… especially before it becomes an issue (This post contains affiliate links.) The husband and I recently had a lovely dinner with family, which included the company of an almost one year old. He’s just about mastered his walk, and there are few things more delightful (and humorous) than watching a tiny human toddle around a room, navigating adult legs and getting waylaid in their attempts to explore stuff they’re not supposed to. From my obsessive movement perspective, I couldn't help but to notice, compare and contrast this with my weekly class of 70-80+ year olds who are working to relearn ..read more

Satisfying the curiosity of people who’ve never had a bodywork session with me (… as well as many who have…!) I should first mention here that my work is not a universal example of shiatsu. As with many disciplines, there are a number of schools of theory, and each practitioner will bring all their own wisdom and experience to the work. My approach can vary from session to session - even for each time I see the same client - as I am largely meeting that person where they are, from where I am, and bearing witness to what is emerging at that time.  And now, a general overview of a 'shiatsu ..read more

In the M.L.A.M.O part 1 post … … I shared four questions to help you get clear on what you want your movement practices to be able to help you do more of with your body, now, and in the years to come. This can help you choose practices and exercises more specifically to meet those goals, or to modify or augment those you’re already doing. And then, another way to look at it … The Human Movement Food Groups If we look at each of these categories of basic human movement as whole foods, made up of essential nutrients, they can become work-out programs in themselves, while transferring over into ..read more

(*A phrase borrowed from Katy Bowman’s book, “Rethink Your Position”, which I thought perfectly encapsulates the spirit behind Restorative Movement…!) When it comes to getting more ‘movement’, where do you start? Here are a few questions that may help. (Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.) Yoga. HIIT. CrossFit. Barre. Running. Belly dance. Treadmills. The list goes on, and enthusiasts of any form will swear by their particular passion. But, how does one decide which is best for them? And more to the point of this article, which form(s) will actually meet the demands of how you wan ..read more

… the why’s and how’s of this oh-so-important human movement. Squatting. Love it, hate it, shelved it ages ago. Once a common human position for working, playing, hanging out, and, of course (ahem), going to the bathroom, very few bodies in our modern culture find this move accessible, much less desirable. More than a ‘wouldn’t it be nice if’, there’s scads of science behind why this complex orchestra of joint mobilities and strength facilitates health on many levels. And, when considering the ubiquitous increase of foot, knee, hip, back and pelvic floor dysfunction, here is one connection we ..read more

A simple technique for making things a little easier. Proper shiatsu-giving is all about working from the hara... the area of the lower abdomen, the center of gravity, and as far as the Japanese are concerned, the seat of intuition (referred to in the west as our 'gut feelings'). From the perspective of good body mechanics, when treating someone, you always want to keep your hips close to and directly aligned with what your hands are working on. I forget this sometimes, and will find myself straining in odd positions, or extending just a little too far beyond my reach. When my body says ..read more

Shiatsu. Not shih- tzu. (Originally posted June 3rd, 2009. Slight editing January 23, 2023) Standardized explanations for shiatsu can be found elsewhere on my site and all over the web. I wanted to compile a list of how some of that jargon can be relevant to you.  Some of these benefits are common to most forms of touch therapy - others are unique to shiatsu. 1) Most fun you can have with your clothes on. Possibly originated as a concern for modesty, but early practitioners stated that shiatsu given through light, natural fiber clothing is more conducive to sensing energy flow, with ..read more

It’s that time of year again… Holiday plans and shopping lists and travel arrangements and … open enrollment for health care plans. It’s no secret that prices are rising on pretty much everything… … and this may be a factor for you when prioritizing what is essential regarding gifts, plans and even self-care budgets. I want to share a word of encouragement toward greater self-reliance when it comes to health care … and not just because this has bearing on my business. :) It’s always been a part of my mission - well, likely most of us in the holistic health care world - to shift the perception ..read more

When booking an appointment online, my clients will find the following question on the intake form: “Would you prefer your session to be on a massage table or on the floor?” As ‘not sure’ is the most popular answer to that, let’s explore the differences. But first, why is ‘the floor’ an option? Shiatsu, having its origins in Japan, is typically given on a futon (a thin, cotton-filled mat) on the floor. Traditionally, many activities in Japanese life (cooking, sleeping, writing, handiwork, etc) were done sans-table-and-chair, and bodywork is no exception. There are also several advantages to t ..read more

… an origin story. October 4th marks the anniversary of my very first ‘official’ day in business. That day back in 2005 was embedded within a host of serendipitous events - much of which I don’t think I’ve ever published. I thought this ‘origin story’ might be of interest to a few folks - especially those who knew me back when. It begins in 1987: I was working in a ‘macrobiotic market’ in Philly, just after graduating art school as a graphic designer. It was here I was introduced to shiatsu, by way of a few customers - also shiatsu students - who needed bodies to practice on. Admittedly, at f ..read more