Therapist Profile

Barry Westley

Using his extensive knowledge of physical and energetic culture, Barry has developed the unique exercise program "Chi-Baton Yoga", (Formerly known as Tai Rod Yoga and Tai Rod Exercise System).

These exercises are performed using a short baton held between the palms which aids postural alignment and circulates the internal energy.

Drawing on his extensive knowledge of physical culture, body mechanics and internal energy cultivation, Barry has fashioned six hour-long programmes (containing over 120 original exercises) which are rhythmical, low impact and great fun. They have proved to be very popular and effective in building internal energy, strength, stamina and flexibility.

They have proved particularly useful for those students with chronic back problems, and those with joint weaknesses, as well as generally toning the body and improving cardiovascular fitness.

As well as running the Chi-Baton classes at Body Balance, Barry is in the process of completing two books on Chi-Baton Yoga, and updating the DVD's. These products will be available in the 2008.

Barry Westley began studying martial arts at the age of fourteen, being graded in two styles of Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

In his mid twenties he took up Power lifting, being West Midlands Champion at both featherweight and lightweight , and successfully representing England Internationally at featherweight.

After a  serious injury he took up Tai Chi Ch'uan, Taoist Yoga and Kung Fu which he has studied for the last 28 years. He is a "Black Jacket" instructor (3rd Tengchi) in Tai Chi and Taoist Yoga and a "Black Jacket" instructor (1st Tengchi) in Feng Shou Kung Fu. Barry is a recognised coach with the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts.

Barry qualified as a practitioner in Shiatsu in 1994 from the Healing Shiatsu Centre Education.

Barry is also a qualified Healer, being an Associate Member of Malvern College of Healing.