Aikido and Martial Nonviolence apprentice as well as a professional body worker:

My education in the healing arts began with the internal Chinese martial arts.  These art forms—Tai Chi, Ba Gua, Hsing i—emphasize mobility and the production of power through correct alignment of the physical and energetic structures of the body.  As I began practicing a series of Qi Gong standing postures specifically associated with Ba Gua, my teacher started pointing out impediments and blockages in my body that were preventing me from utilizing my body most efficiently.  This exploration continued into this teacher’s particular healing system that blended Acupuncture, kinesiology and East West psychology, (he was both a licensed acupuncturist and LCSW).  As our process as client and healer, student and teacher, progressed; I began to show my friends the things I had learned.  I was so amazed at the process I had started to undergo as well as the profound effect I was transmitting to my friends I decided to enroll in a local massage course.  At this time I began exploring meditation in the tradition of Soto Zen.  While completing my first massage course, I learned about a modality called Watsu--Zen Shiatsu taken into the water.  I was completely floored when I received my first session.  I immediately enrolled in the initial weekend course at the School of Shiatsu and Massage/The Watsu Institute at Harbin Hot Springs.  Soon afterwards I applied (3 times) and was finally accepted as a live-work student.  I spent one completely transformational year learning multiple modalities both on land and in the water.  At the end of 2003, I moved to the East Bay and began practicing massage.  I’ve worked privately, with chiropractors, and in wellness centers and spas.  Over time I have continued my studies by working through various texts under the tutelage of some master bodyworkers. Over the last few years I’ve transitioned from my long time practice of Soto Zen and begun practicing in the meditation tradition of Vippassana under S.N.Goenka (after a transformational experience during my first 10-day Vippassana retreat).  In 2010 I graduated from SFSU in Holistic Health, with emphasis on Biofeedback and Autogenic Training.  While at SFSU I facilitated a group meditation group.  For the past year, I have been apprenticing to Brandon WilliamsCraig PhD in Aikido and Martial Nonviolence®. 

All bodywork is customized to meet the needs of each individual client. Your session may include any of the following modalities:

Energy-Active CranioSacral Work
This gentle, noninvasive work encourages the body's natural healing processes and has proven effective in treating a wide range of problems associated with pain and dysfunction. Craniosacral Work uses a very light touch, around 5 grams of pressure (the weight of a nickel) to assist the natural movement of the craniosacral system and free it of any restrictions. Craniosacral Work enhances the functioning of the central nervous system and helps dissipate the negative effects of stress. It does not manipulate tissue in the same way as a massage. Traditionally, Craniosacral Work is performed with the client fully clothed, but it can be combined with other forms of massage therapy.  My work is equally influenced by Cranial Osteopathy, Biodynamic and Visionary Craniosacral.
Swedish Massage
One of the most well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage involves manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Using five basic strokes (compression, kneading, percussion, friction and gliding) this type of massage is used to improve circulation and promote overall relaxation. A sheet covers the client with only the body area being worked on exposed, and cream or lotion is used to minimize friction on the skin.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue therapy affects the underlying layers of muscle and fascia. It helps with chronic muscle tension and injury rehabilitation, and can reduce pain caused by inflammation from arthritis, tendonitis and repetitive motion injuries. It is applied to specific areas and not used as a full body treatment.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is the application of slow, sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system. This type of work is used to eliminate restrictions and adhesions in connective tissue. Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, limited range-of-motion, and headaches.
PNF Stretching
Proprioceptive muscular facilitation is one of the most effective forms of flexibility training for increasing range of motion.  PNF techniques can be both passive, (no associated muscular contraction), or active (voluntary muscle contraction). While there are several variations of PNF stretching, they all have one thing in common - they facilitate muscular inhibition. It is believed that this is why PNF is superior to other forms of flexibility training.
Zen Shiatsu
A unique form of Shiatsu that emphasizes presence and breath.  This form of shiatsu focuses on traditional meridian systems, hara diagnosis, and thai massage like stretching.

Additional modalities available in water:
Watsu
Waterdance