About Julia

My name is Julia Fast. Born in Kazakhstan, I was fortunate to grow up across several republics of the former USSR, which gave me a rich, culturally diverse perspective on life and healing. At age 15, I immigrated to Germany, where I learned German and later trained as a nurse. My early career spanned a wide range of specialities in allopathic medicine, including heart and eye surgery, occupational therapy nursing, nutrition therapy, compression therapy, cast techniques, and chronic wound management.

After immigrating to New Zealand, I was inspired to pursue a gentler, more holistic approach to healing. In 2019, I became a dedicated Ortho-Bionomy practitioner, certified by both the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International (SOBI) and Ortho-Bionomy New Zealand (OBNZ). Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive somatic bodywork therapy that works with the body’s natural self-corrective processes. By using subtle movement and positioning, I help clients address the physical, mental, and environmental factors that influence their healing.

Today, my practice is body-centred, trauma-informed, and holistic. I support clients in reconnecting with their bodies, often beginning by identifying personal resources to enhance awareness and facilitate healing. My sessions frequently include gentle vagus nerve stimulation to encourage a parasympathetic state, fostering deep relaxation and resilience. Self-care exercises are a key component, empowering clients to regain self-advocacy and continue their progress between sessions.

Clients from Central Otago and Central Lakes—including Alexandra, Wanaka, and Ettrick,—seek my support for a wide range of challenges, from acute and chronic pain to recovery after surgery or injury (such as rotator cuff, hip replacement, or frozen shoulder), as well as conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, IBS, and more. Many clients describe feeling deeply listened to, relaxed, light in their bodies, and hopeful, with a renewed sense of trust in their own healing abilities.

My German nursing degree has been assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) as equivalent to a Level 6 qualification, affirming its credibility and standard within New Zealand. While this recognition does not allow me to practice as a registered nurse here, it reflects the depth of my medical education and experience. In addition, I have completed office management training through the Chamber of Commerce, ensuring my practice is professional, well-organised, and welcoming.

I am committed to ongoing learning, currently expanding my skills with Deep Brain Reorienting training under Frank Corrigan. This will further enhance my ability to support clients with complex and chronic conditions, including pain, trauma, stress, and emotional imbalances.

I feel truly honoured to accompany my clients in their healing process. Witnessing their progress—whether it’s reclaiming the joy of movement or finding relief after years of pain—fills me with gratitude and humility. The connection between body, mind, and spirit is at the heart of my work.

If you are seeking gentle pain relief, support through life’s transitions, or a space to reconnect with your body’s natural intelligence, I welcome you to experience Ortho-Bionomy with me.

Qualifications & Experience:

·   Over 20 years of nursing experience in Germany across various fields

·   Expertise in surgical care, compression therapy, and chronic wound management

·   Registered Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner (Society of Ortho-Bionomy International and Ortho-Bionomy New Zealand)

·   Ongoing professional development in mental health and gentle bodywork with Dan Siegel, Peter A. Levine, Frank Corrigan, Kathy L. Kain, Irene Lyon, Bruce C. Stark, Luann Overmyer

·   Office management training (Chamber of Commerce)

·   NZQA-assessed German nursing degree (Level 6)

My Commitment:
To provide a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment where you feel safe, heard, supported, validated, and empowered to heal.