Where will my massage or bodywork 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 or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
What is Gua Sha?
What is Reiki?
What is Cupping?
What is Reflexology?
What is IMT?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
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 or towel.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing wellness massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general wellness 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 relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Before the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork 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.
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 are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged instrument to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. The word "gua" means to scrape, and "sha" refers to the red, raised marks that may appear on the skin during the process. Some of the potential benefits of Gua Sha are improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and muscle/joint pain releif.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of therapy that originated in Japan. The word "Reiki" combines two Japanese words: "rei," meaning universal or spiritual, and "ki," meaning life force energy. Reiki is considered a holistic therapy, addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being. Reiki is administered by the massage therapist; using their hands to promote the movement of energy within the body. Hands are placed on or near specific areas of the body and a sequence of hand positions is followed. This is intended to promote a sense of harmony and balance within the body.
What is Cupping?
Cupping therapy is a practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This technique dates back thousands of years and has roots in traditional Chinese medicine, ancient Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures, and other ancient medical systems. During a cupping session, a massage therapist places special cups on the skin. The suction pulls the skin and superficial muscle layer into the cup, which is believed to stimulate blood flow and promote overall healing. Stationary, flash, or massage cupping techniques can be implemented during a session. Cupping therapy may improve blood circulation, promote muscle relaxation, provide pain relief, and reduce inflammation.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or face. These points, known as reflex areas, are believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. During reflexology pressure is applied in thumb-and-finger "walking" patterns, resulting in gentle stretching and massaging of the specific reflex areas. The goal of reflexology is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, promote circulation, improve sleep, support digestion, balance the body's energy, and support the body's natural healing processes.
What is IMT?
Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) is a holistic approach to manual therapy that combines various hands-on techniques to address dysfunctions in the body. IMT treatment involves gentle manipulation techniques to promote tissue repair, normalize structure, and restore function. During the massage session, the massage therapist takes into consideration not only the area of pain or discomfort, but also the interconnectedness of various body structures. IMT techniques include soft tissue manipulation and myofascial release. IMT aims to improve the body's overall function, not just alleviate symptoms.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. 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.