Kenton Family Wellness Center

Jill Noelle Miller, LMT #18399

Licensed Massage Therapist & Reiki Practitioner

 

503.367.7659

 

 

How did you become a massage therapist?

I’d been exploring the healing arts for years, if not a lifetime, and it was the next logical step. We gave a lot of backrubs in my family while I was growing up, and my parents always marveled at the strong hands of their little daughter. In my twenties I experienced several health challenges as well as the tragic loss of a close friend, both of which left me wanting to take my health into my own hands and to help others do the same. I started this journey with reiki, for which I did both my first and second level attunements. After that I completed the Nutritional Therapy training program. Immediately following that I had some life challenges and needed to support myself waiting tables for a few years during which time my body suffered significantly. Eventually I got wise to the fact that I couldn’t prolong the pursuit of bliss and my life’s calling, and enrolled in a very rigorous massage therapy program, thereby putting me in control of my destiny. It’s amazing the fullness of life that follows such empowering transitions!

 

What do you enjoy most about your work?

To me the opportunity to be present and hold space for another human life is a sacrament; it is communion at a very honest level. I love the challenge of putting my stuff aside and meeting another where they are, often with very few words. Through this work I am constantly reminded just how unique we truly are as individuals. It’s perpetually humbling.

 

What is most challenging about massage work?

Taking time to take care of myself. I love self-care (heaven is surely a hot spring), but sometimes my body reminds me in unkind ways that I am overdue.

 

What are your areas of expertise?

Working with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and other autoimmune and immunodeficiency conditions is a particular interest of mine. I have special training in Myofascial Release, which studies have proven effective for Fibromyalgia symptoms as well as pretty amazing for anyone! At the moment my style overall is tending toward slow, deep strokes. But every massage is as different as the person receiving in that particular moment.

 

What do you like about working at Kenton Family Wellness Center?

After almost four years of serving your food and coffee I am thrilled to be serving the Kenton and North Portland population again! Working with friends I made at that time makes all that exhausting work seem worth it. Best of all, now I get to slow down and connect more with the people I am serving, not to mention help them live fuller, healthier lives.

 

Tell us something about yourself.

A native of Northeast Portland, I have called North Portland home for the last decade. I love having my family near. My mother, who owns a tea business, and I can be spotted sipping oolong in Peninsula Park. My father, former chair of several local garden societies, and I co-teach an herb class at a local college.

Introductory Special

I’d like to introduce you to Myofascial Release or Reiki by offering 30-minute sessions of either for $25 until the end of October. Each would make a perfect add-on to a full-price massage. Or, for those suffering from fibromyalgia who may not tolerate a long session, a short stand-alone treatment can work wonders.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is the thin sheet of connective tissue that surrounds each muscle – down to each tiny muscle fiber. Restrictions in fascia can create chronic pain, tension and holding patterns in muscles that standard massage may not directly address. To treat it slow, dry and superficial yet profound stretching strokes are used. It’s extremely effective for fibromyalgia or any chronic pain, and I have found it to be particularly detoxifying.

Reiki

Reiki (translated as “universal energy”) is a form of energy work discovered from ancient Indian scrolls by a Japanese monk in the 1920s. It involves a practitioner placing their hands on the client in a sequence of positions. It can be performed over comfortable clothing and involves no manipulation of tissues. It is meant to increase the body’s natural healing capabilities and is very relaxing.

 

Ongoing Special

Every Monday is Service Industry Day! Any full-price massage scheduled with me for a Monday will receive a 20% discount with a current OLCC or Food Handler’s card.