part through noticing several students who expected yoga to eliminate their chronic aches and pains, yet never practiced yoga outside of a once-weekly class. She considered shiatsu a way to help such people without expecting them to do anything on their own. She is now able to combine shiatsu techniques with yoga poses in what she calls "yogatsu" sessions for her clients. In addition to her bodywork practice and teaching a yoga class, Laurel also enjoys writing. She is currently exploring business writing, especially in regard to health and wellness.
Sondra Samos came to BSC after graduating from CenterPoint in 2002. She had previously worked as an occupational therapist, with an emphasis on mental health. She was first exposed to shiatsu thanks to her chiropractor, who referred Sondra to Karen for treatments. Sondra became hooked on shiatsu (as so many of us have) and decided to make it her new career. In addition to her practice at BSC, Sondra now gives shiatsu to residents at some of the same memory care facilities where she previously did occupational therapy. She appreciates a new awareness of body language and facial expressions which is critical when working on residents who cannot speak. Others can tell her where they hurt, and they now get excited upon seeing her come down the hall to offer shiatsu.
Each of these bodyworkers has a distinct "favorite" aspect to their practice. For Karen, it was the realization that she has been seeing many of her clients for 10 years or longer. This came about in response to signs about the 15th anniversary posted in the office. Sondra values her role as an East-meets-West practitioner. She finds her Western medical background useful in shiatsu sessions and now brings shiatsu to places where she used to do occupational therapy. Laurel appreciates the relaxation and healing she receives while giving shiatsu. Coming in to work has provided a respite from the daily stresses of raising a family. She also enjoys talking with clients and using her wellness coach training to provide them with new directions to explore in improving their health and well-being.
The secret of all this success? While other practitioners have worked for shorter periods at BSC over the years, Karen claims these three musketeers are just "lucky we've been together a long time, lucky we get along really well and lucky we work together really well."
To learn more about Burnsville Shiatsu Center and Karen, Laurel and Sondra, please visit their website
www.shiatsucenter.com/
The Board of AOBTA®-MN congratulates all three of these dedicated shiatsu practitioners on their contributions to 15 years of successful operation at Burnsville Shiatsu Center.
