About Me

About Me                                                   Sarah Houghton

From the early 1990s, my life has been guided by the rhythms of movement, stillness, and spiritual discovery.

I began studying Tai Chi in New Zealand under Master Moy Lin Shin, within the Taoist Society. What started as a personal practice quickly became a deeper path—within two years, I was a volunteer instructor in the Bay of Plenty, teaching multiple classes across different levels. I was in my mid-20s, with the time and energy to dive in fully. I attended national workshops, some led by Master Moy himself and his team from Canada, and even followed the teachings to Australia and Canada.

Later, after living in the UK for a time, I returned to New Zealand and continued my journey with Tai Chi under Dr Paul Lam, whose forms are thoughtfully adapted for all body types. Through his teacher training program, I attended workshops both in Sydney and here at home. His approach brought me into the NZ ACC Falls Prevention programme, where I taught subsidised Tai Chi classes to seniors—a deeply rewarding experience.

Expanding my teaching, I trained in Pilates and opened my own studio in Timaru in 2005, where I taught both Pilates and Tai Chi/Qigong. During that time, I also studied Shibashi Tai Chi Qigong with Master Gary Khor from Australia. Those years were full of learning, movement, and sharing with my community.

In 2012, I stepped back from teaching movement and felt a strong pull toward spiritual development. That inner calling deepened over time, and in 2017 I studied under Amanda Ellis (UK), completing Metatron Colour Healing Levels I & II. This work opened me up to a whole new dimension of healing and energy awareness.

In 2021, I returned to teaching Tai Chi—this time at Mountain View Village, where I shared the class with my mum, who recently moved to the area. This return felt like coming full circle, grounded in both movement and meaning. More recently, I completed certifications in Spring Forest Qigong, which has added even more depth and simplicity to my energy practice.

My work is now about weaving together these threads—movement, breath, healing, and spirit—to support others in their own journeys toward balance and wellbeing. Whether you’re just starting out or returning to your practice, I’d love to walk alongside you.