DoAnn T. Kaneko is a doctor of oriental medicine, acupuncturist, lecturer and author. A graduate of Saint Paul Rikkyo University, Toyo Acupuncture College, and SAMRA University & Health Sciences, he is a second generation practitioner of his family’s traditional healing art: Anma Massage (Meridian Anma) and acupuncture.
Recent Projects
He is dedicated to educating children and families on the healing arts and recently completed his third video “Monkey Business and the Music Hands Man” (2016) . This video implements his idea of family education which promotes living in an artistic, compassionate and organic environment, in contrast to the materialistic and high-tech environment we live in. The fun, healing practice that he demonstrates was also introduced in his last book, “The Bamboo Princess and the Music Hands Man”. The Princess Bamboo tells a magical story about healing, faith, and compassion suitable for young children as well as readers of all ages.
Lectures
Dr. Kaneko has lectured throughout his career and continues to lecture at advanced workshops, most recently at the CenterPoint Massage & Shiatsu Therapy School & Clinic in Minneapolis, successfully founded by one of his most skilled graduates, Cary Johnson. His former school, Shiatsu Massage School of California, founded in 1982, for which he was an academic director until 2014, has trained a couple thousand people in the Shiatsu-Anma form.
In the past his lectures have taken him to centers such as the Ido Clinic (1976-79), Meridian Shiatsu School in Philadelphia (1990), Shiatsu School of Canada (2006), and Ryoki Shiatsu Kenkyu Sho in Colombia (2007) CenterPoint Massage & Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic (1999-present). The renowned Yoga master, Larry Payne of the Samata International Yoga & Holistic Institute has frequently invited Dr. Kaneko to the Institute to lecture.
Community Service
The City of Santa Monica has received many benefits from the generosity of Dr. Kaneko and the staff of the Shiatsu Massage School of California. Dr. Kaneko has offered his time to serve on the Health Committee of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. He has offered free services for senior citizens in order to promote their health and wellbeing, such as Shiatsu treatments with the school and his Doin (Daoyin in Chinese) practice for special events such as the L.A. City Recreation and Parks/50 + Fitness Jamboree Expo. He has also participated at other expos such as the Japan Expo in LA, Through Doin and Qigong community classes offered each week, countless people have been helped to enjoy greater physical and emotional health and to live better lives. According to Dr. Kaneko, healthier, happier people become better citizens and create a more peaceful community.
Dr. Kaneko has given freely of his time and knowledge in order to be of service to the community. He also worked to assist Ironman world champion Bob Wieland during his amazing cross-country journey by wheelchair.
Schools & Clinic
He has practiced and taught the healing arts in Japan and the U.S. since 1970. Some of the centers he has worked are at the Shiatsu Dojo & Yoga Ananda Ashram (1975-76), Tao Healing Arts Center in Soho, N.Y. (1979-81), Santa Barbara College of Acupuncture (1982), California Acupuncture College(1984) and the Boulder Massage School in the 1980’s and the Boston Shiatsu Center.
He also founded the Tao Healing Arts Center in 1982 and ran it until 2007 where he treated many patients and continues to help people find better health today. Dr. Kaneko developed, introduced, and established the “Short Form” of Shiatsu treatment technique based on Dr. Serizawa’s definition and the “Long Form” of popular Anma massage therapy in Japan. This was the main style taught at the Shiatsu Massage School of California.
Other accomplishments
* Assistant instructor for the Medical Acupuncture for Physicians (1997)
* President of the Japanese Acupuncture Association of California (1992)
* Served as a translator in the Acupuncture Examination Committee (1985-90)
* Co-founder of the American Shiatsu Association; vice president; (1984)
Acknowledgements
Dr. Kaneko and his work are well-known and respected within the alternative health community. His work is often mentioned and praised in local Santa Monica newspapers as well as in magazines such as Japan Times, Whole Life Times, and Santa Monica Monthly. Through his writing and his lectures, his teachings are known and admired far beyond the local community. in 1992, Dr. Kaneko was presented with the Institute’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Other Books & Videos
He published “Shiatsu and Anma Therapy – DoAnn’s Short & Long Form” (2004) demonstrating his own forms. He also created the video, “DoAnn’s ChiGong / Healing Ourselves through Baduanjin: Eight Silk Movements & Tree ChiGong” (2014) and “Music Hands & Money Business” (2016).
Beliefs
Taoism is an important part of Dr. Kaneko’s philosophy and his approach to a balanced daily life. He also has a strong belief in the practice of Nichiren Buddhism (SGI). Since 1979, he has found growing wisdom and compassion in Buddhism. Through his teaching and through his writing, Dr Kaneko extends his knowledge to promote a better world: peace, happiness and good health in daily life. All of his work demonstrates his goal to share unconditional happiness through faith, study and spiritual practice.
