Philosophy

I live life with passion, positive energy, and an active, flexible and easy-going mindset. I believe in sharing my values of integrity, responsibility and thoughtfulness to others. I believe in creating positive results, serving, thinking in my higher self, always learning and growing and challenging myself, and creating, achieving and satisfying my patients with the end result of healing, contentment and self-awareness.

Areas of Practice

Shiatsu (Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) is a traditional hands-on therapy originating in Japan. Shiatsu is regulated as a licensed medical therapy in Japan by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and "Shiatsupractor" is the name given to a recently proposed international standardized shiatsu license.

In shiatsu therapy practitioners apply pressure using only the fingers, palms and especially the thumbs to detect disharmonies in the energetic components of the body, and to perform empirically established routines to correct these problems. They promote the prevention and recovery of illnesses by stimulating the immune system and natural healing power that people already possess without treating a specific problem. Treating the body as a whole, so they say, helps to restore the physical functions of the nervous system, circulatory system, bone structure, muscles, and internal secretion and stimulates the whole of the mind and body to find harmony. Skilled shiatsu practitioners can contribute considerably to regional health and medical treatments.

A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist placing their hands on the patient, which they say allows them to tune into what they call the craniosacral system. By gently working with the spine, the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia, the restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord can be optimized, and misaligned bones are said to be restored to their proper position. Craniosacral therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Educational Background

I am a registered Shiatsu Practitioner in British Columbia. I have been providing Shiatsu massage services for the past 7 years in Whistler and have now expanded my services through the North Shore Wellness Centre in North Vancouver. Since 2001, I have traveled to Thailand to intensively study Thai massage, and to India for Ayurvedic massage. In 2003, I completed the Shiatsu Therapy Program from the Canadian Shiatsu College in North Vancouver. Shiatsu massage is a great form of muscle tension release as it specifically manipulates pressure points, particularly in chronic symptoms. It also increases one’s own healing ability. It is such a great way to increase body and blood circulation. In 2004, I studied Craniosacral therapy and am a practicing Registered Cranial Sacral Therapist.

Personal History

For many years, I was an avid skier. I was so passionate about skiing that it took me from Japan to Whistler, B.C. I was a ski guide in Whistler and Banff and, one day, as a result of excessive skiing, I became seriously injured in my lower back and knees to the point where I realized how important it was to maintain my body. This is when I started thinking about human physiology. I have resided in Canada for the past 15 years in Whistler, Squamish, Banff and Vancouver. I’ve always been energetic and active but never thought about physical therapy until I became injured. Finally, I started learning about my body and realized how much treatment and maintenance is important for balance and well-being. I currently practice hot yoga, which regulates and promotes self-awareness of my posture and balance. I also diligently practice aikido, a form of Japanese martial arts which allows me to learn about human physiology, mental growth and physical challenges.