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Takayuki Hashimoto has opened Zen Shiatsu Taka in Algies Bay to show how a traditional Japanese approach to health can be transformative.
Takayuki grew up in Tokyo and was the son of a corporate banker. The stresses of living in the metropolis, along with his father’s high expectations, led him to search for a more peaceful and holistic lifestyle.
He studied oriental philosophy, including Buddhism and Taoism, and was introduced to shiatsu and acupuncture while seeking relief from anxiety.
“When I was a child I wasn’t so healthy,” Takayuki says. “I was very sensitive and had a lot of stress and tension. I tried lots of different methods and techniques, but after shiatsu I felt like a new man.”
He studied shiatsu for three years and worked for a decade in Tokyo. He moved to Queenstown three years ago to soak up the Aotearoa wilderness and to escape the 70-hour work-week, which he says is common in Japan.
“I like mountains and hiking – I’ve done most of the great walks in the South Island now.
“I also wanted to bring authentic shiatsu massage to New Zealand and show how to be healthy in a traditional, Japanese way.”
He moved to Mahurangi with his wife Tomo and his Kiwi-born son Ryuki last month and started Zen Shiatsu Taka at his Algies Bay home.
“It’s a good area to raise a family. The community is very open-minded here.”
Shiatsu is based on the acupuncture points of traditional Chinese medicine, but uses pressure-point massage, rather than needles. Taka also performs acupuncture and teaches methods to help people improve their health, including stretches, diet, breathing techniques, meditation and how to make fermented drinks like kombucha.
He says the techniques are often effective at treating migraines, but are also used for treating a wide range of ailments without painkillers or medication.
