How Ohashi Method™/Ohashiatsu® brings the Healing Touch for Yogis

While many Yogis worldwide embrace an holistic approach to health and wellness, utilizing Ayurveda, massage, reiki, crystals and other modalities, the Ohashi Method/Ohashiatsu is especially effective to combine with Yoga practice. Developed by Ohashi Sensei over 40 years of teaching and practice, his method combines stretching muscles and meridians together as part of a treatment. These meridians or energy lines are similar to the Nadi lines spoken of in Yoga, which we want to keep energized for well-being and health. 

For many people who practice yoga, their precious tools may include their yoga mat, a copy of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and perhaps the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. I would also recommend this latest DVD as a valuable tool because it combines two modalities in an easy to adapt-format, for both private students and group class situations. It also provides an excellent introduction to Ohashiatsu® for those Yogis eager to explore this beautiful modality of holistic bodywork, and a great visual as to how they could possibly combine it with the Yoga Practice. 

Learning various stretches and pressure points will help sedate muscles, and allow the flow of prana. While I am grateful to have completed and graduated the Ohashiatsu Program, I realize some people may want something they can use with private yoga students, or even themselves. The best investment would be the newest Ohashi Method™ DVD that takes Yoga students and teachers on a journey through basic stretches that relate to meridians in the body.

Thai Yoga Massage Certified

During my travels in India I have had the pleasure to study with some brilliant teachers. India has been the place where people come from all over the world to learn ancient systems of knowledge. For centuries the biggest producer of both Allopathic, Ayurveda and Homeopathic medicines are from India, due to the land rich in natural herbs and plants. The one thing I realize after my months in India, there is a special authenticity when you learn from these Indian Gurus, that leaves you eager to learn more and leaves you deeply humbled by their wisdom. While in the Western part of the world Yoga has turned into a method of exercise where a quick course gives you the title of Yoga Teacher, here in India, the awareness of Yoga is in their essence, life long devotion to the practice, family lineage and humility. Here Ayurveda (the science of Life) is the natural way of living. While in Kerala my family home is surrounded with various plants that are ayurveda remedies that have been handed down from my great great grandparents. I was suffering with a health set back while in North India, and when I returned to Kerala, my aunt whipped up some leaves that helped tremendously.

 Ultimately both Yoga and Ayurveda are systems designed for higher consciousness which can only be achieved when an individual is disease free. The wise sage Patanjali says: purusarthasunyanam, gunanam pratiprasvah kaivalyam svarupapratistha va citi saktiriti (KAI PA. 4.43) 

Which translates: Yoga takes us to the portals of consciousness beyond the mind.

Many gurus here in India teach how proper practice of Yoga, daily pranayama, proper diet, and ayurveda is a natural system that eradicates disease. After weeks of illness, I realized had I maintained my daily pranayama practice, my health situation may have been a little different.

This trip has allowed me to deepen my understanding by more in-depth studies of Yoga, Ayurveda, and recently Thai Yoga Massage. As I have years of study and experience with Body Work Modalities like Yoga, Shiatsu, Ohashiatsu, Reiki, Lomi Lomi, and Ayurveda Massage, this course was a beautiful addition to my list of things to share. The course was an intensive course with world renowned Ram, from Om Yoga Ayurveda. We learned the history of Thai Yoga Massage, the sequence, the stretches, the points, ayurveda, mantras and much more.

 Many people would assume that Thai Yoga Massage was created in Thai Land, however, the system was originally developed in India by Dr. Shivag who was close friends and Doctor for Buddah. When he returned from Thai Land, he found some literature that helped him develop this modality that we now call Thai Yoga Massage. We learned the creative sequence that much like the modality of Ohashiatsu, leaves both the "giver" and "receiver" feeling wonderful. We learned important points and meridian lines on the body.

 The best part was we learned so much about Ayurveda as well. Ram is an amazing teacher.  Himachel Pradesh is a region of India known for it's mountains, so one day as a treat, we walked down the mountain to Dharmshala to go to Baba Ram Dev's Ayurveda store. During our hike, Ram explained in depth many of the plants, herbs and flowers and their Ayurveda benefits. One herb very similar to the Jamaican chew stick, but here in India we call it ThiraMira. This stick is said to make your teeth strong, and it's little seeds are like bursts of licorice and mint in your mouth. While I am now officially Thai Yoga Massage certified, I am looking forward to learn more, to practice more and share this beautiful modality with people. Thank you to Ram, Shankar, and my wonderful classmates (Chris & Julia) for making this a wonderful experience.

Ohashiatsu Advanced 2 finals week

Ten days of Ohashiatsu Advanced 2 finals week! We are in a flood of Tsubo points, meridians, sedation and tonification techniques, and much more under the brilliant guidance of Ohashi himself. If you have not familiarized yourself with Ohashiatsu, it is a brilliant body work modality for everyone. This modality was developed by Ohashi to help diagnosis of the body, treatment of the body, and be easy for the practitioner long term. With very little effort of the practitioner, the receiver gets a fantastic treatment. This is Ohashi's last Advanced one class in NYC, as the international school is branching out into new and exciting teaching methods. I am so happy to be part of the experience. We are learning so much information, being tested, practicing, and improving each day. Special thanks to Jaja our wonderful registrar hero who has helped many of us, and also gave me an amazing private session the other day. Special thanks to Maureen, Millie, Jean Pierro, Livia, and Kumiko, our Ohashiatsu instructors for helping Ohashi to create such an amazing experience. Many Many thanks to Ohashi for everything he is sharing. Ohashi is a wealth of knowledge, and watching how he is in constant learning mode, always diagnosing people at random, and practicing his art is true brilliance to behold. It is important to learn from a teacher who practices what they teach, but when you get to learn from the creator themselves, it's even better.

Yoga Class with Brilliant Live Cello Music

Monday night 7:45 at Bamboomoves is normally a wonderful sweaty Level 2 Vinyasa Yoga class. We usually have a fun variety play list of music to carry us through the flow from Eddie Vedder, Madonna, The Grateful Dead, Radiohead, Coldplay, Stevie Wonder, my own original music and much more. Last night, we were so blessed to have the brilliant Live Music Talent of Bamboomoves member, Elizabeth Glushko. We set up a space for her in the front corner of the studio, and everyone else was close near the back on their mats. As string instruments relate to the vibrational energy of our second chakra, Swadhisthana, we worked on opening this energy. The energy that heals our reproductive system, reinforces grounding, awakens sensual energy, creates fire in the body, awakens passion and much more! While the flow was not as challenging as usual, it was synchronized harmony, as myself and Elizabeth fed off of each others energy. The live music itself was echoing in our sacral area, and allowing us to open our hips, and deepen our poses. People were sweaty from the heat of this sensual chakra, and experienced the power of vibration. In general, everyone left with a glow, and towards the end of class we worked on some further dextox with a Tsubo point treatment, as it relates to Ohashiatsu. One student, Sara who came in with back pain was very sensitive to the Liver 4 point that also helps with sciatic back pain. She and a few other students also noted how the focus of the class, helped alleviate her back pain. When we practice yoga with the awareness of our subtle body (Chakra system), miraculous things take place, and last night I am happy to say I participated in a miraculous class. Thank you Elizabeth for gracing us with your talents, come back anytime! Thank you students for being present, and enjoying the experience!
Photos taken by Jody Concepcion

Ohashiatsu Advanced 1 Class

The Ohashiatsu Advanced 1 class completed studies under the guidance of the wonderful, Millie. This is a beautiful modality of body work (Ohashiatsu) that provides the most results to the receiver, with least chance of fatigue to the giver. We learn to diagnosis the body based on Hara, Meridians, and various means of Observation. At present, the class is in an intense 10 day study with Sensei Ohashi himself, studying Advanced 2 classes. Body Work healing is a wonderful tool for Yoga Instructors. Sensei Ohashi has developed a lovely method to treat the body in a way that the giver is receiving too!

Ohashiatsu Advanced DVD

Soon to come on DVD will be the Ohashiatsu Advanced Technique DVD, starring ME!!!! The reason I love the Ohashiatsu technique so much, is because this gentle touch on the meridians is so similar to yoga, and nadi lines/marma point theraphy. I am so grateful to have been asked to participate in the making of this latest DVD project with Ohashi himself. We spent one remarkable day together filming. He had asked me to bring all solid color yoga clothes, and when I arrived, he decided to put me in a snug, black, spandex-full body cat suit (something I never imagined to wear in my life). The energy of the filming process was amazing. I would get into various advanced/intermediate yoga poses (wheel, tortoise, bridge, downward dog, etc) and he would do Shiatsu treatments on me. The director was amazed at how myself and Ohashi just flowed from one treatment to another, without any prior planning or scripting involved. Our energy was so amazing. Ironically, my neck and back were sore due to a recent injury, the body suit I wore had attached feet and hands which made for no traction on the slippery carpet, and as you can see from the pictures our sizes are very different, and yet the filming was seamless! Thank you Ohashi for inviting me to be part of this amazing experience.

Ohashiatsu Advanced 1 class

Last friday my Ohashiatsu class invited 4 special guests to come and enjoy an Ohashiatsu treatment. The four guests enjoyed a 50 minute treatment, and after the session provided feedback to the class. Everyone seemed to enjoy, and the students who observed learned a lot too. Afterwards as part of a special bonus, EVERY student worked on the four guests! That means multiple hands were crawling on the meridian lines, and Tsubo points of the guests, to bring relief to the body and awaken the energy. Special thanks to all the guests, my classmates, and teacher Millie for creating such a beautiful experience!

Touch of Peace for FREE

This Tuesday September 7th there will be a FREE workshop at the Ohashiatu Institute from 6-8pm, taught by Ohashi himself. The Ohashiatsu Institute has taught me so much about the various energetic points on the body, the techniques for healing (sedating & tonifying imbalances), and making people feel good with a "touch of peace". As a yoga instructor it is wonderful, since many times students will want more than yoga, and both yoga and Shiatsu compliment each other very nicely. If you are a yoga instructor, yoga student, fitness trainer, massage therapist, reiki practitioner, person who loves getting a massage, curious about the holistic arts and body work, then you should come and experience a touch of peace. While I mentioned people in the holistic arts, it is not uncommon for people in the medical field, arts and business to take classes and become Ohashiatsu practitioners as well, as it is a wonderful way to supplement income, help people (including friends & loved ones), and spread healing love with a gentle touch. This healing arts modality of Ohashiatsu is Shiatsu at its finest. You will be introduced to the art of having healing hands, with someone who has years of experience teaching some top level body workers in the world, and someone who has a host of high profile clientele. This is an event you do not want to miss! Wear comfortable clothes, sign up, and enjoy! Those who participate will receive a $100 off coupon for future classes.

Shiatsu Tsubo Point Therapy

Every Friday I have had the wonderful opportunity to study Shiatsu. Last Friday I had class, and tremendous knee pain (I had surgery years ago on my knee) and ankle pain. Along with knee issues, my left foot is slightly collapsing on me (I intend to see a orthopedist asap) which causes me to limp around when commuting from class to class. I tend to be optimistic and believe in mind over body so I pushed through. While I have been giving sessions my all, I have to admit I was neglecting my health. In walks Manuela, a visiting student from Italy to Shiatsu class. She and I talk, and she pulls out these Acupressure granule needles which are basically tiny seeds attached to surgical tape. She placed them on my Tsubo points which relate to the joint pain I was experiencing and after three days my knees felt so much better. Tsubo points are powerful points along the meridians that acupuncturist usually put needles into. This was like having the needle in the point for days at a time because I was told that they will fall off when my body doesn't need it anymore. While my ankle is still an issue, by the look of the protruding bone in my foot, it clearly may need more than acupressure point therapy. Only one side of granules feel off so far (my left knee which was never operated on). Thank you Manuela for sharing your expertise and knowledge, my knees felt brand new!!!

Ohashiatsu Intermediate 2

Ohashiastu Intermediate 2 class is slowly ending. The lovely people in my class and myself were instructed by Sam Berlind. Sam was also my Beginning one teacher, and has a very wonderful way of bringing occasional humour into practical Ohashiatsu training. We explored the secondary Masunaga meridian lines, crawled on each other, floated in deep relaxation, and enjoyed as we understood the elements in a deeper way. I was thrilled to know that my previous teacher Millie also joined our group. Every Tuesday, has been a relaxing treat with this amazing group of people.

Intermediate 1 @ Ohashi Institute

Tuesday was a long day at the Ohashi Institute. I had my Intermediate 1 (3 hour) tutorial, followed by a (3 hour) class. While the hours were long, the experience was as always bliss. We all learn and explore the Meridian lines and the relation to the elements while practicing on each other. It is amazing to learn how similar the subtle body is from the Indian Ayurveda & Chinese Shiatsu styles. So far The energy at the Ohashi School is so relaxing, and then to spend hours giving and receiving more positive energy with this style of Body work is so wonderful. Our class has explored the Large Intestine, Lung, Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Triple Heater, Small Intestine, Heart Constrictor, Bladder and Kidney. Millie explains and demonstrates with compassion and wisdom that inspires us all to be better in our own practice. After a day of relaxing body work and in depth study of the Kidney Meridian we all leave feeling peace.

In Picture: Millie, Maya, Sue, Mamoko, & Me, (Missing is Yuko)

Heart Meridian - Ohashi Institute

Tuesday afternoon is my chance to learn and luxuriate at the Ohashiatsu Institute. We spend 3 hours a week learning the various meridians of the body, and practice our Ohashiatsu Body Work techniques. My teacher is Millie, who is fantastic. Millie introduced us to the Heart & Small Intestine Meridians. We learned how to give a session for the two meridians, recognize the Hara diagnosis, stretch the body and the amazing connections to the elements. This week class seemed like it went by in a flash. Millie had us laughing, learning and stretching. It is such a relaxing class! Every week in class I notice how the Chinese Medicine (specifically meridian) system is so similar to the Indian Ayurveda (Nadi Lines and marma points) system. Learning to explore the subtle body is an area that fascinates me. It is amazing how these ancient techniques for analyzing, diagnosing, and treating energetic patterns in the body are so helpful to everyone. Thanks Millie for teaching a great class! ~ Peace & hugs