Despina Psarra

I have a number of longstanding impairments and often experience pain. For this reason I have found Despina’s treatments extremely beneficial. Despina has an amazing touch and each session she knows exactly which part needs the most attention, as if by intuition. After my appointments with her, I not only feel very relaxed and refreshed, but also acquire flexibility and lightness devoid of any pain. Despina’s kind, friendly and gentle nature always brings joy to the treatment room and it is always a delight to see her! Thank you Despina x

As a yoga teacher and a director of a physical therapy practice, I understand the importance of massage. On my recent trip to Mysore I had twice weekly massage sessions with Despina. She has a strong intuitive massage technique and I would highly recommend her as a body worker.

I highly recommend Despina’s technique.
Despina’s massage is very beautifully tailored to bring out what is unwanted, like stress, discomfort (physical and mental).
She has a very profound understanding of the human body, is very well experienced as far as the touch and the feeling is concerned, which allows her to know where the body needs more attention. It was very lovely to meet you and work with you. Looking forward to having another appointment end of this week!

Despina is a really talented bodyworker – last year I had regular sessions for several months and during this time my body and mind felt great. Despina has a caring quality, you feel looked after and nurtured during and after her treatments and they complement a regular asana practice.

Despina THANK YOU you truly are amazing. Beyond massage. It feels like a holistic treatment, really fixing me from every perspective. Like no other massage, by far the best!

I would recommend Despina to everyone. She is a miracle worker. I have tried so many different types of therapy, nothing really worked until Despina worked her magic. I have taken my mother and wife who have all enjoyed the benefits. It’s been almost two years having treatments now and I can honestly say I have never felt better.

Well, I can tell you: I miss you! I have had other massages since you’ve been away. I can tell you that you are 100x better, what I am saying: even 200x! So please please, believe in yourself, and go for it, cause you are amazing! I have never been on another planet before, but when I got a massage from you, I was there…

Genuinely the most wonderful massage I have ever had. I can’t recommend Despina highly enough. Her touch is both gentle and firm and amazingly relaxing! A truly nurturing experience.

Despina’s massages make body and mind happy. They feel so good you can easily get addicted.

I am 45 and had more massages off more masseurs than I could remember. Having had on-going issues with my neck and lower back I have had loads of pain relieving massages but also I have had countless massages just for the pleasure of it. Despina offers a fantastic combination of both deep tissue firm remedial type body work (which can be quite challenging) as well as extremely relaxing blissful massage. Despina is very tuned in to her work, her strong hands are also sensitive and getting an hour and a half makes all the difference to the usual hour or less that others offer. She consistently performs the best all-round massages I have ever had.

I really loved Despina’s massages. I had the pleasure of a session twice now and I really enjoyed it both times. Despina is very thorough and attentive and I think she really has the magic touch!
My body feels much looser and more relaxed and I look forward to our next session. Thank you Despina!

When I contacted Despina for a massage I was planning on just getting a massage for tight shoulders. But her massage was about so much more: with the oils I could feel how her massage went deep and softening every part of my body and afterwards I felt reborn… My mind was clear and happy and I felt so alive. Thank you Despina for a super massage!!

I received massages from Despina during my visit to Mysore 2013. In my experience, she’s very professional in her work; she’s intuitive, and has a unique ability to sense and understand the body of each individual. I would highly recommend her as a massage therapist.

When I was asking for massage suggestions in Mysore, Despina’s name came up several times. After having a wonderful massage, I can also highly recommend her.
Despina’s touch is wonderful and knowing which made the massage equal parts soothing, therapeutic, relaxing, and rejuvenating. My body and mind felt amazing directly afterwards and the following days. Looking forward to my next appointment!

I received a massage from Despina and I have to say it was one of the best massages I have ever had. Despina really listens to the body and she cares about her clients.. I’ve had strong massage that felt like being beaten up and I’ve had soft massage that felt as if I was having a feather stroked across me. Despina is neither of these extremes but is capable of being firm and subtle because she can hear how the body needs to be touched. I unhesitatingly recommend Despina’s treatments.

During my time practicing Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore I received two massages from Despina. I can honestly say this was the best body work I have ever experienced! It was clear to me that Despina truly cares about the standard of massage she provides. Prepare to be amazed!

I have had several kinds of body treatments including ayurvedic massage before Despina’s. I am a reflexologist and find it very “educational” to have a treatment myself, I always learn a lot. Some people just have good hands and the ability to listen to the body and the mind they are working with, and the ability to create a relaxing atmosphere. Somehow I felt that Despina’s treatment went beyond the physical body. Of course my tight muscles were more relaxed, but also a great amount of stress and tiredness was released during the treatment. So, after a treatment allow yourself time to rest or sleep, I slept 12 hours like a baby after my first treatment.

I recently attended one of Despina’s 4 hour massage workshops. She created a warm welcoming atmosphere and made everyone feel comfortable as soon as we arrived. Her explanations, insights and demonstrations were all clearly put across and everyone had enough time to practice. She was encouraging and helped everyone to get the most out of the afternoon.

I gained some useful techniques, in a short space of time. I would however suggest you have time to put some of these techniques into practice after the workshop….a bonus for friends and family!

Highly recommended, I felt wonderful afterwards, and enjoyed meeting new people. Well worth it! Thanks Despina”

Gerry Turvey, Yoga teacher and choreographer

An Ayurvedic massage with Despina is a wonderful way to stretch and release the body whilst letting the mind gently unwind. Using a combination of oil work, mobilisations and passive stretches Despina encourages the body to let go of tension. I felt jelly-like, calm and wonderful after my treatment. I highly recommend her – give it a go!

Despina is a truly gifted woman. After her massage I could not tell where my body ends and where it begins. I felt absolutely great.

Despina is magical. Not only is she a gifted body worker, sensitive and aware with her touch, but she is lovely to spend time with. She makes people feel easily comfortable and relaxed in her company. Her treatments are good for the body and soul! I would recommend her regularly for people looking to relax as well as for anyone struggling with discomfort or imbalance in the body.

Despina is magical. Not only is she a gifted body worker, sensitive and aware with her touch, but she is lovely to spend time with. She makes people feel easily comfortable and relaxed in her company. Her treatments are good for the body and soul! I would recommend her regularly for people looking to relax as well as for anyone struggling with discomfort or imbalance in the body.

I don’t say that lightly as I am a massage therapist myself, constantly on the mission to find THE massage that hits all the tight niggly spots, relaxes and revives, stretches my bones, soothes the soul and sends me floating off on my own little blissed out journey. Despina’s strong talented hands deliver all and more. Very, very highly recommended!

“Training with Despina has been a blessing. She is knowledgeable and created an amazing community of therapists always ready to support each other. The Ayurvedic Yoga Massage technique is truly appreciated by clients and incredibly adaptable to each body and different needs. I couldn’t be more proud of being part of the AYM family.”

I have just received the most amazing massage from Despina. My life is quite challenging at the moment and my body and mind are most definitely feeling it. For the full 90 minutes with Despina I felt nurtured and supported. This time was all about me and I felt that 100%. The massage was tailored to me and intuitively Despina knew exactly what was needed and still checked in with me throughout. After the session I felt totally relaxed and calm . My body feels amazing and I am moving more freely and with no pain. I would wholeheartedly recommend Despina and her massage. It was a magical experience. Thankyou.

Despina,
Just wanted to let you know I’ve been getting some amazing feedback from people saying it’s the best they’ve ever felt in their body and that they never experienced anything like it before! I haven’t properly been charging yet, though people have been giving me money even when I haven’t asked for it, but I do feel ready to begin charging now. Anyway I was massaging a pal from my reflexology course last night and she said she wants to rebook in 2 weeks as a paying client and to have regular treatments with me, I’m over the moon, this is such a big milestone for me. Thank you so so much for everything, you have changed my life

Despina was great! As a professional dancer this felt like the perfect balance between relaxation, stretch and muscle release. I practically floated out of there after two hours and can easily see how regular sessions could benefit my practice. Thank you!

Had my first Ayurvedic Yoga Massage with Despina this week and it truly lived up to all my expectations. My body feels better than it has done in months and the whole experience felt really personal and very tailored towards me. Already booked in my next session, huge thank you to Despina and the AYM team, I cannot recommend it enough

Absolutely amazing treatment!

This was my first ever massage and it was just a wonderful introduction! Despina made me feel relaxed, safe and comfortable from the outset. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but I left it to Despina to decide what and how to provide the massage. After an hour and a half of gentle but firm massage, combined with some movements and different positions, I felt relaxed and refreshed at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely have another one! Thank you, Despina

I was having lower back/hip problems, and was in a lot of pain at the time, this was causing me to limp. I was made to feel welcome when I arrived. The treatment was tailored to my needs and carried out in a tentative and professional way. After the massage I was in a lot less pain and the following day I only felt a twinge in my back, with no pain in my hip and I could move freely again. Excellent massage, would definitely recommend.

I have just received the most amazing massage from Despina. My life is quite challenging at the moment and my body and mind are most definitely feeling it. For the full 90 minutes with Despina I felt nurtured and supported. This time was all about me and I felt that 100%. The massage was tailored to me and intuitively Despina knew exactly what was needed and still checked in with me throughout. After the session I felt totally relaxed and calm . My body feels amazing and I am moving more freely and with no pain. I would wholeheartedly recommend Despina and her massage. It was a magical experience. Thankyou.

My first time. Felt very relaxed and secure during the treatment which felt very thorough. Left feeling more flexible and chilled and that has continued into the next day.

I absolutely love this massage, Despina is very knowledgeable and intuitive when treating you, I always finish feeling relaxed and restored after a session. Very recommend

Despina is a very inspiring teacher, she has knowledge, experience, intuition, she makes you feel comfortable, she is caring and she knows how to deliver an effective training and massage. She has the patience to explain the simplest things, her teaching techniques makes you aware of your body, your posture and how to be comfortable and confident with what you do. The whole journey of AYM is a transformative experience, and it is a well established community, very worth the investment of your time and effort.

Absolutely beautiful experience, I left the studio with sense of deep relaxation and finally got rid of some tension that I was holding since the lockdown! Beautiful, I would highly recommend to anyone

From the moment I stepped foot in the building I felt relaxed and in very capable hands. Without a doubt the best massage I have ever received, tailored entirely to my body’s needs, working in areas I didn’t even know needed relaxing! Cant wait to come back for more!

I first met Despina when I was pregnant and attended a pregnancy massage workshop so my partner could learn some massage techniques to ease some of the discomfort that comes with being pregnant. Despina was able to guide my partner with clear instruction and understanding, he was confident in massaging my sore points and easing my discomfort at the end. Despina was very easy to get a long with. I have since (not pregnant) had the most amazing AY massage from Despina. Both of which have inspired me to train with her at her AYM school. I have just attended a weekend level 2 course. The knowledge and guidance Despina has to offer is exceptional. I feel so amazing after a weekend course and just can’t wait to get practicing on friends and family. I have learnt techniques that I never thought I would be able to do. The massage feels amazing to receive and practice. The assisted stretches and tractions, and the fact we work on the floor (using body weight through our hands, arm and feet) make this a massage therapy like no other, oh and we use oil! I have tried different therapies over the years to help ease tension in my shoulders, but none have come close to AYM.
I have always wanted to train in massage but was put off by how much strain massage therapy puts on the therapist, but this isn’t the case with AYM. Despoina always makes sure you are working in the best possibly way for you and of course your client. I have learnt that if I am relaxed and it feels good to me then it will definitely feel good for my client.
Because this is a school there are therapists working at all levels so should meet most peoples budget, so if you’re looking for affordable therapy that works, this is for you.

This was just such an incredible massage! Despina has such incredible skill knowing when to do deep work that releases the muscles and tension, alongside more relaxing work that meant I really sunk into the massage. I felt really energised and able to move my body after the session and will absolutely be booking in with her again. What a joy to have such an intuitive and skilled massage therapist in Leeds!

Actual heaven… heavenly heavenly magic. I came out feeling so so relaxed and invigorated at once, if that’s even possible

This was just such an incredible massage! Despina has such incredible skill knowing when to do deep work that releases the muscles and tension, alongside more relaxing work that meant I really sunk into the massage. I felt really energised and able to move my body after the session and will absolutely be booking in with her again. What a joy to have such an intuitive and skilled massage therapist in Leeds!

Despina Ayurvedic massage just blew me away. I didn’t know anything about it before hand but it’s a very holistic massage experience from the room ambience, all your senses are stimulated. Then comes the massage itself, I can only describe it as an amazing experience of letting go of your body in that moment. I had a 2 hour massage and I think it’s the complete experience, a gift one must give oneself very often. Thank you Despina.

Despina’s AYM teaching has given me the skills to practice on different bodies in a safe and sensitive way. I always come away from her classes feeling good in my own body too!

Just completed the AYM L1 / L2 training with Despina, I loved the relaxed atmosphere and her hands-on approach to teaching. It quickly became apparent that not only was Despina an amazing massage therapist, she was also a natural teacher which allowed myself and the other students to quickly gain confidence in what we were doing. The combination of demonstration, detailed handouts and frequent massage practise sessions worked brilliantly. Whether you’re a massage therapist looking to learn AYM or just looking to add to your life skills I would highly recommend attending one of Despina’s workshops or training courses.

Alastair Findlay, Therapist, Aberdeen

I really enjoyed learning AYM with Despina, she is extremely knowledgeable and has a wealth of experience that she is able to pass on. The courses are informative, and practical with loads of hand-on practice. I learnt so much! And I thoroughly enjoyed them!

This is the second time I’ve had the pleasure of completing the L1-2 AYM training with Despina. The course is amazing and it was lovely to have an intimate and friendly group in a perfect space. Despina is an excellent teacher who made sure that we were all understanding the techniques and feeling comfortable in our own bodies whilst we practiced the techniques. It’s an intense but deeply nourishing few days of training completely focussed on giving and receiving treatments. Also getting to experience Despina’s massage not only felt amazing but helped me understand what feels great on a client. As a yoga teacher I feel that these techniques combine perfectly with yoga and are popular with my students. Can’t wait for levels 3-4 and I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in a deeply relaxing, effective and grounding massage style.

“I was lucky enough to attend Levels 1-4 in Greece with Despina. Not only is she a fantastic teacher, creating easy to follow content and notes but also a fantastic host. I’ve rarely eaten such wonderful food, the beaches were beautiful, the villages we visited all unique and lovely and the people open and generous.

I learnt so much in those 2 weeks it’s almost hard to believe! Back home Despina stays in contact to help with any future learning, gives tips for setting up your business and has brought me in contact with a whole new group of wonderful people as a support network. Fantastic!”

Despina is the real deal when it comes to ayurvedic yoga massage. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the body and is a natural teacher. I have no doubt that you will love these workshops and will carry the skills you learn with you through the rest of your life.

Despina is a great teacher. I enjoyed doing L1-2 and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to do this life changing course. I also believe this is the most complete and effective massage course I have done.

The course with Despina was life changing for me. I had studied other styles of massage for a couple of years before this course, but I was growing to feel quiet disheartened with it all, restricted by the small number of massage techniques available, and restricted by using a massage bed and what that meant for my posture. Ayurvedic yoga massage (AYM) felt completely different straight away: it is done on a futon on the floor, which means we can use different body parts and our body weight to get the most out of our movements and to get maximum benefit for the client. There are also a huge range of techniques and approaches that can be taken, allowing practitioners to truly tailor any treatment to the client and their needs. I absolutely love it and can’t believe how lucky I am that this practice is in my life.

I cannot emphasise enough what a truly amazing teacher Despina is: Her love and passion for AYM is instantly clear and inspiring. The techniques are taught in a thorough, well thought out way, and the teaching is adapted to the students’ pace and learning styles, so that all students can get the most from the course. The resources are also very thorough, and along with the weekly mentorship calls which are available, and the AYM community that you can join once finished, you leave the course feeling well supported.

The location of the course at We Are Wellness in Leeds (also the location of the AYM treatment rooms) is beautiful. I found the whole experience of learning AYM with Despina deeply nurturing, nourishing and, as I mentioned at the start, life changing. Thank you, I am eternally grateful.

Great experience! I attended the Head, neck and face workshop and definitely would recommend it. It made me very excited to give more massages to my friends and family and learn more. I have no previous experience with learning massage technique (apart from nice looking youtube videos). I think Despina is a great teacher. The 4 hour workshop was well structured and planned, we had time to receive some theoretical knowledge, watch her demonstrate the technique, practice on each other and share our reflections and feedback at the end of the session. Very impressive planning I think! She brought a printed guide with photos and instructions for everyone – which I loved (you can take your own notes or write directly in the guide). She brought shared lunch so we had time to socialize, eat and get to know each other little bit more. I really liked her open approach to everyone’s own techniques, tastes and needs. Overall fantastic experience.”

If you wish to take Level 5, you’re committing to providing a level of service that goes beyond yourself and your ego. Levels 1-4 prepare you physically in your practice. Going through Level 5 for me is a journey of self-discovery, humility, and attunement to others. We sometimes forget we are conduits for healing, and only by emptying ourselves can healing take place for both the receiver and the giver.

I entered Level 5 thinking that I may become a more skillful therapist, and graduated with confidence that my practice is spiritually supported by the technique and community, and that I might somehow return to spread the AYM knowledge to others when the time comes.

I’m grateful to Despina and everyone I’ve met in this journey.Thank you! x ”

I have just completed Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Therapist Training Levels 1-4 with Despina in London and I don’t really know how to put in words increadibly beautiful transformational experience I have just had, so I will mention just few things which make this training outstanding: 1. Despina is a real master in the field of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage, her skills, knowledge, experience and professionalism go much beyond what average massage trainers can offer.
2. She is also super talented regarding the teaching skills, so you can be sure everything will be explained and demonstrated to you in a very clear and effective way and additionally you’ll get lots of guidance and advices regarding practical aspect of starting your own business.
3. The atmosphere is lovely, lots of joy, smile and understanding, there is a space for everybody’s needs, during the training in London everyone felt safe, respected and nurtured. Despina’s approach to her students embraces each student’s uniqueness and individualism while at the same time she creates sense of community and support for each other.
4. The amount and quality of this extraordinary massage you’ll receive yourself apart from giving it – are definitely important additional reasons why this training is absolutely fantastic unforgettable experience.
5. The training is 100% eco friendly and once you try Despina’s healthy delicious food you will want to get all the recipes to try them all by yourself, at least this happened to me 🙂

I loved my course with Despina at the Hideout in Bristol. I love the adaptability of her approach to massage and to teaching it. I feel really supported and guided by her after the course as well. She is dedicated to helping her clients find thier way both during and after the course. Many thanks Despina. Highly recommended