Meet Meike Donohue: founder of Balance Matters

Learn about Meike's journey, her passion for Shiatsu and mindfulness, and what makes Balance Matters a unique space for healing and growth.

My journey to Shiatsu and mindfulness

My journey into mindfulness began in 2000 when I met my Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Lama Tschaglung Tulku Ngawang Gelek, in Berlin. Inspired by his teachings, I immersed myself in meditation and Buddhist philosophy and qualified as a meditation instructor in 2004. I also co-founded the Buddhist Tara Centre, where I began supporting others in developing mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassion.

A few years later, I discovered Shiatsu and was drawn to its holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Shiatsu taught me to look beyond symptoms and to consider the whole person, including lifestyle, emotional patterns, and the body’s innate capacity to restore balance.

My commitment to both practices has led me to deepen my training over many years. In 2015, I began teaching Shiatsu and in 2018 I completed a QQI Level 6 qualification in Training Delivery and Evaluation. I have also studied Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and TFT/EFT.

In 2018, I founded Balance Matters in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, where I offer Zen Shiatsu treatments, mindfulness courses, practitioner training, and wellbeing retreats. In 2024, I was honoured to become Chair of the Shiatsu Society of Ireland, supporting the development and professional recognition of Shiatsu in Ireland.

Today, my work brings together more than two decades of experience in meditation, bodywork, and teaching, offering a grounded and compassionate approach to helping people restore balance in body and mind.

My unique approach at Balance Matters

My approach at Balance Matters is shaped by a lifelong curiosity about the deeper forces that support health and wellbeing. I began by studying biology at the University of Osnabrück in Germany, where I developed a strong appreciation for the complexity and intelligence of the human body. At the same time, I was drawn to Eastern philosophy, which offered a broader perspective on balance, connection, and the relationship between body and mind.

Zen Shiatsu and mindfulness have allowed me to bring these two worlds together. My work is grounded in both scientific understanding and intuitive awareness, integrating structure and sensitivity, action and stillness, yin and yang. This combination enables me to offer a holistic and practical approach that supports people in restoring balance, vitality, and resilience in everyday life.

Empowerment through balance

At Balance Matters, I aim to foster self-empowerment, equip you with self-help techniques, and build a supportive community where sharing experiences is valued. My greatest desire is for clients to leave feeling more connected to themselves, with practical tools to navigate life's challenges and a renewed sense of balance and vitality. Join our community and experience the transformative power of self-awareness and holistic healing.

"Meike's gentle approach and deep knowledge helped me find peace and balance during a challenging time. I highly recommend Balance Matters."

A grateful client