I usually offer 20, 30, 60, 90 or 120 min sessions, but the length of AYM sessions that I can offer is unlimited, anything from 15 mins upwards. I generally recommend starting off with longer and/or more frequent sessions, and following up with less frequent and/or shorter regular sessions, depending on your body and lifestyle. When your body gets used to the massage then it will soften a lot quicker, and the results will last longer. In that way we can work more gently, without ever having to force the body to release, but still allowing for deeper, transformative work.
After an initial session we can discuss the timings that suit you, and I can recommend a course of sessions that would be of the most appropriate length and frequency for you.
I work in Leeds and London around delivering our AYM training courses and workshops.
If you would like to find out more about my journey into Ayurvedic Yoga Massage and my experience please visit our About Us pages.
Appointments with Despina
Treatment rooms
The Yoga Space: £35 for 20 minute taster sessions, remedial treatment and follow up sessions, £40 for 30 mins, £75 for 1 hour, £100 for 90 mins, £60 per hour for 2 hours or longer treatments.
We Are Wellness: £35 for 20 minute taster sessions, remedial treatments and follow up sessions, £40 for 30 mins, £75 for 1 hour, £100 for 90 mins, £60 per hour for 2 hours or longer treatments.
Mobile treatments
Leeds and surrounding areas (e.g. Wetherby, Otley, Knaresnorough: £75 for 1 hour, £100 for 90 mins, £60 per hour for 2 hours or longer treatments.
Discounts for students who want to try the massage before committing to a therapist training, and for existing students, are available.
Current Offers – The Yoga Space
For new clients: £20 for a 30 minute taster session between 8th September – 17th September 2020. Limited availability, please enquire for remaining appointment times.
10% off a first full length session (minimum 1 hour)
25% off booking 3 weekly sessions
50% off booking 10 weekly sessions
10% off regular (minimum 6) monthly sessions
What our clients say
Aditya Manjunath
Ayurvedic massage therapist, Mysore, India
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!
Angelika Anagnostou
Healer, Intuitive & Channel, Ashtanga Teacher, Mysore, India
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!
Anna Laurin
Yoga teacher, Helsinki, Finland
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!!
Annette Thygesen
Norway
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.
Bea Luypaert
Head of Local Business Support, Statoil, Aberdeen
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…
Cecelia Baum Raborn
Ashtanga practitioner, Denmark
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!
Cherie Lathey
Director, The Putney clinic of physical therapy Ltd, London, UK
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.
Chiara Castellan
Authorised Level 2 Ashtanga teacher, Zurich, Switzerland
Despina’s massages make body and mind happy. They feel so good you can easily get addicted.
Chris Conn
Authorised Ashtanga teacher, Edinburgh, UK
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.
David Newton
Nurse and Ashtanga practitioner
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!
Emma Charlton
Aromatherapist & massage therapist, mental health project worker, London, UK
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!
Gerry Turvey
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
Ida Kielmansegg
Human rights worker, artist and ashtanga practitioner Vienna, Austria
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.
Imran Khan
Lawyer and taxi driver, Bradford, UK
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.
Irena Bartolec
Yoga teacher, Zagreb, Croatia
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.
Joey Miles
Authorised Level 2 ashtanga teacher, Leeds, UK
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.
Maija Kansanajo
Anaesthetist, reflexologist and Ashtanga practitioner, Helsinki, Finland
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.
Mira Rattley
Naturopath and General Health Practitioner, Light Centre at Belgravia.
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.
Russell Davison
Property consultant and ashtanga practitioner
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.
Sue Mannock
Cabin crew manager, British Airways
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!
Zoe Ward
Authorised ashtanga teacher and Thai massage therapist
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.
Armineh Soorenian
Sociologist, University of Leeds
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