Sumiko Tanaka
About Sumiko
Born and raised in the rural stretches of Chapel Hill, Sumiko grew up exploring nature and developing a deep curiosity about movement and the human body. Her love of learning has guided her through diverse experiences — from teaching downhill skiing and functional fitness to practicing the healing art of bodywork.
After a few athletic injuries and transformative bodywork sessions, Sumiko trained at University of New Mexico as a Structural Integrator and Integrative Massage Practitioner. She is also a Certified CrossFit Trainer and a Certified Alpine Skiing, Snowboard, and Telemark Instructor.
Her fascination with anatomy led her to study at the Institute of Anatomy Research in Colorado with Dr. Kirstie Segarra and Dr. Gil Hedley, and she is currently completing a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. She is also registered with the International Association of Structural Integration (IASI – theiasi.net).
Deeply inspired by the adaptability of fascia, Sumiko combines her knowledge of anatomy and movement to guide clients on personalized journeys of embodiment and healing.
Outside her practice, she enjoys home projects, hiking, cooking, crafting, and walking with her dog, Oliver. For Sumiko, self-care is a gentle, ongoing practice — grounded in movement, nourishment, and mindfulness, always accompanied by a warm cup of herbal tea, one of her favorite forms of self-care.
See what people are saying about us
“As a traditionally-trained physician, I have been underwhelmed with
available treatments for my autoimmune arthritis. I have been seeing Mary Justus
for nearly a decade now, and her treatments are by far the single factor
responsible for improving my quality of life. Her energy is finely tuned as a
compassionate, caring and deeply soothing presence. Mary is truly an
angel.”
Oren
The massage 100% lived up to the name of the practice and I will definitely be scheduling again soon! Laura Lee’s intuition with specific areas in need (because of the unique requirements of my job) was unprecedented and left me reminded of what it feels like to not have neck pain. Thank you for your skill and sensitivity!
Brad M
I recently had an amazing session with Jo. She was beyond lovely, knowledgeable, and welcoming. I felt entirely comfortable with her and am amazed by the results of our session. I highly recommend her and her healing touch.
Stephanie
Courtney gave what is almost certainly the best massage I’ve ever had. She relieved some horrible pain in my back and neck that had been interrupting my sleep. Then she did a nifty relaxation number on my neck and scalp. Pressure was deep but not painful. She’s a hero 🙂
Scott
Emily Madara is amazing—skilled, kind, and wise in her approach to balancing the body.
Lara
Restoring Balance is a TREMENDOUS GIFT to the community. From my very first interaction with the team to my regular massages with Kathy, Restoring Balance is simply the best. Highly recommend!
Alexis
Let’s start with this – the result of the treatment at Restoring Balance was that the next morning I was moving about with far less difficulty and stiffness. I realize now that I was so used to the pain that I’d forgotten what it was like to not have it. Jenn was very attentive and easy to be with. It was clear she had really listened to me explain my problems and was really trying to help me – it was not treatment by rote steps. So I am looking forward to getting back there again soon.
L.R.
I have been receiving massages from Kathy for the past month. I reached out to her for postpartum care and I am so glad I found her. As an individual, she is gentle and kind and as a massage therapist, she is the best of the best. As a massage therapist, she is incredible. I have felt relief in pains that were even present before pregnancy. She nailed my sciatica pain and gave me so much relief that I hadn’t experienced in Months. I recommend her one hundred percent. You are in safe hands if you work with Kathy!
Sugandh G
Kathy is kind and generous and her Thai yoga massage is transformational. I’ve had many massages in the past but none get the knots out like her Thai massage.
Lauren B.
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