Hi, I’m Leilani.
In 2019, during my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in New Zealand, I discovered a new modality called Contact Care. A year later, I had the privilege of receiving two treatments from experienced practitioners. I was amazed at how easily and gently they relieved my chronic pain—not just temporarily, but permanently. Inspired by this experience, I promised myself that I would return someday to learn this wonderful technique.
Five years, a degree from UCLA, and the founding of a non-profit event organization later, I returned to New Zealand to study Contact Care. My father, a longtime bodyworker, joined me in dedicating ourselves to mastering this simple yet profound modality. I fell in love with the practice even more than I expected. Its meditative quality, the need for full presence during each session, and the ability to help others all reinforced my desire to start a practice here in London.
The further treatments I received during my studies provided immense relief. I gained significant flexibility in my body, especially in my spine, which now has an extensive range of motion. My mind is clearer, my anxiety has lessened, and I feel more resilient and capable of handling life's challenges. Additionally, I can speak louder and more clearly, overcoming a previous block.
I am currently a student practitioner, which means I am in the process of becoming an advanced practitioner. This allows me to bring the latest knowledge and techniques to my practice, all under the supervision of experienced professionals. You can be confident that you’ll receive high-quality care as my work is closely monitored and guided by experts in the field. My goal is to ensure you have a comprehensive and beneficial experience.
I look forward to sharing this wonderful modality with you and your whole family– pets and all!
What is Contact Care?
Contact Care is a bodywork technique influenced by martial arts and Ortho-bionomy. Developed by Dale Speedy, this method views the skeletal system as having its own self-defense mechanism to safeguard the body against unexpected impacts, like accidents or sudden blows. These incidents can cause bones to become pressurized and dysfunctional due to the body's inability to properly absorb the shock.
Contact Care practitioners are trained to identify and alleviate these "Flinchlocks"—areas where bones have been impacted. The bones become heavy and immobile, though the client may not feel discomfort at the impact site, rather discomfort appears in places where the body is compensating for the Flinchlocked bone. The practice aims to release the trauma held within the boneinitiating a process where the body rebalances itself and no longer needs to compensate for the impacted area.
Originally applied to horses, Contact Care is now used on a variety of animals and humans, providing a gentle and effective way to relieve trauma. The approach is centered around avoiding pain, focusing on easing pressure and enhancing comfort. The unraveling process, where the body returns to functionality, typically unfolds over 3 to 5 days, with clients often experiencing energy surges, lightness, or relaxation and sometimes soreness due to the realignment process.
For more information, courses, or resources, visit contactcare.co.nz.