Hello there! My name is Fiona Simmonds and I teach Dru Yoga, a gentle, flowing style of yoga with the power to positively transform body, mind and emotions.
Yoga has been part of my life for many years and has helped me cope with life’s challenges. I passionately believe in its therapeutic benefits. I qualified as a Dru Yoga teacher in 2006 having completed a 4-year part-time diploma course, a 200 hour training course which is registered with the International Yoga Alliance and the Independent Yoga Network (UK).
My original and inspiring Dru Yoga teaching comes not only from my dedication to the spirit of yoga as a practice and way of life, but also from my grounded knowledge of the body, having trained as a Chartered Physiotherapist. I graduated with a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy from Brunel University in 2000, having completed part of my degree in Sweden as part of an ERASMUS exchange.
Since then I have worked in the NHS and in private practice and also have eight years’ experience working as a specialist physiotherapist for the Royal Air Force and as team physiotherapist for Icarus FC, the RAF Officers’ football club. This work has involved the assessment and treatment of Armed Forces personnel with a diverse range of problems from sports and training niggles to disabling injuries sustained on Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
As a physiotherapist I have also specialised in the treatment of children with Dyspraxia and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) and offer a comprehensive service for these children throughout Kent. Please click here for further information.
I am a Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) which requires an active commitment to maintaining continuous professional development and to regularly updating knowledge based on latest research.
As a Chartered Physiotherapist, I bring to my Dru Yoga classes a rich knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics.
I have also qualified as an acupuncturist and I am an accredited member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), having completed an M-Level module in Acupuncture for Physiotherapists at Coventry University. My interest in the acupuncture meridians has also led me to study the myofascial meridians and I integrate my knowledge of both the acupuncture meridians and the myofascial meridians, along with my physiotherapy skills, into my Dru Yoga practice. Combining my skills in this way enables me to address any physical, spritual and emotional imbalances in the meridians.
As a Ballroom and Latin American dancer, the body and its movement was my first love and through Dru Yoga and physiotherapy it has become my career. I was a medallist and competitor since the age of 5. During this time, I demonstrated at an international dance congress and was a member of the school’s league team.
Having completed my amateur medal exams, I decided to turn professional (Country & Western I.S.T.D. Associate, 2002; Ballroom I.S.T.D. Associate, 2004; Latin American I.S.T.D. Associate, 2004). I have experience of teaching adults and children, both in classes and private lessons. I have taught a variety of dance styles, including Ballroom, Latin American, Argentine Tango and Rock ‘n’ Roll. I have also marked examination papers for the I.S.T.D. and worked as a freelance wedding dance choreographer and teacher with First Dance UK.
I have a special interest in Energy Medicine and have qualified as a Reiki Practitioner and Master in both Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki®. This allows me to provide healing using spiritually-guided universal life force energy and to train others to become Reiki Practitioners and Masters themselves.
I am also qualified in Homotoxicology, Thermo-Auricular Therapy (Hopi Ear Candling), Indian Head Massage and Dowsing, both for health and space clearing, and have developed a particular interest in “healing sick houses.” I have also received the 9 Munay-Ki Rites of Initiation and I am able to transmit these powerful shamanic rites to others.
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I am a truly holistic practitioner with the ability to combine my knowledge of ancient philosophies and yoga teachings with neuroscience and modern research into mind, physiology, biomechanics and anatomy. This gives a deep, holistic practice which can help on a physical, emotional and psychological level with health and wellbeing.
