Dana Saks

About Me

I am a Massage Therapist certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC # 84772), born and raised in the Coachella Valley. I completed my training in massage therapy and health education at the National Holistic Institute (NHI) where I was trained in both eastern and western massage modalities as well as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology. I utilize techniques from both eastern and western modalities and work with each client to design personalized sessions that help my clients with wellness, relaxation and pain management for optimal therapeutic benefit. My goal is to empower my clients to achieve the homeostasis, or balance, necessary to promote their healing. I provide mobile massage therapy meaning that I travel to you to conduct your session. 

Benefits Of Massage

Homeostasis, or balance is the ultimate goal in bodily function. Stress pulls us out of balance and causes our bodies to operate in a survival mode, emphasizing key survival functions like breathing and maintaining vital organ function while restricting other system functions. As a result, less blood is sent to non-essential muscles so you may feel tension or tightness in muscles in your neck, shoulders, or limbs, or experience differences in bodily function such as digestion. Massage stimulates blood flow, which allows muscles to relax and improves circulation. Improved circulation allows muscles and bodily systems to function at their highest level, helping to restore homeostasis.

Homeostasis within the mind, body and spirit is also the ultimate goal in emotional wellness. Stress pulls us out of balance both physically and emotionally. Safe, non-judgmental and intentional touch is nurturing, reduces stress and is important for connection & emotional well-being. Massage allows you to emotionally reconnect with your body, helping you ground into yourself and reuniting mind, body and spirit. Connecting mind, body and spirit allows you to align your thoughts, your actions and your sense of self to restore emotional balance.

Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:

• Alleviate pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor during childbirth and shorten hospital stays following childbirth.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natu
• ral defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

First Session: What to Expect

I don’t like surprises & understand the unknown can cause anxiety, so here’s what to expect when scheduling with me. Upon arrival, I will have you complete a health history intake, an informed consent agreement and a body self-assessment to identify areas in need of attention. I will answer any questions you have about the forms and/or the process, we will review your health history, discuss your goals for your session and strategize accordingly. Plan for your first appointment to be about 30 minutes longer than usual (1.5 hours for a 60 minute massage; 2 hours for a 90 minute massage) to allow for completing new client paperwork and health history review. All information is private and confidential. I will be masked during our session.

Payment is due prior to the beginning of the massage. Upon completion of all paperwork and finalizing session goals, payment will be provided and I will set-up my massage table. I will then provide instructions specific to your session before stepping out of the room to wash my hands, allowing you time to get undressed to your comfort level and onto the table, under the top sheet. When you’re ready, I will re-enter the room, situate a bolster for optimal comfort and request permission to begin your session. Generally, I have clients begin face down on the table and help them turn over when appropriate. If you are uncomfortable laying face down, please let me know and we can adjust accordingly. During the session I will check-in on pressure and comfort. Depending on the modality, I may prompt you for more specific feedback related to pressure. At the end of your session, I will remove the bolster and give you time to get up from the table while I step out of the room to wash my hands. When you are dressed, I will return to disinfect and pack up the massage table. If you would like to schedule another appointment before I leave, we can do so. Otherwise, you’re free to contact me at your convenience.