BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

The majority of all disease is stress-related. Massage is a very effective tool for managing the stress brought on by life's demands.  Beyond stress, massage has been proven to:

• Decrease anxiety

• Enhance sleep quality

• Greater energy

• Improve concentration

• Increase circulation

• Reduce mental and physical fatigue

• Reduce blood pressure

• Alleviate chronic muscular tension & pain while improving range of motion

• Improve posture

• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays

• Ease medication dependence

• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system

• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles

• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts

• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin

• Increase joint flexibility

• Lessen depression and anxiety

• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks

• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation

• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling

• Reduce spasms and cramping

• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles

• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller

• Relieve migraine pain

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR MASSAGE

 Your massage will take place in a clean + comfortable treatment room with soft tunes and white noise to help you settle in. After your intake interview, where we discuss your goals and the approach we plan to take, you will undress in private and lie on the massage table, under a sheet and blanket. During the massage, you will be modestly draped with a sheet throughout the entire session.  Only the area being worked on will be exposed. 

REGULAR MASSAGE
Regular is the key word here!  We recommend getting a massage at least once every 4-6 weeks.  Clients that come on a 3-4 week rotation experience the most long-term relief and greatest benefit.  The longer you wait, the more we end up working on the recurring problem, instead of fixing the initial problem and moving on to create a sustained sense of well-being.  There is no such things as too often so whatever fits into your budget and schedule.  

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE  

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes and pressure.  Each session will be uniquely tailored for each client every session.  Your daily activity isn't routine and neither should your bodywork! We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you when you arrive for your appointment.

SILENT or SOCIAL
Your massage is a time to sink into relaxation and let your nervous system enjoy a break.  We encourage you to find comfort in silence and settle into stillness. Your therapist may ask you to shift your body in a certain way (such as lifting your arm).  The less activity and resistance in your body, the more effective the massage. We invite you close your eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when you need more or less pressure, a temperature shift, or any other request. If you have questions regarding the session or something you feel during the massage, please ask.

POST MASSAGE
Staying hydrated is essential to flushing out the toxins that we just released from your sore muscles.  We recommend taking a nice warm bath with epsom salt (and lavender essential oil for an extra kick) or an extended warm shower with mild stretching to help lengthen muscles and tissue when they are still soft and supple from the massage. Most people feel very relaxed and a little brain cloudy.  You can expect to experience freedom from long-term aches and pains that you came in with.  After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.  The areas that felt sensitive during the massage may feel "work out sore" the next day or two.  But with sufficient water and normal activity it should go away within a day or two, leaving you feeling free and open!

MEDICAL CONCERNS + CONTRAINDICATIONS

 It's imperative that you fill our and update your medical forms before you begin your session. It is very important that you inform us of any health problems or any changes in your health from your last appointment. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to your session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

YOUR BODY ​

We love you exactly the way you are! Too often women apologize for not shaving their legs or not having a fresh pedicure. There's no need to be shy or to primp yourself up for our sake, we LOVE the human body in all its forms and are here to help you appreciate yours as much as possible. 

We appreciate clean feet and a quick rinse after a workout. But ultimately, come as you are and we're happy to take care of you.