Frequently asked questions
While I would love to provide a simple hard and fast rule for this, there isn't one. What will work best for you depends on the presenting issue as well as your own personal comfort level and preferences, and may change day to day depending on how you are feeling. Acute muscular pain or injury (such as low back pain or a "knot" in your shoulder) may respond more quickly to focused massage work, while reflexology and bowen therapy are both more holistic treatments that help restore the body's innate healing process and may lead to more long-lasting changes in the long term.
Book the session that calls to you the most - during your intake we'll chat about your goals, and if the service you booked doesn't sound like the right fit, we'll just readjust. There's also a place to add notes when you book online if you have a specific goal in mind, or you can text, email or call for my recommendations.
The term "deep tissue" is a widely used term in massage that can be misleading, as there isn't a universally accepted meaning for it in the massage industry and can vary a lot depending on the practitioner. My massage is therapeutic - while I think all massage should be relaxing, I do work into focus areas to reduce tension and address pain and stiffness. I use a moderate amount of pressure that is usually enough for most people, but if you're looking for a super deep massage I am probably not the therapist for you.
I encourage communication during the massage to find the right amount of pressure for each individual. Some areas may be sensitive - so I suggest speaking up when an area is tender enough that one finds themselves tensing up or holding their breath to "get through it". If the body is in guarding mode, it's not going to release the tension needed to reduce tension and pain.
The answer to this is usually yes! Every day is different, and sometimes you booked something weeks ago that isn't what you need today. It's generally pretty easy to switch between modalities, so we can tailor it to what's going on in the moment. If you'd like to switch to a service that requires more preparation, such as hot stone massage or the Lucky Feet or Leg treatments, it's better to send a text or email ahead of time so I can set it up.
Yes, absolutely! In fact, I would recommend it - it feels divine. If you're interested in adding some Reflexology or Reiki into a session, just let me know. You can book one of the integrative sessions that combine different modalities on my menu, or book a longer session and request what you want done.
The only modality that I am not able to combine with others is Bowen Therapy, since adding other techniques to Bowen can reduce Bowen's amazing effects.
Reflexology is different than a foot massage. Reflexology can be done with a firm pressure and is often done without oil or lotion, so many people who complain of ticklish feet don't get ticklish during foot reflexology. If you do get ticklish and can't tolerate your feet being touched, I am also certified in ear reflexology and can work on hands as well.
I do my best to provide a hypoallergenic space for my clients. I use unscented pesticide-free jojoba oil for the bulk of my massage, and an unscented jojoba-based lotion if needed. I use natural eco-friendly unscented laundry detergents and no fabric softener. While I do not use any scents in my products or in my treatment room, I do share a space with other practitioners - while no diffuse scents are used, they may use some lightly scented products in the communal waiting area and bathrooms. If you have any specific allergy concerns, please let me know.
No, you never have to undress if you don't want to. Some clients are fully nude while others prefer to leave some or all of their clothing on - I can adjust as needed. While most people choose to remove clothing for the oil-based massage, there are techniques that can be done through clothing - and Reflexology and Bowen Therapy don't require undressing at all.
I have seen it all. This is a judgement-free zone - you're fantastic just the way you are.
No, please refrain from applying any scented products before a service as much as possible. I have a scent allergy, and I try to keep the space as scent and allergen free as possible to accommodate clients with allergies. If you are wearing some scented products (deodorant/shampoo/etc), that's okay - just try to avoid applying scented products to the skin directly before coming in for a session.