Jade Integrated Health

My first experience with Jade Integrated Health was just about as perfect as it could get: it was mid July and I was meandering around YogaFest at the East End Community School when I noticed there were complimentary massages happening set away from the blazing sun and chatter of passersby in a beautiful, shaded garden. That’s where I met Nancy, one of the owners of Jade, who massaged my extremely sore body for a good half hour. We chatted, but it was mostly a peaceful, deeply relaxing experience set to a soundtrack of buzzing bees and chirping birds. It was fantastically unexpected. She was thoughtful about where I was most tender and — I admit — one of the best massages I think I’ve ever received)!
Finally, I’ve had the chance to come back and check out their yoga classes, and I already know that I’ll be back. I’ve been hesitant about attending a yoga class for a couple reasons: 1) lots of people have established practices at studios, and I don’t want to be the «new kid» (that: everyone stares at, gets sized up [“oooh, where is she in her practice?”], displaces someone from their normal spot in the room thus disrupting their internal feng shui, etc), 2) I like the freestyle of a home practice (sometimes a girl just needs to bust out a tree for no reason), 3) working from home sometimes leaves me really uninspired to leave my house. All of that being said, I recently took a class with Lauren Lauzier and… it was perfect. It was an all levels class that really was ALL levels: she did an exceptional job of getting people into poses and then was in encouraging regardless if we stayed in it, or «if it was in our practice» to advance it. Very effortless, fluid stuff. I liked that she started the practice asking us if there was any requests, I liked that she had a sense of humor (in her very calm voice made a couple jokes when members of our class accidentally kicked a lamp over), I liked that at the end while in shavasana she spent a few moments with each individual gently pressing their shoulders to the ground before grazing her thumbs soothingly over the skin above our eyebrows and down around our temples (it was one of the most euphoric zen-​like feelings I’ve had in a while, so there was definitely some kind of magic happening there).
I like that the (drop-​in) classes are $ 15.
I like that you have to take your shoes and coats off at the landing before coming up to the actual studio — in a way it helps you check the rest of the world at the door.
I like that there’s parking.
I like that the classes are intentionally small and intimate.
As someone who’s been practicing for years at home and has been wary of joining a class, I like that I didn’t feel like I was being judged, or watched, or felt like I took anyone else’s spot (so kudos to the regulars who come here, that’s a testament to you).
I like that I felt so welcomed.
I like that the studio itself is so cozy and warm.
And now I’m wondering if I should be telling you all this, because right now Jade feels like a hidden oasis. I admit, I haven’t tried their acupuncture (because «I have a guy»), but the massage and yoga are entirely worth it. So #treatyoself!

I first learned about Jade Integrated Health at a private open house event. I was so impressed, that I decided to return for a 1 hour massage on my birthday.
They are located a little off the beaten path — in one of the building near the Portland Complex by the narrow gauge railway. When you walk it, you immediately feel a sense of calmness, as the environment just exudes peace. I checked in at reception 15 minutes prior to my appointment (per their request) and filled out a brief first time visitor form which allowed me to share some of the particular aches and pains that I’d like addressed during my massage.
I was greeted by my masseuse, Nancy (also one of the owners), and we walked back to a nice room with a big window allowing for a lot of natural light. We chatted briefly about what I was looking for out of my massage and discussed key pain points for her to work on. And then, for the next 60+ minutes, I was in a perfect state of relaxation. At one point, I caught myself dozing off. This is not to say that the massage was light, as Nancy did a great job applying just the right amount of pressure, checking in at about the 5 minute mark and then letting me fall into my own zen-​like state for the remainder of the time. My appointment was with at 11 AM and while it did start a little late, my massage still went the full hour.
I’m looking forward to returning here and taking a full yoga class. I’m excited about this as they have a small space and limit the number. The idea of a more individual yoga experience is very appealing compared to the packed yoga studios I have visited in the past.

They have structured their classes a little bit differently than most, so it doesn’t work for as many schedules as it should. However the small class sizes and AMAZING yoga teacher Maura more than compensate for the unusual schedule. Prices are basically the same as everyone else. Cool concept that I hope to learn more about.