About Me
Hi, my name is Paula. Welcome to my website!
I want to thank everyone who enthusiastically supported and made contribution to this website. Please know, it would not have been possible without your love and encouragement. A special thank you to my family, who taught me to use my gifts for the higher good. And, to the next generations, my wish is that you listen to and follow your hearts. I love and appreciate you all.
I’m an intuitive healer. I serve from the foundation of love and patience through bodywork, massage therapy and spiritual guidance. Ancient and modern healing techniques are used to co-create experiences of greater awareness, calmer presence, aliveness and well being. Inspired by the rhythmic influences of nature’s eco-systems. The techniques used are to restore balance, harmony and to nurture. All sessions are organic in style and facilitated with a strong sense of stewardship that conveys my vision to honor each person’s unique healing process of body, mind-body and soul.
I’m Yonsei, fourth generation Japanese American. I was born in the year, month, and hour of the Rat, into a lineage of intuitive healers and survivors of WWII Japanese incarceration. I was taught by family elders to enrich the lives of others and guide them to places of awareness, understanding, and healing. I’m deeply grateful for the traditions passed on to me and for my forthrightness to create new ones. I practice in Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, and other areas, where I travel to client homes and their office locations.
I live in Marin County, where I enjoy forest bathing, minimalist mindsets, writing poetry and short stories, renovating my beliefs, cultivating soulful connections, creating altars and magic, entertaining food as medicine, daydreaming, salsa dancing, community volunteer work, co-creating more love, peace & harmony, and hang out with people, animals, plants and trees.
My Stories
“Bodywork Beginnings”
A native of San Francisco, California, I spent a lot of time at my Bachan’s (Grandmother’s) house. It was the place where me, my siblings and cousins played games using our imaginations. Family and friends would gather to visit and play cards. The best part was the delicious homemade Japanese food! Teriyaki chicken, sushi, a cold cucumber salad called, namasu, and manju - delicate rice cakes, filled with a sweet red bean paste.
In Bachan’s parlor, my relatives sat for hours, huddled around a card table where they played Blackjack, Poker or a Japanese card game called, Hana. Whenever someone walked out of the parlor and complained of a sore neck, shoulder tension, or achiness in their back, I would anxiously offer to relieve the discomfort and care for them. I was three years old.
Fearless and intuitive, I’d walk up and down their backs, release pain with my feet, pound percussion techniques to move energy, and pull earlobes for deeper relaxation. I felt guided by an invisible force that directed where to focus, how to breathe, when to lead or follow or pause or merge with life force energy. And as directed, I followed this force with absolute trust and faith. I felt timeless, spaceless and very natural. Family elders knew it was my calling.
“A Personal Holistic Experience”
At the dinner table, I sat on my father’s right side. My older sister and mother sat across the table from me. I remember, my mother was pregnant with my brother and held my little sister in her arms. Suddenly, she exclaimed to my father, “Honey, look at her eye! Hurry, look at her eye!”
I was curious at my mother’s excitement. I thought to myself, which one of my sisters do I look at first? However, when I looked up, I saw that my family were staring at me!
“Wwwhat’s wrong with my eye?” My voice shook, as my brow furrowed. My small hands jumped up and covered my eyes. In that moment, I wanted to slide underneath the table and hide. I was almost five years old.
My father spoke softly, almost a whisper. “Paula-chan, it’s okay. Everything is fine, just look at Daddy.” He held my face with cupped hands. His thumbs pushed aside my tears, as he studied my eyes.
It’s called amblyopia. I had a lazy eye. Late in the day, my fatigued eye muscles could not hold one of my eyes centered, so it turned outward.
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The following week, I sat outside a doctor’s office. I was supervised by the nurses, who gave me a piece of hard candy. “Thank you” I said with a smile, as I marveled at the cellophane wrapped morsel and quickly tucked it into my coat pocket to show my mother later. Then, I emptied a pack of crayons onto a little table and busied myself with a coloring book.
Through the office door, I heard parts of a conversation between the doctor and my parents. My shoulders stiffened. I bit my lip. Then, I heard an outburst! My father raised his voice.
“Not with my daughter’s eye, you won’t! Later this week, you want to do surgery on my daughter’s eye because you’ll be on vacation for the next three weeks! A procedure gone wrong could affect Paula’s entire life! No surgery! No, thank you!”
My father stormed out of the office and cursed under his breath. My mother silently opened her bag and with one swoop of her hand, all the crayons, the coloring book, and evidence of my presence disappeared into the bag. She took my hand and we hurried pass the nurse’s station, down the corridor to the elevators where my father waited.
My parents had their minds set. Their intention was to provide me with the best natural care without surgery. They met with many doctors and moved steadily forward with their search. Then, one afternoon…
“Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Suyehiro, this is a new eye therapy. Once a week, Paula will see me for an office visit. At home, she will complete a daily, 30-minute eye exercise. The results depend on how quickly her eye muscles strengthen. It could take months, a year, or several years. Please be assured, your daughter’s progress will be monitored. I will provide you with regular updates. If this is something that could work for you, I’d like to begin immediately.” Dr. Burns spoke with confidence, then gave me a wink. I liked her. She insisted I be in her office with my parents. She was the only doctor that invited me into the office.
By the time I was six years old, the muscles strengthened. My eye straightened and was restored to a natural healthy state. I no longer had amblyopia and the eye therapy was discontinued.
My parent’s tenacious belief in holistic and alternative medicine, led to the first of many experiences that I have of how my body can heal. The emotional impact of love and patience has carried me as who I am as a person and healer.
My Approach
The essence to my approach is love and patience. I connect soulfully and listen to people’s concerns with care. Sessions may include: bodywork, intuitive healing, guided meditation or spiritual guidance for individuals & groups, athletes, musicians, performers, caretakers, tech professionals, executives, IT and healthcare professionals, mothers, fathers, children, seniors, organization employees and many more who work or play in environments that require repetitive movement, stationary settings, stressful conditions. I work with those who want relief from chronic and reoccurring pain or those who want to deeply relax into the nurturing essence of a session.
Holistic therapies used may include, Neuro-Muscular Re-education, Sports Injury, Deep Tissue, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Breast and Visceral Circulation & Clearing, Effleurage, Acupressure, Craniosacral, Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, Breath & Energy Work, Somatic Exercise & Movement, Storytelling, Imagery & Guided Meditations, Channeled Guidance, Divine Frequency and Vibration. These therapies can relax, restore, and create a sense of integrated well-being with energy within a relaxed and calm state of the body, mind-body, soul and spirit.
Testimonials
“Paula Suyehiro’s bodywork springs from a deep well of understanding and knowledge of the healing arts. She is at once profoundly intuitive, highly skilled and quietly compassionate.” Candace Forrest
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"When I was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, close friends recommended Paula as a bodyworker and healer. I was looking for someone to help me successfully navigate - both physically and mentally - the impact of the disease, the associated rounds of chemotherapy and the rigorous process of preparing for a bone marrow transplant. I am incredibly grateful to have found Paula, and to have the privilege of working with her. She is uniquely talented and professional in her work, incredibly thoughtful and compassionate, and very flexible in meeting my scheduling needs amidst an often uncertain calendar of medical appointments. I genuinely look forward to my "massage days", and the relief, energy and positive outlook that they bring. Paula is absolutely a critical member of my healing team." Pete Wheelan
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“Paula relieves pain! I have arthritis of the spine and that causes pain. Paula’s expert hands always knows exactly how to send me home pain free. No two sessions with her are alike. Each time, she looks at what my body needs, right then, to move freely and pain free.” Anne Lieberman
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“I have been a client of Paula's for 5 years. I see her monthly for neck and upper back tightness due to 40 hours/per week spent seated at a computer. This maintenance has prevented headaches and stiffness and has greatly increased mobility. I am no longer prone to getting muscle pulls in my neck and upper back. It has been life changing! Paula is absolutely the best masseuse I have been to in my many years on the table. She has extraordinary technique that is a great combination of different massage therapy methodologies.” Gail Katz
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“Paula was recommended to me by a colleague who worked with her 1:1, to come to our Presidio office and offer onsite Bodywork Therapy to the staff. After the first encounter it was clear that she possessed a deeply intuitive way to relate on a personal level that we found extremely engaging. Paula created a calm and private space within the hectic arena of our office that felt like an oasis in the middle of a busy workday. Through multiple techniques, you left a session with her feeling simultaneously relaxed but with a new sense of focus. She helps you prioritize your needs, both mind and body, which is a true gift. If you are interested in exploring your own healing process or providing the opportunity to others in a professional environment, time with Paula will be an enriching experience.” Melissa McLean
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“Paula’s touch is that of a born healer! She knows the body well and is by far my favorite masseuse. I have found relief from body stresses and aching muscles in only one session!” Ellie Mednick
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“Paula is great. Within 20 minutes of my session, my sore neck had greater range of motion and most of the pain was gone!” Dale Chappell
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“When I first met Paula, I knew I had found my perfect match. Paula is an authentic healer. She has dedicated her life to the art and follows her ancestral guidance. Just days into our first pregnancy I had a session with Paula. She knew I was pregnant before I even knew! As the baby grew, she would awaken and playfully swim to touch Paula throughout the sessions. It was a magical feeling to have the baby respond in utero so positively to Paula. Postpartum Paula was a much-needed healing touch, she helped me learn how to relax as a new mom. She taught me how to make space for myself and focus on healing within my new body. Every session with Paula is a blessing and I am always looking forward to seeing her and feeling her positive energy uplift my body, heart, and soul.” Theresa Go
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“Paula is superb - a highly skilled, knowledgeable, and intuitive massage therapist. When I met her several years ago, I had been stressed and emotionally drained for some time. After our first session, I felt relieved and uplifted in mind, body, and spirit. I have relied on Paula ever since for inspired body work that promotes healing, peace of mind, and vibrant good health.” Cherie Sinclair
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“Paula addresses the core issues of each person’s unique Earth suit with sensitivity, care, a depth of knowledge of anatomy, professionalism and intuition. I’ve experienced thousands of massages in my 55 years and Paula is a stand-out. Her gift to each client is a return to balance, lightness, ease of movement. I highly recommend her 1.5 hour sessions.” Karen Benke
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“Italians have a saying, “All you need in life is love and chocolate.” I would have to add to that a great masseuse! In this regard, Paula does more than fill the bill, unparalleled knowledge of the body with advanced gentle techniques and sage wisdom.” Roldolfo Broullon
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“Knowledgeable, skillful, conscientious, energetic...Paula addresses acute and chronic issues including tension headaches, TMJ, lower back pain, joint stiffness, soft tissue tightness and restrictions relating to repetitive physical activities done at work or play, such as golfing, yoga, hiking, gardening, lifting, etc. We have found ourselves refreshed with improved fluidity of motion, decreased pain/stiffness and an ability to resume activities that had been problematic. Paula has contributed to our overall well-being. She has a wonderful energy and shares it! We feel blessed to have the ongoing benefit of Paula’s "hands on" for several years now.” Gary Milechman and Pat Lennon
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“For two years, I’ve worked with Paula. From our first meeting, it was refreshingly clear, I was working with someone who valued goal setting, open communication lines, and authentic connections. Paula has an insight into the body and mind that displays her deep commitment to showing up, being present, and listening. During COVID, this commitment continued as I invited her to guide our organization through a national weekly 4-part guided meditation series that focused on Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Justice. Whether giving bodywork or leading a meditation, her style lulls me into a relaxing trance of another realm that’s beyond explainable. The ancestral wisdom that flows through her is undeniably recognizable. When the session is complete, I experience renewed clarity. Working with and being a client of Paula’s has been a source of knowledge and healing. She encourages me to continue to pull on the thread that connects us all - humanity.” Rebecca Wooten
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“Paula is a gem. Far more than a massage therapist, she brings her decades of experience as a holistic healer to each session, tuning into every client in a unique way. The results are more like an experience, one where you feel like you're getting in tune with your body and the world around you.” Courtney & Marco Della Cava
"I started working with Paula initially for body relief from generalized body stress during the pandemic. We had a wonderful first 2 hour session in the comfort of my home. Paula is thorough, prepared, safe, timely and prompt with responding to questions and offering continued support after session. My next sessions some months later focused on my lower back, feet and left hip. Paula formulated a series of 4 sessions and I was able to begin exercising again after our first session. Her bodywork methods allows for discussion of my nuanced and detailed needs, reflection on our session together and take home exercises to build on strength of mind and body. Paula is very intuitive. She practices mindfulness as a way of life. It shows in her work and outcomes for healing. I am happy to refer her loving and masterful massage practice to all who are interested in deep healing." Jean Deal
Visit Guidelines
Sessions are held in the homes or offices of clients. Sessions are 1.5 or 2.0 hours in length. Longer sessions may be considered upon request. Please read the following in its entirety, as it is helpful information to insure a home or office visit is workable for you and me.
For questions and appointment scheduling, please call me. If I’m not available, please leave a message and include your name, phone number, and the best times for a call back.
Additional details below:
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I will need you to fill out and sign a “New Client In-Take and COVID Consent” forms. I cannot work with you without it.
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I work locally in most areas of Marin County. For appointments in West Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and other areas, there is an additional travel fee that varies depending on location and number of sessions per location.
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Sessions are generally scheduled between 10am and 4pm. Please note, I do not work evenings.
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Arrival to the house is approximately 15 min before the session begins to set-up and I stay 15 min afterwards to pack-up. Rates include this additional 30 min. Please contact me for parties of 3 or more sessions at one location.
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Please provide parking in the driveway and/or closest to the front door for ease of transporting equipment to and from the house.
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If there is more than one flight of stairs, I will need assistance.
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What works best for your session is a clear and clean space on ground floor level that is at least 9’x9’, so I have enough room to walk around the table.
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We will need space that has good ventilation and privacy. I work barefoot, so concrete and gravel do not work.
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For safety, the massage table must be setup on carpet or material that provides slip proof grip, so the table does not slide. A large yoga mat works great.
