Massage FAQ

Research studies have shown that massage has real, measurable physical and emotional benefits for your body and mind. Some benefits like relaxation and decreased stress are fairly obvious. However, there are many benefits of massage that are not as commonly known, yet they have a powerful impact on how we feel and our overall happiness in our daily lives.

Massage Therapy:

• Promotes relaxation
• Decreases stress
• Improves posture
• Increases nutrients to muscles
• Helps reduce swelling
• Helps develops muscle tone
• Increases blood and lymphatic circulation
• Relaxes muscle spasms and relieves tension
• Promotes regular sleep habits
• Removes lactic acid build-up
• Increases body awareness
• Increases mental alertness
• A massage a month helps keep the doctor away!

You will be given a short health history form to fill out. This remains confidential. This will provide me with information that will help to better serve you. Then we will discuss any issues you came with and your intentions for the massage. This will help me to evaluate your needs, and give the appropriate massage unique for you.

I will then leave the room while you undress and relax onto the table, covering your self with a fresh sheet. For a full body massage, many people undress completely, though you may choose to wear underwear. Undress only to your level of comfort. You are warmly draped at all times, except for the area being worked on.

Swedish massage is the type of massage most people think of when massage is mentioned. It uses long strokes, kneading, and small friction-type motions. I use a combination of techniques such as Swedish, Deep Tissue,  Neuromuscular therapy, Cupping therapy, Myofascial Release, Reflexology, and/or Essential Oils, giving a firm but relaxing massage created just for you and the needs of your individual body.  See the page titled Massage Menu (link) for more details on massage styles used.

Make yourself comfortable . Always tell me if you are uncomfortable or if you would like more or less pressure. There is no reason to be in pain during your massage. Feel free to ask questions about the massage or massage in general.

Many people just close their eyes and relax completely during the massage. Others prefer to talk. It’s your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is certainly the best way to relax.

The desire to sigh or take a deep breath is a sign that you are relaxing. Deep natural breaths can actually help you relax, and I definitely encourage breathing! Breathe, breathe, breathe…

I use organic fractionated coconut oil or Zen organic massage cream.  They are both healthy for your skin and absorb well (not too greasy). Sometimes I add Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils to soothe sore muscles and to support relaxation.  Please let me know before we get started if you have any allergies or sensitivities.

It is a specific application of pure therapeutic-grade essential oils to feet, spine & back to stimulate and support specific systems of the body and assist the healing process of particular ailments, big and small.  You may choose between: Lymphatic, Anti-inflammatory, Osteo/Bones/Joints, Infection Recovery, Adrenals and Stress Recovery, Digestive, Hormone Balance, Neurological/Nerves, Respiratory Support, or Immune Application.  All of the protocols start with Frankincense to help open up the pores to allow the other oils to absorb better, and most end with Peppermint oil to lock in the previous oils. There are about 10 different oils used. You receive between 20 to 80 drops of pure potent essential oils to your spine and feet. Closer to 20 drops for those that are elderly, sick, or children. Closer to 80 for those who have a healthy strong foundation. The results of these protocols can be phenomenal. You may notice big changes right away, or if your issue is chronic, it may take a few treatments to achieve the results you are looking for. Learn more on the Massage Menu  (link) page.

I suggest the Anti-inflammatory protocol or the Adrenal/ Stress Recovery. Most of of us are in pain due to inflammation and pain, or from stress. These are great places to start. We can talk further when you come in to see if there is a better one for you.

The most common side effects are a long deep sleep and/or the best bowel movement ever! Some other possible side effects could be high energy and alertness, skin reaction, or less likely but possibly light flu-like symptoms for a day. This is more common if you have lots of toxins in your body. The oils help to remove these toxins, but if you have a bad virus that’s stuck, and your body is ready, it can release them too quickly, thus causing flu-like symptoms. The most important thing to do is drink plenty of water before and after the treatment. Detox reactions are not bad (unless they are causing you a lot of pain and discomfort). Detox affect is actually a good sign that the oils are working.

• Drink plenty of water before and after your massage to help reduce soreness and flush away toxins that are released from the muscles.
• Come into the session with an intention, and if you feel comfortable you may share it with me and together we can hold it in our consciousness during the entire massage.
• When I massage an area that feels tender, take a deep breath, breathing into that area of the body. This brings oxygen, blood, and energy to that area increasing the level of healing.
• If I go too deep for your comfort level, let me know right away. There is no need for you to be uncomfortable. I can adjust the pressure to what is best for you. Each person is unique and I am not psychic! So please, communicate your needs to me.
• Talk less, feel more. Use this time to be away from the normal chaos of everyday life, including your own mental chatter.
• If you have trouble letting go of thoughts, ask me for help. I can guide you through a simple breathing exercise or body scan to help you stay focused and become more in tune with your body.
• Schedule regular massages weekly, biweekly, or monthly to maintain health and reduce stress. Remember, massage should be looked at as a way to maintain health, to keep you from visiting the doctor, not a luxury! Don’t wait until you are in dire need to schedule an appointment; come in before you are in major pain so that you don’t have to get that way at all!

I have developed a new way to give massage; a way that is more deliberate and focused. Receiving a MINDFUL MASSAGE will benefit you more than you may realize. You will still get the great deep massage from these hands that you love, with the addition of getting out of your stressful thoughts, and being in your body, really feeling the sensations in the body as I massage it. I know some like to just float off into la la land, and that is ok too. But did you know that just by simply focusing your attention on an area of the body you can help heal it? Just imagine if  together (therapist and client) we could focus our attention on your aching muscles, joints or other areas of discomfort; both of us bringing awareness to the area with focused intent. It is a form of meditation.

Breathing into the different areas of the body, bringing blood flow, and waking up the body. This technique has incredible healing powers! Those with chronic pain will learn how to better deal with the pain. Also, this will help you really feel and be in your body and get out of your head, letting go of those spinning thoughts that are trying to control you and stressing you out in the process. I will educate you on how to be in your body whether you are at home or work or standing in line at the store, whether you are in pain or are under lots of stress.

This is only the beginning of you taking responsibly for your own well being, and becoming less dependent on me and other health care providers. My intention is for you to leave my office with more than just having had an escape from reality for an hour. I want to be of a greater service to you. I intend for you to carry the skills that I impart on you out into your life. This may mean that you don’t need to see me as often as you currently do. That is ok. I will then know that what I am doing is working and that will bring me great joy.

Mindful Massage can be done with any type of massage that I offer, including: Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Prenatal, Reflexology, and even Chair Massage.

All cancellations must be made more than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. If less than 24 hours notice is given for cancellation of an appointment, then you may be charged a fee of $35. Please be courteous; this is my livelihood!