What should I expect from the first massage therapy visit?

You should arrive 10 minutes prior to your first session to complete a short health history form and a consent form. You can also print these out to complete before your appointment. Your therapist will ask you some questions to get a feel for what your goals are for the session.

Where will my massage session take place?

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

What should I wear during the massage?

That depends on the type of session you have chosen. For shiatsu, wear loose comfortable clothing such as sweat pants and a t-shirt. If you have chosen massage, you can undress to your own comfort level. The therapist will give you privacy to do so. You may leave on your underwear if that helps you to be more relaxed. You will be draped in a sheet at all times during the session except for the area being worked on.

What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?

Relax. Make yourself comfortable. Most people close their eyes to help themselves unwind. The therapist will ask you to move or turn over when necessary. Feel free to ask questions at any time.

How will a massage feel?

Depending on the techniques used it can range from feeling light and relaxing to very deep and relieving. During a deep tissue massage, you may feel some discomfort when working in knotted areas. Be sure to communicate with your therapist if it becomes too much.

Is a massage always appropriate?

No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms and before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out any contradictions to massage. 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 prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

How long will a massage treatment last?

Typically sessions will last between one and two hours. If you would like a general full-body massage or treatment on one specific area, a one-hour session will be fine. If you have some specific areas you need addressed and would also like a full-body session, one and a half to two hours would be more appropriate.

How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?

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. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water following your massage to continue flushing out the cellular waste products that are released from the soft tissues during your body work. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.

What are the benefits of Shiatsu?

Shiatsu has several health benefits including reducing stress and fatigue, increased circulation, regulation of the autonomic nervous system, stimulation of internal organ function, reduction in blood pressure, regulation of digestion and hormone secretion, and stimulation of skin and connective tissue. All of these benefits can be achieved with the added perk of increasing energy and boosting the immune system. Shiatsu treats the whole body with no side effects and feels great!

What can Shiatsu help?

Shiatsu can help reduce the discomfort of health issues such as insomnia, sciatica, digestive problems, arthritis, menstrual pain, asthma, low energy, menopause, fibromyalgia, diabetes, nausea (especially from morning sickness), headaches/migraines, depression, emotional stress, high blood pressure, and muscle/skeletal pain.

What can I expect during my Shiatsu appointment?

The massage therapist will ask a series of questions about general health and well-being. The pulse is taken at six different points on the wrists that correspond to internal organs. The therapist will look at the tongue, which also gives a picture of the internal organ systems. A treatment plan will be formulated to your unique needs to bring the body's energies into a healthy balance. A variety of kneading and pressure techniques can be used to address each person's unique needs as well as stretches and ROM exercises. After a session you may feel invigorated, yet deeply relaxed.