Home - About me
Mario Teixeira
Registered Shiatsu Therapist
I am a Registered Shiatsu Therapist in good standing with the S.T.A. (Shiatsu Therapy Association) of BC and an active member since 2008.
I received training and practiced Shiatsu for over 5 years in Portugal under the supervision of Master Yoshishige Okai. While working with Master Y. Okai, I also learned and practiced other types of treatments including Acupuncture, Moxabustion, Taping, So-Tai, and Sei-Tai, to name a few.
As a requirement from Master Y. Okai I also studied and practiced Hakkoryu Jujutsu, a Japanese style of Jujutsu which helped me become more confident in the treatments that I provided and helped me develop a keener knowledge of some injury symptoms and how to prevent them.
Training and Education
In 2004, I further trained with Master Carlos Marques and completed the first Level of Reiki, Usui Shiki Ryoho system.
In addition, I graduated from the last 1100 Hours Shiatsu Therapy Program at Langara College in August 2008 and have been providing Shiatsu treatments ever since.
Further training includes the first two levels of Western Sports Massage taught by Rod Cheston, RMT and more recently I have completed the Shin So Shiatsu Level 1 and 2 taught by Ted Saito, the founder of the Shin So Shiatsu system.
I am constantly looking into new and effective methods and techniques that will aid me in helping my Patients achieve their best well-being..
In 2023, I was honored to be recognized by Soke Yoshishige Okai and Nidai Soke Ryutaro Okai as the sole instructor and representative of Okai Shiatsu in North America.
I am also currently the official representative of Hakko Dento-ryu Yawara and Dento Shiatsu Igaku Ryoho, in North America, entrusted to carry forward these techniques and knowledge.
Background Story
edt the age of 10 years old after suffering an injury where I twisted my ankle and injured my wrist, I came across what later in life I would know as an Osteopath.
Those intriguing techniques were nothing but fascinating to me. While seating in his waiting room I witnessed several people walking in with pain and coming out pain free, some were barely walking on their way in and they were able to walk by themselves on their way out.
And, as time went by, those experiences started to trigger my interest more and more.
After being taught by that same Osteopath how to help a family member that had constant
Lower Back Pain episodes, to the point that he was not able to walk, my interest kept on growing and I started to become more and more comfortable with what I was doing.
For many years I was able to help people get rid of some pains that they had, from Lower Back Pains to the typical headaches, all this without having the adequate knowledge or study.
It was only in 1999 that I started practicing under the supervision and tutelage of Japanese Master Yoshishige Okai, for whom I ended up working for over 5 years at his clinics.
Upon arrival to Canada, I took the last 1100 hours Shiatsu Course held by Langara College, in order to obtain all the requirements to become a Registered Shiatsu Therapist here in BC.
One of the many reasons why I like Shiatsu so much is the fact that is a non-invasive Physical Therapy that helps the natural body healing.
Seeing the improvement on one’s health, the benefits they get after each treatment, and knowing that I helped them get there, is one of the best feelings one can ask for.
Just like watching a child growing, I have been witnessing my business going from one idea to slowly growing and allowing me to help and treat more and more people each and every day.
While completing my Shiatsu training in Canada, I began volunteering in 2008 at the Relay for Life in North Vancouver, BC, providing Shiatsu treatments. I continued to volunteer annually, later at the Coquitlam Relay for Life, until the COVID-19 pandemic.
I also attended the Coquitlam Farmers Market, not only because it helped me promote my business by interacting with wonderful people on each and every market, but also for all the fun that one can experience in those Markets. I think that in the end, if you do what you love and you love what you do, this will be reflected on your work.
And this is my case …
I do what I love and I love what I do!
