What to expect during a table massage

If you've recieved massage before then much of this information will be familiar to you, but
it is still good for you to understand how I work.
That way, you can make the best choice for yourself.

Priority #1 ...our focus on you.

I give a "quiet massage" which very plainly means our goal is to speak as little as possible
in order for you to relax and focus on not being responsible for anything other than
your body, mind and spiritual rejuvenation.

This is your one chance to leave your busy schedule, kids, work, projects, pressures,
drama and expectations behind and really let your mind and spirit talk with your body.

It is very normal for the client to bring the stress of the day to the massage table
with them and start the massage in a very talkative mood.

This stress (if held on to) keeps your sympathetic nervous system engaged
(this is your fight or flight response) and does not allow your muscles to fully relax making
it difficult to let your body heal.

The sooner we get your mind clear...the sooner we get the maximum benefit.

Sometimes it's because the client is actually afraid of what will happen if they
let go of distractions and let themselves feel like a special part of the universe.

Either way, I will gently discourage any chatting (especially stressful topics)
outside of our needs in the massage.

We can chat while I set up or if I have time afterwards, but I truly believe it's very
important for you to treat this time as its own priority.

Preparation

I encourage all my clients to meditate and focus on their breathing if possible for
5-10 minutes prior to the massage.
Allow yourself to clean out all the mental garbage that holds you in a place of stress and
invite pure, good energy to fill you as you truly deserve.

That way, once you are on the table we are absolutely ready to focus on your healing.


My needs to perform massage

For table massage I need an open space of at least 8 feet by 5 feet to open up and be able
to move around the table while working with you.

This area will need to be free from noise and distractions.

I also will need an available sink to wash my hands before and after your massage.

Pets...I love all animals and get along great with them, however pets can sometimes become
very needy and curious during a massage (especially dogs). If you have pets we need to be able
to keep them away from our work area, so I can focus on you instead of avoiding stepping on a
pet's tail while moving around the table. .:)


During the massage

I use TheraPro massage gel for my table work.
It is a great hypoallergenic gel/oil mixture that has given me the best results with the majority of
my clients.
If you have a special massage oil/gel/lotion that works for you, then I will be happy to use it on if
you like (as long as it's not irritating to my hands).

If you have no overly stressed or injured body parts then my normal Sweet Relaxation massage
should be painless and feel wonderful to you.
My touch ranges from soft as a feather to medium firm (as graded by most I've worked with).
The majority of my long strokes and kneading will be medium to medium firm.

My deep tissue is of course "deep" with elbows, knuckles and power thumbs for those
who really need that extra pressure for more therapeutic purposes.

If there are moments of pain or "Trigger points", then we need to determine if
it is "Good pain" or "Bad pain".

Good pain = moderate pressure that has elements of pain, but you can tell that it is helping
put the stressed or injured body part back in place.
Therefore you push yourself a little past the pain with the goal of relief.

Bad pain = a sharp awkward pain that has no purpose and can cause further injury,
love love _or a trigger point which might need immediate attention.

During the massage, you and I are a team, but we are also separate minds and energies.
If something I do is causing you pain, please let me know right away.
It might be a Trigger Point, at which case I need to know about it so we can work on it.

I'm not here to hurt you...I will not be insulted if you let me know that something is
not working for you and will do my best to adjust.

If an injury persists after a few sessions, I will recommend that you see a doctor
and have it checked.
I am not a doctor. I will not give medical advice.
I may share an "opinion" with you, but know that you should always consult a doctor (or two)
about real medical issues.

In general, my main massage style is mostly geared to the energy connection ( yours to the universe),
stress reduction, basic therapeutic properties and deep relaxation.
I have been educated (over 650 hours at IPPT Career in North Hollywood and still attend classes)
on most areas of injury and sports massage as well as a fairly extensive amount of anatomy and physiology,
but it is not the style that I connect the strongest with.

If your needs are more along the lines of pre-existing injury, muscle disease or sports massage,
I have wonderful practitioners, therapists and providers that are close friends and specialize in those areas.
I will be happy to connect you with them.



Human stuff
Some clients refuse to let themselves completely relax because they are afraid of what
I simply call "Human stuff".

Falling asleep and snoring
Drooling
Runny nose or congestion
Farting

I want to tell you right now...I've experienced ALL of these things with people
I've massaged and all of it is natural, normal and no big deal.

FYI: Falling asleep, loud snoring and drooling are all compliments to me and my ability
to help you relax.

Congestion happens about 80% of the time to EVERYONE when they're
face down on the table and sometimes this will give you a runny nose.

We'll keep some Kleenex by the table that you can ask for when you need it and
you can blow your nose.

If you fart...we'll have a little giggle about it together and move on.
If I fart...we'll do the same...:)

Many women get embarrassed when getting a table massage because they forgot to shave
their legs, armpits etc. Let me tell you as clearly as I can.
It does not bother me...not even a little, nor does a little stubble get in the way of the massage.
If you forget to shave your legs...don't worry.

Human stuff is no big deal. Let's focus on your massage and the power that comes
from truly letting go of your fears!

Body areas covered in massage
Unless otherwise requested, my 1 hour full body massage will cover feet and legs front and back
(back of thigh up to base of glutes), hands and arms front and back, lower and upper back, neck and
sometimes a little scalp and ears (if time permits).

Some people don't like their feet or ears touched, or some don't want their scalp massaged
because of their hair...etc.
If any of these areas are sensitive or you're uncomfortable with me working on them please let me know
before we begin the massage.
I'm not here to make you uncomfortable, so these requests are welcome.


Stomach
This is an often neglected area with special muscles, tendons and internal organs that can
all benefit from gentle massage.
Other benefits:
Improved digestion (including help with constipation).
Emotional release (many women cary a lot of stress in their abdominal area just below the ribs)
If you would like this included in your massage just let me know ahead of time so I can bring
an extra towel to cover your chest.

Chest and Glutes
Your Pectoralis major and minor (your chest) and Gluteus region (your bottom) are very heavy workers
and need just as much attention as any other muscle group.
However because of our male/female dynamic and that these areas are
considered your "private areas"...I will never ask you if you want me to work on them.

I will and often do work on these areas, but you will have to request it.
I know it may sound silly to some, but I do this to show that my intentions for your massage
are always professional and ethical.
The more comfortable you feel about me, the more you relax and thus the more your body can heal.


My Appearance
The reason I don't work in a spa is that I:
A: Don't like to rush people like meat on a conveyer belt or stress myself that if I don't hurry my managers are
....going to fire me.
B: I want to be able to be comfortable when I work.

I am most comfortable working in clean shorts and a short sleeve shirt or tank top with a bandana
around my head. Especially when I work with you on the table.

If I'm doing Chair Massage at your family, office or private event...I will wear a
clean collard short sleeve shirt, jeans and my bandana .

I do have tattoos on my arms and legs, so I might not look the spa part.
The work of my hands and the intention of my heart speak for themselves.

If my appearance is a problem for you, I completely understand with no bitterness and wish
you the best in your search for the best massage provider for you.

Ambiance

Your state of mind is very important not only to how quickly the massage starts to affect you
physically, but also the positive effects of a relaxed emotional, mental and spiritual side.

If you would like to burn candles or put on your favorite relaxing music, that would be great.
I love all kinds of music, so it will not distract me. I only ask that we keep the volume low enough
that I can hear you and you can hear me.
If you are going to burn incense, please make sure it's in a well ventilated room, or only
burn a half stick, because the smoke can start to irritate the nose and lungs if it gets too thick.

In closing

I truly want your massage to be a special experience.
The more prepared you are to let go and seek deeper levels of how your
body, mind and spirit interact, the more empowered and enlightened you will
become.

Good wishes for your path.