I’m Misty Fall
As a queer, non-binary practitioner, I'm committed to creating a space where every body and identity is celebrated. Living in this world can take a toll on our bodies, minds, and spirits - especially for those who are strategically marginalized. I explicitly welcome folks of all ethnicities, LGBTQIA+ affiliations, fat-identified folks, neurodiverse individuals, and anyone managing chronic pain or complex health conditions to my table.
My dedication to learning about bodywork began with my own journey of managing chronic pain, invisible illnesses, injuries from car accidents, recovery from brain surgery, and most recently, a gender-affirming top surgery. I’ve faced the challenges of navigating a complex and broken medical system, learning fierce self-advocacy along the way. These experiences have gifted me with a deep compassion and knowledge that now informs the care I give to you.
Since moving to Portland in 2011, I’ve loved immersing myself in the beautiful, healing landscapes of Oregon. I started my business in March of 2017, directly after graduation from my three-year, 1,200 hour Amma Therapy apprenticeship, and now offer services out of two SE Portland locations. Outside of my practice, I recharge by walking my dog, birdwatching, painting, cooking, telling dad jokes, and spending time with loved ones. Creating community is an essential part of who I am, and I’m grateful to bring that sense of connection and joy to each person I have the privilege of working with.
My Approach
Each session begins with a conversation - both with you and with your body. Together, we’ll explore your health concerns and wellness goals. The session starts with feeling your wrist pulses to get a feel for what is happening with the TCM organ system. Using acupressure points and a variety of other techniques, I will stimulate your body's energy pathways from head to toe. Think of Amma as acupuncture's sibling practice, where hands replace needles to help restore your body's natural flow. I work with depth and can be very gentle. There are aspects of structural integration, myofascial release, and cranial sacral therapies enveloped in my practice. I always encourage clients to give feedback on pressure, area of focus, environment and any changes I can make to make the massage more comfortable for you.
holding space
One of the most important aspects of my practice is holding space for my clients to show up as themselves. If you find yourself laughing, crying, tremoring, farting, all of the expressions of healing are welcome. I am familiar with grief, trauma, death, and hold space for the complex array of emotions that can surface in massage. I want you to feel empowered to speak up for adjustments in your treatment that will make you feel more at ease.
Included (No-charge) service offerings
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cupping
I may incorporate silicone cups to create suction in certain areas where stagnation is present to help move qi, blood, and fluids, effectively alleviating pain, removing toxins, boosting circulation, and smoothing fascial adhesions.
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Gua sha
A traditional Chinese technique that involves lightly scraping skin adhesions with a smooth metal tool, gua sha promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, and enhances skin health by stimulating the lymph system. Clients often remark at it relieving pain immediately.
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Auricular Therapy
Otherwise known as ear seeds, these tiny silver magnets are applied with a light adhesive to press on to acupoints in the ear for treatment of specific maladies like stress relief, quitting smoking, pain relief, etc. Pressing the stickers increases the activation as you wear them.
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Intraoral Massage
This technique involves working out jaw tension by massaging the muscles inside the mouth with a gloved finger. By alleviating muscle tightness, intraoral massage can help improve jaw mobility, decrease discomfort associated with TMJ, and enhance overall oral health.
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Myofascial Release
A deeper massage technique that alleviates tension and pain in the fascia, the connective tissue around muscles, bones, and organs. I will use myofascial mapping techniques to either lengthen or shorten the tissues, improving circulation, mobility, and relaxation. This especially benefits those with chronic pain, muscle tightness, or posture problems.
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oils & topicals
I may incorporate traditional Chinese medicinal oils and topicals such as Dia de Whan Wa, Po Sum On, and Dit Dat Jow to support circulation, relieve pain, and enhance the healing effects of the bodywork. I also use organic, scent-free coconut oil in place of perfumed lotions. If you have a certain topical that you love, bring it in and I'll use it!
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Pulse diagnosis
Heart, liver, kidney, Yin on the left, lung, stomach, kidney, Yang on the right are the positioning of the TCM organ complexes. Taking wrist pulses gives me an idea of what may need tonification or are overactive and in need of quieting, allowing me to choose specific acupoints for what your pulses tell me that day.
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Injury Recovery
Whether it’s a sports-related injury, motor vehicle accident, or otherwise, I offer deep, focused work in the area of pain and surrounding musculature and structures. Amma speeds healing by improving blood and energy flow to injured areas while preventing compensatory tension patterns and stimulating your body’s natural healing response.
“10/10 recommend! The space is cozy and comfortable. Misty is friendly, intuitive, and made me feel at ease instantly. I'm a plus size woman and the options for bolsters and side supports on the massage table was so appreciated. I felt like my comfort was the top priority and Misty did a great job of checking in and communicating what would be happening next and asking for my input along the way. I can't wait to schedule with them again!”
- Revel
“Misty is my favorite massage therapist of all time- they communicate well, tailor our sessions to my needs, and offer wisdom and support through their touch. I did not know much about Amma therapy before booking with them, and now feel deeply that the tradition they practice supports the whole body's functions and vitality, instead of focusing superficially on new aches and pains. Highly recommend!”
“Misty is a welcoming, communicative, and gifted healer! I am recovering from multiple long-term injuries and it can be challenging to find the right care team. I'm so glad I found Misty, and I would highly recommend them! Not to mention, they have super cute plants in their space.”
- Tavi
“If you're in PDX and looking for queer, trans, and BIPOC-friendly massage that is invigorating and relaxing, go see my homie @mistyfallbodyworks!! Always feel so rejuvenated after work with them”