The Daniel Adler Clinic Newsletter: Issue 14, Stay Golden

In this issue:

People have been asking why I end my correspondence with “Stay Golden”. So I thought why not start this issue with that sentiment and explain why I choose to use it.

It carries a lot of meaning for me… but even my wife finds it a bit strange.

Growing up in South Africa, one of our favourite slang words for when something is really good is “Lekka” (from the Dutch “Lekker,” meaning sweet).

If something is more than good—truly extraordinary—we’d say it’s Golden.

To be Golden means everything is shining, set, and wonderful.

"How are things looking for this evening?"

"Oh, we’re Golden!"

There’s also a Zulu influence. In isiZulu, when parting ways, the host says “Hamba Kahle” (“Go well”), and the guest replies “Sala Kahle” (“Stay well”).

Stay Golden is my way of offering that blessing: may you continue to be well—extraordinarily well—until we meet again.

Finally, my Buddhist practice adds another layer. (I should say here that I’m no scholar or teacher—just a practitioner, bumbling and stumbling along.)

Buddhism teaches that we are all born with Buddha Nature—an innate, pure, enlightened essence.

To me, that essence is what I call Golden. It’s not something we have to earn or achieve; it’s already there within us, a goodness we can keep returning to.

So when I sign off with “Stay Golden,” I’m offering a small, durable blessing. It gathers these threads of my life and turns them into a single wish: May the brightness already in you hold steady between now and the next time we meet.

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– Laozi

When you receive shiatsu, it may feel like a mix between applied pressure, gentle stretching, and mindful touch.

But beneath the surface, there’s a lot happening—whether we describe it with modern anatomy or through Traditional Eastern Medicine.

Muscles release, breathing slows, and the nervous system shifts toward rest. That shift is what helps you feel more steady, present, and, yes… a little more Golden.

In medical terms, the pressure and release of shiatsu encourages muscles to soften.

Tension melts, blood flow improves, and oxygen and nutrients reach areas that were tight or sore. From an Eastern perspective, this is Ki (energy) and Ketsu (Blood) beginning to flow more freely.

Where there was stagnation—the root of discomfort—movement is restored, nourishing the tissues and renewing vitality.

Our bodies have two main “gears” in the nervous system:

Shiatsu touch helps the body shift out of stress mode and into a calmer, healing state.

In Traditional Eastern Medicine, this is described as harmonizing In and Yō (Yin-Yang). Most of us live with excess Yō — rushing, striving, tightening.

Shiatsu invites In qualities back in: rest, receptivity, and balance.

Gentle stretches and rotations in shiatsu keep joints mobile and stimulate the fluids that prevent stiffness.

In Eastern terms, these movements also open the Keiraku (meridians) that run through muscles and joints, ensuring Ki flows freely and stagnation doesn’t settle in.

Shiatsu lights up the brain’s pathways for safety and comfort, supporting the release of “feel-good” chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin.

In Traditional Eastern Medicine, this is the Shin (mind-spirit) becoming calm and grounded.

People often leave a session feeling both centred and uplifted—a reflection of Ki flowing smoothly through the Heart and mind.

Shiatsu unwinds muscle tension, improves circulation, calms the nervous system, balances In and Yō (Yin–Yang), opens the Keiraku (meridians), and soothes the Shin (mind–spirit).

The result is a lighter, more comfortable body, a clearer mind, and a deeper sense of ease.

If you’re feeling tight, wired, or simply not yourself, book a shiatsu session. One focused hour can reset your body and nervous system—and help you stay (or return to being) Golden.

• • • • •

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I was invited by Five Lights Center of NYC—the longest-running Japanese Shiatsu centre in the U.S.—to share my Shiatsu journey.

I’d love you to read the full story: how a kid from Johannesburg found a path in Shiatsu through apprenticeship, community, and the quiet courage to be present.

• • • • •

Read the Full Article

– Sun Simiao

Beatrice is currently offering treatments at Dupont Naturopathic Family Centre until she takes her formal Board exams.

Treatments are offered at a reduced rate.

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When I say Stay Golden, I’m wishing you health, joy, and harmony—and reminding you of the brightness and goodness that’s already yours.

Golden can look simple and real: waking with less tension in your shoulders, breathing a little deeper in traffic, sleeping through the night, moving without aches, feeling steadier in your moods, and meeting your day with more ease and warmth.

It’s the unhurried cup of tea, the walk that loosens your back, the conversation where you actually feel present.

If a more Golden day sounds good, what small step will you take this week to invite it in?

If you’d like support, come in for shiatsu—I’d be honoured to help you soften what’s tight, calm the nerves, and reconnect with what’s already Golden in you.

Stay golden,

Daniel (T’agyol) Adler