What’s in a Name?

In Japanese, the name “Ohashi” means “big bridge” -- the perfect symbol for someone who has devoted his life to bringing Eastern approaches of healing to the West. He originated Ohashiatsu®, a special method of touch derived from traditional shiatsu, exercise, and Zen philosophy.

The Origins

Ohashi's experience with traditional Oriental healing began in his infancy. Born in 1944, near Hiroshima, Japan, he had a weak constitution that made him vulnerable to illness. As a young child his strength was restored and has been maintained since by the healing techniques that are central to his teachings.

After completing Chuo University and studying with different teachers of Eastern healing theory and therapies, he came to the United States in 1970. In Washington, DC, he became the first shiatsu therapist at the Watergate Health club, where some of the nation’s leaders became his clients. But, his interest in education motivated him to start teaching. An invitation to teach in New York City offered him more opportunities to seek a career in practicing and teaching Eastern healing arts.

In 1974, he founded the Ohashi Institute, a nonprofit educational institution ,which today serves some 2000 students annually through its New York headquarters, and its US and international affiliates.

High Tech / High Touch

With today’s every increasing reliance on technology, individuals become more isolated and stressed. Ohashi says that the more high-tech we become, the more we need high quality touch and strongly believes that the Eastern concept of health can benefit 21st century men and women.

Ohashi continues to bridge the cultural gap between East and West, and between past and present, by demonstrating the relevance of traditional healing therapies to contemporary society.

Teaching around the World

A master teacher who brings humour and joy to his classes, Ohashi enriches the lives of everyone he meets with his positive view of the human condition. He has lectured and taught at the Omega Institute, the Esalen Institute, and numerous colleges, medical and chiropractic schools, and retreat centers. In addition he ha taught and lectured at aesthetic conferences in the United States, Europe, and Latin America, for L'Oreal Paris, and for the International Dermal Institute.

Practice Makes Perfect

Ohashi built a successful practice over the years, attracting such notable clients as Liza Minnelli, Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Michael York, Stan Getz, Ralph Lauren, Muhammad Ali, Ani DiFranco, Dr. Robert Thurman and Dr. Henry Kissinger. Ohashi says he learns from his clients and his students and feels honored to know all of them.

The Written Word

Ohashi has been featured in many prominent cultural and trade publications, including the New York Times, Daily News, Mademoiselle, New York Magazine, Yoga Journal, Forma Italy, Olis Italy, Asahi Shinbun Japan, Yomiuri America, New York Japion, New York Shyukan Seikatsu, Self, Hoje Em Dia Brazil, Forum Germany, Top Salute Italy, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Yediot Achronot Israel, Massage, and Dermascope. He was honoured with a Cultural Bridge Award in recognition of his role in popularizing the Japanese therapy of shiatsu in the United States and Europe in 2007.

He is the author of six books, which have been translated into eight languages and eight videos on his techniques used by laypeople, massage therapists and spa professionals.

For more info: www.ohashi.com

See also: Ohashi’s Books & DVDs