What to Expect in Receiving…
massage therapy
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Sometimes unexpected circumstances will make us run late… And that’s okay! Please reach out as soon as possible in these situations. I will do my best to give you as close to the full session time as my schedule allows. However, this will not be at the cost of the next client after you.
Regardless of how late you are, you are responsible for the full session fee as scheduled.
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Because some people are immunocompromised to varying degrees and COVID is still being spread, masking during sessions is required for all clients.
Masks can be provided for you if you don’t have one at the time of your appointment.
Exceptions can only be made for medical reasons.
Air purifiers will be running in the space during business hours.
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Ideally, you come 5-10 minutes before the start of your session so you can settle into the space and use the bathroom if you need to.
We’ll start by checking-in, clarifying your goals for the session and what you are prioritizing. Aside from asking questions, I may ask to palpate the area or ask you to do some movements to assess mobility or strength. Please let me know about any sensitivities, any areas to be mindful about or to completely avoid.
I will leave the treatment room to go wash my hands, while you undress to your comfort level and get on the massage table. I’ll knock and ask that you are all set on the massage table before re-entering the treatment room.
If at any point during the session, you’d like more or less pressure, please let me know.
If at any point during the session, you change your mind and would like to pause or stop the session, please let me know.
Massage therapy sessions can range from general full-body to only working on specific areas — up to you. As we move through the session, only the part of the body that is being worked on will be undraped. Glutes are only undraped from the side and if the client has chosen to not wear underwear. The chest is only undraped to slightly below the armpit.
Depending on your goals for the session, I may ask you to breathe mindfully into a release, or ask you to mindfully move a body part to help with release.
At the end of the session, you are encouraged to get up and get dressed slowly. You can meet me in the waiting area where we’ll debrief, you can share feedback or ask any questions.
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No! In my practice, I honor pain as the body’s wisdom that adjustments need to be made ASAP. I do not want to force the body to release or relax more than it is ready to, as it can result in soreness or “rebound pain.”
I also believe there’s a difference between the “sensations of change” and pain.
“Sensations of change” is like that “hurts so good pain” that your body experiences; the discomfort with the transition to relaxation. Breathing through the work can increase the relaxation and the discomfort shouldn’t go past 3-4 out of 10.
Pain is when your body is tensing or bracing for the work. At this point, we should lighten pressure or change technique.Massage is most effective when the recipient is as relaxed as can be. The benefits can last longer if we are patient and go at the pace of the recipient’s body as it releases stored up tension.
Please do communicate when we are approaching your pain threshold.
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Completely up to you! I have worked on people completely clothed and naked.
This can also depend on your needs and goals for the session. For example, if you really like that full, flowing and gliding feeling of massage, it would be helpful to undress as much as is comfortable for you.
Please note that I typically use a shea butter as a skin lubricant. Please let me know if you want to avoid getting oil on any clothes left on during the massage.
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You are always welcome to customize your massage and request only your concern areas to be worked on.
It is customary to work on the back, glutes, legs, feet, arms, hands, upper pecs, and scalp as part of a full-body massage. Abdominal massage can be incorporated depending on your needs.
Because the glutes, upper pecs, and scalp are sensitive areas for some folks, I will confirm that I can work on these areas prior to the start of session. I will never un-drape or touch sensitive breast tissue or the genital area.
Usui reiki energy healing
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Sometimes unexpected circumstances will make us run late… And that’s okay! Please reach out as soon as possible in these situations. I will do my best to give you as close to the full session time as my schedule allows. However, this will not be at the cost of the next client after you.
Regardless of how late you are, you are responsible for the full session fee as scheduled.
-
Because some people are immunocompromised to varying degrees and COVID is still being spread, masking during sessions is required for all clients.
Masks can be provided for you if you don’t have one at the time of your appointment.
Exceptions can only be made for medical reasons.
Air purifiers will be running in the space during business hours.
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If you booked an in-studio session, please aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early so we can check-in and maximize your session time. Wear comfortable clothing and if you are participating remotely, make sure you are in a safe space that will minimize distractions.
Before we start the session, we will check-in and ground ourselves in your intentions and goals for the session. You and your body are the ones receiving the reiki energy, integrating it, and healing itself. As a Usui reiki ryoho practitioner, I am merely facilitating the healing by channeling reiki energy to you and your body. Sometimes, I am able to receive intuitive messages and guidance if you consent. If any are received, I will relay them to you after the session.
For in-person sessions: You can choose to be seated or laying down. You can also choose whether you prefer gentle touch or hovering hands. Reiki energy will be directed to the:
face, head, neck/throat, shoulders, chest/heartspace, belly, back, legs, feet
Even if I am not be making physical contact, you may feel warm or tingling sensations in these areas.
As the reiki session progresses, we may unearth things that may be difficult to process; but doing so makes room for more ease and flow within and between your physical, mental, and spiritual bodies. I will do my best to always minimize our exposure to triggers and focus on strengthening our co-regulating strategies. If at any point you feel discomfort during the session and would like to pause or end the session, please let me know immediately. You are welcome to withdraw consent at any time.
Sometimes people feel energized after a reiki session; other times, tired. The reiki energy may continue to integrate for some time after the session is done. Do your best to make time for resting and nourishing yourself after our reiki session together.
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Touch is optional for reiki healing. Many find touch to be comforting and healing. Others may find touch triggering. If you do consent to touch, my hands will be placed on your head, ears, neck, shoulders, belly, back, knees, and feet. If you do not consent to touch, my hands will be hovering over your face, head, ears, throat, chest/heart center, belly, back, pelvis, knees, and feet. Even though I would not be making physical contact, you may feel warm or tingling sensations.