A Different Way to Listen to Your Body
Published: September 7, 2026
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“Suzuran Sekkotsuin,” established in 2013.

Before starting any treatment, the director Mr. Kato takes the time to listen carefully and conducts careful consultation. Rather than immediately focusing on a specific area of discomfort, the consultation is an opportunity to talk about your body, your daily life and anything that may be affecting your overall condition. I appreciated this attentive approach, which immediately made the experience feel more personal and less rushed.

Mr. Kato focuses mainly on the head while carefully checking the overall condition of the body, applying gentle stimulation within a comfortable range for each customer.
As he worked around my head and ears, I was surprised by how subtle and relaxing the treatment felt. There were no sudden or forceful movements, just a calm and precise approach that encouraged me to completely slow down. After a while, I became more aware of the tension I had been carrying without even noticing it. For me, the most interesting part was this philosophy of working with the body rather than forcing it to change.

When people hear the term “sekkotsuin,” they may imagine treatments involving strong pressure or joint cracking. At “Suzuran Sekkotsuin,” however, treatments are performed using gentle stimulation.

Mr. Kato has more than 20 years of experience as a judo therapist and also gives seminars as an instructor.
What I found interesting is that he does not seem to treat the body as a collection of separate parts. He looks at how different areas connect and uses gentle stimulation to help the body find better balance on its own. While many sekkotsuin focus primarily on the area causing discomfort, Mr. Kato takes a broader view, considering how different parts of the body may influence each other.

Even though the treatment uses only gentle touch, you can notice a significant difference in your body’s condition before and after the session.
One way Mr. Kato checks my treatment progress is by seeing how easily my body moves. By this point, my pelvis felt noticeably more relaxed, and I could move my legs with less resistance. It was interesting to see how working on areas of tension could affect my overall mobility.

“Suzuran Sekkotsuin” also offers advice on sleep, diet, and gut health.
What I appreciated most about my visit was the opportunity to experience Mr. Kato’s unique approach, from his work on the body to his treatment focused on the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid. His philosophy is based on listening to the body and encouraging it to regain its natural balance rather than forcing it. It was a fascinating experience and a great opportunity to discover a very different approach to well-being from a highly experienced therapist.

≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name:Grégoire Renais
・Nationality:France
・Hobbies:Hiking, Photography (Landscapes, Japanese cultural events)
※Information is based on July 2026. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.