Te Ihi is a small massage and holistic treatment studio at the bottom of a garden at 21 Ripon Street in Lyttelton, Christchurch. The website describes Swedish, sports, pregnancy, deep tissue and therapeutic massage, along with holistic pulsing, miri miri, acupressure, myofascial release and manual lymphatic drainage. It also offers a monthly marama massage for women through their cycle, neuromuscular, trigger point and muscle energy work for remedial issues, and personal coaching toward a wellness plan. Gift cards are available. The website says the studio has a designated car park to the left of the property, through white gates, and a short but steep garden path, so people with a leg injury or trouble on stairs can ask to be met at the gate. Pregnant clients are welcome if they say so before booking.
Customers describe a warm, calm therapist who listens well, begins each session with a check-in, and is knowledgeable about the body. One reviewer says their back eased after a fall at work, and others mention the use of oils and prenatal massage. The space is described as a treat. Within a kilometre, Lyttelton Massage Sanctuary, 0.4 km away, is the only other massage therapist listed, and it also has 5.0 from 27 reviews, so the two are level at the top. The work here mixes Swedish strokes with miri miri and holistic pulsing, which is what sets it apart in Lyttelton. Our pick in Lyttelton for a quiet, women-focused massage.