Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your bodywork session will take place either in your home, your vacation rental, or your retreat space. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a comfortable table with fresh, clean sheets.

What do I need to wear during my treatment?
You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.Only the area being worked on will be exposed. I will leave the room & you will relax onto the table lying facedown with your head in a face cradle & cover yourself with the top sheet. I will knock to see if you are ready before entering the room. During a Reiki or Craniosacral session, you remain fully clothed.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?   Your session will start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to your level of comfort & relieve areas of deeper tension. As endorphins are released you will begin to feel lighter, calm, & stress will begin to melt away.  Some people will find themselves drifting off into a sleepy state, while others remain more alert. I use high quality organic cream to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The cream also helps hydrate your skin. I also add in high quality aromatherapy oild if you would like. 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. Styles & techniques I practice include Swedish (a variety of massage strokes designed to increase circulation, calm the nervous system & relax muscles,) Deep Tissue (strokes reaching deeper lying musculature,) Acupressure (application of pressure to specific points along Meridians of the body), Hot Jade Stone therapy (see "Healing Services,") Craniosacral Therapy, & Reiki (both also described in "Healing Services.") We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for your needs.

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 massage, make yourself comfortable, this is your space to unwind--if you feel like making noise as tension and energy are released from the body, that's fine, if you need to cry or laugh, that's fine, or if you fall asleep, that's fine too. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm, or rolling over.) You can just close your eyes and completely relax into your being, communicating if/ when you need more or less pressure, a blanket, water, 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; I let you lead as far as conversation. In general I prefer to keep talking to a minimum, as I feel it enhances your overall experience, however sometimes conversation is very helpful for some to process as they unwind, and you may feel compelled to share any thoughts or emotions coming up for you as a result of the bodywork. It is your time and it is tailored to your needs.  

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
My clients report feeling very relaxed, lighter, more grounded, more tuned into themselves and their environment, a decrease in aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity, and an increase in range of motion. After an initial period of feeling "slowed down," and "in the zone," people often experience increased energy & heightened awareness. I recommend giving yourself at least an hour before getting back into the swing of things, to really assimilate the bodywork, and I also recommend hydrating. Keep in mind that the work done in your session continues to "work" on you even after you have left the massage table, so be gentle and kind to yourself and honor your process of unwinding, however it may unfold..

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
See "Benefits of Massage" page.

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 ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform me of any health issues, medications you are taking, injuries (past or present,) areas of chronic pain, etc. 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. I care deeply about your well being, as I know you do too.