Massage Gift Certificates $15 - $45

The holidays are here! 
What better time to give the gift of massage?

Gift certificates are a great gift for all occasions, for friends and family; Holiday, Birthday, Congratulations, and other Special Occasions. The gift that collects no dust.

Massage Gift Certificate

1/2 hour massage $15

1 hour massage $45

I have lots of enthusiasm for massage and bodywork. I believe it can change lives for the better. Give the gift that can help improve their quality of life: Time to relax, rejuvenate, and restore the body and soul.

Sincerely,

Dana Highfill, LMT

503-442-7177

2311 East Burnside St.

Portland, OR 97214

www.danahighfill.com 

Massage Community

Aimee has closed the "Portland LMTs Connect" Meetup Group. There is a "Massage Therapist Club" Meetup Group based in Portland, Oregon, open to all.

 

On Tuesday, November 9th a group of us met to discuss what we want in a massage community. It was a fun potluck. We discussed our top priority need in the massage community and we scheduled trades with each other. We decided to call ourselves the Massage Guild. We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

I've been thinking about the Massage Guild. Rather than having it be a lot of work and pressure on us trying to make things happen, like a directory and a union and a temp service and a website and, and, and..., we could focus on spending time together and getting what we need like trades and potlucks and just talking about stuff. Letting that flush itself out, maybe we'll grow and naturally these things that we need and desire will start to come together.

I know I have enough on my plate and often just need some fun time (potlucks) with good people and TLC on the table. I think as a group we would grow because other LMTs need those things as well. Once we are larger and have a rhythm we could branch out into making things happen.

What do you think?

Here's a link to a Massage Guild in Maine

Next Massage Guild meeting: 

Tuesday, December 7th, 7:30pm, at my house. 

Spread the word.

Contact me at 503-442-7177

Thanks!

Dana

Progress

Things are changing quickly since signing the lease. I'm officially the responsible party at 2311 E. Burnside starting December 1st, 2010. There are (or will be) 4 LMTs total using the space. We run it as a collective. Everyone gets to have their say and we all take respoinsibility for stuff that needs to be done. Stuff like deciding on the 4th person to join us in the space.

Good things are happening with my professional life:
My clientele is growing. In addition to Fridays I will offer Wednesday appointments beginning in December (January with Online Booking) at the Burnside location.

My regular clients are asking for more shiatsu and energy work, which I love to give. I have a few new clients each month. I'm doing more trades with other LMTs and taking better care of myself both physically, emotionally and energetically.

Taking better care of myself with regular massage, counseling, chi kung (of course), meditation, walking and chiropractic adjustments. My goal is to incorporate at least an hour each day to relax and one day each week to restore/relax.

I do need more fun in my life. Funny movies, dinner with friends, games, rough housing, ambling bike rides with a friend, travel outside of Portland, live music, creating stuff.

I have a lot of great support for all the changes in both in my professional and personal life. I've started a meditation practice which I never had the patience for in the past. It seems to be helping my personal growth a lot.

I'm enjoying taking pictures of the sky this fall

Thanks for reading!

Massage Community

Re-post of an email Aimee Perkins sent out.

Hello Ya'll,

My dream for creating an extensive massage community is still strong and alive.  Here is a list of what I believe our community is in need of:

An Union - so we are getting paid what we are worth and not being forced to work more than our bodies are capable of. I think this would also include educating spa owners and chiropractors of limitations and how physical our profession is.

An Association ( Oregon Chapter) - where as a group we could get a group discount on health Insurance.
                              

Check out NAMASTA that offers discounts for yoga and massage professionals.  http://www.namasta.com/health_insurance_plan.php 

The National Association of Massage Therapists offers liability insurance, slip and fall,($89.95) and a discount health plan at an additional cost.  www.namtonline.com

A Temp Service  - We work at small chiropractors office and spas that in are need of coverage when we are sick and want to go on vacation.  This task usually falls on us since our employers do not know how to find these temps.

A Directory - Be nice to have a directory based on modalities/ specialities. Maybe an online directory where a client can put in modality and zip code.  Or a central phone number for booking massage therapists in the Portland metro area by modality and zip code and availability.

A Web Site - A web site for Portland Metro Massage therapists with a similar format as Craigslist but with categories of; equipment for sale, massage trades, rooms for rent etc...

These are the thoughts that run through my head and would like to start putting them into action but I am so overwhelmed and not sure where to start.  Here is my plan.  I am holding a potluck and looking for people to be on committees for the above needs and whatever else you might think we are in need of.  I want to hold monthly meetings/potlucks to report to the community progress and to keep us on track/accountability. I am thinking the second Tuesday of the month.  Come meet other LMT's and get jazzed about being a part of this fabulous profession.  Please RSVP so I know how large of a venue I need.  Put it on your calendar November 9th 6:30-9:00pm. 

MASSAGE TECHNIQUES- As some of you know I have held groups where we focus on a certain body parts and each show our own special techniques of loosening that muscle group and get CEU's on top of it.  Is there a class that you just took and would love to share what you learned with us?  Or just want to lead a Massage Technique group?  Let me know.  You can find the schedule on meetup.  http://www.meetup.com/Portland-LMTS-Connect-Meetup-Group/.  You need to join meet up which is free and sign up for Portland LMTS Connect.  Easy to do and a great way for automatic reminders etc.. Please join to stay abreast and email if you want to add something on the calendar.

Look forward to seeing you all soon and I am blessed to know you all. Please feel free to forward this on.

Aimee

LES TWINS | YAK FILMS | SAN FRANCISCO

Incredible what these guys do with their bodies. Love it.

Signed the lease, 2311 E. Burnside!

Signed a one year lease yesterday for the Burnside location of my practice. 

Starting officially in December 2010!

It was an easy transition. Melanie, the former tenant, held the lease for the past 5 years. She is now pregnant and halting her massage practice temporarily. Initially, I was afraid to take over the lease. It is a responsibility financially, a commitment to a place (Portland) and a risk to have sub-letters. 

I've been a massage therapist for 1 year. I am currently working from my own practice one day per week as a supplement to my main income as an employee at a chiropractic office. 

This feels like a step toward my goal: to be primarily self-employed. If all goes well I will add a day to my practice in January 2011.

2311 East Burnside St.

Room 201

Hurricane Birds | YAK FILMS | New Orleans, Louisiana 7th Ward | Dancing ...

Just wanted to share this with you all. I love this video.  The clouds, sky and birds have captured my attention many times here in Portland.

An Update with Goals

It's been a year since I've been licensed. There have been lots of changes and growth. Some uncomfortable, some surprisingly easy, some unexpected. Like getting fired. Yeah, I didn't expect that or want to admit it when it happened in July, 2010. It was a bit of a shock at the time, I felt totally blindsided . I lived, learned and have grown.

I'm now working for a chiropractor 4 days a week and have my own practice, "Dana Highfill, LMT", open on Fridays. I attempted being open every other Sunday in addition to Fridays, but it really stretches me physically to work 6 days a week. Don't worry, I'm not working 8 hour days, an average of 2-5 hours at the chiropractor and 5-7 hours with my own practice.

At the chiropractor I work every other Saturday in addition to Monday - Thursday. I receive my schedule the day before. Sometimes I only work an hour, sometimes 6 hours, sometimes nothing (often on Wednesdays). I really like the clean environment, structure and clientele. I don't like not knowing my schedule in advance and still being expected to be available if they need me. I would like to have benefits and vacation time.

Aimee Perkins, an LMT in Portland, has started a MeetUp Group for improving the massage community.  I have a lot of ideas that could help us be better supported by our employers and by other massage therapists in our community. I encourage all massage therapists to check it out and attend. Read more: "My Vision for Community" November 9th, 6:30pm.

GOALS:

In 6 months time I would like to work at my own practice 2 days per week while supplementing my income at the chiropractor's. 

In one year, I would like to have weekends off from massage, to work 3 days per week at the chiropractor, 2 days per week at my own office and to gross at least $2000/month. I would like to start offering classes and sessions based on my work with Quiet Thunder and private studies with Tzun Tzun.

In two years time I would like to be working 3-4 days/week primarily from my own office and making at least $3,000/month.

Online Booking

You can now book appointments online through my website www.danahighfill.com or by clicking the button below.

Thank you!

Volunteer Work

Molly at Tour de Cure, July 2010

Volunteering massage service is rewarding.
 
I began volunteering massage as a student at OSM in order to gain experience. Students are not allowed to accept tips, students cannot receive payment or gifts for massage services. I was a little disgruntled about this, but stuck to the rules.  Now I see things differently. Massage is something I offer to people. I am good at it and I love it. 

I've volunteered massage a couple of times this year.  The first was the American Diabetes Association Bike Ride called "Tour de Cure". It happens all over the US. Here in Oregon it is held in Hillsboro around the end of July. This year was my second time at the event. The second was at the New Seasons company picnic held at Oaks Park mid August.

Today I received cash and a gift card in the mail. What a surprise! The cash was from the Tour de Cure Bicycle Ride tip jar the gift card was from the New Seasons Market company picnic. I hadn't expected to receive any sort of payment for the volunteer work I've done this year. That's what made it so special to receive it.

I realize that when I am expecting payment it is nice to receive it, but when it is freely given it is a joy to receive. I am learning how to make a living as a massage therapist. I am also learning how to receive and give money in a different way.


I am going to ponder this more and get back to you all.  Please post comments and tell me your experiences or thoughts.

Me at Tour de Cure 2009

Tour de Cure 2009

EveryBody Deserves a Massage

I am offering a special discount through the end of July in honor of everyBody deserves a massage week. $50 for one hour massage, $75 for 90 minutes!

I specialize in Shiatsu and love incorporating Shiatsu presses and stretches into Swedish massage. Each session is tailored to your individual needs. 

Please visit my website at danahighfill.com for additional information about my work and location. Contact me at 503-442-7177.

Why Shiatsu?

"Shiatsu"

Shiatsu, a Japanese form of bodywork based on Chinese Medicine, has been my main focus since beginning massage school. A few years ago, I was debating whether to attend the Oriental College of Medicine for a degree in Acupuncture or to attend massage school. 

During my studies with Tibetan-trained mystic, Tzun Tzun, I was drawn less and less toward classical education and more towards the indigenous practices of shaman and other energy workers.  See my posting on 9/06/2009 for more about my travels to Ecuador and my decision to become a massage therapist. 

In July 2008 during my first semester at the Oregon School of Massage I enrolled in Shiatsu I, taught by Wendy Ward. My interest in Chinese medicine had me reading on the subject, receiving Shiatsu, acupuncture, taking Chinese herbs and practicing chi kung (qigong) from a variety of different sources. This was my first course in Chinese medicine and I soaked it in like a sponge. I found was a teacher who was as enthusiastic about the subject as I was.

Now after completing all 4 Levels of Shiatsu offered at OSM, attending workshops by Akira Imai of The Shiatsu Center in Portland, Oregon, much reading and practice, I am excited that a whole new dimension in Shiatsu has opened up for me.  

The world is changing more quickly than ever before. I believe the traditional ways of working can help us heal and shift, but that we also need to revisit and adjust the old ways to suit the rapid changes that are happening now. 

I am an avid reader and just began reading a book by that has changed the way I perceive the work that I do. Because of my training with Tzun Tzun, I have experienced and witnessed altered states and some wonderful shifts during Shiatsu and energy work treatments with clients. The book is called The New Shiatsu Method: Helping the Body to Heal Itself by Ryokyu Endo. I am excited to explore more in depth, this book is opening the possibilities and effectiveness of my Shiatsu work.  Also, more and more of my clients are requesting Shiatsu and energy work.

In Japan people seek out a licensed shiatsu therapist for health reasons, rather than pleasure, and it is considered a form of medical treatment. A quote from The New Shiatsu Method, "The mechanism of Oriental healing described by Master Masunaga occurs when the patient's ki responds to the giver's ki." Both are healed when this happens. A lot of massage therapists burn out after a few years.  I read a statistic that given a group of massage therapists who began in the same year, each year the number still working as massage therapists drops by half. Bodywork doesn't have to be so hard on the giver's body. For me, Shiatsu has been a way of getting great results and preserving, often improving, my own health.

Brooklyn Total Health Clinic (week 2)

I've been at the new location for almost 2 weeks now. Working on so many more bodies, about 8 each day. I'm learning about working with injuries, doing deep tissue, stretching and trigger point therapy.  Also taking chart notes and doing patient intakes.  Loving it.

Plus, working on my own clients on Mondays, Fridays and Tu.-Th. mornings.

Self care:
Lots of Epsom Salt baths to help the body adjust to the amount of bodywork I'm doing.
Monthly massage at Zama
Bi-weekly chiropractic work
eating well through out the day
drinking lots of water
laughing and not taking myself too seriously :)

New Location!

 I have some great news about my massage therapy practice...

I am moving to a new location! Beginning June 14th, I will be at

Brooklyn Total Health Clinic, 3725 SE Milwaukie Ave. (between Powell and Holgate). map link

I am very excited about the new place. I will be working part-time for an acupuncturist (Dr. William Duarte) and part-time building my own practice in the same space.

The space is different from the spa. It is in a very comfortable and inviting remodeled Victorian house; the tables are heated, the major difference is in the health oriented atmosphere. I am excited as I will have lots of opportunity to learn different techniques from Dr. Duarte as well as improving my knowledge of Chinese Medicine.  Please call me if you have any questions.

By appointment only.

• Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-noon, Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm.
• Rates: $30/30 minutes, $55/60 minutes, $80/90minutes
• Contact me by phone or email to schedule a session. 503-442-7177

Discounts available, see the website for more details: www.danahighfill.com

Thank you everyone! I am very excited.

Dana Highfill, LMT
503-442-7177
danahighfill@gmail.com

Oregon School of Massage nomination essay

I wrote this short essay to nominate OSM for a massage school makeover with Massage Today. 

 

What do you feel your school did to make your education
exceed your expectations?

 

I've always joked that I chose the Oregon School of Massage based on the color of its walls; a subtle, calming shade of lavender.  The real reason is much deeper than a coat of paint. The motto of the school is, "Engaging the whole person...body, mind and spirit," and that is in complete alignment with the staff at OSM.  Each staff member, teacher and office staff alike, is focused on creating an environment to fully support the students in their growth and progress while at OSM.

 

Not only does the OSM staff provide an excellent, well-rounded education in massage therapy, they help prepare students for the rigors of a career where ethics and business play a large part.  Going to massage school is challenging in a way conventional school is not.  Each staff member provides a different piece of the picture to support students as we come upon the challenges and opportunities of a body-centered education.

 

At OSM we are challenged to look more deeply at ourselves and at our motivation for becoming massage therapists. The staff at OSM are passionate and supportive in encouraging students to be the best they can be. We come from many different walks of life, we all have different needs in body, mind and spirit; the Oregon School of Massage is a place where you will find the support you need to be the successful massage therapist you want to become.

Changing like the weather

Wow! Lots of changes this month. I've decided to start my own business. I've been working full-time as a contractor for a day spa with only a few clients at my home office.  It is time to shift to something new.

The change will progress slowly. As of this moment, I'm still working full-time at the spa.  I am putting more time and effort into creating my own business and scaling back a few hours at work.

This is a big change for me and it is still sinking in.  I'm am putting this out there to let friends and clients know and to see what some of your reactions are.  I welcome comments, suggestions, concerns, stories, support, basically anything you have to offer.  

Thank you all who've stuck by me as I branch into this new career.

With Love, 

Dana

Being present: getting back into your body

My last post ended with, "I feel this is one of the most important parts of my work: to give my full attention and guide a person back into their body."

I believe, in this culture, this time period we are not encouraged to feel and be present in our bodies.  Our body is the place where we communicate with the world.  It holds our DNA, our energy, and all of all the experiences we've had in this world. To release a muscle you must be conscious that it is holding.  We are often aware when we have a muscle ache or pain, but will ignore it until it becomes so loud we have no choice but to either numb it out with medication or address it, often with bodywork or a practice like yoga or chi kung.

Things happen, we get injured or our bodies get worn out after constantly using them in the same way. I believe our body and/or the universe is telling us something; when we don't listen it speaks louder and sometimes this hurts.  When we are not present and focused on how we are doing things, we hurt ourselves and sometimes others.  Notice I said "how" not what.  It's not what we do, but how we do it that matters.

As I'm typing this I'm making sure to breathe fully, sit straight and relax my entire body.  Even when doing very physical work such as massage it is important to relax the body and feel what you're doing.  Practice and you will improve. We're never going to be perfect at being present, so don't beat yourself up when you notice you're not present.  Noticing is a great opportunity to shift it and bring yourself here, into your body, into this moment.

It takes time. Be patient. Practice. Experiment. It's not easy, but it's worth it!