This is the very beginning of the Makiko Method-Posture Balance Approach.

(Based on Personal Experiences)
I experienced back aches due to the Pilates and Dance techniques that were poorly taught. I could not stand well and straighten my back for over two months. Since I was developing my dance career, it was a scary experience. Of course, I visited and consulted the best sports medicine doctors in NYC. My MRI showed that my lower spine/lumbar curve was well preserved, and my tailbone was normal. However, without knowing the problem or cause, a doctor referred me to a physical therapist. So, I questioned how he could choose a treatment without understanding the problem. When I asked him, “What is the problem? Why do I have pain?” he could not give me an answer and told me, “Just try physical therapy. OK ?” It was not OK. He did not know anything about my body! I was a dancer and did not want to do something that may worsen the problem or waste my time, money, and energy. So, I became interested in discovering the meaning of “Truth in Health.” and healing myself.

I sought answers for my pain by trying several exercises, including Yoga, the Gyrotonic Expansion System, classic style stretch, the Feldenkrais Method, Rolfing, Chiropractic, and massages. I realized that the type of exercise was not the most critical factor; instead, it was the manner or approach that the exercise was applied. The answer was a proper understanding of the inter-relationships and interdependencies between the body’s sub-systems and mechanics, more than just a human anatomy. I also realized that the manner or approach strongly relates to both the practitioner and recipient’s positive (or negative) energy.

What I’m about to say may sound strange to many people who exercise. However, I also realized that in typical Pilates, Yoga, Dance, or other exercise movement, the usual instructions being given should be the direct opposite; in other words, the instructions needed to be: 1) Do not draw/pull in or hold your abs, 2) Do not squeeze your butt, 3) Do not tuck your pelvis, 4) Do not push your shoulders down.

Please try to do this: 1. Pull in your abdomen, 2. Squeeze your butt. How do those restrictions make you feel? Can you breathe? Do you feel free to move?

I learned how unnatural restrictive movements generate bad habits that negatively influence a person’s health. I also learned how emotions affect body movements. For example, when a person is angry, he/she will tighten his/her jaw, which causes neck stiffness. So, it’s better to loosen the jaw before doing any strengthening exercise.

Everything was making sense now !!!  My mission to discover “Truth in Health” has taken me well beyond the body’s nervous, muscular, and skeletal subsystems and far from my Pilates beginnings.

My practice has evolved into the Makiko Method- Posture Balance Approach through continuous personal enlightenment and formal certification processes, as outlined in my profile. As I continue to apply my techniques and concepts, my derived knowledge and experience are absorbed and harmonized naturally into my senses and intuition.

I am most grateful to my clients for their open-mindedness, willingness to embrace different ideas and approaches, and, above all, for trusting me. Their commitment to the Makiko Method has resulted in countless people believing in and applying their Natural Healing Power.

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