Shen - The Spirit Of Fire
Shen is the seed mantra ''I am'' - The initiatory spark of human self-awareness
'Shen is the name given to the most Yang of the 5 Eements. These Elements personifies the fiery spark of conscious awareness. During our life, the Shen is said to reside in the empty centre of our heart from where it guides us along our path through life. Although invisible, the Shen's presence is reflected in the light that shines from the eyes of a healthy human being. In the presence of healthy Shen, there is a luster and brightness to the disposition, a feeling of connection and awarness. Most of all, the presence of healthy Shen results in a life that is uniquely suited to the individual and a person whose actions make sense within the contex of surrounding environment.
(Five Spirits: Alchemical Acupuncture)
Francesca Canzano
~ Master Teacher ~
Francesca Canzano is the Director of Shen Mantra Ltd and is based in between London and Cape Town.
She firstly became interested in Holistic therapies over 10 years ago while travelling through South East Asia and Australia. Seeing how the majority of the world uses more traditional methods such as herbs, body work or spiritual practices to heal the Mind and Body was an eye opener to her. Thailand is where her love affair and passion for holistic healing in all forms began and where she has spent extended periods of time, and at times lived in, immersing herself in the culture by travelling to it twice every year for the last 10 years to continue to develop her skills and knowledge. She has had the honor and privilege to be guided and taught by wonderful Teachers all over the world, who shared their knowledge and wisdom with her beyond textbooks.
She has studied in class and one-to-one with various Masters throughout Thailand, England and Australia both formally and informally accruing over 1000 training hours. Her journey began in the northern hills of Chiang Mai where she studied under the guidance of a Bhuddist Monk that passed her not just the practical knowledge, but the spiritualism of Thai Buddhism. She then studied from Master of Thai Massage, Chongkol Setthakorn, at the Institute of Thai Massage (ITM) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, receiving certification in the Advanced Levels of Traditional Thai Massage, Nuad Borarn (Northern Style). She studied extensively one-to-one with Master Lek Chaiya where she received certification in Traditional Thai Herbal Massage and "Jap-Sen", Nerve Touch Massage (Southern Style). She has also trained at Wat Po, Bangkok and the TMC School of Chiang Mai, as well as from various minor schools and teachers all over the country.
She holds various ITEC Diplomas in Holistic Massage, Anatomy &Physiology, Reflexology, Ayurvedic Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, as well as certificates Sports Massage, Deep Tissue and Hot & Cold Stone Therapy. She is qualified to teach and holds a valid City & Guild Teacher Trainer Diploma.
She is currently finishing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Nutrition, holds a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture from the University of Portsmouth, as well as currently undergoing Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training.
She teaches Thai Yoga Massage and various oriental Workshops worldwide in conjunction with running retreats and Shen Mantra Ltd.
For yers she has worked in the Training and Treatment Development department for the famous " Sanctuary Spa " (Awarded Therapist Of The Year 2006) in Covent Garden and various Holistic Clinics around London. Other locations include Italy, Thailand, South Africa and Australia.
Having studied and worked worldwide she feels dedicated and committed to share and offer her experience and knowledge and feels eternally grateful to all those who have supported, guided and believed in her.
She takes a holistic view of well-being, healing and life and belief that one cannot be separated from the other. Daily meditation, exercise, a healthy diet and yoga practice help her to centre herself, focus and connect to the moment.
Mary Niker
Mary Niker is a highly experienced and committed international Yoga Teacher & Thai Yoga Massage Therapist, based in the Thames Valley. She has over 20 years experience studying the Iyengar method of Yoga with regular visits to India, including studying with the Iyengar family and B.K.S. Iyengar himself.
Through this and her teaching in the U.K., and abroad, she has established herself as a vibrant, enthusiastic and inspiring teacher to the many Yoga students she has taught.
Mary is a full-time Yoga practitioner giving weekly classes, workshops, residential U.K. retreats and Yoga holidays abroad. Her aim is to deepen people's awareness of themselves through their practice of Yoga and is herself inspired by the message:
"Peace in the body brings poise to the mind,� B.K.S. Iyengar.
Iyengar Yoga Teacher
(+44) 07786194391 (UK)
