Where Will My Massage or Bodywork Session Take Place?

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a quiet, comfortable room. Soft music or ocean sounds may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for massage.

Who Will Perform the Massage or Bodywork?

Your session will be conducted by myself, Melody. I am sole proprietor of Tranquil Touch.

Must I Be Completely Undressed?

You can wear as few or as many articles of clothing as you are comfortable with. Some massage and bodywork techniques, like Swedish and Deep Tissue, are traditionally performed with the client completely unclothed. You will be properly draped with a sheet and a warm blanket during these session. There are other techniques however, like Sports Massage, Cranio-Sacral and Reiki, where the client can remain fully clothed.

Will the Practitioner Be Present When I Disrobe?

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

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 Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged?

We will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).

Will Lubricant Be Used?

Because I work with highly sensitive clients, I choose to primarily use jojoba or coconut oil. Jojoba looks like oil, but is actually a plant wax. It does not stain. It never goes rancid and it has a very soft sweet scent that you can barely smell. And because it is very much like the skin's natural oils, it readily absorbs into the skin, leaving the skin feeling soft but not greasy. Sometimes I mix in a little peppermint oil, lavender oil or cocoa butter. Coconut oil has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. It absorbs easily and softens skin, conditions hair and does not stain the clothes.

What Will the Massage or Bodywork Feel Like?

It depends on the techniques used. In a general massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes which will help to 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. 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.

Are There 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. I charge for my time and not for the modality. I incorporate many different modalities into each massage according to what your body needs at the time.

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, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths, hot showers and saunas can assist in the relaxation process.

What Should I Do During the Massage or Bodywork Session?

Make yourself comfortable. I 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 me questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.

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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

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.

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, 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. Many practitioners may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

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Contraindications