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!

First month as an LMT

It's been a month since I've been a licensed massage therapist.  I have 3 regular clients and 2 trading partners. I'm also working part-time at a day spa called New Identity.

Until the Spa, I haven't worked since starting massage school. Before that I spent 2 years working part-time, spending my free time learning about myself through classes and activities like chi kung, yoga, dance.  It's definitely a shift for me to go to a job from 11am-7pm each day.

The spa has made me a better massage therapist. I'm learning how to "read" new clients and determine how I can best serve them. I'm also developing relationships with some of the people at work and really enjoying the connection.

...life has interrupted this blog, stay tuned...

I started writing this post about 2 weeks ago and am only now getting back to finish it. Hmm, I guess that makes a pretty big statement about my life style change since going back to work.

This time however, work is different.  After college, I worked as a Project Manager, sometimes putting in 50-60 hours a week, not including time spent lying on the floor recovering from the office.  Now, I'm learning how not to work too hard.  Massage therapists are especially prone to taking on other people's emotional and physical pain, as well as working too hard to please their clients.

Last week, I had 5 clients in one day, 3 in a row, with less than 5 minutes between each and the last one was a 90 minute session! I had an incredible day, I wasn't cranky or worn out when I got home.  I did take a long, hot bath to take care of myself, but mostly I took care of myself during each session so that I could give each client my full attention and not drain myself.  Incredible!  I gave each person 100% while not overextending myself. 

Yes, I'm learning a lot at the Spa. I also realize working at a spa it's not my goal.  My goal is to develop regular clients and help them in taking great care of themselves by offering more than just massage. Part of that is speaking the truth when I feel it being asked of me.  By this I mean, for example, a client walks in talking like she's had 20 cups of coffee, I ask her what's her reason for coming if for a massage and find a way to insert the truth, "It's time to slow down." Whatever she does with this information is hers, but I've upheld my integrity in offering all I can during the session including suggestions to breathe or feel inside themselves.  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. 

Thank you!

I'm writing this blog thinking it's a diary to myself, when lo and behold, people are actually reading it! Thanks for reading everyone.  I really enjoy sharing.
Love,
Dana

The first massage job!

As of yesterday, I have a part-time massage job!  I responded to a post on Craig's List and received a phone call the next day.  She said to be prepared to give a 30 minute demonstration of my work. I showed up to the building a little early. It's a hair and nail salon called New Identity on 11th and Broadway in Portland.  The space is very nicely lit, clean and professional. They do a lot of pedicures and hair. I've only met 2 of the people who work there, both were Vietnamese.  The interview went very well, partly because I had a wonderful 2 hour Thai Massage prior to the interview. Thank You, Margaret!.  I was nervous, but I liked the manager's energy. She was straight forward, honest and it was easy to communicate with her.

Getting a job, newly licensed and just out of school, is a little daunting, especially since I've only held jobs like Receptionist and Front Counter Manager for the past 2 and a half years. I have a BA and am qualified for more challenging work, but just didn't have the desire to put the energy into doing the work. Now, I have the desire to do my best, both in working for myself and for someone else.  That's a first for me.  It's really changing how I do things.  I'm have more integrity and energy for my work.  

...back to the interview.  Sandra and I talked for 10 minutes about the in's and out's of the job, it's based on 60/40 commission. I get 60%, they get 40%.  They would like me to be on premises, or close by, for walk-in clients during the days I'm scheduled. They provide all supplies and clients, I'm to do my own laundry. She showed me the massage rooms. They are small, but very comforting, clean with table warmers, blankets, CD player and a dimmer switch on the lights. 

I asked, "who will I be giving a massage to," she said, "me".  Oh. It was a relief to not have the pressure of being watched like in the state practical exam. It also put more emphasis on my work being judged directly by her.  I left the room, washed my hands in the bathroom, tied up my hair and attempted to leave my jitters in the bathroom.  Tapping on the door to see if she was on the table, I went into the massage room and couldn't see. She had the lights turned very low compared to the bathroom I had come from. My eyes adjusted and I made myself comfortable by taking off my shoes. 

We began talking about what she likes in a massage, what I'd be doing for her and for her to let me know about pressure at any time.  I know that even though people aren't necessarily conscious of it they can feel how I'm feeling, especially when I'm touching them. I knew she could feel the nervous excitement pouring out my hands.  I began with a little rocking on top of the sheet to feel how she holds herself. Typically, this is a shiatsu technique, but I complimented it with Mennell's stroke over the whole body before beginning.  This gave me a little time to adjust before diving in.  


I have to admit, I've focused on Shiatsu Massage for the past 15 months.  I'm comfortable with Swedish, but Shiatsu is home.  I had the slightest hesitation before pulling the sheet back, but didn't let that distract me from connecting with her. I spread the massage gel (also new for me) and let her know I was going to warm up her muscles before getting to the deep tissue massage she had requested.  While I was working she asked, "is this your deep pressure?"  Well, yes in some ways it was, see I don't believe in hurting people.  I think some people feel in order to get deep muscle wringing massage you need to wince and hold back from crying out in pain.  I feel my way through the tissue and desire to release more than just the muscle.  It's the whole body that needs to relax, the body can't do this when the person is in pain.  

In response to her question about pressure, I said it was my medium pressure and that the table was a bit high for me. Then I began to try to force my way in deeper and realized I was not taking care of my own body. Putting an end to that, I began to talk to her about how breathing deeply can help release the muscles and then I talked to her about trigger points. She was really interested and we had a nice exchange about how muscles get knotted and what you can do about it.  She allowed herself to breathe much more deeply once I shared with her that breathing deeply helps pump her heart more, induces relaxation and moves more oxygen though the blood. I worked on a few more of her trigger points and felt some of them release now that she was breathing.  I ended with compression over the sheet on her legs and a 3 minute foot massage.  


The best parts were where I took care of myself, like taking off my shoes and not trying to work so deeply that it hurt my hands. Doing these things helped me open up and feel really good during the massage. People can feel this, again, even if they are not conscious of what they are feeling.  She came out very happy and let me know that she had a few other people to interview, but she would call me in 2 days. She also asked if I had heard from my other prospects, I said not yet, but that I really liked this place. I left smiling. It felt so good to be able to connect with her that way and to know I had taken care of myself at the same time.  


I start next Thursday, Oct. 29th!  Smile. :)

First 10 days as an LMT & 1st draft of business cards

I've been an LMT officially since Oct. 8th, 2009.  I've given 2 massages, had 2 job interviews, one cancellation, one I had to reschedule, my first attempt at a business/financial plan and lots of congratulations.  A great start. I'm learning a lot already.

The plan is to work part-time for myself out of my home and part-time for someone else, preferably a chiropractic office or other natural medicine clinic.

The 2 job interviews were very different.  The first interview was for a 60/40 split or lease, but the Salon was looking for someone with an established clientele, which I do not have.  The second was a group interview at a Salon and Spa.  They asked interesting questions, such as: If you could be any animal what would you be and why?  What food would you be and what would make people like you?  What's your favorite movie?  As far as interviews go, this was the most educational because I was able to listen to diverse responses to the classic interview questions. At this point I'm waiting to hear back from them, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

This past week I caught a cold.  One of the first in years, no exaggeration, I can't remember the last time I had a head cold.  I canceled what would have been my 3rd appointment.  It was a struggle to make that decision, but I'm glad I did.  Taking care of myself, my client and making sure I am able to give 100% in each massage felt good (after I got over the initial guilt trip thanks to my superwoman alter ego).

The business cards are coming along (Thank you, Yancey!) and I've been procrastinating on writing the text for my website.  Your input on the cards is appreciated.  Please, tell me what you think! (I'm partial to #6, but think I'd like a circle instead.)

OBMT Practical Exam

I took the Oregon Massage Practical Exam this past Tuesday, Sept. 29th, 2009.

I'll admit I crammed. I picked up my pathology notes and kinesiology flash cards 2 days prior to the exam and was surprised to find that some of the pathologies on the OBMT list were not covered at my school!  I hurried online and got most of the info I needed.

About a week prior to the test I invited Margaret over for a massage and she (a new LMT in OR) gave me the low down on the test. Oh, and I finished the Jurisprudence exam the night before the practical while watching the old Ellen show on youtube. Embarassing, I know, but she is so funny compared to rules and regulations about massage.

The day of the exam I arrived in Salem to take the test about 45 minutes early.  This gave me plenty of time to study and freak out in the parking lot.  Looking back I see how much I was trying to convince myself I wasn't nervous.

The office was very professional and the woman at the desk was uninterested in me as I attempted to make a good impression.  I also made the mistake of asking if I could study while I waited for the test. She looked at me and said, "you're done studying". Yes, yes, I am I thought.  I drew the muscles I would present from a "hat" and tried to remember where flexor pollicis longus was and what were the actions of the glutes medius. I've often confused the actions of the glutes med, min and maximus.  As I waited, I stood there and felt my glutes trying to determine the actions feeling increasingly awkward, unsure of myself and scared (but I didn't want to admit it).

For those of you who don't know the OBMT practical exam is given in 50 minutes by 3 examiners: a client, a questioner and an observer.  The client came out to greet me and I immediately felt better. She seemed more real (and relaxed) than any of the other people in the office. She took me to the exam room and read from a piece of paper to show me the items in the room.  I put the face cradle on the floor to prepare the table and she kindly let me know that the floor was not sanitary and that the table was.  I'm not sure, but I don't think she was supposed to let me know that, I think she was helping me out.

When the other 2 examiners came into the room they were distant, cold and didn't connect with me other than a cursory hello.  The questioner read from a script as the observer jotted and sighed whenever I answered a question.  The pathology they asked me about was pregnancy which I had just glanced over the night before.  After the exam I remembered all sorts of things I could have said, but I felt really stupid at that moment.  I ummmed and choked out the words about contraindications and indications.  I asked her to repeat just about every other question.

After some range of motion with my clients wrist I was asked to talk about Shiatsu (my choosen modality) to my client.  As I began to talk about energy flow aka "chi" I got a faint "uh-oh" look from my client, I quickly included the muscle and body systems benefits and my clients face began to relax.  

I was told demonstrate 10 minutes of Shiatsu on my client.  I made sure to check in with her about pressure and her comfort level.  I gave her a blanket proceeded to begin the opening sequence of short form Shiatsu.  As I was rocking her low back I panicked and didn't do the form in the correct order (plus I had to leave certain things out because I've heard they don't want me to get up on the table).  It took a few seconds to regain my composure and just keep going, giving it my best.  I focused most on her neck and shoulders and was able to finish both arms before time ran out and the massage was abruptly stopped.

It was awkward, so awkward.  In retrospect, I would have smiled more, just to keep my spirits up.  We went out in the hall so my client could undress and get on the table.  I was to demonstrate a breast drape and show muscle location on my client.  The breast drape was scary, but I took it slowly and did well.  Again, I think my client helped me a little.  The observer just gave me a pitied look (or so my scared ego thought).

Next came the Kinesiology part of the exam: showing the origin and insertion of the chosen muscles and showing their actions. I was sooooooo nervous.  Some of the muscles I didn't demonstrate very confidently and I felt I wasn't sure about how to demonstrate their exact location and/or action.  I didn't feel prepared enough and I wished I had studied more in advance.  I think I got cocky from doing so well on the written without much studying.  Now I know, for myself in a situation like the practical exam, I need to know my stuff inside and out.

They abruptly told me the exam was over and I swear my jaw dropped to the floor.  I don't know how much time I had remaining, but I thought they must be mistaken.  I asked, "what about the pathology part of the exam"?  The questioner was about to answer me and they remembered her role and just repeated the same sentence about the exam being over.  I thanked them and left feeling very confused, disoriented and disappointed in myself.

I gathered my things from the front desk and it hit me...I must have failed.  I got in the car and immediately called a friend and blurted out, "I think I FAILED!"  He calmed me down and tried to talk me out of my craziness.  "You didn't fail, and if you did you can learn something from it and take it again," he said.  The whole car ride home I went back and forth between "I'm fine either way" and "oh shit what if I failed".  About half way home I realized the pregnancy questions was the pathology part and I laughed at myself as I beat myself up for asking, "what about the pathology...". 

It wasn't until Saturday when the mail arrived that I knew I passed.  I think deep down I knew I passed, but my mind wouldn't listen and just chill out. That evening I went out to dinner with a friend and just have been feeling great.  It makes me so happy to know I jumped through all the hoops and have created a career for myself. 

I've learned a lot about myself from the exam experience.  Thank you to my great friends who talk me out of being abusive to myself :)

The license application goes in the mail on Monday.  I still have to be patient until I'm officially an LMT.  I'm so excited!

Love,
Dana

Come get your free massage!

I'm offering FREE hour and a half massages until I'm licensed.  I expect to be licensed in early October.

Offering:

Shiatsu

Swedish

Call 503-442-7177 to schedule a session.

Location in SE Portland, OR

Looking forward to it! :-)