutch trained and qualified physiotherapist Maaike van der Wel offers a range of therapeutic massage and relaxation techniques to suit a variety of needs. Her deep tissue therapeutic and relaxation massages are designed to relieve pain and tension, and help the body to relax. Reiki is another tool which Maaike uses to promote natural self-healing for all aspects of her clients; physically, mentally and spiritually. Maaike has also been offering Integrated Breath Therapy since 2003, and incorporates this into all of her practices as she feels this is fundamentally important. The breath centred counselling is a gentle, relaxed breathing process which reduces stress at the same time as increasing aliveness and mental focus. 

Henno van Vierzen is an equally firm believer in centering the body and mind through breathing and relaxation. A session with Henno’s Tibetan Singing Bowls Massage will bring a moment of peace to your day to day life. The idea is that cells within the body react to sound waves and listening to and feeling the sound of the bowls will enable positive changes in body, mind and soul. Attention is given firstly to breathing, and then all you have to do is lie back and listen to the sound of the bowls, and let the feeling lift and relax you. No undressing or physical massage is required to experience this Tibetan relaxation method.

Wahine Acupuncture, registered acupuncturist Heidi Tirikatene-Nash can cure a range of health problems, and believes the proof is in the results. Heidi studied at the Christchurch College of Chinese Medicine to gain a diploma in acupuncture which she now practices from the Radiance Beauty and Day Spa on Beach Road. Both men and women can benefit from this ancient Chinese treatment, although Heidi focuses primarily on women’s health here in Kaikoura. The treatment works through the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body which works to stimulate the body’s healing process.

Indulge Body and Soul Day Spa was awarded 2009 supreme winner of the Probeauty Best Clinic of the Year, and offers a range of pampering treatments designed to make you feel truly relaxed after a hard day at work or on holiday. From massage and osteopathy to facials and other personal grooming treatments, there is something to suit everyone’s needs and tastes. As well as individual treatments, retreats and packages are also on offer at Indulge, whether it be for yourself or a gift for a loved one. Groups are also welcome.

For an energetic workout whilst in Kaikoura, visit the well equipped Kaikoura Community Gym, open to casuals 5 days a week from 9:00 – 12:30, and 3:00 – 5:00. Qualified trainers are available for your benefit, and a friendly welcome is assured.

Round off your well deserved indulgence with an appointment at Waves Hair Stylists in the Westend. Andrea Hislop and her friendly team offer the very latest in unisex hair cutting, styling, and colouring techniques.