After years pursuing a successful career in sales as well as helping raise three children, Debbie Burchfiel was looking for a new direction in her life.

Burchfiel had thought about a career in massage therapy for many years, and eventually decided to quit her job in sales at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and pursue a career as a licensed massage therapist.

"The satisfaction of sales was not there any more," she said. "It wasn't fun. I needed to do something where I connected more at a different level with people."

Recognizing health as a growing field, Burchfiel enrolled at the Oregon School of Massage and spent 18 months commuting to Salem and sometimes Portland for classes before receiving certification as an LMT. She spent an average of two to three days a week for three hours a day in school. "The hardest part was just going back to school. I didn't know anything about massage therapy," she said.

After graduating, Burchfiel had a difficult time deciding where to establish her practice. She began operating out of her home and then through a connection at the Chamber of Commerce heard about a space available with several other LMTs in Albany.

She now rents space from Pat Penley, owner of the Art of Touch Massage and Wellness Center on First Avenue in Albany. While each of the LMTs at the center has different specialties, Burchfiel concentrates mostly on therapeutic techniques such as Reiki (Japanese still hands), Shiatsu, and chair massage that address old and new injuries and restricted motion.

Burchfield has a growing client base gained mostly through word of mouth, and she sees an increasing interest in her profession.

"The holistic style of medicine is alive and well in Albany," she said. Health clubs and businesses are incorporating massage therapy, she said, and noted that Linn-Benton Community College offers free massages to students to relieve stress during end of term exams.

"Many people are seeking the balancing mind-spirit connection," she said. "People are recognizing that is a part of good health. It is increasingly being recognized by both employers and the community in general."

Burchfiel enjoys the challenge of her new career. She is continually updating her education to keep current with the latest techniques.

"This is like a trade," she said. "You have to keep going to school. There are always more styles and techniques to learn. I like that. I also learn a lot from my clients. Many of them know more than I do. It is very humble work."

While she does not have any big plans for expansion, Burchfiel does want to work on improving her business, including building a Web Site and developing more of her own identity. She also wants to share her expertise with the community, teaching others how to do massage for their families as well as volunteering her services at charity events.

But even though challenges are ahead, Burchfield feels she has achieved a balance in her life she was previously missing. She advises anyone who wants to pursue the profession - or any other health-related profession - as a journey. "You can't hurry the process. You have to practice."

She thinks the rewards are worth it.

"The work can transform people in healing ways," she said. "You are really affecting people. It is so positive."

Daniel Wise is a freelance writer who lives in Albany and a frequent contributor to Mid-Valley InBusiness.