- What is the difference between massage and bodywork?
- Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
- Must I be completely undressed?
- Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
- Will I be covered during the session?
- What parts of my body will be massaged?
- What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
- Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
- What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
- How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
- What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
- Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
What is the difference between massage and bodywork?
Massage is typically thought of as your traditional oil & draping situation. Usually sought out for relaxation, increased circulation, injury rehab, etc. Bodywork, however, is a blanket term for a multitude of modalities that range from energetic work, to passive stretching. A lot of these modalities go beyond your typical "deep tissue" massage, and are able to access some of the deepest layers of the body such as your psyche, inner organs, nervous system, blood vessels, and more. Some examples of these modalities include: Shiatsu, Tui Na, Thai Massage, Reiki, Craniosacral, and Strain/Counterstrain.
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.
Must I be completely undressed?
Shiatsu sessions only require soft, loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily worked through, and moved with stretching. Therapeutic massage sessions allow you to undress to your comfort level, as oils will be used, but not necessary.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.
Will I be covered during the session?
During a Shiatsu, a blanket can be provided upon request. For therapeutic massage sessions, 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?
Depending on your areas of need, a typical session will include the areas specified by you, as well as some meridian work on the limbs. A typical full-body session would include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Sometimes a Shiatsu session will include work on the abdomen. Any sensitive areas that aren't comfortable to be touched will be avoided upon request.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Generally speaking, massage and bodywork are very relaxing to receive. So much so that a large majority of people fall asleep on the table. However, the body is capable of many different types of feelings, such as: a "hurts so good" feeling, soreness, pressure that is satisfying, burning sensations, and sharp or dull pain. 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. This can be discussed in further detail upon your first appointment.
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. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, 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, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. Concentrating on breath is also very helpful for relaxation. 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?
After a massage, 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. After a Shiatsu session, the body typically takes 24-48 hours to reset. Once this period has ended, you should feel a shift in the mood/digestion/etc. in which the matter worked on entails.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Shiatsu is able to treat a wide variety of things, such as: digestive disorders, mood/emotional imbalances (anxiety, depression, weak willpower, indecisiveness, etc.) and acute to chronic pain. Shiatsu as well as massage 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. Both 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 asks 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. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required. An intake form will also be provided to fill out prior to the session, which will ask about these types of conditions.
