Hello! My name is Imuya McDaniel, owner of Rooted Spruce Massage and Bodywork.
I was born and raised in rural Alaska, the daughter of two fishing captains, who each ran their own commercial fishing boat. Growing up in the fishing industy, I watched carefully as my parents' bodies broke down under the physical demands of their work, and the injuries they sustained became constant aches and pains. I remember as a young girl, massaging their hands and feet after long or difficult days. I realized then that I loved helping other people in a way they couldn’t help themselves.
As I followed in their footsteps, owning a small commercial set-gillnet operation, I began to see the same physical patterns of injury incomplete recovery in myself. I knew what my future would look like if something did not change. After a couple of serious injuries, I decided to go to massage school, if for no other reason, to learn to listen to my own body and avoid future injury. Attending massage school at East West College of the Healing Arts in 2012 was a decision I made to understand my own body, and I certainly would not have guessed that massage would infect my soul with passion the way it did. I used my education to heal my own body, and then learned how to be that support for others going through their healing journey. Walking with someone through their time of growth and healing is something I feel incredibly blessed by. Even now, I continue to learn every technique I possibly can, so I can listen to what my client’s body needs, and more confidently, help them reach their goals.
Beyond my practice, I still enjoy taking women fishing in Alaska, hiking, dancing, reading, and listening to all people’s thoughts and ideas. I hold a BA in Music from the University of Alaska Fairbanks as wells as a 800 Hour Massage Training from East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, OR.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, I look forward to working with you soon!
