Gabe Stewart, Massage Therapist, Trainer and Mindfulness Teacher

I am what is known as a late bloomer. I became a massage therapist after more than thirty years in journalism. My last post in that profession was as Special Reports Editor at The Scotsman Publications, where a reputation for professionalism, confidentiality and commitment to quality resulted in a number of awards. The effects of negative stress, however, required me to learn methods to improve my own wellbeing, which in turn led me to a change of career.

I am utterly captivated by, and passionate about, the subject of wellbeing, which was ironically a focus of much of my journalistic output. Since my career change and my initial training and experience in massage therapy, I have never tired of the satisfaction brought about by a job well done. In this regard, the ideals I held in my former career have continued on to my new one. My thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm for massage led me to enrol on the UK's first massage degree-level course (the Professional Diploma in Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage, taught by the prestigious Jing Institute of Advanced Massage Training in Brighton, UK) because I am committed to joining an elite band of Jing practitioners who are recognised by many of their medical peers as being among best-qualified and most professional massage therapists in the UK.

I have since deepened my knowledge in massage and have acquired a large toolbox of techniques. I have also broadened the scope of my interest in wellbeing overall, to include training and experience in delivering Mindfulness, Shibashi (Tai Chi), Reiki, Fire Circles and Grieftending. I am now qualified to facilitate Mindfulness sits and Shibashi classes and I hold these regularly online, in person and in nature.

In my spare time, I love heated discussions with my book clubs and keeping up to date with the latest in arts and science. I also enjoy rambling, swimming and kayaking.

Massage and wellbeing-relevant qualifications and experience:

I was initially trained in massage in Edinburgh by the renowned New Zealand holistic massage teacher Lolit Gilbert, under whose guidance I attained a merit in the ITEC Diploma in Massage (a qualification recognised by the NHS).

I subsequently studied at the Jing Institute of Advanced Massage Training in Brighton whose Foundation in Advanced Clinical Massage Techniques qualifies me to practise trigger point therapy, myofascial release (MFR), forearm massage, sports stretching and table shiatsu. I attained a 91% pass mark in my final Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist (ACMT) examination. The Jing Institute is renowned for equipping graduates with a toolbox filled with various massage techniques from both Eastern and Western traditions, chosen for their efficacy in treating chronic pain.

I also hold additional certificates in a variety of advanced massage techniques, including deep tissue massage, hot stones, pregnancy massage, Indian head massage, reflexology, massage for people living with cancer and Neal's Yard Remedies holistic facial massage.

I am a member of the Complementary Therapists Association. 

 I also teach the Knotstressed Pregnancy Massage Training course.

I am certified by the The Mindfulness Association (MA) as a teacher qualified to deliver the MA’s 8-week long MBLC (Mindful Based Living Course) and I have received training to facilitate Shibashi classes. I currently hold classes and courses on Mindfulness, Mindfulness in Nature and Shibashi, in person, both indoors and outdoors, and on zoom.

I have my own business at Holyrood Holistic: