Development of Makiko Method

Development of Makiko Method
(Based on Personal Experiences)
About 12 years ago, I experienced back aches due to poorly taught Pilates and Dance techniques. I was not able to stand well and straighten my back for more than two months. Since I was developing my dance career, it was a scary experience. Of course, I consulted one of the best sports medicine doctors in NYC. Unfortunately, or as it fortunately turned out, my MRI showed that my lower spine/lumbar curve was well preserved and my tail bone was normal. However, without knowing the problem or cause, the 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, except to say “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”.

I sought answers for my pain by trying several types of exercises including Yoga, Gyrotonic Expansion System, classic style stretch, Feldenkrais Method, Rolfing, Chiropractic, massages, and so on. And I realized that the type of exercise was not the most important factor, instead, the manner or approach that the exercise is applied. And it had to be based on a proper understanding of not only human anatomy, but also the inter-relationships and inter-dependencies between the body’s sub-systems and mechanics. I also realized that the manner or approach is strongly related to the positive (or negative) energy of both the practitioner and recipient.

What I’m about to say may sound strange for many persons who exercise. However, I also realized that in common 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. So I became very sensitive and focused on the correct versus the incorrect movements. I learned how words are improperly used or misinterpreted, which then resulted in improper physical movements.

I learned how incorrect movements generated bad habits that negatively influenced a person’s health. I learned how emotions affect body movements. For example, when a person is angry, he/she will tighten their jaw, which causes neck stiffness. So it’s better to loosen the jaw first before doing any type of 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.

Through continuous personal enlightenment and formal certification processes, as outlined in my profile, my practice has evolved into the Makiko Method. 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, their willingness to embrace different ideas and approaches, and above all, for placing their trust in me. Their commitment to the Makiko Method has resulted in countless persons believing in, and applying their own, Natural Healing Power.