Frequently Asked Questions

More questions and answers will be posted here soon.

how long will the session last?

The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, for instance the neck and shoulders, back, or legs and feet. Many people prefer a sixty-to-ninety-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.  Allow approximately ninety minutes for a one hour massage session (time for relaxation, undressing/dressing, and discussion). 

what should i do during the massage or bodywork session?

Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.

must i be completely undressed?

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. You will be properly draped during the session. The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.

Will i be covered during the session?

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

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 are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being.

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

Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that before you begin your session, the practitioner ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner 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. Many practitioners may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

What are cupping marks?

The most common misunderstanding regarding one of the most powerful and beneficial after effects of Cupping is the marks that sometimes result.  Those unfamiliar to Cupping Therapy believe the marks to be bruises.

Bruising is caused by impact trauma with compressed breakage of capillaries and a reactionary rush of fluids to the damaged location from the tissue injury.  There is no compression in correctly performed suction cup therapy.  Although it is quite common during Stationary Dry Cupping (left static for 5-20 minutes) to achieve dramatic 'marks' or 'discolorations', the less aggressive action of moving the cups minimizes the intensity and duration of the discolorations.

The vacuum formed by Cupping draws up old non-circulating stagnant blood and sticky fluids, bringing them up to the surface so that healthy free circulation can be restored, thus creating space for oxygen, living cells and nutrients.

Where there is dead, static blood, lymph, cellular debris, pathogenic factors, and toxins present in the body, Cupping can leave marks which indicates that the stagnation or dis-ease has been moved from the deeper tissue layers to the surface.

The color and pattern of the marks depend on the level of stagnation in the area, and range from bright red to dark purple, usually lasting 3 days to a week - sometimes longer if the person is very sick or sedentary.  If there is no stagnation present, there will be only a pink marking which disappears in a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Sites where there is old trauma or injury may require multiple Cupping treatments to remove all stagnation.

Do you accept insurance?

Insurance billing is not available at this time.

How frequently should I have a reflexology session?

Once a week is normal; an extreme case would be twice a week. The body needs time to normalize between treatments. Reflexology also works wonderfully in conjunction with other body therapies. Again, you should wait about a week between therapies to avoid overloading the body. For maintenance, once a month is normal.

Regarding reflexology and being ticklish.

The practitioner will adjust her touch to what is comfortable for you. Sometimes a little more pressure alleviates the ticklish feeling. Relaxation helps, too, and the practitioner will have several techniques for relaxation at her disposal.

Have another question?

Please contact Michelle at michelle@healandrelax.com or 360-608-6264.