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Profile

Shizuka "Shico" Moriwaki – A Trailblazer in Wellness and Therapy

Shizuka "Shico" Moriwaki is a highly regarded massage therapist, esthetician, and wellness advisor, and the founder of easeNY in New York City. Her innovative approach, easeTherapy®, seamlessly integrates traditional Eastern techniques with modern Western anatomy-based methods, earning her widespread acclaim for its therapeutic massage benefits.

Early Life and Inspiration

Shizuka’s journey into wellness was deeply influenced by her own health challenges. At the age of 11, following surgery, she experienced unexplained right-sided paralysis and scoliosis. These experiences led her to explore alternative therapies, shaping the foundation of her career and inspiring her commitment to therapeutic massage and holistic healing.

Career Milestones

1992
Moved to New York and began studying Eastern and Western therapy techniques.
1993
Dedicated over seven years to mastering Eastern practices such as shiatsu and anma under the guidance of a master, earning high praise.
1999
Graduated with an Associate Degree in Massage Therapy from the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, gaining hands-on experience with Alzheimer’s patients, parents of pediatric cancer patients, and wheelchair rugby athletes.
2000
Worked at Equinox, medical spas, and private gyms, further refining her skills in therapeutic massage.
2001
Established ease salon and massage LLC, relocating in 2004.
2004
Earned a New York State esthetics license. Inspired by her fasting experience, she developed Soma Reflexology® while exploring the benefits of raw and enzyme-based diets.
2007
Obtained a colon hydrotherapy license from the American Institute.
2008
Launched her first fasting tour and began working as a wellness advisor. She also established the ease NY Japan office to expand her services internationally.
2009
Founded ease WORLD LLC as the parent company for her wellness ventures and relocated the salon under the name easeNY.
2021
Introduced a full suite of online courses, including live-streamed prenatal self-care classes hosted by Seven Beauty Academy.
2022
Began regularly hosting online workshops to reach a broader audience.
2023
Delivered lectures and hands-on training at Toyo Medical College and Seven Beauty Academy in Tokyo, further establishing herself as an educator.
2024
Launched the ease-scoby® business in Japan and began writing a weekly column on hydrogen therapy for Shukan NY Seikatsu.

Educational Contributions and Public Services

Shizuka has dedicated her expertise to a wide range of educational and public service initiatives, including:

  • Conducting hand massage and aromatherapy workshops for dementia patients at the clinic affiliated with Samejima Psychiatric Hospital.
  • Leading reflexology classes at a salon within Okayama University Hospital.
  • Providing lectures and hands-on training for acupuncture students at Toyo Medical College.
  • Delivering motivational talks at Fukuoka Kaisei Girls' High School.
  • Organizing specialized workshops on self-care for pregnant women, sports massage for athletes, and therapies for dementia patients.
  • Offering lectures and practical training at institutions such as Kumamoto Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation School, Venus Academy, Be-Staff Make-Up Universal, and Hollywood World Beauty Academy.

Media Features

  • Featured on TV Japan's CLUB TV JAPAN.
  • Regular columnist on hydrogen therapy for Shukan NY Seikatsu.
  • Guest speaker on FM radio's ON THE PLANET.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Shizuka has actively contributed to society by:

  • Organizing the Japan Recovery Event, donating proceeds to the Ashinaga Foundation.
  • Promoting wellness and therapy knowledge through work shops and demonstrations in hospitals and schools.
  • Advocating innovative health approaches through fasting, colon hydrotherapy, and wellness advisory programs.

Awards and Recognitions

  • 2005 Citysearch Best Massage Award
  • 2014 REFINERY29 The 13 BEST Massage In NYC
  • 2017 - 2024 FOURSQUARE The 15 Best Places for Massage in Midtown East, New York
  • 2017 - 2024 FOURSQUARE The 15 Best Places for Massage in New York City
  • 2018 - 2019, 2024 Yelp Award
  • 2019 ZENCARE Massage NYC: 9 Best Massage in Manhattan
  • Google Reviews：4.5 Stars (85 Reviews)
  • Yelp Reviews：4.4 Stars (226 Reviews)

Licenses and Certifications

Licenses:

  • Massage Therapy (New York, Florida)
  • Esthetics (New York)
  • Colon Hydrotherapy (Florida)

Certifications:

  • NCBTMB (Approved Continuing Education Provider)
  • Reiki
  • Indonesian Scalp Massage
  • Thai Massage
  • Dr. Bach’s Flower Essence