Schedule a Session with Edward
Ashiatsu Treatments with Edward Spencer
Located in In Richmond Annex
Rates:
60 Minute Sessions
Regular …. $125
Students … $95
Regular Sessions, 80 Minute Session
Regular … $145
Students … $120
Extended Sessions
95 Minutes … $160
110 Minutes … $180
24 hour cancellation or rescheduling notice is required or the normal fee applies
To Schedule:
Call Edward: (510) 525-6723
What is Ashiatsu?
Ashiatsu is a bodywork form that applies therapeutic pressure (through clothing) to promote health and well being. Although “Ashiatsu” literally means foot (ashi) pressure (atsu) in Japanese, ashiatsu techniques also make use of knees, elbows, palms, and fingers where necessary and appropriate.
By working with the body, Ashiatsu can heighten total (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) awareness. Treatments typically include stretching, stimulation or sedation of acupressure points/meridians, and structural alignment techniques. The work is effective therapeutically and clients will often feel the work deeply in their muscles, internal organs, and bones.
What are the roots of Ashiatsu?
Ashiatsu is in the lineage and tradition of Shizuko Yamamoto’s Barefoot/Macrobiotic Shiatsu, but with more emphasis on the individual as an energy system than on dietary guidelines. Traditional Chinese organ/meridian theory and psychic energy body teachings from the ancient Egyptian mystery school tradition are the two major approaches used in perceiving, understanding, and treating disease and wellness in this work.
What are the benefits of Ashiatsu?
* Reduced stress and greater sense of well being
* Relaxed muscles and improved circulation
* Improved immune system
* Heightened awareness of emotional and psychological processes
Ashiatsu Philosophy
Ashiatsu presumes that the natural tendency of all organisms is towards health and optimal functioning for the purpose of evolution. Therefore, the mind/body/spirit need only be reminded of its original essence and intention in order to be re-connected to the intrinsic foundation of wellness out of which one manifests their being’s purpose. Where there is discord between the mind, body, and spirit, Ashiatsu seeks to bring integration and harmony. In Ashiatsu, the practitioner employs the whole body (including the feet) to promote “wholism” in another person. As Shizuko Yamamoto is fond of saying about the work, “Wholism creates wholism.”
Edward Spencer has been practicing bodywork since 1974, studying with Shizuko Yamamoto, Loren Berry and many others. Over the last 29 years, he has integrated his studies of barefoot shiatsu, structural mechanics, and energy work in order to teach the art known as Ashiatsu.
Edward majored in psychology and has graduate credits in clinical psychology. He has been a practitioner of Ashiatsu for 29 years and an instructor in the Bay Area for 25 years. Past major influences on his work include Master Y.C. Chiang for Tai Chi, Loren Berry for structural work, and the Lomi School for body-oriented psychology. Recent influences include 10 years in personal therapy, 15 years of psychic work with Phyllis Pay, and 10 years facilitating men’s groups through the Center for Intuitive Energy Processing.
Studying Ashiatsu
Edward offers classes in basic through advanced Ashiatsu several times a year at the Barefoot Movement Headquarters and through the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California. For serious students interested in delving more deeply into the art, he also offers a ten-month apprenticeship program. Upon completion, apprentices receive certification to teach Ashiatsu. For more information, please contact Edward Spencer. (510)525-6723
A Word about Edward from Michelle Nemer
Edward combines excellence in technique with the most impressive, uncanny intuition in diagnosis and life guidance. This combination has served me in my healing and self-development as much as anything I have done for myself over two decades of natural health study and practice. He is an extraordinary healer.
-Michelle Nemer - Macrobiotic Teacher, Health Counselor, Author
El Cerrito, CA