My name is Dana Highfill. I'm the owner and primary operator of Float North. I have spent much of my life recovering and healing from the stresses and traumas of our modern world and have created a sanctuary for others to do the same. When we fill our own cup we can be there for others. As the saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup.
How did I get started? I've been a massage therapist since 2008. In 2006 I started a qigong and meditation practice and in 2011 I floated for the first time. That first float took me deeper than any meditation practice ever had, plus I felt physically amazing afterward. I knew that I wanted to open a float and massage therapy center after that very first float.
How did I get started? I've been a massage therapist since 2008. In 2006 I started a qigong and meditation practice and in 2011 I floated for the first time. That first float took me deeper than any meditation practice ever had, plus I felt physically amazing afterward. I knew that I wanted to open a float and massage therapy center after that very first float.
Services
Floating is an effortless way to soothe and heal the body. You can perhaps, for the first time in your life, experience total relaxation and deep healing in your own private, peaceful space. Some people say it's like getting a massage without being touched, others say it's like floating in outer space.
Choose either to relax your mind and muscles deeply with bodywork before entering the float cabin OR float first and your muscles will be relaxed and pliable, allowing your therapist to work even more deeply than pre-float muscles will allow. Health Insurance, auto accident and workers compensation cases are accepted.
SomaWave Therapy is the use of low-frequency sine waves to energize the body while also bringing you deep into relaxation. The deep vibration allows the brain to release mood-lifting neurochemicals. Special speakers, called transducers, are installed below the massage table. As a person's body absorbs the sound vibrations, the low frequencies cause relaxation in muscle tissue, dilation of blood vessels and an opening of lymphatic pathways.
We allow 5 students maximum in each class, masks are required, we are able to provide ample physical distance between each student in our 900+ sq ft studio. This class includes both standing and floor postures. The invitation is to meet yourself where you are and options are given so that you can choose what is best for your body.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early and take a few minutes to wind down in the lobby before your appointment. You can read, enjoy our complimentary tea, or simply hang out. Entering your session in a relaxed state will maximize your experience. If you're a new client give extra time to allow for parking, filling out intake paperwork, and a tour.
Reviews (10)
Jessica Mata Lang
Nov 04, 2021
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If you’re thinking about trying a Float, this is a great place! The experience is spa-like and peaceful. The owner, Dana, goes above and beyond to make sure you are prepared and your experience is supportive for you. There is parking on site and plentiful signs to guide you upstairs to the office.
John Mayer
Oct 29, 2021
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I continued to feel my float all day. I emerged to so creative writing off an idea that came to me out of the darkness. This was the most fruitful writing session in months! I needed both the physical comfort and the cognitive space to let my ideas come together. Im sure 'trying harder' would not have worked nearly as well as laying still and floating.
Michael Bruno MBRound
Jul 28, 2021
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It was a fun and interesting experience, it's not for me but it was cool!
My brain is too active for this :P cool notes are:
- hair traps air really well and you hear it escape
- my nose sounded like a 737 exhaust
- if you make waves, you will never stay in one spot the whole time.
Excellent host and excellent experience!
My brain is too active for this :P cool notes are:
- hair traps air really well and you hear it escape
- my nose sounded like a 737 exhaust
- if you make waves, you will never stay in one spot the whole time.
Excellent host and excellent experience!
Roseanna Colabella
Jul 24, 2021
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Not only is the staff of Float North warm and welcoming but so is the float space. Walking into a float room is like walking into a cocoon of peace. Everything that you could possibly need is set up for you on a bench including: ear plugs, neck support a robe and plenty of towels. You can leave all your worries at the door as you immerse yourself in a blanket of buoyant salt water and drift into a your sense of Zen.
I personally, am so grateful for the convenient location which gives me the opportunity to regularly partake in these services. Regular float sessions helps me keep my stress and anxiety
I personally, am so grateful for the convenient location which gives me the opportunity to regularly partake in these services. Regular float sessions helps me keep my stress and anxiety
Evita L.
Jul 01, 2021
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Float North is an amazing spa to align my body and mind. The float rooms are state of the art. The anteroom has ample space for pre-float preparations and shower. The float tank is spacious with tall ceilings and ample arm width space. The staff and owner are spectacular. They genuinely care about the clients and try to accommodate our needs. Float North is a community, not just another float place.
In addition, I recently tore my ACL and Float North helped me rehab faster and with less pain! After each float session I could feel greater range of motion in my knee. The float+massage combo is a
In addition, I recently tore my ACL and Float North helped me rehab faster and with less pain! After each float session I could feel greater range of motion in my knee. The float+massage combo is a
Denise Adan
Jun 11, 2021
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I can not express enough how much I love Float North. Dana has created a clean, well thought out and well maintained space for healing and growth. I've had a lot massages in my life and this is my favorite spot for massage therapy in town. I haven't gone to float anywhere else in PDX but I don't even bother to explore because my experience here is bomb. Dana and her staff are professional and genuinely caring and I wish wish wish I could benefit from Float North's services on a weekly basis.
Also, floating has been the only therapy to get my shoulder out of acute flare ups. When this happens the
Also, floating has been the only therapy to get my shoulder out of acute flare ups. When this happens the
Mark Retzlaff
May 04, 2021
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My girlfriend and I had an amazing experience at Float North! Dana took the time to explain the entire process before our first float and anticipated all our questions and gave us great advice on enjoying the experience. The staff is super friendly and really passionate about making sure you feel comfortable and have fun.
The facilities are all absolutely pristine and they take their COVID protocols seriously. Highly professional and affordable. You'll feel amazing afterwards!
The facilities are all absolutely pristine and they take their COVID protocols seriously. Highly professional and affordable. You'll feel amazing afterwards!
Melody M.
Apr 29, 2021
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The SomaWave therapy is really lovely and relaxing. I opted for the 60 minute slide, which moves through a range of frequencies. I had a very interesting sense of the energy moving around in my body immediately after the vibration stopped, and a pleasant, calm, mentally and energetically clear sensation for the remainder of the day.
I will definitely be coming back for more treatments and I look forward to seeing the long term effects of this modality.
Float North is a very beautiful and serene space, and the attention to detail is impeccable. Dana and the team there make each visit very welcoming
I will definitely be coming back for more treatments and I look forward to seeing the long term effects of this modality.
Float North is a very beautiful and serene space, and the attention to detail is impeccable. Dana and the team there make each visit very welcoming
Jackie Warren
Mar 21, 2021
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Float North is superb. I went in for a float after a long hiatus of floating anywhere and was blown away by the top-notch service. The space is SO relaxing and the facilities are squeaky clean and well-equipped for a true spa-like experience. Dana and staff were amazing - super welcoming, kind, and helpful from beginning to end. And the float itself was spectacular! No outside noises in the background or light seeping in from anywhere. I LOVED the spaciousness of the tank, the starlight ceiling and lighting options, the dreamy music, and the freedom to fall into the experience. I fell into a blissful
Kronda Adair
Oct 18, 2019
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I have had floating 'on my radar' to try for years so I was so happy to meet owner Dana and learn about this place. Just walking into the space is so calming it really facilitates the process if disconnecting from the overwhelming outside world.
Dana told me everything I could ever want to know about what to expect for my first session and the experience was completely sublime!
Adding a massage afterwards took everything to the next level.
The whole staff is so welcoming and really, I couldn't ask for a better self-care experience!
Dana told me everything I could ever want to know about what to expect for my first session and the experience was completely sublime!
Adding a massage afterwards took everything to the next level.
The whole staff is so welcoming and really, I couldn't ask for a better self-care experience!
