FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Your 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.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST SESSION?
For any session, I recommend that you bring a bottle of water and your curious self!
If you are on any medications or herbal/naturopathic prescriptions, have any chronic conditions, or have had any surgeries or injuries in the past six months, please have that information handy. This helps me know how best to work with you, no system works alone and a session will impact the entire body.
There may also be additional recommendations to prepare, depending on the work, which I will go over with you when you book your session.
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, I will ask general health questions during our intake. It is very important that you inform me of any health problems and any medications, herbal remedies, or naturopathic prescriptions you are currently using. If you are under a doctor's care, and depending on your condition, I may ask that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session.
For prenatal clients: I generally only request a written recommendation for massage prior to the session if you have any preexisting complications. However, I do recommend that you discuss getting a massage with your doctor before you book
MUST I BE COMPLETELY UNDRESSED? WILL YOU BE PRESENT WHEN I DISROBE?
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, and I am happy to adjust my techniques so that you feel safe and at ease.
If you choose to disrobe, I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with the sheet.
Note: Energy medicine/Reiki sessions are always performed while you are fully clothed, either laying on the table or seated.
WILL I BE COVERED DURING THE SESSION? WHAT PARTS OF MY BODY WILL BE WORKED ON?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
WHAT WILL A MASSAGE OR BODYWORK SESSION FEEL LIKE?
A relaxing Swedish Rejuvenation massage is often the baseline for clients, especially if you are new to massage/bodywork. In a general Swedish 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 tension. Often a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin (although some techniques are done without oil or lotion). The oil also helps hydrate your skin.
You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken, and I will check in to assure that you are comfortable. Massage/bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
WHAT WILL AN ENERGY THERAPY/USUI REIKI SESSION FEEL LIKE? WHAT MIGHT I EXPERIENCE?
The experience of an Energy Therapy/Usui Reiki session varies somewhat from person to person. However, deep, profound relaxation is most common. Often clients report feeling a state of well-being, or peace, and being able to let go of any tension, anxiety, fear, etc. Some have drifted off to sleep, while others have mentioned feeling 'out of body,' having visions or insights, emotional releases, and sometimes mystical experiences.
WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING THE SESSION?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the session, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting an 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 a particular technique, you are always welcome to ask.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER THE SESSION? ARE THERE BENEFITS TO MASSAGE/ENERGY THERAPY ?
Firstly, the benefits of Massage and Energy work are endless! They include:
Release of chronic tension and pain
Improved circulation of cardiovascular and lymphatic channels
Reducing mental and physical fatigue and stress
Promoting a faster healing of injuries
Supporting better sleep, concentration, and an overall sense of well-being
and many more!
After the session, most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activities. After an initial period of feeling 'slowed down,' people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days.
Since cellular waste and proteins are released from your soft tissues during a session, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.