Where does my massage session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during my massage session?
How will I feel after the massage session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Where does my massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, and quiet room. Soft music is played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort, with sheets, blankets, bolsters, and cushy face cradle.
Must I be completely undressed?
During table massage sessions, the client rests under a clearn sheet and blanket, modestly and properly draped during the entire session; Dress is entirely up to your preferred level of comfort - many folks wear underwear only.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet. I also provide a robe and will step out if you are needing to use the bathroom during your session.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped with a sheet at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be uncovered, the drape keeping the rest of you draft-free!
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session includes work on your back, arms, legs, glutes, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Face and abdominal massage can be requested as part of your treatment.
What will the massage feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, aka table massage or oil massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes more relaxed, pressure will be increased to relax and/or work into specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Please communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so another approach may be taken. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting or "pushing back" against the work, especially if uncomfortable pain is felt. Breathing and focusing on stilling your mind will help aid your relaxation and allow more focused work to occur.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are so many styles of massage and bodywork! My work spans over a gamut of massage styles. Deep Tissue, Sports Massage and Table Thai tend to be more active and firm, using streches, compressions, joint "scrubbing" and slow, static, trigger point application. I utilize some Thai movements on the table, adjusting the sheet properly for more dynamic movements. My Integrative Massage Sessions focus on a whole-body approach, addressing the entire system, even as working on a specific goal. These also often include more spa-like treatments, which I encourage you to utilize for a more complete relaxation transformation. I am also well-trained in Energy Healing techniques including, tho not limited, to Reiki, Chakra Healings, Past-LIfe Regressions, and other still-hand or off-body energy work. According to need, I may use any techniques in conjunction with one another during a massage. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you. I am also well-versed in Thai Massage. It is a clothed modality, incorporating movement, stretches, and compressions and aims to open the pathways of energy and can be described as if someone was doing yoga to you, for you. Its entirely similar to and different from an oil table massage. Worth a try!
What should I do during my massage session?
During your massage, your work is to Do Nothing. Ok, and also breathing and relaxing completely are good tasks to accomplish. There is no need to help or assist me while I am working. Many people close their eyes to drift into space, others like to have converstion - either is fine though I do make quiet space for the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or need anything different or changed, always feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Epsom salt baths and stretching can faciliate further positive benefits from your massage.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. I consider massage to be a gateway to health; an easy and effective way to check in with your physical, mental and enegetic body and rebalance your nervouse system.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, I ask thorough health questions. It is very important that you inform me of any health problems, pregnancy, medications you are taking, or any change thereof. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required. "Old" injuries and surgeries are also helpful to know, as these have spent quality time influencing they way the body moves or inhibits movement.
