John Doyle

John Doyle Quick Facts

Main Areas: Structural Integration, Myofascial Release, Movement Education, Anatomy
Career Focus: Manual Therapist, Teacher
Affiliation: Rolf Institute, International Association of Structural Intergrators (IASI), International Somatioc & Movement Education Association (ISMETA), Association of Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

"Exploring the human body in motion and how to encourage our experience of its grace and balance has been my passion for almost 30 years. Originally from Canada, I majored in Philosophy at the  
University of Toronto and went on to do graduate studies in Philosophy and History of Science at Oxford University in England.

I came to the Bay Area  to pursue my interest in Hatha Yoga (Iyengar style), martial arts (Yang style Tai Chi Chuan) and dance (primarily postmodern, contact improvisation, mask dance and butoh). I taught yoga and dance, and have been a frequent performer since 1988. Dance remains a fundamental means of self-exploration and self-expression for me, especially the 5 Rhythms approach developed by Gabrielle Roth. I also enjoy travel, hiking, cross-country skiing, and working out at the gym. More recently I have become an enthusiastic golfer, as well as reconnecting with Tai Chi.

I was first certified in Swedish/Esalen massage through the San Francisco School of Massage in 1985 and went on to study other modalities, including: Acupressure (at the Acupressure Institute), Polarity Therapy (with Alan Seigel), Jin Shin  Do, Breema Shiatsu (with Nadine Kachur), Trager (with Janet Macleod), Rosen Method Bodywork (with Gloria Hesselund and Marion Rosen). In 2004 I passed the NCTMB exam, becoming nationally certified in massage therapy.

My own approach to bodywork has often been eclectic, incorporating at times the receptive energy balancing of Jin Shin Do, the rocking motions of Trager, and the more psychological approach of Rosen Method, listening deeply with my hands and following the client's breath. It has also been shaped very much by Continuum Movement meditation, which has led me to become more sensitive to inner and intrinsic movement, as well as the power of wave motion, breath and sound to transform what we tend to think of as fixed structures.

My focus continues to be the human body as a whole and how best to work through its structures to recover from injury, restore balance, and enliven self-expression. This led me to begin the Rolf Institute training in 2002, becoming certified in Structural Integration and Rolf Movement in 2004, as well as by the Certification Board for Structural Integration in 2007. I became a Certified Advanced Rolfer in 2008. I am also a member of professional organizations such as:

• Association of Massage & Bodywork Professionals (ABMP)
  

• International Association of Structural Integrators (IASI)
  

• International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy
  Association (ISMETA).
  

I'm dedicated to extending my understanding and skills in Manual Therapy and currently enrolled in the Advanced Rolfing program. My  recent continuing education has included:

• Manual Management of Pain (with Barrett Dorko, P.T.)
  

• Spinal Rotations and Scoliosis (w/ Rolfers Jan Sultan and Michael Salveson)
  

• The Neurology of Posture (w/ Don Hazen, D.C.)
  

• Biomechanics of Alignment (w/ Liz Gaggini)
  

• Myofascial Release (w/ Teresa Schmidt, P.T.)
  

• CranioSacral Therapy I (w/ Ingrid Bacci)
  

• Advanced Rolfer Certification (w/ Michael Salveson & Carol Agneesens)

Beginning in 2008, I have also been teaching anatomy as part of the Advanced Bodywork Therapist program at the San Francisco School of Massage."

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