ABOUT OHASHI
About Ohashi
In Japanese the name “Ohashi” means “big bridge” – the perfect symbol for someone who has devoted his life to bringing Eastern modes of healing to the West. The originator of Ohashiatsu®/OHASHI Method®, Ohashi’s modality is a unique method of healing touch cultivated and based on ancient principles of meridian energy manipulation, traditional shiatsu (acupressure), Oriental medicine, Japanese martial arts and Zen philosophy. Ohashi continues to bridge the cultural gap between East and West, and between past and present, by demonstrating the continuing relevance of traditional healing therapies to contemporary society.
Ohashi’s experience with traditional oriental healing began in his infancy. Born in 1944, near Hiroshima, Japan, his weak constitution made him vulnerable to illness. As a young child his strength was restored and is maintained by healing techniques central to his teachings. Believing that the Eastern concept of health can benefit 21st century men and women, Ohashi has dedicated himself to the teaching and practice of this philosophy.
Ohashi came to the United States in 1970 after completing Chuo University and studying with different teachers of Eastern healing theory and therapies. In Washington, D.C., 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.
He moved to New York City where he founded the Shiatsu Education Center of America, which eventually became the Ohashi Institute. From 1974 to 2011 the Institute offered a complete study program and graduated thousands of students in Ohashi’s method of shiatsu.
Aside from teaching at his own Institute, Ohashi has lectured and taught internationally at other learning centers – Omega Institute, Esalen Institute, medical and chiropractic schools, retreat centers, and aesthetic conferences in the U.S., Europe and Latin America, for L’Oreal Paris, and for the International Dermal Institute. A master teacher who brings humor and joy to his classes, Ohashi enriches the lives of everyone he meets with his positive view of the human condition.
Over the years, his successful practice has attracted such notables as Liza Minelli, 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.
Ohashi is the author of six books, which have been translated into eight languages, and 11 videos on his technique. 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, Novi List, Sensa, Massage, and Dermascope.
In 2007, he was honored with a Cultural Bridge Award in recognition of his role in popularizing the Japanese therapy of shiatsu in the United States and Europe; he has received special recognition from the Shiatsu Society (UK), the German Shiatsu Association, and the Italian Shiatsu Association. In 2013, Ohashi was awarded Honorary Membership in the Belgian Shiatsu Federation.