Bodywork for Chronic Neck and Low Back Pain
Graston Technique, FST, ART, Craniosacral Therapy, TECAR Radiofrequency
About Akari
Akari is an Upledger Institute Certified Craniosacral Therapist and Licensed Massage Therapist who is located in the Bay Area. With training in Fredrick Stretch Technique, Graston Technique, and Active Release Technique, Akari specializes in helping clients overcome chronic low back, neck pain, migraines, repetitive shoulder/ hip injuries, somato-emotional pain.
Akari’s experience extends to partnering with Team USA Track & Field, Alo Yoga HQ, and clientele in the Los Angeles Industry. This diverse background has given her a unique ability to support both athletes and artists who rely on their bodies for peak performance and recovery.
Akari is deeply passionate about helping people reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and spirit. She believes that when these elements are in harmony, life flows with greater ease, resilience, and vitality.
By blending practical, evidence-based approach with a deep appreciation for the body's innate wisdom, Akari creates a safe and nurturing environment where clients can experience better balance and freedom. Her work is centered on providing the care and attention that each individual deserves—helping them feel at home in their bodies once again.
Services & Pricing
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60 min | $175
90 min | $260
120 min | $350
Orthopedic session integrates Active Release Techniques (ART), Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST), Graston Technique, Craniosacral Therapy (CST), and cupping to address injuries, restrictions, and muscular imbalances.
Based on your specific needs, Akari will tailor her approach to restore mobility, reduce tension, and promote lasting relief.
Each session includes personalized follow-up recommendations and a targeted treatment plan to support your recovery and overall well-being.
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60 min | $175
90 min | $260
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork that relieves compression within the skull, dura mater (membrane of the brain and spinal cord), dural sleeves, nerves, and sacrum.
By restoring balance to the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) and easing dural tension, CST can help alleviate conditions such as migraines, TMJ dysfunction, sciatica, scoliosis, vertigo, pelvic floor pain, anxiety, and PTSD.
CST encourages the body's natural healing process, reducing pain and tension caused by spinal compression and CSF imbalance. This rebalancing not only supports physical relief but also down-regulation of the nervous system, easing emotional triggers manifesting in the body.
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Serving house calls in East Bay, Marin, and San Fransisco, and Los Angeles.
East Bay out call prices starting minimum of 3 hrs at $200/hr
San Fransisco and Marin out call prices starting minimum of 6 hrs at $250/hr or $1500/day
Los Angeles $2500/day, 2 day minimum
Domestic & international travel available. Inquiries must include proposed dates, location, and scope of services.
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Please visit this linkto send a person a e-gift card via email
Service rate in office:
60 min | $175
90 min | $260
120 min | $350
FAQ
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I help with:
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Migraines
Tension headaches
Stress and Tension-Related Problems
Bunions
Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ pain)
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)
Carpal tunnel
Golfer’s and Tennis elbow
Sciatica
Piriformis Syndrome
Scoliosis
Nerve pain or numbness in fingers
Cervical Straightening (Tech-neck)
Dowager’s hump
PTSD
Anxiety
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Akari’s approach to care is divided into three stages: Initial Intensive Care, Rehabilitative Care, and Maintenance Care.
Initial Intensive Care: Your first visit includes a thorough assessment, intake review, hands-on evaluation, treatment, and the development of a personalized care plan. This stage typically involves 1–2 sessions per week for a short period, focusing on increasing range of motion, reducing pain, and restoring ease of movement.
Rehabilitative Care: As symptoms improve, sessions are gradually spaced out to once a week or every 2–3 weeks, supplemented with self-care and exercise protocols to support continued healing and prevent relapse.
Maintenance Care: Once your condition stabilizes, periodic check-ups—typically once a month or every six weeks—help prevent future issues by addressing minor imbalances before they become major concerns. We recommend maintaining this level of care even after symptoms subside to support long-term well-being.
Throughout your care, Akari will provide clear explanations and guidance to help you understand your condition and treatment options.
While some clients choose to continue care beyond the acute phase for wellness and preventative benefits, the decision is entirely yours. We respect your choices and are here to support you, whenever you need.
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The best approach depends on your specific injury and treatment needs.
Akari collaborates with Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Manual Osteopaths, Physical Therapists, Psychotherapists, Pilates practitioners, and Athletic Trainers to ensure a well-rounded and effective recovery plan. If you're receiving care from multiple practitioners, she is happy to coordinate with them to create a treatment plan specifically for you.
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Great question! You can find detailed descriptions of each service and the techniques used under the Services tab.
While Orthopedic and Craniosacral Therapy (CST) are listed separately, Akari typically integrates both approaches for a holistic treatment experience. Injuries are not always purely mechanical; they can also involve a deep somatic component. For clients experiencing PTSD or heightened sympathetic nervous system activation from an incident, a combined approach is often most effective. In these cases, Akari typically recommends a longer 1.5- or 2-hour session to address both physical restrictions and nervous system regulation.
If you have specific questions about which approach is right for you, feel free to reach out at akari@akari.com.
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Skepticism is always welcomed and honored.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can sound unfamiliar, and because research funding is limited and fewer practitioners offer it, it’s often labeled as “pseudoscience.” I understand where that perception comes from.
CST has roots in Manual Osteopathy. Cranial Osteopathy (a more precise version of Craniosacral Therapy) is taught within Manual Osteopathy schools in Canada and Europe. CST is a slim part of the education at D.O. schools in the U.S. You can always ask a local D.O. about their exposure to this work.
Craniosacral Therapy focuses on releasing restrictions in the dura mater (the connective tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and supports the natural movement of cerebrospinal fluid. This is done through a structured 10 step protocol involving dural traction and fascial unwinding.
What matters most to me that keeps me using it again and again is the results it consistently provides.
I’ve personally gone from skepticism and extreme doubt in learning CST to seeing consistent changes in both my own nervous system response and in my clients’. Ask me about my story! Many people come in unsure and then leave feeling shifts they didn’t expect—often in nervous system regulation or emotional releases that hasn’t responded to more traditional manual therapy approaches.
I’m looking forward to having you experience the subtle work that can lead to a profound shift in your body.