Shiatsu Therapy

Shiatsu is gaining more and more acceptance as a means of healing. The goal of Shiatsu is to influence the internal organs as well as balance the overall physical and psychological functioning of the body. Shiatsu can help to reduce various ailments by incorporating deep pressure techniques and utilizing acupoints in its treatment. By removing stagnation and balancing energy flows, it helps ward off the onset of illness, therefore being an excellent form of preventive health maintenance.
Shiatsu, along with proper exercise and diet, is an effective way to maintain optimum health, prevent ailments and ensure physical, spiritual and emotional health. Emotional anxiety, stress, frustration and depression often times associated with injury may be significantly diminished with regular treatment, making Shiatsu beneficial to those in the process of recuperation.
The objective of Karens Shiatsu Therapy is to:

unblock channels with deep pressure to facilitate faster healing in the injured athlete
incorporate the use of orthopedic work for injuries
for chronic conditions keep dancers performing at their highest level
calm the emotions often times associated with overwork, performance pressure and recuperation from injury
fight fatigue and predisposition to injury
assist the body to relieve tension and stress
promote recovery from repetitive dance class, workout or daily exertion

Shiatsu's foundation is pressure, and the massage is primarily constructed around pressure techniques, so no oil is used. Oil makes it difficult to grip skin or muscle or to apply pressure. You do not need to disrobe for Shiatsu. The client should wear light, loose, comfortable clothes in a natural fiber like cotton.

Endorsements

"Karen is open minded, well trained and an excellent Shiatsu therapist. Not only am I a regular client, but I also recommend her to and trust her with my dancers – therefore I recommend her to anyone."

Mikko Nissinen,

Artistic Director

Boston Ballet

"...Mind, Body, Spirit and Healing is what I think of when I'm having a session with Karen. Her Shiatsu Therapy has helped me recover from back surgery and a shoulder injury as I train for the Iron Man. As an athlete, Karen's bodywork is just as important as working out- working to obtain harmony. I would highly recommend her therapy to anyone. Greatly appreciated."

Bob Ell, athlete Iron Man Triathlon World Championship 2000

"...Karen's work on me was healing and rejuvenating. She balanced me and helped me through some rigorous performances."

Marisa Tomei
Academy Award winning actress

"Karen, thank you so very much!!! Thanks for everything- I am so happy and grateful I had the opportunity to work with you!"

Keenan Kampa, soloist, Mariinsky Ballet, Russia

"I receive Shiatsu Therapy from Karen Gardner on a regular basis. It is the only bodywork therapy I prefer as it helps balance my bodymindspirit. It is extremely beneficial to my daily and performance life."

Misa Kuranaga, Principal Dancer, San Franscisco Ballet

"Finding a healthy balance in life isn’t easy. Regular visits with Karen keep me centered, in tune and on track, enabling an internal balance which is essential in today’s world."

Elizabeth Olds
Artistic Administrator / Assistant to the Artistic Director, Boston Ballet

"Dancers need their mind and body connection to be at its best in order to effectively perform and have their true artistry show through. Karen is very skilled in restoring or tuning up that connection. I have been impressed with Karen's ability to treat the whole patient and get to the crux of the issues at the same time. She is a master at using the Shiatsu technique to calm the sympathetic nervous system relieving muscle tightness, pain and alleviating stress. When we are sharing patients, they return to me ready and able to progress in physical therapy feeling more relaxed and with less pain after seeing her. She is wonderful to work with!"

Heather Southwick, MSPT Director of Physical Therapy, Boston Ballet

"...Karen's technique is consistently precise and studied- a credit to the rigor of her training. She's one of a very few Westerners who've taken the time and trouble to master the details of this ancient, healing art..."

Catherine A. Salmons, Journalist
Boston Magazine

"...I have experienced almost all types of massage due to my work and discovered that Karen's application of the Shiatsu technique was most beneficial in both relaxing me and re-energizing my body simultaneously. She's simply the best!"

Annbritt Gemmer
Conductor/Music Director
National Tour, "Miss Saigon"

"Karen,
Thanks for keeping me balanced and helping me become the best I can be!
Your friend."

Paul Craig
Principal Dancer, Boston Ballet

"Dear Karen, Thank you for understanding my body better than I do! With affection and gratitude."

Petra Conti

Prima Ballerina

"Dear Karen,
Thank you for the excellent work you do for all of us at Boston Ballet. You are a valued and much loved member of our family."

Tony Randazzo
Ballet Master

"Dearest Karen,
Thank you for all of your healing help - your mastery has helped me through so many injuries and shows."

Rachel Cossar

Artist, Boston Ballet

"All my love!"

Erica Cornejo
Principal dancer, Boston Ballet

"Dear Karen,
Thank you for all your healing treatments, your constant encouragement and the beautiful way you support and respect every artist you meet."

Sarah Wroth
Artist, Boston Ballet

"Dear Karen, Thank you so much for your help and treatments. We love you so very much."

Lasha Khozashvili & Ekaterine Chubinidze

Principal Dancers

"Karen, You are such a wonderful and kind healer! Thank you for ALL that you do! Love forever."

John Lam

Principal Dancer, Boston Ballet

"Karen,
Thank you for your magic hands and keeping me on stage!!"

Kathleen Breen Combes
Principal dancer, Boston Ballet

"Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for fixing me every time I needed it!!! You are the Best
Big love!!! xxx"

Anais Chalendard
Principal dancer, Boston Ballet

"Thank you Karen! I will miss you!!"

Alejandro Virelles
Principal dancer, English National Ballet

"Karen, I will miss you so much! I can't thank you enough for healing me. You are incredible!"

Yoko Callegari,

Ballerina, Staatsballett Berlin

"Dear Karen,

You are truly a wonder woman healer and bright light of a human being! I cannot thank you enough for the support, love and comfort you have shared with me during my time in Boston. Your hands not only provide muscle magic, but also an immediate feeling of Zen and "everything will be alright" - sort of comfort.

I have so much love and gratitude for you, I'm going to miss you so much! If you ever feel like getting away for a wine tour or some pastries, I'll be waiting for you in Strasbourg!

Thank you for being here.

Lots of love."

Brett Fukuda

Ballet de L'Opera national du Rhin

"Karen is magic! As a professional ballet dancer, it’s necessary to take care of my body and Karen has been a huge part of that throughout my career. Having relocated, I am in a constant search to find someone that is as talented and intuitive as Karen and have had little success. Her ability to assess my body’s needs and restore not only my physical wellness but my mental wellness is unmatched. Karen is truly one of a kind and I highly recommend her!"

Dawn Nicole Atkins

Principal Dancer

Miami City Ballet