MekaMassage

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where will my massage or bodywork 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.

 

Should I undress?

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort.

I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

 

What parts of my body will be massaged?

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.

 

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?

A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. I use a light cream to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The cream also helps hydrate your skin without feeling greasy after the session. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

 

What are some different kinds of massage and bodywork?

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

Here are a few modalities I draw from:

Reflexology- A gentle manipulation or pressing on certain parts of the feet &/or hands to effectively move energy elsewhere in the body. Specific points are associated with specific areas of the body and organ systems. 

Swedish- The most commonly known form of massage; technique varies from light to vigorous. Swedish massage uses five styles of strokes. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber or with the fibers) and vibration/shaking???

Lomi Lomi- This indigenous Oceanic massage form (associated most with the island of Hawaaii) uses the palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, even sticks and stones. Concentration is placed on a wholistic approach, often incorporating energy work, herbal remedies, and diet modification in the healing process. 

Essalen- Developed at the Esalen Institute in Northern California, Essalen Massage is based on a combination of many massage and bodywork techniques. The two main influences were Swedish massage and the Sensory Awareness work of Charlotte Selver. Esalen Massage works with gentle rocking of the body, passive joint exercises and deep structural work on the muscles and joints, together with an energetic balancing of the body.

Thai- "Nuat Thai" combines both physical and energetic aspects in a deep, full-body massage progressing from the feet up, and focusing on "sen" or energy lines throughout the body, with the aim of clearing blockages in these lines, and thus stimulating the flow of blood and lymph throughout the body. It draws on yoga, acupressure and reflexology.

Ashiatsu- The practitioner uses their feet to deliver treatment. The name comes from the Japanese, ashi for foot and atsu for pressure. This modality typically uses the heel, sesamoid, arch and/or whole plantar surface of foot, and offers large compression, tension and shear forces with less pressure than an elbow, and is ideal for large muscles, such as in thigh, or for long-duration upper trapezius compressions.

For more information on various forms of massage, check out the Wikipedia Massage Page. 
 

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about the technique or the upcoming session.

During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you (such as lifting your arm) or tell you what is needed throughout the session .

Your "job" is to completely relax. Utilizing your breath, concentrate on letting your limbs lie heavy and limp, softening into the table or floor with each outbreath.

It is important to communicate if/when you need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session.

If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

 

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?

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.

 

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

See the Massage Benefits page for more info.

 

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Yes. That's why it's imperative, before you begin your session, that I ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform me 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 or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.