Karin “Pip” Kiteley, LMT, Breema Practitioner/Instructor Deep & Transformative Bodywork

Karin “Pip” Kiteley is the owner/practitioner of Infinity Healing Arts. Moving into her 30th year of practice Karin (who more often is known as “Pip” by most people these days) works to give all of her clients the best possible experience with the greatest level of attention. Many of her clients report profound touch that takes them extraordinarily deep into a place of relaxation and healing. In today’s interview, I spoke with Pip about her life work as a massage therapist and bodyworker. We talk about the continued practice of presence and how this brings a grounded clarity of attention to her clients and can support lasting changes towards a sense of wholeness and well-being.

Pip, congratulations on celebrating nearly 30 years of hands-on experience, with many of those years in practice here in Ashland, Oregon.

Thank you Shields. I am so grateful for this interview and the support that LocalsGuide has offered my business over the years. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship indeed.

To begin with, what first inspired you to do the work that you do and how did you know you were good at doing it?

My inclination of supporting people with bodywork was spawned when a workmate and I were regularly exchanging foot massages after long shifts of standing, cooking in the galley of McMurdo Station, Antarctica. In a single experience of applying acupressure to an area of my colleague’s foot, I felt an energetic release, and I was hooked. This transformative moment was in fact a demonstration of what I wish to highlight in the rest of this interview because in that experience, we were massaging each other’s feet at the same time.

I would later come to learn of the 9 Principles of Harmony taught by the practice of Breema, one of which is: Mutual Support. I’ll circle back to this. To respond to the second part of your question, I began to understand that my touch was effective and healing during my Shiatsu training in San Francisco, CA. At the finish of a practice session, when I released hold of a point on the bottom of the person’s feet, they exclaimed that they thought my hands were still in contact with them several moments after letting go. This proclamation came again and again from recipients during sessions and I was grateful to see that there was something particular in my touch that I honestly feel flowed without intention. A ‘gift,’ as it were. This inspired me immensely to keep going.

As a practitioner, how have you evolved and changed over the years?

My initial studies were in the field of Barefoot Shiatsu and Breema, both modalities offering somewhat similar techniques of acupressure applied with both hands and feet, being practiced on a mat on the floor over a comfortable layer of clothing. Shiatsu is based in the realm of meridian therapy and Japanese diagnostic tools. Breema has its philosophy based on the Art of Being Present, which spoke to me not only from the dynamic movements of the practitioner’s body while working with the body of the recipient, but also in the realm of self-study. I had been a Vipassana meditator for a couple of years by the point when I discovered the Breema teachings, and between the various meditative elements of Qigong that was a part of the Shiatsu training, and the self-understanding through moving meditation that is Breema, my enthusiasm for focused aims and intention was nourished immensely. Eventually after moving to Seattle with my partner, I enrolled in a massage licensing program at a school whose focus was Shiatsu. This served to gain my license in order to ‘open shop’ professionally in the state of Washington (California’s laws allowed practice of a hands-on art with simply a certification, which I had for both Shiatsu and Breema by that point) and to further my offerings into the world of table massage. The evolution of my work has been continually enhanced by the ‘underlying current’ of Breema’s Principles in all modalities that I offer. It is the on-going study for my CEUs annually, as well as my personal lifelong practice of being present in all that I do in daily life. For a person receiving a table massage from me, they often will experience something during the session that they cannot quite put into words, except to say that they fell into a “dreamlike or infinite” place in themselves. I believe that this is supported by my continual effort (as often as can) to come to the present with a single moment, single activity and full participation of keeping my mind connected to the activity of my body so it does not flit off to some past or future thought. Hence, the name of my practice, and the URL I chose for my business: dropintoinfinity.com

Was there any one moment that was particularly transformative for you?

To describe one specific example during a table session with oil on skin, when I was massaging an area of a client’s upper trapezius while they were prone, I experienced a ‘leaning’ in (which is really more body-centered) as opposed to ‘applying pressure’ (which more often comes from an idea in the mind that manifests with tension in my body and is counterintuitive to a supportive experience for both of us if I end up injuring myself in the process of ‘trying’ to help them). This feeling amplified all of the Breema principles, but most particularly No Force and Body Comfortable. Their body took a deep breath and the muscle naturally relaxed more under my touch. It truly felt that this was supported by the shift to more comfort in my connection to myself.

Pip, what is Mutual Support and how do you experience this with your clients?

Every session really is, in actuality, a meditation for me as the ‘giver.’ I benefit equally (if not more?) from the time I am with the client. Beyond the obvious reasons of financial support FROM them and relief from discomfort FOR them, my relationship with my clients is in the deeper sense all about gratitude. And when one is in a place of feeling grateful, as both myself and the client express multiple times each session, by definition there is something being received. That level of receptivity is what nourishes my desire to keep going in my profession. I am continually astounded at the energy I gain (rather than being ‘drained’ as some might describe about their day-to-day job) in this field of practice and self-study, honored and elated to be supported by each and every one of the people who choose to schedule with me. This is the essence of Mutual Support, one of the Principles that are studied in my practice of Breema.

Please tell about the 9 Principles of Breema that play a large role in your body of work.

To begin, I feel it’s important to list them: 1) Body Comfortable 2) Single Moment, Single Activity 3) Mutual Support 4) No Force 5) No Extra 6) Firmness and Gentleness 7) No Judgment 8) Full Participation and 9) No Hurry, No Pause. These essential principles really are universal, in that they can be applied to any aspect of daily life. In their essence, they support more experiences of harmony with all things in existence, in both inner and outer life. For example, when the body is basically comfortable and in that, the mind is also at ease, it is easier to have no (or less) judgment about things that happen, even if on the surface an event causes a ‘disturbance.’ In Breema we work with body mind connection, of knowing the body is breathing or that the body has a weight on the ground (I have experienced that this can bring any of the principles to the foreground). When I am in a session with a client, I work as often as possible to bring my mind’s attention to connect to my body and the support that gives can look like me not developing tension in my own body with some idea that I must ‘work harder’ to rid the client’s body of tension. With less tension in my body, the depth of relieving discomfort in the recipient’s body can be more accessible, without force. All of the principles open up within the massage at any given moment when I am present, which is the underlying current I mentioned earlier, and which inevitably manifests a depth for transformation for the client.

Pip, tell us more about what clients are looking for when coming to work with you.

My ads have often employed the ‘re’ words: relief, repose, relaxation, revitalization, rejuvenation, not only for the musculature but also the nervous system. And in the deep relaxation that can occur, my clientele have reported levels of wellness for the deeper body systems because of my work with the meridian lines through acupressure treatment based on my study of Shiatsu and the Asian arts of Japanese and Chinese medicine. A clear focus over the years has often been in working with PTSD, whether it be more subtle say from a surgery experience or trauma from long ago, or more dramatic/jolting like a car accident. An important note as well, influenced by my Breema training is that because I engage with the client in a non-judgmental way, I receive and work with them in their wholeness, their vitality, as opposed to seeing them as the ‘problem/s’ they describe during the intake. These are of course addressed, but from a very different viewpoint of whole wellness.

Pip, what does a typical session look like with you?

I offer table massage or Breema bodywork. Typically, most people are inclined to come for table massage with me because it is more widely known. Either encompass a brief intake conversation. The table includes oil on skin with an amalgam of Swedish/Deep Tissue techniques, meridian therapy acupressure and Reflexology, and my underlying essence of being present (Breema). Sometimes I will also employ my tuning forks for addressing points on the body. Depending on the body’s presentation and needs, I may also be up on the table using my feet with barefoot Shiatsu acupressure and Breema movements. I wish to emphasize here that Breema bodywork is a unique and deeply relaxing, and therefore very rejuvenating, experience to receive. It is done over clothing on the floor mat. I often describe this modality as being “a kind of dance, sort of like having yoga done for you” with lots of stretching and movement of limbs, as well as lean/hold/release on different parts of the body. Its effects are multifold and often long-lasting, even for very specific injuries/symptoms.

In your day to day life, what do you enjoy most?

Truly, what is most fulfilling for me is remembering to be present, bringing my attention to know that I am breathing or whatever activity of the body that I can bring my mind’s attention to.

I begin every day with meditation and morning Self-Breema exercises, which sets my day in a steady direction of supporting and being supported by life. I attend (or participate as a co-instructor) Self-Breema online classes almost daily. I create art, for myself and professionally. I paint acrylic on canvas and wood. I paint murals as well, both interior and exterior. My art brings me immense joy and satisfaction. I love to walk and run in nature and my garden is an extraordinary indulgence in being with the plants and the simple sweetness of birdsong and fresh air. I love spending time with my partner, family and friends. And whenever I can, I love to dance, whether that be in my kitchen by myself or out at a show.

What is that like, having logged so many hours like this?

That’s a fascinating question. Honestly, in my practice, every moment is brand new. I could say that I have done thousands of hours of meditation via offering massage/bodywork. It creates a freshness that nourishes my existence, and that is paradoxically beCAUSE I have been in this field for so long. There is a quantity of experience, but also a quality of newness that continues to fill me up with gratitude for the profession that I am blessed to be a part of.

Can you please share some recent testimonials with us?

“In my mind, Pip is perhaps the most magical bodyworker of all time. For me, her touch and skill set created the most physically healing and energetically peaceful massage of my life.” ~Cassie Preskenis, Ashland, OR

“I have had vertigo problems for over a decade and have tried *many* different kinds of remedies, body work and methodologies. During a time when I was getting a weekly massage from Pip for a shoulder problem, a bout of vertigo laid me low and she suggested I try Breema. I resisted for months because I couldn’t see a connection in how it might help, but the vertigo got worse and she gently recommended it again. To my astonishment, I stood up after my first Breema appointment with practically no vertigo symptoms at all. My joy was tentative, however, because I was sure they would come back by the end of the day. Three months later I can safely say that weekly Breema sessions have kept the vertigo at bay and I can now run, bike and go to Pilates class without any discomfort or dizziness. Deepest, heartfelt thanks to the founder of Breema, and to Pip!!” ~ Paige, Ashland, OR

“I had never heard of Breema before, but tried it anyway. I was skeptical of such a petite woman being able to penetrate my overworked muscles. Receiving Breema from Karin was relaxing and surprisingly effective. I would most assuredly recommend her to anyone that needs more than just soothing touch, but actual treatment work.” ~Stuart Hayter, Carpenter, Mendocino, CA

“There’s massage and then there’s being touched by Pip.” ~Fern Snogren, Hakomi Therapist, LCSW, Ashland, OR

Pip, you say that you are very adept at working with peoples’ emotional bodies. Please say more.

As I mentioned above about PTSD being addressed through my work, this also rings true for general emotional stability and wellness. Because I work to be present in myself while with a client, this affects directly that I am also working to be present for them, both through conversation and the silent time spent during the bodywork. We humans all want to be seen, heard and appreciated, and the willingness to show up and offer space is my aim in each session. This inevitably is experienced even on a cellular level for the nervous system, I believe. It creates an atmosphere of acceptance, and that is invaluable to the emotional state of being.

Pip, you are now accepting new clients. What is the best way for our readers to reach out and connect with you?

My phone number is listed below for people to either call or text me with inquiries or to schedule an appointment.

When you get bodywork what do you like to experience?

Relief and relaxation for the body, mind and emotions.

Finally, do you have any last thoughts or comments for our readers?

I’m so grateful to all who have taken the time to read this piece. If you have any questions, please do visit my website to read more about the modalities I work with. Mention this interview and receive a Gratitude Discount of $10 off of your next session! Most sincerely, Pip

Learn More:

Infinity Healing Arts

Karin “Pip” Kiteley, LMT (Lic#9377), Breema® Practitioner/Instructor

Near downtown Ashland (IHA Studio location shared at time of booking)

Dropintoinfinity.com   |   541.482.4188 (texting is most efficient for inquiries and scheduling)