| FAQ |
 |
1. What should I wear to a massage? Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. If you're coming from work, wear your work clothes. Feel free to bring more comfortable clothes to change into after; you will be slightly oily (towels are available to dry off a little). 2. What do I leave on during a massage? Again, leave on whatever you feel comfortable in. You can leave on a bra, or underwear, or a tank top, or socks, etc. Massage can be done through clothing, but of course the massage will be different (just technique, not quality). You won't get as oily, but muscles can be reached better through direct contact. The only area exposed during the massage is the area currently being worked on; all other areas are covered by a sheet as well as a blanket for warmth. But if you feel more comfortable leaving underwear on, feel free. 3. What is the cost of a massage? Please see our Rates page for prices. In-your-home visits are slightly more expensive, to cover the cost of time, gas, etc. 4. Where do you do your massage? I practice massage from my home. During the winter months, I am based in my living room, while in the warmer months, I have a designated massage room. Both have absolutely privacy during massages. I am working towards being in the designated massage room full-time, and will post when that is accomplished. 5. Can I get a massage at my house? Yes, but only in Maine. I'm only licensed in Maine, and can't legally practice massage in any other state. If you live in Maine and wish to have a massage at your house, be aware that the cost is slightly higher to cover time, gas, etc. (See the Rates page for prices.) You'll need a place/room in your house that is quiet with no distractions, not too cool, preferably with low light, or at least where you can feel peaceful and relaxed. I also reserve the right to refuse to give a massage at a client's home for any reason. 6. Can I get a massage at work? At this beginning stage of the business, I will not be taking my massage table into places of business. When I am able to purchase a massage chair, I will begin offering chair massage, available at places of business. Massage visits must be cleared through your superiors. 7. How long does a massage last? Generally, a massage lasts an hour. This is a full-body relaxation massage, allowing for deep tissue massage where needed and wanted. Half hour massages are shorter versions of a relaxation massage, with less time for specific work. I also offer 15-minute "pick-a-part" massages, for focused work on one area. 8. What areas of the body get worked on? I do full-body massages, including head/face, shoulders/neck/back, arms, legs, and feet. Sometimes I incorporate the gluteal muscles (through sheet and blanket only), and occasionally, if desired, stomach muscles (by request only, as this is a very sensitive and private area for some; private areas are never touched). I never massage any area you are uncomfortable with (i.e. some people's feet are ticklish, others simply don't like their heads rubbed, others have sore or tender muscles that simply can't be massaged). 10. Am I covered during the massage? See question #2 about what to leave on during a massage. 11. Can I talk during the massage? I welcome any feedback you may have about whether my pressure is too heavy or too light, of course whether something is painful, or simply whether it is good or bad. Although I don't deny talking during a massage, I do discourage it. It is much easier to relax and let your body reap as much benefit as possible when not making your brain concentrate on a conversation. 12. What happens before and after the massage? At all times, please remember to relax. :) Feel free to ask any questions at all. This experience is to relieve stress, certainly not cause it. If it's your first visit, I'll have you fill out a simply medical intake form, to let me know of any conditions, issues, or medications you might take that would apply to massage (i.e. certain blood pressure medications need to work through the system on their own time, without the help of increased circulation). I'll explain that you will be covered at all times, and that I won't work on any areas that you don't want worked on. I will leave the room to let you get undressed to your level of comfort, and I will make sure you're ready before I come back in. I usually start the massage having you lie face up, and halfway through I will let you know that you can roll over to your front (you'll be completely covered during this time as well, and I will help with the sheet and blanket to ensure this). When the massage is over, I will let you know not to get off the table too quickly (you may be light-headed), and I will have a towel (if you wish to get off some of the oil) and glass of water waiting for you (it's important to drink water after a massage since many toxins in the body have been moved around). I will leave the room again to let you get off the table and dressed, and will wait for you to come out whenever you're ready. That's it! Payment is taken care of after the massage is over (also refer to question #13). 13. What if I don't want a certain area touched? This is completely up to you -- I never massage an area you are not comfortable with. For further answer, see question #7. 14. Why is it important to know what medications I'm on? Certain medications need to work through your system in their own time. Massage speeds up your circulation, making the medication reach areas of your body before intended. When you take the medication is also important -- massage will have much less effect on a medication's circulation if it was taken the night before than if you took it just before your visit. 15. Am I supposed to, or can I tip you? Tips are welcome if you feel led, but they are certainly not needed. Word of mouth and your recommendation are the best tips you can give me. :) |