ABOUT MASSAGE

What is Swedish Massage/Hot Stone/Reiki/Trigger Point/ETC?
Check out this page for a mini encyplopedia: Service Description.

Why do I have to fill out a medical questionnaire?
Most of the questionnaire is optional. But some medical issues are adversely effected by massage and any good therapist will put your health first. See Contraindications for massage for further information.

Is massage suppose to hurt?
Occasionally, you will feel discomfort when your therapist is going over muscles that are too tight or using too much pressure, but the touch should never be painful or too deep. Let your massage therapist know if you are uncomfortable in any way. Communication is a very important factor in any therapeutic relationship. Don't be afraid to speak up. You should NOT have to walk away with bruises (unless under going trigger point therapy which can sometimes leave soreness).

What are the drapes for?
See page Massage Equipment Used for more info on the need for drapes. In short, they are for boundries and privacy and to keep you, the client, feeling secure.

Do I have to be naked?
No. In a traditional Swedish massage, the client is partially to totally naked to lessen the barriers that a massage therapist has to go over when working with the muscles. It increases relaxation and more easily triggers the parasympathetic nervous system. But, I've found that, when dealing with pleasure and muscle work of massage, you can have loose-fitting cloths on and still have an excellent experience. Several modalities work through cloths, so being undressed is absolutely up to the client.

What if I pass gas, get sick, have to go to the bathroom, etc. during the massage?
Any bodily urge you have is completely natural and is nothing to be embarrassed about. If you need to leave the massage for any reason, it's completely acceptable. The massage can be resumed (depending on time scheduling) at the discretion of the client. Unused time will be refunded.

What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient (and newly rediscovered) energy work form from Japan that means 'universal energy'. It has been taught throughout the world through initiations to those interested. There are three levels of initiation and each builds on the other to form an intense flow of energy for healing the whole person. The hands are used and are laid on or just over the body to give that universal energy to area in need.

Don't your hands hurt?
Not at all! Perhaps it's practice or because the movements of the hands are so varied, but massage don't normally affect my hands. When I don't use proper body mechanics, however, my neck and shoulders may et stiff.

ABOUT SCHEDULING

What is your scheduling like?
Massage therapy is not my only job. I have a 9-to-5 which is actually a 7pm-to-7am so I have to schedule off of those days to manage my sleep. I also have hypnosis practice and family responsibilities. So an appointment with me could be anywhere from two hours from a phone call to a week. Also, I can schedule anywhere between 9AM to 7PM comfortably.

How much time do you need between appointments and how much of a notice do you need to set up one?
For an hour, I need atleast 15 minutes before for paperwork and dressing the room and 15 minutes after for clean up afterward. I generally use a 30 minute time frame between each massage to ensure little or no wait for a client.

ABOUT EAR CANDLING

Is ear candling dangerous?
Ear candling can be dangerous if done improperly. Hot wax dripping into the canal, perforated ear drum and wax blockage has all been reported. It is an old method used for removal and movement of natural wax. The ear needs wax, so it should only be used twice a year at the most. This is virtually the same as ear coning.