Do you drape your clients on the table?
My standard practice is to fully drape clients with a sheet while I work on them. I can also use a blanket according to temperature. I will only uncover the part of the body I am working on at that time. This is so both of us feel comfortable and safe during the session.
What should I wear for the massage?
You should be dressed or undressed to your level of comfort! A full body massage normally requires being completely undressed. This makes it easier to address the whole body and its muscles. Because I drape my clients securely and your modesty is my highest consideration, you can feel confident being undressed. But if you are more comfortable wearing underwear, no problem - I can work around that. Generally however, the more clothing you wear for a massage, the more limited I am in my techniques. This is no problem if you want Sports Massage work, for example, but it will make Swedish massage work on your body more difficult.
The only time I would insist on a client being fully undressed is if they request deep work on gluteal muscles (including hips) or piriformis/sciatic work, where underwear would obviously get in the way.
Will you be present when I disrobe?
No, I leave the room to allow you privacy in getting on and off the table. Likewise, I prefer you wait until I leave to get undressed for your massage, and when you get off the table afterwards, as a mark of good manners and etiquette.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
My sessions are normally full body - this means I will work on your back, legs (including buttocks), feet, abdomen, chest (decolletage), arms, hands, neck and scalp. I may skip one or two of these areas if there are time constraints and clients require deep work on other specific areas. I also do facial massage if specifically requested.
I don't specifically massage genital areas or breast tissue, but working on pectoral, serratus, gluteal or adductor muscles often requires close proximity to those areas. If working there, or any other parts of your body makes you uncomfortable, please tell me before the start of the session and I will avoid those areas. I will normally ask female clients before a session if they are okay with abdominal or midline pectoral work, which can be very soothing and beneficial, but some women may find it invasive.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
It should feel awesome! I will normally start with Swedish massage strokes, which 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. I use oil 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.
Contrary to popular belief, massage should not be painful! The "no pain no gain" philosophy does not apply to massage. Deep tissue techniques can be great for loosening up muscles and alleviating discomfort and tension, but there is no benefit to overworking a muscle, or pressing too hard on it. Good deep tissue work should leave you "feeling the burn" in a muscle (similar to how it feels after a good workout), but not in pain. Please let me know immediately if I am using too much pressure.
What sort of oil or lotion do you use?
I use pure coconut oil with a dash of sacramentally blessed olive oil sourced from Saint Pareskevi women's monastery, an Orthodox Christian monastery near Brenham, Texas. If you are allergic to coconut or olive oil, please let me know before the session begins so that I can use a different lotion.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Relax! Close your eyes and just enjoy it. Prior to the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Do let me know if you 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.
Bodily, physiological reactions to massage are quite normal and expected. Please don't feel embarrassed if your stomach rumbles, or if you pass gas. That means the massage is working and helping your body to relax. Dozing during a session is also normal, although I advise clients not to fall into a deep sleep, since it is hard to enjoy your massage in that state!
My intent when massaging you will always be strictly professional and therapeutic, but bodies receiving massage can sometimes react to touch in unexpected ways, and physiological sexual arousal can sometimes occur temporarily with clients during the session. As long as it is not premeditated, this is no big deal and nothing to be embarrassed about - just try and think about something else. However, intentional sexual language, innuendos or behaviour towards the therapist will not be tolerated and I will terminate the session if they occur.
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. Make sure you drink plenty of water!
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.
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'll ask about your health and any medical conditions you have, including medication you may be 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.
Please note: I am not a doctor and can't diagnose or "cure" illnesses or conditions.
