July 2005 | Whole Health
Uncommon Healer
Practitioner Profile
Who: Wataru Ohashi, developer of “Ohashiatsu,” a nurturing touch technique based on Eastern principles of manipulating energy and physical touch and stretches that includes elements of shiatsu, a traditional Japanese healing method, as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
Quick Take: Crediting the Asian healing arts with his survival since he was an infant born near Hiroshima, Japan, where the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945, Ohashi has dedicated himself to practicing and teaching Eastern concepts of healing and peace. The author of seven books and five videotapes, he developed a system of bodywork that is taught through his 30-year-old nonprofit educational organization with affiliates in about a dozen states and a half-dozen countries including Italy, Sweden, Brazil, South Africa and Japan. An affiliate is located in Evanston where clients can receive sessions from certified consultants, instructors and/or advanced students. Classes and workshops are also offered. Students range from those who desire to make bodywork a career and others who simply want to attend a single class or workshop.
Old Vs. New: “I call this a high-tech society and high-touch society,” said Ohashi, who recently taught a class at the Evanston Ohashiatsu school. “The more technologically oriented life-style we have with computers, cell phones, i-Pods and other advances the more primitive touch is needed. We don’t live with … the seasons. Just 50 years ago we were deeply in touch with the seasons with our food, but now a simple act of going to the supermarket and all of the food is out of season. We don’t go outside. We don’t touch trees, nature … For millions of years this was in our DNA and suddenly we are out of touch with it.”
Knowing the Difference: “The huge difference between Ohashiatsu and other modalities is the relationship between the giver and the receiver … philosophically, the giver is receiving more than the receiver,” said Ohashi, explaining that there is a high burnout rate in just a few years among many body workers who practice different modalities, because many are not designed to be as kind to the body and/or the energy of the practitioner. But during an Ohashiatsu session, “the energy is not consumed, it’s not wasted, it’s regenerated. I don’t have to sacrifice to perform, that’s what allowed me to continue [this type of work] for 30 years.” Clients are attired in comfortable, loose clothing and sessions are given on futons on the floor.
Biggest Myth: Many alternative treatments are not covered by insurance, so some people may feel it’s not cost effective to go to a holistic healer, Ohashi said. However, he pointed out that some people may find conventional medicine is disappointing, can solve one problem but create another, and/or is more expensive in the long run, even with insurance coverage. “So they may find it is actually cheaper” to go to a holistic practitioner, Ohashi said.
Personal File: Ohashi lives in New York state, and the main Institute campus is located in New York City. However, Ohashi travels extensively, teaching and giving sessions throughout the world. His clients have included Dr. Henry Kissinger, former Japanese Prime Minister Ohira, Ralph Lauren, Liza Minnelli, Martha Graham and George Balanchine.
Sessions can be scheduled at the Evanston school, 825 Chicago Ave., Evanston; telephone 847-864-1130. A free introductory workshop for those interested in studying the modality will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., July 10.
Two separate Beginner I classes begin July 5 and 22. Visit www.ohashiatsuchicago.org or email [click to e-mail].
Conscious Choice Editor Marla Donato is a graduate of the Ohashiatsu program.
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