Me and my practice

Hiya, I’m Darren (he/him). 

Thanks for checking out my work.

I was always a bit woo. As a kid I’d borrow books from the library on energy healing and practice on my Mum. I used to watch my aunt read the tarot when I was younger and by fifteen, was pulling cards for my school friends. Healing and service are ways I connect and how I’ve made sense of my life and path. I know what it’s like to live in a body that’s experienced struggle - and I know the power of bodywork as an important tool to bring respite, recovery and healing.

I first trained in massage over ten years ago, and since then, my personal practice has grown through a combination of formal training, informal experiences, and ongoing inspiration. I’m most indebted to Thai Massage, which has provided me with a timeless and graceful container for my approach to bodywork.

My formal training in Thai Massage began in 2013 with Ralf Marzen. My most recent training was with Natan Leijssen and Zen Thai Shiatsu foundations. I am also a Vajrasati Yoga Teacher (200HRS YAP) having trained with Jim Tarran and Khadine Morcom. I am due to qualify as a 500HR teacher in February 2025.

My approach to healing goes beyond bodywork, and is shaped by my background in community work and social sciences. I hold a BA in Politics & Sociology from the University of Brighton and an MSc in Medical Anthropology from UCL. I critically examine how biological, social, and cultural environments shape us, and this informs my work with people.

Before starting somaholistix, I spent seven years teaching about gut health and healing, inspired by my own healing journey and my academic work. At UCL, I focused on the gut health of marginalised communities, exploring how culture and environment shape our microbiome and overall wellbeing.

I’ve been on my own healing path for over fifteen years, incorporating both clinical and alternative approaches—including somatic work and plant medicines.

In person and the practice space you’ll find me reflexive, honest, funny (hopefully) and irreverent with a wisdom born of (very northern) lived experience and a sense of spiritual rebellion.

You can read my full terms and professional disclaimer here.

I look forward to working with you :)

Darren X