Custom Therapy

Therapies are a combination of Shiatsu, moxibustion, teishin, and guided Sotai, applied as needed. In addition, I may prescribe herbs, which I stock, and exercise sets, which I teach. Therapy is performed clothed on a somatic table, so please wear yoga-type clothes for ease of positioning and stretching. See below for descriptions.

Bodywork

Shiatsu

Pressure is applied along the Meridians of the body to balance Ki (Vital Energy) and encourage its flow. Stretches are also performed. At the end of a therapy clients typically report feeling free of pain, “open," relaxed, energized, and “at peace.”

Moxibustion

Moxibustion therapy is the burning of the herb mugwort over acupoints. Doing so injects Heat and Ki into the acupoints, surrounding areas and associated meridians, encouraging shifts in Ki, enhancing blood flow, increasing white and red blood cell production, and stimulating healing. There are two types of moxibustion therapy, indirect and direct. Indirect involves burning the herb above the skin, while direct involves burning the herb on the skin. Indirect is not as powerful as direct, but conventional direct can result in blistering and scarring. I practice direct, but in an unconventional way that does not result in such trauma. I learned this special method from Junji Mizutani, and it’s a most beautiful art.

Teishin

A teishin is a metal tool designed for stimulating acupoints. Think of it as non-insertive acupuncture. I typically use a teishin for acupoint therapy when the focus of a session has been on assessment, consultation, and/or training, and there is time left for bodywork.



Movement

Stagnation causes pain, and eventually leads to dysfunction and disease. While bodywork and Kampo help to get things flowing again, movement is the consistent "go to" at home. Daily exercise, done mindfully, is a great force in keeping you healthy.

Meridian Exercises

Meridian Exercises, arising from Zen Shiatsu and also known as Meridian Stretches or Zen Imagery Exercises, are exercises that open the body and encourage the flow of Ki. The body is positioned to stretch Meridians and their Extensions, the mind is placed in those lines of tension, and the breath is used to tense and release. There are 52 exercises in total, but I’ve found it sufficient for most clients to learn a basic set of ten, with profound results coming from daily practice.

Sotai

Sotai is a system of exercise developed by Keizo Hashimoto, a Western-trained Japanese medical doctor well-versed in traditional Japanese medicine. Sotai exercises move you away from pain and into alignment. The movements are very effective in addressing joint injuries and the pain and disfunction arising from improper bodily alignments.

Five Tibetans

The Five Tibetans, also known as the Five Tibetan Rites, is a set of five active yoga exercises that stretch and strengthen your muscles and also provide cardiovascular conditioning. This set is for those with little strength training experience or for those looking for a quick exercise routine to fit into their day.

Kigong

Two moves of Kigong (Qigong), Lifting the Sky and Carrying the Moon, both from the Shaolin Eighteen Lohan Hands set, help you become sensitive to your Ki, grow it, and make it flow. Very healing.

Herbs

Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo) has a rich history of over 2,500 years. The formulas have had great empirical success and have been proven through Western research to be highly effective in addressing specific diseases. Granules are combined with hot water and drunk as a tea three times per day until symptoms are alleviated. When illness is stubborn and deep rooted, Kampo, in combination with bodywork, is often the answer.