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Yumi Asakura, LMT

I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan where I first learned Shiatsu from my mother in my childhood. My mother was interested in Shiatsu, a form of Japanese bodywork based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. She always encouraged me to become a massage therapist and was instrumental in learning all kinds of alternative medicine and natural remedies. When I decided to become a massage therapist, she was so happy and convinced that this was going to be my life work, a mission to help people one person at a time with my hands.

I graduated from Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2000 and have been practicing Shiatsu and Massage Therapy professionally since 2001. After graduating from FLSM, I continued studying with various Shiatsu teachers and schools mostly in Japan as well as in UK and USA. I completed the certification program at Iokai in Tokyo (Zen Shiatsu founder, Master Masunaga's school) in 2003, and have received a specialized training in pelvic alignment at BCT School in Tokyo.

I have a private practice, Massage Therapy Studio in downtown Ithaca, NY, and enjoy teaching Shiatsu and Self-Care classes as well as offering continuing education workshops for LMTs. I am currently teaching "Massage & Self-Care" course online at Cornell University as a Personal Growth program in Physical Education Department.

After 20 years of Shiatsu & Massage Therapy practice and teaching, I created Holistic Wellness Journey to offer my services online.

It is my passion to teach Shiatsu and Self-Care with a holistic approach, and I feel blessed and honored to be able to share what I am so passionate about.

I believe that everyone has the innate ability to heal themselves and I find joy and delight in facilitating in their healing journey and finding a healer within. I am humbled to be a part of such a personal journey to holistic wellness.

I am approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider and also sponsored by NCBTMB to teach New York LMT's continuing education that is accepted by the state of New York for license renewal.

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Thank you for visiting my website and I look forward to hearing from you.

Testimonials:

"Yumi's Shiatsu workshops have inspired me to continue to learn. Through her clear, engaging, heart-felt teaching, I have absorbed a vast amount of information. Yumi has inspired me to not only apply this knowledge to my work, but more importantly to me, in my everyday life. My life is richer from knowing and learning from Yumi."

Jennifer M., LMT
Musician

 

"I've been a student of Yumi since 2013, and what kept me learning from her was the spiritual and energetic caliber she brings to every teaching. It is contagious how enthused and inspired one feels when in her presence. This is easily palpable in and outside the classroom. She has led me to go deeper into my own practice and understand Shiatsu not just on an intellectual level, but on a deep soul level. She helped me incorporate this field as a way of life. Now, I am healthier, wiser and more unified in my choices, both in diet and as a practitioner in the healing arts. A lifestyle I can truly be grateful for! Yumi-san wa totemo ii sensei desu. Domo arigatou gozaimasu."

Gazel, LMT

"Yumi is master at her work as a Shiatsu practitioner and her gifts are a major asset to the community.
Participating in her classes has given me a clear understanding of Shiatsu while putting it to use in all ways most practical.
I appreciate her authenticity and energetic approach to all she has to offer. Her workshops are very uplifting and have supported me in goal setting with applications to grow and hone my skills as a practitioner.  I always look forward to her scrumptious
homemade traditional Japanese cooking backed by her knowledge to support health during each season!
Fu Lang, LMT

"Receiving a Shiatsu therapy with Yumi is always a revelation about my body and how it heals. I will have symptoms, and pain in a specific area that I will ask her to address. Often times I am so surprised about where she works with me on my body, and how her work teaches me that though the pain manifests in one area it is often a symptom of weakness affecting an entire system.

Yumi’s therapeutic Shiatsu has taught me so much about the intricate interconnections of my body and the path to health through wholeness.”

S. Wolff