HOUSE NINE EXISTS TO
Expand connection through embodied wisdom.
Why ‘House Nine’?
Our meeting was serendipitous, and we took a chance on each other.
The founders and owners of House Nine, Sarah and Miho, were strangers prior to going into business together. We were match-made by the previous owner, Ashley, during the selling process of TeaScape.
Intuitively, we knew it would work. We signed the paperwork for the acquisition, took on a 5-year lease, and told each other that, at the very least, this was going to be an adventure. And so, House Nine was born on the Sagittarius new moon in 2019.
The 9th house in astrology rules over fate & fortune, higher learning & expansion, spirituality & wellness, leadership, honesty, pilgrimage, as well as kindness & compassion. Jupiter, the ruling planet over the 9th house, is synonymous with ‘guru’ in Vedic teachings, which commits us to a learning path. A path of curiosity, fluidity, and openness.
Every one of the qualities has become a central value in how we operate and relate to healing, wellness, and growth. We wish always to remain humble and malleable, growing into our highest selves to offer our community the highest quality services. We see this new name as an embodiment of these values and a tattooed reminder of our truest intentions.
House Nine is here to bring massage and bodywork to the Portland, Oregon area. We specialize in therapeutic bodywork, including Ashiatsu, CranioSacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Sound Healing, and Thai massage.
We are dedicated to providing a slow & potent healing space for the Portland area.
Two Women, One Vision
Miho Hatanaka (she/her), Founder
Miho is a Registered Dietitian and momma whose dedication to her team is unparalleled. After witnessing numerous hospital settings with overworked, undervalued, and burnt-out practitioners she knew something had to change. She has a personal goal of creating a workplace where the practitioner’s well-being is at the forefront of the business. She sees this as the root of community care.
Sarah Shah (she/her), Founder
Sarah is a trauma-informed Licensed Massage Therapist. She is infatuated with bodywork as well as plant, flower, & fungal medicine, and the deep wisdom found in these modalities. She believes healing comes from within, but that there are endless nourishing external support systems to help us weather our messy and gorgeous human existence. She strives to be a transparent, authentic, heart-centered leader to her team and community.
Who We Are
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We exist to expand connection through embodied wisdom.
We believe that our bodies store so much wisdom and we rarely take time to acknowledge it. We want to build a space where it’s safe to share and connect through something that is beyond our understanding.
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House Nine offers inclusive, compassionate care to restore vitality to the team and clients by holding a grounded space rich in curiosity and reverence.
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Our vision is to grow House Nine by offering the highest-quality healing modalities in a trauma-sensitive, beautiful environment for the team and clients.
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Intention - Every touch is intentional
Connection - Is part of healthcare
Openness - Diversity and inclusivity starts with this
Empowerment - Through sharing knowledge and transparency
How We Work
Why we pay our practitioners differently than almost everyone else
It's unconventional. We think it's the right way to do things. We see how it improved the quality of care for you, even if you've never thought about it before.
In most massage studios, therapists are paid on commission — a percentage of each session they perform. It sounds straightforward, but it creates a quiet tension: practitioners are financially incentivized to book as many clients as possible, as often as possible. Their income depends on volume and on keeping you coming back to them specifically.
We saw that as a limitation and we envisioned a culture of care, support, and teamwork.
In 2024, we took the chance
House Nine moved to a team-based business model. A rising tide lifts all boats philosophy where the success of the studio and the wellbeing of every practitioner are genuinely aligned. Here's what changed.
Collaboration over competition
Our practitioners share knowledge, support each other, and communicate openly about clients because they're a team, not independent contractors competing for hours.
You're free to explore
You don't need to feel obligated to stick with one practitioner. Want to try a different modality or a different energy? Our team genuinely encourages that. The studio benefits when you find what works best for your body.
Recommendations you can trust
When practitioners aren't under financial pressure, they can recommend what your body actually needs. Not what generates the most individual revenue. Consistency of care becomes possible.
A supportive workplace
The team-based model has helped us built more cohesive, experienced team. The practitioners you see at House Nine are here because they believe in our mission and believe 1+1 = 11.
“A rising tide lifts all boats. That’s how we think about our team, our clients, and this studio.
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It costs more to run this way
Sometimes significantly. But we believe in investing in our people and community. We want you to know that, because it shows how we operate and because we believe being transparent is part of how trust gets built.
We think it's worth it. Because when you're on that table, you deserve a team who are there entirely for you.
House Nine Commitment
Commitment to Respect
Each client will be met with respect for their body and personhood. Clients will receive the highest quality service under my education and scope of practice. I will maintain the confidentiality of each client and abide by all HIPAA laws where they apply.
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Commitment to Do No Harm
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I will complete a thorough health history intake form to learn about any contraindications for massage/bodywork therapy. I will only offer services within my scope of practice and refer clients to other healthcare professionals when necessary.
Commitment to Professionalism
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I will provide the highest-quality care while remaining within my legal scope of practice. I will maintain clear boundaries and communication with clients and colleagues.
Commitment to Personal Growth
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I will remain a student of life and recognize when I am wrong. I will continually adapt to my client's needs and provide myself with periods of reflection to maintain a healthy relationship with my work. I will actively strive to improve my professional skills and personal development to positively promote massage and wellness practices.
Commitment to Honesty
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I commit to ethical practices regarding charting, state and federal law, individually and for business. I will not accept gifts or other compensation from a client intended to influence any decisions relating to business, client care, or marketing.
Commitment to Self-Care
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I commit to taking care of myself to provide the highest-quality care to my clients. Self-care is community care; I cannot pour from an empty cup. I will discuss my needs and adjust as needed when applicable. I take proactive measures to maintain my health and actively seek help before my condition worsens.