Case Study – Marion (60s)

Presenting Symptoms
When Marion first came to see me in 2025, she'd been living with health challenges for many years. She was taking medication for high blood pressure, nerve pain, chronic pain and depression.

At her first session she presented with high anxiety, persistent pain and pressure on the left side of her head, sore eyes, significant fatigue, and very little energy for everyday activities.

Her medical history included surgery following a broken ankle, a knee replacement, and gallbladder removal. She relied on a walking stick to support her mobility, was carrying excess weight she had struggled to lose, and experienced ongoing stiffness across her shoulders.

Marion is also someone who takes an active role in her health. She keeps detailed records of her symptoms, researches her condition, and works closely with her GP to support her wellbeing.

My Approach
Marion began attending weekly Shiatsu and energy healing sessions.
Each treatment focused on calming her nervous system while addressing the tension and discomfort she experienced through her head, neck, shoulders and left arm. We also incorporated grounding techniques to help her body feel safe enough to relax - something she initially found very difficult.

During the early sessions, Marion talked almost continuously. This wasn't a problem; it was simply the way her nervous system stayed in control and protected itself. As trust developed over time, the constant mental activity gradually settled. She became increasingly able to switch off, relax deeply, and allow her body to release long-held tension.

Alongside the hands-on work, we also discussed simple lifestyle habits. Marion recognised that sugary foods were one of her challenges, so, alongside the advice she was receiving from her GP for insulin resistance and pre-diabetes, she gradually began making changes to her diet.

Marion's Progress
Now, in 2026, Marion continues to make encouraging progress.
Working alongside the guidance of her GP, she has seen improvements in her blood pressure, has lost weight and has gradually reduced her antidepressant medication under medical supervision.
​
She reports having:

• More energy throughout the day
• Improved mobility
• Less tension and pressure in her head
• Greater confidence moving around
• A healthier diet with more protein and fewer refined carbohydrates
• A greater sense of calm in everyday life

She continues to attend regular sessions because she values the ongoing support, accountability and the opportunity to maintain the progress she has made.
​

A Deeper Change
One of the biggest shifts for Marion has been understanding her nervous system.

She has always been highly sensitive to her surroundings - even as a child - which meant her body spent much of its life in a state of hypervigilance. Busy shops, crowded places, and everyday interactions could feel overwhelming, often triggering anxiety, panic and increased blood pressure.
Together, we worked on helping her nervous system feel more settled, while also exploring practical grounding techniques she could use outside the treatment room.

Over time, Marion noticed a genuine change. She feels calmer, has more energy, and has started doing things she'd been putting off for years, including decluttering her home and refreshing her wardrobe - small but meaningful signs that she's enjoying life again.

How I Work
Every session is unique because every person brings their own story.
My role is to create the conditions that allow the nervous system to feel safe enough to soften and let go. I do this through warmth, patience, attentive listening, sustained therapeutic touch, breath awareness, and Shiatsu.
When the body begins to feel safe, it often starts releasing patterns of tension it has been carrying for months - or even years.

Having experienced social anxiety, panic attacks, and the effects of living with a highly sensitive nervous system myself, I understand how exhausting it can be. That's why I feel privileged to support others on a similar journey.

"Pain often settles where something has been held for too long - not always where you'd expect, and not always where the stress began, but wherever the body decided it needed to carry it."

A note from Sarah
Every person's experience is unique, and results will vary.
This case study reflects Marion's own experience of the changes she has noticed alongside her sessions with me. Shiatsu and energy healing are complementary therapies designed to work alongside, not replace medical care. Any decisions about medication should always be made in consultation with your GP or healthcare professional.

​If you're ready to break free from anxiety or panic attacks, arrange an appointment with me, I look forward to talking with you and how I can help.

​Book your session today