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1. Tell us a bit more about you and your practice as it is today? i.e. are you a solo practitioner or a business owner? If solo, what kind of an establishment do you work for, how large is it, what is the clientele like, what is the specialty offered? If it is a business that you own, kindly include the same time of relevant information that will give the reader a good idea about your establishment/practice. Please also include where you live and work?

I own my own practice specializing in Reflexology. I work independently providing service to the greater Los Angeles CA area. My service is mobile enabling me to go to my clientele’s residences. Reflexology treatments can be applied through the foot, hand or ear by applying pressure to the associated reflex points which are linked to every part of the body. Reflexology treatments are known to aid in the healing process for: pain relief, sleep disorders, migraine headaches, muscle tension, digestive disorders, sport injuries, arthritis, anxiety and much more.

2. Tell us why you chose to go into massage and at what point in your life did you decide to do so? What were you doing at the time? Where did you first hear about the massage career? What factors influenced your decision? What were you looking to get out of this decision?

In 1997 I was working as a Firefighter when I suffered a personal injury which had me home and bed ridden. All the doctors I spoke with wanted to prescribe me medications to camouflage the pain. I preferred to not take the medications and sought a method of natural healing. In speaking with an associate he advised me that he would be able to heal me utilizing Reflexology. I was not familiar with Reflexology at the time but decided to try it. After the first session I was able to walk again; after six sessions I was feeling 100% better and free of back pain. As a result of this treatment I began researching Reflexology and began extensive studies. In 2000 I began treating my own patients and have been since; providing healing through Reflexology.

3. What were some of your questions and concerns before further pursuing your massage therapy goals? Talk about concerns with school and the profession itself.

Prior to pursuing my career as a Reflexologist I researched what these types of treatments were used for. I wanted to know how long the results from Reflexology treatments would last and to understand the market for such treatments. I enrolled in classes at Reidman International College for Complementary Medicine in Tel Aviv Israel.

4. What is your specialty and what are the top three contributing factors to your success today?

My specialty is Reflexology, having completing 3 years of university level studies; I am certified as an Advanced Reflexologist. The top 3 factors contributing to my success are: my passion for Reflexology, personal reward from healing people and sharing the knowledge about alternative medicine.

5. What do you like about your specialty? What do you like about what you do in general as a career? Why?

Practicing Reflexology allows me to heal people and better their quality of life. Seeing the results of my work is personally rewarding; for me this is a great gift.

6. What do you not like about what you do? Why?

When you are privileged enough to work in a field that is your passion it is very difficult to find something you don’t like. I am fortunate to love what I do.

7. If there were three things you could change about your work or the industry as a whole what would they be? Why would you change them? What would you change them to?

Reflexology in Europe and Asia is very common and can be found in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, chiropractor offices as well as other medical fields. In the United States Reflexology has become common is some areas while in others it is still considered a very new form of healing. If I had the ability to change something, it would be the recognition of Reflexology and the benefits of it.

8. How long do you plan to practice and what do you plan to do after?

At this time I have been practicing for 14 years and intend to continue practicing as long as I can. My goal is to continue practicing even after retirement.

9. Do you currently have another job or business whether full time or part time? Tell us a bit more about it and how you are able to juggle that with your massage career?

I am also a certified Reiki Master and treat clients. My primary focus is with Reflexology; however I am able to work as needed in both fields.

10. What are some mistakes you made in your career pursuit that you’d like to warn other students about so they can learn from your experience and avoid it?

Advice I would like to share is not necessarily a mistake but rather words of wisdom. Self promote, talk about what you do with pride and passion whenever possible. You work, live and love what you do. You believe in it, let the world know!

11. What would you advice someone who is looking at massage therapy schools? What do you recommend they look for and how? How do you recommend they determine whether the school is the right one for them

When deciding which school to enroll into; verify that the school is recognized and has the required credentials. Check the course list to ensure the classes and topics you seek are available. Also confirm that any credits are earned are transferable in the event of a change in direction or relocation.

12. What do you recommend for someone who wants to go to massage school but cannot afford it?

I would recommend that someone who cannot afford going to school begin studying on-line by reading and researching. I would also recommend that they look for a position as an apprentice or take on an internship. Eventually they will have to go to school and acquire the required credentials to obtain a license.

13. What are your three biggest points of advice for an aspiring massage therapist today? What should they do/not do? What should they think about and consider?

An aspiring Reflexologist should create a website that is informative and layman friendly. The website should allow clients to contact the Reflexologist via email as well as schedule appointments and outline the list of fees. Have business cards with you at all times and hand them out to everyone they come in contact with. Be confident and share the excitement you have in your profession.

14. Any open thoughts / comments – anything else that you’d like to share about yourself, the massage industry, profession, future, etc? If nothing, make one prediction for the future of massage?

I am a firm believer in alternative healing and predict that there will be huge growth and acknowledgment in this field. While massage therapy is well known in most cultures; Reflexology is still upcoming and only now gaining recognition. I believe that with more and more success stories becoming known it is only a matter of time until Reflexology becomes a household term.

15. What is your passion outside of massage? What are your hobbies and interests which you pursue when you are not working? Tell us why you enjoy what you enjoy.

When not working, my passion is to travel and explore new places. My hobbies include fishing, cycling and painting. The relaxation and time to be one with nature bring me great peace.

Daniel Dagan, Advanced Reflexologist and Reiki master serves the greater Los Angeles area. He can be reached at (818) 941-3405 or by email at dannydagan51@gmail.com.