Hello, I'm Shelly.
I hail from Olympia, Washington and moved to Portland, Oregon with my daughter in the early '90s. I have been providing shiatsu therapy since 1996 and received my Masters in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2014. When I'm not with patients in my clinic, I am usually out walking my dog, making herbal potions, playing music, traveling, or swimming in the Columbia River with my partner. You can read more about my journey into the healing arts below and see my credentials to the right >> (scroll down if viewing on your phone) Thank you for visiting my site and I hope to see You soon! Best wishes, Shelly how i came to the world of healing arts: I first became interested in the healing arts while studying anthropology in undergrad, at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. In one of my programs, we studied healing modalities of indigenous cultures throughout the world---from Lakota medicine women, Navajo shamans, and Mexican Curanderas to Chinese Taoist priests, Indian Yogis, and Basque witches. I was intrigued by the healing arts and wanted to research more. Soon this fascination became more than academic. I began seeing a naturopathic doctor for digestive issues in 1986 and started learning and exploring the natural ways you can treat illnesses with foods, herbs, fresh air, and meditation. Eventually I decided, I wanted to pursue a career in the healing arts. I love using my hands and I was particularly drawn to hands-on healing modalities, such as, reflexology, acupressure, and Thai massage. Eventually, I decided to get my massage therapy degree and started my massage practice in 1996. I mainly practiced deep tissue massage, and pressure point therapy, until I was introduced to Zen Shiatsu---a Japanese healing modality developed by Shizuto Masanaga. When I received my first shiatsu session, I was instantly intrigued. I couldn't believe how amazing it felt and how it resolved my chronic low back pain and calmed my anxiety. I knew I wanted to study this modality. From that point on, I studied, interned, practiced, and eventually became a teacher of shiatsu. This became my main form of bodywork, laying the groundwork for further studies in Asian medicine theory. During my first seven years as a licensed massage therapist, I had the amazing experience of providing shiatsu at the Immune Enhancement Project, and soon became a shiatsu instructor at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) ---teaching there for ten years. Through the years, I have studied Qi Gong, Tai Qi, Tuina, and practiced Yoga on a regular basis. I have traveled to New York and the UK for shiatsu and meditation seminars with top Masters in the field, as well as hosted seminars for my teachers. After 18 years of practicing shiatsu, I decided to pursue my Masters in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Now I'm combining it all! I have found that working in the healing arts is a lifestyle; Self-care is essential! The lifestyle shifts I advise for my clients are the same things I work on daily for myself. Above all, I get out into nature OFTEN to rejuvenate myself so that I can be fully present for my people. It all weaves together in a flow, my work and personal life! I love this practice and feel lucky to be a part of the greater effort towards healing our planet. Much gratitude to my most influential teachers: Pauline Sasaki--Shiatsu Master (NY), Jeffery Yuen--Taoist Priest and Chinese Medicine Doctor (NY), Kenneth Glowacki--Chinese Medicine Doctor (OCOM), Joe Coletto--Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist (OCOM), Kiiko Mastsumoto--Acupuncture Master (OR), Clifford Andrews--Acupuncturist and Shiatsu Instructor (UK), Carola Beresford-Cooke --Acupuncturist and Shiatsu Instructor (UK), Iris Wolf--Physical Therapist (OR), Lindy Ferrigno--Shiatsu Instructor (OR) and Sande Mullaney--Shiatsu Instructor (OR). “You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -- over and over announcing your place in the family of things.” ― Mary Oliver |
Certifications:
Licensed Acupuncturist by the State of Oregon - 2015 Diplomate of Acupuncture by the NCCAOM - 2014 Advanced Shiatsu Therapy Certifications - 2004--2006 Licensed Massage Therapist (OR), 1996 - present Shiatsu Therapy Degree - 1996 Member of the American Massage Therapy Association since 1996 Clinical Experience: Alberta Street Acupuncture Clinic, Portland, OR Practicing Massage Therapy and Shiatsu since 1996. OCOM Community Clinics, Portland, OR Clinical Internship - 2013-2014 Central City Concern (CCC), Portland, OR Clinical Internship - 2013 Immune Enhancement Project, Portland, OR Shiatsu Practitioner - 1996 - 2005 East-West College of Healing Arts Student Clinic, Portland, OR Massage Therapist - 1995-1996 Teaching Experience Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Portland, OR Shiatsu Therapy Instructor - 2005-2010 Shiatsu Clinic supervisor - 2000-2010 Costa Rica school of Massage , Samara, Costa Rica. Shiatsu Instructor - 2008 and 2009 Education: Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) Portland, OR Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine -- 2010-2014 The Shiatsu College -- Norwich, England Post-graduate degree in Shiatsu Therapy - 2005-2006 Pauline Sasaki Seminars --New York Advanced Shiatsu Certfications -- 2001--2010 East-West College of Healing Arts - Portland, OR Massage Therapy Degree -- 1995-1996 Zen Shiatsu Certification -- 1996 The Evergreen State College - Olympia, WA BA in Liberal Arts: Anthropology &Photography -1989 Other Training:
***working at the Immune Enhancement Project providing shiatsu for people with cancer, HIV, MS, and chronic pain, I witnessed people in serious physical and emotional pain. Receiving regular treatment here, people find they can live more comfortably in their bodies -- despite their serious illnesses. The touch, the attention, and the wise council of this clinic's providers, is a much needed 'alternative' to taking drugs and going home to wait it out. Working here, I watched people gain inspiration and strength to keep fighting to heal their bodies. This experience became the foundation for how I approach treatment in my private practice today--carrying on the tradition of providing this powerful triad of acupuncture, shiatsu, and herbs. |