Frequently Asked Questions

How does a session start?

For your first visit plan on spending about 90 minutes to 2 hours. Unless you are looking for a pure relaxation massage, or have a gift certificate. To start we run though your health story. For some people this can take a long time, and it can be part of the healing process. For others its just a few quick minutes. But before each session we create a contract, and if new techniques are used they will be explained before a session.

What do I wear?

You wear what you feel comfortable in, but I do prefer you to keep your knickers on! Some people have come along in bike shorts and kept their tank top on for the first couple of sessions, a few sessions later they are down to knickers only. I can also massage you clothed using a special cloth that allows me to glide though your clothes. But if you do wish to be clothed please make sure you have smooth underwear on underneath.

What is a full body massage?

This is up to you, excluding genital areas. We agree on what this means to you before we start. Some people do not like their face being touched, for others it is their feet. We set this in the contract.

What is a medical history or intake form?

We sit down and I ask you questions regarding your health history. There are important contraindication to some styles of massage. We then set our contract and agree on what will happen in your session and what techniques you would like. This form is kept and is confidential, you then must sign a medical disclaimer form before each session. You also get to choose a balm that you like, I use Tui Bee Balm made here in New Zealand.

How does the massage progress?

After the intake form, you disrobe if that is your choice. I leave the area while you do this.

You get onto the table, which I have been told is a very comfortable table. You get in between the drapes, normally starting face down. When you are settled, I come and make you comfortable with pillows and towels. I start with a gentle breathing exercise. I carefully tuck the drape into your underwear as I reveal your back and we generally start on your back. As we progress to each area I cover you up, and expose each area as we go. This is according to your contract. When you need to turn over, I hold the drape up so you are. behind it, you will never be exposed. If you wish to have a stomach massage (highly recommended), your breast area is covered with a towel, and the drapes are tucked into the top of your underwear. I like to end with the neck,face and head. I try not to get wax in your hair, and there is a hair covering and dry shampoo available if you should need it.

What is your room like?

I have created a massage studio, which is not clinical, but reflects nature. The table will be warm unless you like to be cool, and the room is heated to 24 c, unless you need it cooler. You have a choice to have music or no music. Part of the healing journey is to create a relaxing space, where you feel comfortable and safe. The studio is a brick sleep out at the back of the property and has a toilet.

You remain in charge!

You are in charge of the pressure, the temperature. There is nothing worse than paying for a massage for it to be too light, too hard or to be too cold or too hot. If you don’t like something you need to say so, although I can often feel it before you tell me.

Your comfort and safety is so important to me. It is normal for your stomach to gurgle, and yes people often fart! Just let it go! Its a good sign that you are relaxing. There is a robe for you to use if you need to visit the bathroom during your session. Many people fall asleep, snore and dribble. One more mature lady told after a relaxation massage that she felt like she had been tucked up by her Mum.

What is Holistic Massage?

A holistic massage therapist works with a person it their entirety, not just a torn or tight muscle. I strive very hard to create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel safe so your nervous system can relax. I am passionate about the mind body connection and firmly believe that when you feel safe your bodies own healing mechanisms can come forth. This means that I am extremely mindful when we work together. Each person is different and your body is the story of your life. I do not massage by numbers but tailor a session to what you are asking for and what your body needs in each session. You may be suffering from insomnia or anxiety in which case a deeply nurturing massage will be used using Swedish Massage and the careful use of Hot Stones. Or perhaps you are needing some deeper work done on some tight or sore muscles. Massage therapy does not work on your bones or joints, but once the tense muscle is relaxed they may ease back into place. When a muscle is damaged or in tension circulation can become restricted. Our muscles are unable to remove their waste correctly. Sometimes, or often the pain that the “knot” causes may be found at a different site, often at the insertion or origin of a muscle or even on to a nerve. For example a muscle deep in your gluteal muscles (butt) is very often over tense and presses on your sciatic nerve that runs all the way down to your foot. This is often called sciatica. This picture below was created in 1911 by Johannes Sobotta.

My Massage is Strictly Therapeutic

Nothing sexual will be tolerated, nothing ever!

How will I feel after a massage?

Each session will be different. People are often tired. You should never feel bruised. If you have had a deep tissue massage you may feel a little sore. It is important to drink lots of water.

Cleaning

I disinfect after each session, and yes new drapes are used for each session. Hot stones are scrubbed down. I choose to use a mask when working in your head, neck and face.