Dragonfly Wellbeing

Personalised Five-Element Acupressure and Foot Reflexology treatments for individuals of all ages and conditions, as well as Qi Gong and Yin Yoga classes.

DRAGONFLY WELLBEING IS ON A BREAK UNTIL JANUARY 18, 2026

Corporate offers available for Foot Reflexology treatments, Qi Gong and/or Yin Yoga classes

Please contact Monique directly by email or on 0452628810

About Monique Pettavino

I am a nature-loving, avid walker, amateur and not-so-good dancer of many styles, as well as a Qi Gong, Taichi, and Yin Yoga practitioner. I have been working as a private support worker and a carer, both for family members in the past and for a few clients in the more recent years. In 2018, I went back to university in Perth, Australia, and majored in Anthropology & Sociology and Humanities in Health & Medicine. I needed more learning to satisfy my urge to help people, and this is how I got to Foot Reflexology and Five Element Acupressure, and later a Yin Yoga and a Qi Gong certification.

For many years I had been the recipient of several techniques to maintain and strengthen my physical health and, very much so, my mental health. These were most often shiatsu, Thai massage, or acupuncture. What they all had in common is the use of acupoints.

Now that I have learned how to use those acupoints myself, I aspire to spread the ‘feel-good, grounded and balanced’ sensation that I have been experiencing. I have trained in Five Element Acupressure with John Kirkwood, a very dedicated man to the work, teaching, and contributing immensely to improving the health and wellbeing of the people he treats.

What is Five Element Acupressure?

Five Element Acupressure is not a massage. It is a technique drawn from Traditional Chinese Medicine, similar to acupuncture in the concept of using acupoints to release blockages and balance energy systems of the body. The major difference is that we do not use needles, but we apply light pressure with a finger, using specific two point combinations.

The theory of the Five Elements has existed since prehistoric times; since as long as people have been in tune with the rhythms of Mother Nature.

It describes the interrelatedness and dynamic balance of five elemental energies in the natural world and in the human body. They constantly interact with and influence each other.

The Five Element cycle is a cyclical sequence of creation and control, and the elements are said to influence each other in the following way:

Wood generates Fire and controls Earth
Fire generates Earth and controls Metal
Earth generates Metal and controls Water
Metal generates Water and controls Wood
Water generates Wood and controls Fire

Water is associated to winter, Wood with spring, Fire with summer, Earth with late summer, and Metal with autumn, as well as other characteristics that are related to the Elements.

Each element is also associated with specific organs, emotions, and physical characteristics, and imbalances in the elemental energies are believed to result in physical and emotional symptoms. The Five Element Theory is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to diagnose and treat illness and to promote health and wellbeing.

We ideally are a balance of these vibrations, as one Element generates the other, although one is usually predominant. Sometimes we can have an imbalance that can provoke discomfort in our lives.

Image by John Kirkwood.

This specific technique looks into an individual holistically. It is based on the premise that the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual are all linked, and a part of our fundamental personal essence. A practitioner’s aim is to balance their client’s Qi in order to achieve ultimate health and wellbeing, optimising the relationship between body, mind and spirit with the Elements.

Balances the Qi energy in the meridians
Releases muscular tension
Promotes blood circulation and increases blood flow in the area being treated
Carries oxygen to the tissues and eliminates toxins
Releases endorphins that help cope with pain and calm the mind
Addresses chronic pain
Relieves stress
Promotes better sleep
Promotes general physical and mental relaxation
Promotes health of internal organs
Improves the immune system
Improves the digestive system
Supports emotional balance
Fosters mental health and clarity
Addresses trauma and emotional ill-being
Can prevent disease and disorders
Treatments are targeted according to the person’s Constitutional Element

What does a session look like?

We have a little chat, I listen to your physical and/or mental health concerns, I try to identify where the imbalance lies and how I can restore it. I do not claim to replace a doctor’s medical treatment, but to complement it.
We discuss a potential treatment.
You lie down on your back on a massage table, and I apply static pressure on pairs of related acupoints to find balance in the concerned meridians, consequently improving your health and wellbeing.
No need to undress. Comfortable not too thick clothes are recommended.
A first session lasts 75-90 minutes, follow up treatments 50-60 minutes.

Prices: 1st session (75-90 minutes) $120, follow up appointments (50-60 minutes) $100

Concession prices available for full-time students, pensioners and concession card holders. Please contact Monique by email or by phone.

Address:

Vivacious Living Centre – 9a/9 Riseley Square (upstairs), Applecross, Western Australia

Call Monique for bookings at 0452 628 810 or email

What is Foot Reflexology?

Foot Reflexology is like a foot massage but with a purpose. Through the feet, a practitioner can identify if an organ is struggling or overactive. Every part of the foot is related to a part of the body, and stabilisation is achieved with pressure or ‘caterpillar’ movements on the points. It can be quite relaxing, but admittedly a little bit painful if the point/organ is in dire need of attention.

What are the benefits of foot Reflexology?

Improves blood circulation
Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
Reduces pain
Improves digestion
Can improve cold and flu symptoms
Improves sleep

What does a session look like?

You sit comfortably in a gravity chair with your feet slightly elevated.
Each foot gets approximately 15 minutes, with special attention to the sore areas.
I use organic coconut oil, unless otherwise required.
Although I use towels to remove excess oil, it is preferable to have a pair of socks to avoid staining your shoes.
A session lasts approximately 30 minutes, or more if requested.

Price:

30 minutes: $40

Every extra 10 minutes: $10

Address:

Vivacious Living Centre – 9a/9 Riseley Square (upstairs), Applecross, Western Australia

Call Monique for bookings at 0452 628 810 or email

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, focused intention and meditation to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy known as Qi. It creates balance and harmony within our body and the emotional aspects of our life. It improves physical health, emotional wellbeing and spiritual growth by harmonising the body, breath and spirit.

In Chinese philosophy, the five elements (also known as the five phases or five movements) are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are associated with different organs and systems in the body, as well as with specific emotions and aspects of nature.

The graphic for the word Qi is actually a grain of rice with the steam from cooking it, representing sustenance and transformation of energy. The one for the word Gong is made up the carpenter’s square to make the perfect angles and the plow for steady hard work, suggesting accomplishment, skill, and perseverance.

In Qi Gong, the five elements are often used as a framework for understanding and promoting health and well-being. Each element is associated with specific Qi Gong movements, breathing techniques, and meditations that are intended to balance and harmonise the body’s Qi and cultivate overall health.

For example, movements associated with the element of Wood are often focused on the liver and are believed to help promote flexibility and creativity. Movements associated with Fire are focused on the heart and are believed to help support emotional balance and a sense of calm. Movements associated with Earth are focused on the stomach and are believed to promote a sense of grounding and stability. Movements associated with Metal are focused on the lungs and are believed to help regulate respiration and support the immune system. Movements associated with Water are focused on the kidneys and are believed to help promote fluidity and flexibility in the body.

Overall, the practice of Qi Gong with the five elements is meant to promote balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit, and to support overall health and well-being.

What to expect

Prescription Qi Gong – One to one practice of one hour focusing on specific moves to address a person’s needs – A first appointment would last 1 hour and 15 minutes. This allows us to have a little chat in order to create a sequence that is appropriate to your needs at that time. Follow up appointments are 1 hour. It is recommended to commit to a few classes in order to be able to learn the moves that can sometimes be more difficult than they appear and reap the benefits of a fluid practice.

Prices: 1st session (75 minutes) $120, follow up appointments (60 minutes) $100

Bundle of 5 one hour sessions 450$

Qi Gong group practice is on Tuesday and Friday mornings at Hyde Park in Perth @9am, corner of Vincent Street and William Street. Price is on donation by cash, card, or transfer on the day.

Call Monique for more information at 0452 628 810 or email

What is Yin Yoga?

Forget no pain, no gain. Pain should never be present in Yin Yoga. Only a bit of discomfort that triggers a response from the body to lengthen, strengthen and heal. It is quiet and contemplative and the use of props is encouraged. It is the the usual yoga asanas or poses that we know in a more passive way and held 1 to 5 minutes, depending on which. It targets the deeper and connective tissues of the body, as well as joints, bones, fascia, and…meridians. This is why I have obtained a certificate in teaching Yin Yoga. During a practice, we have time to target stimulating organs and meridians and all their different aspects and resonances, improving the energy flow or the Qi, thus improving health and wellbeing.

Private or semi-private classes possible upon request – contact Monique on 04523628810 or by email.

Testimonials

“I had been feeling very ‘stuck’ in grief and emotional pain. Monique listened to me compassionately. She assessed what elemental type I am dominated by, and she took the time to explain in easy-to-understand language the how and why she would be working with the specific points she chose. The treatments have definitely made a difference within me. I find my levels of emotional traumas, mental stress and muscular tension have decreased, whilst my general physical & mental health and overall ‘balance’ have increased. Thank you Monique. T”

“I felt a true connection between your remote work and what was happening in my body. I felt like I finally started breathing, and I could feel the energy flowing, filling up my centre and releasing all tensions.”
Luc

“I think you have healing hands. I’m impressed!”
Heidi

“It was easy to trust you. I felt very much held, genuinely cared for, and professionally looked after.”
Karoline

Get in touch

Don’t hesitate to reach out with the contact information below, or send a message using the form.

Monique Pettavino

Tel: (+61)(0)452628810

WhatsApp: (+33)(0)660164402)

Email: mpettavino@gmail.com

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The Dragonfly symbolises change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realisation. It represents happiness, new beginnings, hope, and love.

Thank you to Johan Pizzardini for the Dragonfly Wellbeing logo design and to Tess Pettavino for her help in building this website.