By ALAN SARUWATARI
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” This ancient quote became my reality almost 30 years ago when I walked into the Shiatsu Massage School of California in Santa Monica.
Sitting in a free orientation, a door opened and Dr. DoAnn Tsuneo Kaneko walked into the room. He began speaking about the healing art called shiatsu, which translated means “finger pressure,” and it forever transformed my life.
Kaneko Sensei is recognized as a grandmaster in the field of shiatsu. Introduced to it by his parents, Hideo and Kimie Kaneko, when he was young, he began his lifelong journey that would lead him to the U.S. and become one of the pioneers to bring shiatsu and anma from Japan. He is part of a long lineage of teachers who have made great contributions to the massage field, especially the Eastern energetic healing arts.
Being a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and shiatsu therapist, he innovated his own healing art called Shiatsu Anma Therapy by combining shiatsu with the thousands-of-years-old ancient art of anma, which was brought from China 1,200 years ago. Utilizing the body’s natural healing energy, called ki in Japanese, he developed DoAnn Long Form.
His long form or kata is not just a teaching method to learn his art, but a way to help balance the entire body energetically in a one-hour treatment, bringing better health effectively. The application of pressure and massaging techniques to specific points and meridians (energy channels) makes his kata unique and a highly effective form of treatment.
Shiatsu Anma Therapy alleviates neck, shoulder, and lower back pain, sciatica, and headaches. It also aids in stress management, boosts the immune system, and addresses anti-aging concerns. Integrating well with acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, naturopathic medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and other holistic practices, Shiatsu and Anma Therapy offers comprehensive support.
Today there is a strong movement towards better health and living and treating the body more naturally. Shiatsu is becoming more popular around the world. Though this may seem somewhat new to Westerners, for Kaneko Sensei this has been a lifelong journey. He has taught thousands of students locally, nationally and around the world and they in turn have provided treatments to countless individuals, relieving them of pain and discomfort and bringing balance to their lives.
Kaneko Sensei has revitalized his teaching so that everyone can learn this amazing form of therapy. As we are recovering from a worldwide pandemic, he has developed specific classes online and in person to teach his art that has its roots, not only from Japan, but from 3,000-year-old traditional Chinese medicine. He believes that it is very important to teach practitioners shiatsu anma therapy so they can help others as well as teach family members to be able to treat each other in the home.
For example, he promoted the Japanese tradition katatataki (music hands) for families with small children. He loves teaching children how to use these tapping techniques to music on their parents’ neck and back. Katatataki is a way for kids to tap into their own healing energy, bond with their parents, show appreciation, and cultivate respect.
He believes that this simple Japanese healing culture in the family can reduce school bullying and violence. These simple but effective techniques can greatly improve the lives of those in need.
As the world continues to change, people are taking a more active role in their own health and well-being. Kaneko Sensei envisions bringing shiatsu anma to the forefront so that everyone can know how to continuously live healthier and happier lives. Shiatsu anma serves as a vehicle to deliver the powerful message of happiness, love, and peace, fostering harmony within our communities.
For further information and upcoming classes, contact us at kanekohealingarts.com.