Training and Practice
I learned therapeutic massage in an eight year apprenticeship with an accomplished practitioner. During that time and for twenty years after I studied Chinese Tai Chi Chuan and Chi-kung, which are regarded in Asia as essential for development as a therapist. This is the traditional way to enter professional practice.
Though I was well qualified when I began to serve the public in 1983 I have continued to learn specific therapeutic information and practical applictions from the people who come to me as clients. The endless variations of human conditions do not always fit pre-conceived ideas and procedures. A therapist must be willing to set aside habits of thinking. Clinical and field experiences over many years have prompted me to devise and refine new techniques.
People seek massage for all reasons. Healthy people want to preserve good health or prepare for athletic events—or recover from them! Others want relief from physical injuries, disease, or difficult times that seem too stressful. I have seen an asthma attack stopped by massage; a post lady with a sprained ankle got up and walked away after Seifuku-jitsu, which is translated as 'Japanese Restorative Massage'.
Skin Care and the Spa
I have a California esthetician's license and enjoyed providing massage and facials at a day spa in the East Bay where I also hired and trained other practitioners. Cosmetology school and my work in the spa showed me the importance of womens' concern with skin and appearance and how to effect improvements.
One welcome discovery in this field is 302 Skincare. The prevalence of 'magic' ingredients and chemical processes in skin esthetics such as chemical peels—triggers my sense of caution as a practitioner of natural health. The products and philosophy of 302 Skincare are welcome rays of light.
My Practice Today
I enjoy informally hosting clients in my rather large Southside apartment for massage, tea, and conversation. Anyone interested in massage, natural health, or skin care is welcome to drop by.
Yours in health,
Glen Kohler
Resume
Glen Kohler, CMT, LE
Massage Therapist and Licensed Esthetician
Professional Experience
| 2004 - 2005 | Massage/Esthetics/Manager | Ginger Springs Day Spa | Point Richmond, CA |
Performs expert massage therapy, facials and body treatments.
Hires, trains and supervises massage therapists and estheticians.
Daily operations, marketing and community outreach.
| 1976 - 2007 | Massage Therapist | Japanese/Asian Massage | Berkeley/SF |
Specialist in Asian therapeutic & medical techniques.
Extensive experience with post-traumatic conditions.
Developed programs for SF hotels, including the Fairmont and the St. Francis.
Patient listener and communicator.
| 1983 - 2000 | Massage Instructor | Health Arts wellness | Berk., Oakland, CA |
State-licensed provider of Post-secondary Adult Education.
Developed & taught C.E. courses for R.N.'s & R.P.T's.
Taught massage certification program for American Judo & Ju-jitsu
Federation.
| 1979 - 2005 | Tai Chi & Chi-kung Instructor | Health Arts wellness | Berkeley,
CA, |
Taught therapeutic exercises for all ages & physical conditions.
Conveyed core concepts to non-Asian students.
Worked with students of all ages, backgrounds and professions.
| 1992 - 2001 | Wellness Consultant | Health Arts wellness | S.F.
Bay Area, |
Developed holistic programs in ergonomics and stress management.
Brought multi-cultural approach to occupational health and safety.
Worked with major Bay Area corporations and colleges: Sun Microsystems,
Hilton Hotels,
Sheraton Hotels, U.C. Berkeley Engineering Dean's Office, City College of S.F.
Education
| 1976 - 84 | Seifuku-jitsu massage | Han Shin Kan Dojo | Sonoma, CA |
| 1983 | Human Anatomy & Physiology | Laney College | Oakland,
CA |
| 1983 | Amma Shiatsu massage | Amma Institute | S.F., CA |
| 1985 | Swedish Massage | East/West College | Portland, OR |
| 1987 - 92 | Chinese massage & manipulation | Stephen Chen, L.Ac | S.F.,
CA |
| 1976 - 80 | Tai Chi Chuan | Sifu Choy Kam Man | S.F., CA |
| 1980 - 96 | Tai Chi Chuan & Chi-kung | Sifu Fong Ha | Berkeley, CA |
| 2003 | Skin Esthetics | World Vision College | Oakland,
CA |
| 2003 - 05 | Advanced Esthetics | Eva's Esthetics, 302 Skincare | SF Bay Area |