In the ever-evolving world of health and wellness, holistic healing has become a beacon of hope for many seeking alternatives to conventional medicine. As more people turn towards natural and integrative practices, a name that consistently stands out in this field is Chie Hachiga. A pioneer in Japanese holistic healing, Chie has created the Hachiga Method Seitai, a unique approach that blends elements of chiropractic, osteopathy, and massage. Her method has brought transformative healing across borders, bridging cultural and medical divides and offering a new path to restoring balance and wellness to the body.

But what drives someone to dedicate their life to such a unique and specialized field? In this exclusive interview, we delve into Chie’s life journey, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and her ambitious plans to revolutionize the world of holistic care, not just in the UK but globally.

A Side Note About Seitai: Originating in Japan, Seitai is a traditional practice that shares some similarities with chiropractic care but offers a unique approach to healing. While both practices focus on aligning the body’s structures, Seitai is specifically centered on the alignment of the pelvis and spine—the body’s core—and the correction of bone misalignments to relieve muscle stiffness and fatigue. “Sei” means to prepare, arrange, and fix, while “Tai” refers to the body. Unlike chiropractic care, which primarily targets spinal adjustments, Seitai takes a holistic approach, aiming to bring balance to the entire body and mind. The term “seitai” literally translates to “bringing the body into order” and is rooted in the belief that the body has a natural ability to heal itself.

A Personal Story: From Japan to the World

The seeds of Chie’s journey were sown in Japan, where she developed a deep passion for Seitai. However, the decision to bring her practice to the UK was rooted in something far more personal. “The reason I originally thought about spreading the Hachiga Method Seitai in the UK was my grandmother’s passing and my mother’s presence in the UK,” Chie shares, her voice tinged with emotion.

Chie had long been considering expanding her practice overseas, but the success of her work in Japan made it a tough decision to close her business and venture into the unknown. Moreover, she had been caring for her grandmother for nearly a decade—a responsibility that made relocating seem practically impossible. However, her grandmother’s passing became a turning point in her life.

“Caring for her was hard, but I loved her very much. I felt like there was a hole in my heart,” Chie confesses. It was this profound sense of loss that made her reconsider her priorities. With her mother living in the UK for over 30 years after a divorce that separated Chie from her as a child, the idea of moving to the UK began to take shape. “Because of my grandmother, I realized that human life can eventually be lost, so I started to think that it might be a good idea to go to the UK and live with my mother.”

This decision wasn’t just about reconnecting with family; it was also about honoring her grandmother’s memory by pursuing something bigger. Chie believed that by bringing her Seitai skills to the UK, she could make a meaningful difference in the lives of many who were suffering.

The Roadblocks: Navigating a Foreign Medical System

Relocating to the UK was not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles Chie faced was understanding and adapting to the country’s medical landscape.

Determined to make her mark, Chie spent considerable time gathering information about the UK’s healthcare system. She stayed in the country for six months on two separate occasions, during which she immersed herself in the local wellness scene. “I met many people, visited salons, and met many therapists from the UK and Europe,” Chie recalls. These interactions were crucial in helping her understand the needs of her potential clients and the gaps in the market that her practice could fill.

Chie didn’t just network; she actively participated in healthcare and dance events, offering her services on a volunteer basis. Her treatments were well-received, and the positive feedback she received bolstered her confidence. “I thought that I could probably develop my own clinic in the UK in this way,” she says. However, just when it seemed like things were falling into place, Chie hit a major roadblock: her visa.

A Test of Perseverance

When Chie first moved to the UK, she believed that her mother’s permanent residency would allow her to work in the country. But upon her arrival, she discovered that this was not the case. Without a visa, Chie was unable to legally work in the UK, a reality that threatened to derail her entire plan.

This setback could have easily discouraged her, but Chie approached it with the same resilience that had defined her career thus far. “I started looking for a sponsor, to find a sponsor company and have them issue me a visa,” she says. Yet, finding a sponsor proved to be an uphill battle. Japanese clinics were not well-known in the UK, making it difficult to convince potential sponsors of the value she could bring.

Rather than giving up, Chie decided to take a different approach. She focused on increasing her own value as a professional in her field, believing that by enhancing her reputation and skills, she could become a more attractive candidate for sponsorship. “I made various adjustments in the hope that there was just one thing that would pique their interest when I explained to the company what kind of person I am and what value I can provide.”

This strategy involved multiple facets. In Japan, Chie began training students in the Hachiga Method Seitai, sharing her knowledge with the next generation of therapists. To date, she has trained over 40 students, each of whom carries forward her teachings. Additionally, Chie implemented a media strategy to increase the visibility of her practice. She was featured in different magazines, one of which saw her gracing the cover, and her commercial publications achieved the #1 spot on Amazon’s rankings.

Chie’s efforts weren’t limited to her professional life. She also competed in the Ms. World International pageant as a representative of Japan, where she won three crowns. This achievement not only boosted her profile but also demonstrated her versatility and determination.

Through these endeavors, Chie was able to secure a visa and connect with a sponsor company, allowing her to continue her work in the UK. Her perseverance had paid off, and she was now in a position to fully pursue her dream of bringing  Japanese Seitai care to a new audience.

The Impact of Healing: A Personal Mission

For Chie, Seitai care is more than just a profession—it’s a calling. Her mission is rooted in a deep desire to help others find relief from pain and discomfort, especially those who may be underserved by traditional medical systems. “I would love for you to try my treatment once!” she exclaims, her passion evident.

In the UK, where long waiting times for medical treatment can leave patients suffering for extended periods, Chie’s services offer an alternative path to healing. “Unlike Japan, I recognize that the medical system overseas is very strict. For example, they may have to wait several months before they can receive proper treatment, and they have to spend a long time in pain and discomfort,” she explains. By providing Seitai care, Chie hopes to alleviate some of this burden, helping people live more comfortably while they wait for conventional medical treatment.

Chie’s approach to healing is holistic, focusing not just on the physical aspects but also on the emotional and spiritual well-being of her clients. She believes that true healing comes from addressing the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Reach of Seitai Care

As Chie continues to establish her practice in the UK, her vision for the future is clear. She aims to obtain permanent residency in the UK, which will allow her to fully commit to her work and expand her reach. But her ambitions don’t stop there. “After I obtain permanent residency in the UK, I would like to spread the word about the wonderful Japanese Seitai techniques not only in the UK but also in other countries,” she says.

Chie’s ultimate goal is to bring the Hachiga Method Seitai to a global audience, sharing the benefits of Japanese Seitai with people around the world. She believes that her techniques can make a significant difference in people’s lives, offering them an alternative path to wellness that is both effective and empowering.

Connecting with Chie Hachiga: Follow Her Journey

For those who are inspired by Chie’s story and want to learn more about her work, there are several ways to stay connected. Chie is active on social media, where she shares updates on her practice, insights into holistic healing, and information about upcoming events. You can follow her journey through her official profile at lit.link/hachiga.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Healing

Chie Hachiga’s journey from Japan to the UK is a powerful testament to the transformative power of healing. Through her determination, innovation, and deep compassion for others, she has overcome numerous obstacles to bring her unique brand of Seitai care to a new audience. Her story is one of resilience, but more importantly, it is a story of hope.

As she continues to build her practice and share her knowledge with others, Chie is committed to making a lasting impact on the world of holistic care. Her vision of spreading Japanese techniques across the globe is not just a dream—it’s a mission that she is actively pursuing with every step she takes.

Many would agree that in today’s world where pain and discomfort often go unaddressed, Chie’s offer is a ray of hope. Her dedication to holistic healing and her unwavering belief in the power of care are changing lives, one need handled after another. Whether you are in the UK or elsewhere, Chie’s story serves as an inspiration to all who seek healing, both physical and emotional.