The best of Japanese medicine comes to St Leonards

Japanese shiatsu practitioner Dave Riddell has recently relocated his business from Melbourne to the Bellarine Peninsula, bringing a world of Japanese wisdom with him.

Residents across the Geelong and Bellarine region can now access the healing powers of Japanese medicine including shiatsu therapy, Sotai, Tsubo and Moxa therapy as well as Meridian and hot stone therapy.

Dave also offers Japanese cupping, Dr Manaka Protocols, neuromuscular dry needling, sauna and TPD lamp treatments in conjunction with dietary therapeutics.

Involved with the Japanese arts since 1968, Dave’s father lived in Japan during the ‘50s where he was inspired by
Japanese people and their culture, a love that has passed on to his son.

In ‘60s the Japanese Karate Association (JKA) sent Japanese Instructors to teach Shotokan Karate in the UK where in 1968 David joined them as a nine-year-old, training four nights a week.

Dave said after many years he realised he was not only learning the art of Karate, but the warm up and stretching techniques and post-isometric relaxation techniques were from the Japanese art of Sotai.

“These techniques were done before and after training along with pressing on points of the anatomy in areas that were sore or injured along the twelve (Jing Jin) referred to as the Tendino-Muscle Meridians,” he said.

Having completed a diploma in Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies from renowned Australian Shiatsu College, and a postgraduate certificate in Japanese needle therapy Dave frequents Japan regularly to perfect his practices.

“Everyone is aware of Chinese medicine but not so much Japanese. Chinese medicine is still very traditional whereas Japanese medicine uses the latest technology, it’s really advanced with the times,” he said.

“I go to Japan yearly and every seven years spend a month there. There’s a big conference where they’ve researched the
effectiveness of Japanese medicine. We look at the research and implementing the technology.”

Having spent a large chunk of his life in the country, Dave speaks Japanese and appreciates the Zen nature of their medicine.

“We treat the cause not the symptoms, it’s a full body treatment. This time of year, the treatments are very useful
to counteract the cold weather and associated pain from the elements.

Cupping and Japanese hot stone treatment is utilised a lot over winter,” he said.

“I’ve specialised in Tendino-Muscle Meridians pain and disorders for the past nine years.

I’ve also done further studies on the eight extraordinary vessels as they are very useful in treating pain and attended many other Japanese Keiraku Chiryo CEPD courses to enhance knowledge.

“After 50 years of Shotokan Karate I think I am experienced when it comes to pain, and I can sympathise and feel my clients’ pain. My aim is to give my clients pain relief and good sound advice on their physical activities, the same as I have had over my journey.”

For more information and to check out the full range of services go to bushidoshiatsu.com.au, phone Dave on 0439 329864 or email [email protected].