Where will my massage and acupressure session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in your home or care facility. I can provide a massage chair or table, or work with you in your easy chair, at the kitchen table, or on your sofa or bed.

How should I dress?
Most Western massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client mostly, or totally unclothed. You will be properly draped with a sheet during the entire session. Asian bodywork is usually done with the client clothed. However, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You may be more comfortable in shorts and a top. You should undress to your level of comfort.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table or bed, 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.  You are welcome to have someone of your choosing be present for the entire session.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body massage will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Acupressure points used are found more on the back, arms, hands, legs, and feet. At times the bodywork will focus entirely on specific areas of stiffness, soreness, or pain. Asian bodywork techniques cover a broader area of the body with clothed and unclothed. Range of motion of the body are often included.

What will the bodywork feel like?
Bodywork generally starts with a lighter pressure 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 of muscular tension, and acupressure applied to specific points, along with range of motion and stretching.

A massage creme may be used on bare skin to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. This 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. Acupressure, application of pressure to specific points, can be used to restore balance and function to various body systems. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork 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. 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 slow or sleepy, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity that can last for days.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage, acupressure, 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. These techniques are 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, the practitioner asks general health questions. Please complete the online forms. 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.