What is it Like?

So you've never had a massage?
You're really in for a treat!

Before we begin, you will fill out a confidential health questionnaire to find out about your current state of health, and to discover which medications, if any, you are currently taking. We do this because there are certain conditions and/or medications for which massage is not appropriate, or for which we will need to first obtain permission from your primary health care provider(s).

Depending on the type of therapy we are using, you may or may not need to undress. For Swedish Massage, most clients undress completely, but some choose to keep their underwear on. You will always undress alone in the complete privacy of the massage therapy room, and during the massage, you will be covered with a sheet except for the part of your body that we are working on at the time.

The massage room is inviting and relaxing, with soft music and low lighting. These physical cues tell your body and mind to relax and unwind, that you're in a safe place and can leave your worries behind. The actual massage takes place on a special massage therapy table that is comfortably padded and made up with clean, fresh linens.

For most of our Swedish techniques, we will use some sort of lubricant, such as a special massage oil, or massage cream that nourishes the skin and provides us with the ability to glide across muscles and tissues to do our work. In some types of massage, such as chair massage and acupressure, no oil or cream is used.

The sessions begins with gentle contact to your body to accustom you to our touch. We may rock you gently at first - this is for a deeper relaxation response, and also for us to palpate how your spine moves, and how pliable your tissues are. The massage always begins light and gradually becomes deeper as you become accustomed to our touch and your tissues relax to allow us in. We never work deeper than your comfort level.

Your job during the massage is only to relax. Ask for anything that will make you more comfortable - the massage is entirely for you, not for us. We love it when our clients fall asleep! It makes us certain that we are doing a good job. Sometimes we may move one of your limbs to get to a certain spot more easily, or we may ask you to turn. If you ever have questions about anything at all during a massage, please ask; we will be delighted to answer and to share our knowledge with you.

Massage feels great! You might be surprised to find out that it doesn't tickle, and that it feels different than you had expected. Most of us live and work in very mental worlds and are not used to tuning in to our bodies. The massage is all about the body, and as you tune in to the new sensations you are experiencing on the massage table, you might be mildly surprised to find out how much tension you hold in your body in what might seem unlikely places. We are always surprised, and we get massaged regularly. Massage is a marvelous inward journey that brings you back together again, uniting your mind and your body into the perfect whole it was meant to be.

Most sessions last about an hour, although sometimes we will work slightly longer than our appointment times in order to give proper attention to a problem area if needed, and if agreed upon by you. Half-hour appointments are a good way to get introduced to massage; we can usually do excellent work on your back, neck, and face during that time, or on your legs and feet.

First-time sessions may last longer than a clock hour because we take time during the interview process with you before we begin. If you have time concerns, please do let us know as we can accommodate you whatever your schedule restrictions.