At age eight I was diagnosed with Stargaurdts, a juvenile form of Macular Degeneration. From fourth to fifth grade, I went from being able to read the board across the room, to reading nothing in the front of the room. This was a very confusing time for me, but I did adapt and figured out how to get by. I still played sports for many more years, point guard in basketball, and pitcher in softball, where many people would ask me “how do you do that?” I remember trying to explain to people that it's not about your sight, it is all in how it feels. You know when you throw a strike by the feeling in the motion of your body, the catcher’s mitt was only there to catch my ball, not my guide. I later stopped all other sports and began dancing in a company where I found my love for the human body and how it moves. I eventually found my way to a Human Physiology major at the U of O, where I became obsessed with the body even more.
Massage Therapy was always in my life growing up, it was the only treatment that really helped my dad overcome a shoulder injury. I started practicing massage on my family and friends and realized what a gift I have been given, I touch to see. This was the first time I could accept my eye disease, and then understood how I could use it to help others. I have felt blessed every day since embarking upon this fulfilling new path in my life's journey.
I love giving massages and facilitating healing sessions and I am profoundly grateful for this ability and the opportunity to be of service. It is a joyful, creative and honest expression of who I am. I am passionate about and inspired by the effects of massage, touch, and breathwork to help people to relax and to heal.
The techniques I use in my work include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Lomilomi, Sports Massage, stretching and body awareness. I combine these with my knowledge and intuitive touch, making each session unique and hand-tailored to your individual needs. To learn more about techniques I use please visit the services page.
Thank you for reading! I look forward to working with you soon.
Emily Bartel
Oregon Licensed Massage Therapist
LMT #15893
