Carter, a year-old sophomore from Folsom, Calif. Using a technique he developed called muscle re-alignment therapy, Souza has helped several patients find relief from aches and pains similar to Carter''s. He has been perfecting his technique for more than 24 years, but less than two of these years have been within the United States. Souza said the first time he discovered his talent for re-aligning muscles was on his mission in Portugal.
One of the missionaries had a constant migraine for months and Souza offered to give him a neck massage, hoping to alleviate some of the pain. He said two months into his marriage, his wife had severe pain in her back and again, he was able to give relief. Souza said after this second experience, he began to study anatomy and also took massage therapy and chiropractic courses. For six years Souza said he treated patients for free because although they felt relief, he couldn''t explain what he was doing and felt guilty charging people for it.
But in the beginning, I didn''t know anything. I only know that when I put my hands there, I can treat them. He said his clinic in Brazil is still in full swing, and now he has a clinic south of Los Angeles where he commutes every two weeks. While in Brazil, Souza learned to incorporate all forms of therapeutic treatment into his technique - including shiatsu, zen-shiatsu, do-in, ayurveda and acupressure.
He said because he only works with physical pain, he often refers those going through emotional and psychological issues to other doctors as well, in order to help them find relief in all aspects of their life. His clinic has been expanding ever since, thanks to Souza''s knack for pinpointing pain with his fingers alone. Souza said he started working in California after a visit to a friend led him to a constantly growing supply of patients, willing to pay top dollar for his work.
With his three business practices running smoothly, he said his biggest struggle at times is mastering the English language. However, Souza said he finds his level of understanding is raised, when he needs it most, such as with his patients and in his calling as a bishop for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
