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Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Matsuura.

Barbara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At 19 years old, I self-studied Zen Shiatsu in order to treat my dad who was a firefighter. I was so natural at it. I began practicing Japanese Buddhism and then I moved from NYC where I was a ballerina to Tokyo in 1981 to study Japanese Classical Dance. My husband’s company moved us to Hong Kong in 1986 where I was with the Hong Kong Ballet, teaching ballet at a Chinese ballet school and then beginning to learn Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan). We were then transferred to Dusseldorf Germany, where I joined a JapaneseDance performing group. After returning to Tokyo 8.5 years later, I began to study Zen Shiatsu formally and began a practice. I studied Japanese Reiki and added that to my practice. I dived deeper into Tai Ji and Qigong healing, leaving off Japanese dance from then and moving more into the healing arts of Zen Shiatsu, Reiki, Tai Ji and Qigong giving sessions and teaching the patients Qigong exercises for self-healing and Daoist Yoga. I had much success with these healing arts because they not only address the physical body but all four bodies: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. All must be addressed for the patient to heal and thrive.

All of my life’s activities are focused only on this and it’s enough. My husband retired and we decided to have an adventure of living in the USA. I found Sedona, AZ to be a most extraordinary energy and exquisite beauty. I moved here in 2011 and my husband joined me in 2014. It is a special energy here that supports all I do. I have developed additional healing techniques particular to the energy here. There is no question in my mind that I have been ‘led’ here and ‘practice’ these healing arts for the people who live here as well as the millions of tourists yearly seeking physical healing and spiritual healing.

Has it been a smooth road?
Mostly it has been a smooth road. When it’s right, it falls into place doesn’t it? But of course, there are those obstacles that confront us causing us to grow and there are growing pains.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Alchemy Healing Arts – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Alchemy Healing Arts was named so because all of my practices and teaching are ‘alchemical processes’ within the self. All of the things I do are my specialties, they are all related and complimentary of each other. Each one is designed for the individual receiving the treatment session or teaching or spiritual ceremony or spiritual hike on the sacred Red Rocks of Sedona. If we name the practices they are Reiki, Reiki with Gemstones, which is a healing with Reiki and Gemstones and a Reading of the Gemstones after the healing part of the session is completed. The Gemstones bring messages for the client. Also, there is Zen Shiatsu, Qigong Healing, and the ones I’ve developed Sedona 4 Elements Healing, balancing the elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire which we are all made of to the client. I have been trained in Qigong so I know well how to use the elements. One other session is Sedona Stones Healing treatment session. This was specially designed for those who may not be physically able to hike to receive the healing from the Red Rocks so I have brought the Red Rocks to the healing room. It’s a very unique session.

Trained in Daoist Yoga it is a very gentle yoga using the mind with the body and breath. It is a slow deep session. I’ve trained since 1986 in Hong Kong in Tai Ji Quan and I teach this for balance and strength. Meditation is a class I teach to release the mind from the body to become one with the Universe, I really don’t know what in particular I am ‘known for’! Most proud of…..I don’t really think like that…but maybe most happy about…is that any of my sessions bring healing, confidence, a new level of ‘enlightenment’ to the clients which makes them Happy. Presently I teach these three classes on ZOOM., for $8.00 per class per person. I should tell you about my Spiritual Hikes. I have three different types. Sunrise Ceremony Hike entails waking up early and hiking up the mountain when it’s still a little dark. I set an alter and perform purification ceremony. I teach Qigong energy work in preparation for the when we greet the rising sun and lead a Meditation as the sun rises. It’s 2 hrs. I also lead a Sunset Ceremony Hike which entails a short hike and then the laying of an alter with purification rites and a Meditation on Gratitude Peace and Joy at the end of the day as we watch the sunset. I take the clients off the mountain before dark.

My signature Hike is the 7 Gates to the Chambers of Your Spiritual Heart. This is a hike taught to me by the Land itself. As we walk through the mountain trail we walk through our own hearts. Often clients have an ‘epiphany’ when reaching the top as the vista opens and the heart opens at the same time. What sets me apart from other? Hmm…I truly love my work. That means I am focused on being healthy, well balanced in body mind and spirit. Personally, I don’t drink or smoke or use substances. I chant and pray for others daily every morning and evening. I don’t really need outside entertainment movies, sports games, etc. My own self-practice of Reiki, zen shiatsu, Qigong keeps me busy and entertained enough! I believe if I keep my vessel pure and my vibratory frequency high, I will be the best for me and my clients and my friends and neighbors and in turn, this ripples out to my environment and the world.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
LIKES: Integrity & dignity of the human spirit.

DISLIKES: Lying. Cheating. Bad Language. Insults.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.BarbaraMatsuura.com
• Email: ahasedona1@gmail.com
• Instagram: barbara.matsuura
• Facebook: for Alchemy Healing Arts https://www.facebook.com/Alchemy-Healing-Arts-LLC-138406076225334/ and Qigong for Self-Healing https://www.facebook.com/groups/191684307527265/

http://voyagedallas.com/interview/meet-barbara-matsuura-alchemy-healing-arts-sedona-az/

 Block of 5 Reiki Long Distance Sessions

“I chose to do a 5 series Reiki Long Distance healing with Barbara at a time when I was struggling with the discipline to turn my life force energy towards my goals. After discussing what seemed to be the blocks, she set to work clearing and recharging my energy system over the course of 21 days. Her healing was transformative. I became more grounded, focused, and more joyful as I let go of baggage that had been holding me back for years. I even saw my immediate family members respond by making healthy changes of their own, which has gone on to create an even more supportive environment than I ever could have anticipated. There is no doubt in my mind that energy is capable of traveling through time and space to achieve desired results because I’ve experienced it first hand. What matters most is the excellent quality of the Reiki Master you choose. Barbara has more than fulfilled those expectations for me.”

K. Cole, TX, USA Aug 2020

Posted on January 18, 2018 by violet.li@tadi.com

Vortices are a major component of turbulent flow and mostly created by a whirling fluid in which the flow revolves around an axis line, which may be straight or curved. Vortices form in stirred fluids, and can also be produced in other media such as electricity, smoke, wind, or dust.

It is believed that Sedona, Arizona, is a spiritual power center because of the vortices of subtle energy located in the area. Some visitors claim to feel the energy. These vortices are swirling centers of subtle energy coming out from the earth. And the evidences of the vortices are twisted juniper trees especially around the Sedona airport, the shape of the Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. Allegedly, the energy of the vortex resonates with and strengthens the inner being of each person who comes within about a quarter to a half mile of it. It is easy to feel the energy at these vortices by sensitive individuals, and it can be an uplifting experience even for days afterwards and some claim to have an epiphany at the spot. Therefore, people come from all over the world visit Sedona to experience the phenomenon.

Twisted Tree in Sedona

Between holidays, I went to Sedona to hike and to be inspired by the nature’s wonder of the red rocks. I am not a sensitive person. Even though I hiked Bell Rock and near the Cathedral Rock, I did not feel any sensation. But I felt the serenity while I was doing Tai Chi on the top of Brins Mesa Trail in the Coconino National Forest. The hike up to the mesa wasn’t difficult or steep. Once we got there, there was an expansive flat land with unobstructed views of the spectacular red rock formations all around. I was deeply touched by the beauty of the nature and started to do Tai Chi (Taiji). I felt unbelievably soothing within.

The hotel that I stayed offered free exercise classes. I was pleased to find out that they had many mind-body classes. Aside from yoga, multiple Tai Chi (Taiji), Qigong, and meditation sessions were available throughout the week. I took a Qigong class on my last day there.

The instructor was Barbara Matsuura, who was a ballet dancer then Japanese Kabuki dancer. She told me that she learned the Yang Style Tai Chi first in Hong Kong and later learned Qigong Form Ba Duan Jin (or Eight Sections of Brocade) in Germany. There are many Ba Duan Jin forms and hers has a flare of extremely fluidity and grace – it may have something to do with her being a dancer. Her class included four segments: warm-up, standing guided meditation, Ba Duan Jin, and self-massage. After the warm-up, she instructed us standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees softly bent, and the tiger mouth 虎口 (the web between the thumb and the index finger) of the hands gently touching the sides of the tights with four fingers in the front and the thumbs in the back. My body was relaxed, head suspended, upper body upright, and shoulders rounded and relaxed. She used the Qigong techniques of visualization 觀想 to guide us through the entire body from head to toes. The unique part of her guidance is that she followed the major meridian channels and talked us through various major body parts and internal organs. She tried to help us to let go any unsettling emotions and to bring the earth energy that is Yin coming through the Bubbling Fountain 湧泉 of our feet and the solar energy that is Yang descending through the Hundred Gathering Point 百會 on the top of our head together and reach a balance. The meditation was about thirty minutes long. I felt great afterwards.

Sedona

Even though I never sensed the Sedona vortex vigor, my energy was rejuvenated with Tai Chi and Qigong practices. Or could it be because that I was in touch with the vortex and the sensation resulting from my practice became more intensified? Either way, I am grateful to have the opportunity to visit Sedona and practice the healing arts there.

Please see other articles by Violet Li at Violetlitaichi.com

Sunrise Tai Ji Quan on Airport Mesa, Sedona, AZ