Zen Body and Breath

Shiatsu is very relaxing and focuses on maintaining that relaxation to promote self-healing.  We work together to find the quality of touch that will bring expansion and align you with your goals.

Shiatsu works to improve the communication pathways within the body by releasing tension and harmonizing with a healthy function.  The physical and energetic bodies are treated in tandem for synergistic integration.  Touch therapy listens for the potential to create space and increase circulation.  By witnessing the vastness of spirit through time, one can achieve healing throughout their lifeline--addressing both trauma and chronic conditions.  

Although the principals of Shiatsu are maintained throughout the therapeutic session, several modalities are used interchangeably to increase efficiency: Thai massage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and Trager technique.

We mix our oil in-house: a combination of organic Coconut oil and Shea Butter with a blend of seven essential oils.  This upgrade gives you access to cupping and gua sha, as well as more of the gliding strokes practiced in Swedish massage.  

These techniques help to decompress the flesh and aid circulation by bringing stagnant fluids to the surface.  It's great for recovery after intense workouts, recovering from surgery, and addressing old injuries.  The oil itself helps moisturize the skin and treat inflammation.  The pleasant aroma aids relaxation as well.

Mind, Body, and Breath are the three vehicles of Yoga.  Body directs the breath; breath focuses the mind, and mind governs the body.  Synchronizing these three vehicles deepens awareness, develops consciousness, and strengthens resilience.   

Awareness of the breath is emphasized throughout the treatment.  Movements and postures are sometimes offered at the end of treatment or upon request.  However, a personal practice will bring the greatest benefit towards health.  Guidance will accelerate your growth.  Inquire about how Zen Yoga can be tailored to your needs.

Chinese Medicine teaches us about how Qi flows through the body, including which organ receives the most benefit at what hour of the day.  We can optimize the natural healthy function of our body by aligning our routine with the natural flow of Qi.   Learn how your current habits may be creating stress in your system and how to make simple changes to be more in-tune with this natural flow.

Private bathroom and shower - body wash and fresh towels provided

Filtered drinking water

Homemade massage oil - a blend of oils to moisturize, reduce irritation, and promote healing of the skin

Buckwheat bolsters - to support the body, enhance comfort, and promote alignment

Aromatherapy 

Nature sounds - ocean waves to promote relaxed breathing and manage excessive thinking

Temperature regulation - Abundant radiant heat in the winter, Air conditioning in the summer, fans for circulation, and HEPA air filter and window access for fresh air.

Sacred space - intentional  room for healing and relaxation

Sound therapy - bells and bowls

Born and raised in the SW suburbs of Chicago, Kyle was a very curious child and had a talent for abstract thinking.  He pursued education in many branches of science and mathematics as a way of searching for answers to shape the understanding of reality and purpose.  Ultimately unfulfilled with employment prospects focused on expanding capital or academic careers fighting over publication references, Kyle turned his attention inwards to the parts that were neglected since childhood.  While working as a private tutor for high school and college students in physics, mathematics, and chemistry, Kyle was able to pursue alternative education in Yoga which would feed the soul.  During his five year stay in Seattle, Kyle pursued spiritual enrichment and exploration of the body through dance, martial arts, and qigong.  Out in the PNW Kyle met the Radical Faeries, who would transform and shape Kyle’s life unlike any other group.

After moving back to Chicago in 2020, Kyle returned to school to pursue studies of alternative healing modalities, with an emphasis in Shiatsu.  Because of his experience with meditation, empathy, compassion, body awareness, body-weight sharing, and an independent bodywork practice; Kyle’s education accelerated the development of intuitive touch.  The paradigm of Chinese Medicine expanded his consciousness and kept him coming back for more.  He completed advanced coursework with the school and continues to enroll in classes to further cultivate personal wellness to share with clients.  

Zen Shiatsu

Shiatsu Massage Therapy Diploma Program, 2023

AOBTA certified practitioner of Shiatsu, 2023

Licenced Massage Therapist in Illinois, 2024

Advanced Clinical Shiatsu Practice Program, 2023

Zen Shiatsu Mastery training with Grandmother Winter Jade Forest, 2024

Blue Lotus Thai Healing Studies

200-h Thai Bodywork program, 2021

Tejas Yoga

250-h Yoga teacher training, 2015

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Bachelors of Science in Physics and Chemistry, 2012