Supporting Berkeley Free Clinic – Jason Mañalac Biography March 16, 2011

Jason Mañalac: Counselor, Student, Triathlete, Volunteer

One of the Acupressure Institute’s dedicated counselors, Jason has guided fellow students through their programs since 2009. His first experience in bodywork began as an intern in the Sports Medicine program at UC Berkeley where he earned a degree in Molecular Environmental Biology with an emphasis in Human Health and Environment.

While a huge advocate of active work (e.g. Sports/Deep Tissue), Jason was captivated by the calming, meditative style of Zen Shiatsu at the Acupressure Institute. Within this “Zen” state of heightened awareness and clear intention, he has learned to direct therapeutic, rhythmic massage on to others. Acu-Reflexology is another personal favorite of his, where he likes to apply the points GB 40, LV3, & B57 to alleviate toe, foot, and calf cramps respectively. As an avid triathlete, Jason finds these acu-points especially handy before & after long endurance workouts, such as during cold Bay Area open-water swims.

Currently, Jason is training for his first Half-Ironman triathlon on April 2nd, 2011.  He is raising funds on behalf of the Berkeley Free Clinic where he volunteers as a Laboratory Technician.  Strongly believing in that “health care is a human right, not a privilege”, he was motivated to volunteer at the clinic to combat inequality in health care access and demystify medicine so others can empower themselves to manage their own health.  As a member of the Lab section, Jason performs labs including urinalysis, gram stains, KOH digestions, and Strep tests.  For more information on his fundraising efforts, visit his page at www.IRONMANalac.wordpress.com.  You can also follow his training progress at http://twitter.com/IRONMANalac

In addition to his Acupressure studies, Jason is working studiously on his Biotechnology Certificate at Contra Costa College and pre-Clinical Laboratory Scientist classes at UC Berkeley Extension. He hopes to one day integrate his passion for science and the art of Acupressure, to help people in mind, body, and spirit.