Transcendence into what?  In Chinese medicine the facia–that lattice-like network of tissue connecting all of the structures inside our bodies (bones, muscles, organs, vessels, etc.)–is considered an organ.  They call it the “triple-burner” or “triple heater.”  It is in this “organ” that they Chinese believe the unconscious resides.  It makes sense then that with continuous massaging of the skin and facia, insights, questions, images, and solutions often surface.  Myself and others have had similar experiences during shorter length massage sessions, however 120 minutes is usually a sure bet to transcend normal consciousness and drop down into deeper connection with the you beneath your persona and ego.  It is there that cues to the meaning and purpose of life reveal themselves.  Please give it a try and tell me what your experience is like.

Ballet ticket raffle: I’m thinking of a number between 1 and 500, the massage client with the reply closest to it wins a pair of ballet tickets to OBT’s summer performance featuring Bolero (at: http://www.obt.org/season_program4.html)

Complimentary tea or cup of coffee: As always, it is included with your massage care of Aliviar Coffee Portland (aliviarcoffee.com).

Reviews: $5 off your next massage when you post a review of my massage on Angieslist.com, Yelp.com, and Googlemaps.com:

http://www.angieslist.com/angieslist/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/peter-gold-massage-portland

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=peter+gold+massage&fb=1&gl=us&hq=peter+gold+massage&hnear=Portland,+OR&cid=0,0,12016526287711259107&ei=3CviS9eFKpyStAO0y50j&ved=0CAkQnwIwAA&ll=45.526164,-122.653921&spn=0.009275,0.018711&z=16&iwloc=A.

I’m now on Yelp.com and Angieslist.com so if you’re on either and would like to review a session you’ve had please do.

And yet, if we are patient enough, the Way (as Taoists speak of it: not right, wrong, better or worse, but rather simply alignment with what is) emerges.  But how do we know it when it comes?  In my experience, first I must enter into stillness.  From that point, after nothing happens for some time, the way into the next moment emerges.

As a therapist I listen–with my hands of course, but  also with my whole body energy which often sits in my heart.  As a massagee, when I am on the table I listen by allowing the therapist’s touch and pressure to soothe me.  Sometimes that means breathing deeply into a focused pressure point, other times it means not breathing for a very long time and allowing my system to absorb the still and deep compression of an elbow or fist.

The process, whether giving or receiving, is always marked by what is natural–what feels right at the deepest level in the moment.  When I am patient enough, the way into the next moment comes subtly, yet clearly.  Action and movement of this kind is referred to in the Chinese tradition as Wu-wei, or effortless action.  It is neither doing nor not doing.  It is rather being in accordance with what is most true.

A Valentine’s Day Massage Special for you and/or your sweetheart:

Buy one massage, and the second massage is 25% OFF.

This offer is valid for any length massage.

Also, as always, a free tea or cup of coffee is included with your massage care of Aliviar Coffee Portland.

Hope to see you again soon!

My best,

Peter

-Kabir

If you’ve had a massage and would like to write a review, simply click here, and then on the “write a review” link on the left side menu banner.  Please remind me when you do as I do not always check my Google reviews.  Thank you!

I hope you’re enjoying the cold and have digested any remaining Thanksgiving leftovers.

In celebration of the winter holiday season I am offering four specially priced stocking stuffer bundles in addition to my regular massage gift certificates.

STOCKING STUFFER BUNDLE #1:

A One Hour Organic Hungarian Facial (from Joy at Joysfacials.com)

Organic Hungarian Facials stimulate the skin’s natural ability to maintain it’s own health and beauty.  Each facial is tailored to the individual and includes a cleanse, exfoliation, extractions if needed, one or two masques, massage, toner, serum and moisturizer.

A Purifying Cosmetic Back Treatment (from Joy at Joysfacials.com)

A facial for the back: Cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing, heat application, and light massage.  This soothing treatment is designed to rid your muscles of stress and your skin of impurities.

A 75 Minute Massage Blend: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu

This massage leaves you feeling serene and recharged by restoring your body’s inherent health and vitality.  Flowing Swedish strokes, localized sustained pressure, and rhythmic acupressure create an optimal massage blend.

Facials are normally $80, back treatments are normally $40, and 75 minute massages are normally $75 (total $195).

Stocking bundle price for all three: $145.

STOCKING STUFFER BUNDLE #2:

A Massage Grab Bag:

One 75 minute Swedish/Deep Tissue/Shiatsu Massage–This massage leaves you feeling serene and recharged by restoring your body’s inherent health and vitality.  Flowing Swedish strokes, localized sustained pressure, and rythmic acupressure create an optimal massage blend.

One 75 minute Hot Stone Massage–In ancient times stones were considered the root of healing energy.  By heating Basalt stones and then using therapeutic grade aroma therapy oils, we tap into uncommon wells of stillness and renewal.

One 75 minute Reiki/Cranial Sacral Treatment–Though the body is nothing but energy we can connect and work with its more subtle or gross layers.  Reiki attunes the body to harmonize with the most essential and renewing  energetic vibrations.  Cranial Sacral treatment restores fluidity the cranial-sacral pulse which bathes and protects the nervous system’s core.

Normally: $240, stocking bundle price: $200.

STOCKING STUFFER BUNDLE #3:

Two normal sessions for less: Two 75 minute treatments blending Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, and Cranial Sacral work.

Normally: $150, stocking stuffer bundle price: $120.

STOCKING STUFFER BUNDLE #4:

A normal session for less: 75 minute treatment blending Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, and Cranial Sacral work.

Normally: $75, stocking stuffer bundle price: $65.

Hopefully there’s something that tickled your giving spirit–either to others or for yourself!

Safe holidays and a happy New Year to you and yours,

Peter

Dear Clients,

As always, I hope this letter finds you well.

In preparation for the coming cold and dry skin season, and to exfoliate all remaining summer skin sludge, I present you with this month’s self care special:

one luxurious facial with Joy (www.joysfacials.com) and her lavish care and delectable, all natural products (so pure you could eat them) for half price when you schedule a massage in October.

This offer is for you, all of my wonderful clients (past and present, chair massage clients included), as well as your family members, co-workers, friends and relatives.

Joy’s facial treatments assume the sorely needed role of sanctuary and reprieve from the too often rushed and chaotic pace of modern life. Before your facial you’ll think it’s an indulgence, during you’ll think it’s a treat, and after you’ll realize it was a necessity.

I hope you take advantage of Joy’s grand generosity and experience the necessity of being pampered.

Fondly,

Peter