Master Zhang Hao
Dan was trained by Master Zhang Hao, principal at the Australian School of Remedial Therapies.
Master Zhang graduated with High Distinction from the prestigious Beijing Institute of Physical Culture and was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, majoring in Chinese Bodywork Therapies, Wu Shu and Tai Chi. He was also granted post graduate studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedial Massage with one of the most highly regarded physicians in China, Dr Li Yungchang.
Trained from a young age in martial arts under the guidance of his grandfather, a prominent Chinese Medical Scholar and Tai Chi Master, Master Zhang won silver and gold medals in national tournaments. Source: The Australian School Of Remedial Therapies.
Dan’s Background
Dan was introduced to Chinese Massage in 1987 where he was the practice subject for a friend undertaking the same training. At the same time he discovered other Traditional Chinese Medicinal practices such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and herbs, through Arnen Parker of the Shentang Clinic in Lismore NSW. This was the beginning of a lifelong dedication to and fascination with these healing modalities.
He started massaging family and friends informally while pursuing a career in organic farming and permaculture design. Seeking a career change after 25 years, in 2012 he completed the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice with Master Zhang Hao.
Dan moved to Byron Bay where he spent the next 2 years establishing his practice. He started experimenting with sound healing and discovered that he had the ability to synchronise massage manoeuvres with icaro, indigenous and ambient music. Clients responded with positive feedback, encouraging him to continue the practice.
Medicine Drum
In 2013 he was introduced to the Medicine Drum and started experimenting with integrating it into his massage practice. Much to his surprise, clients reported that it was their favourite part of the massage!
He decided to make his own drum under the guidance of shamanic practitioner Peter Bowden.
It was made with the intention to facilitate a state of deep relaxation and entrancement. Materials used in its construction include kangaroo skin and a large crushed quartz crystal that was incorporated into the beater. The drum creates a deep resonating vibration that can be felt throughout the body.
Peter believes the vibrational healing from the drum penetrates on a cellular level and can engage the spirit (or ethereal) body.
Dan’s Path
In 2014 Dan travelled throughout Europe researching massage styles by practitioners who had immigrated from all over the world: Japan, Thailand, Morocco, Lebanon and Chile as well as the practices developed in those European countries including Turkey, France, Spain, Portugal, England and Ireland.
Bringing all this knowledge and experience to what it is today, Dan was asked by clients and other massage therapists to train them in his unique style. This resulted in the development of his one-on-one training package suitable for beginners and massage therapists seeking to expand their repertoire. The training has been delivered all over the eastern seaboard from the Daintree in Far North Queensland and all the way down to Tasmania.
“Unique, tailored, healing body work through the power of touch, cupping and drumming with meticulous intuition and knowledge of a broad spectrum of massage techniques.”
Alfred Charles
Pathways Massage 