Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you offer so many different options? It’s so hard to choose!
We are dynamically changing unique individuals. What is best for one person on one particular day may not be the best option for someone else, or even for the same person at another time. We thrive on helping people achieve optimal health and that requires an individualized, attentive approach to massage, bodywork and our adjunct therapies. If you are not sure what is best for you, please give us a call and talk to our helpful assistant. When scheduling online, you may also just select the amount of time you want reserved and in the notes session, let us know a little more detail, and that you are open to adjusting the service if we feel something else would get you better results.
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a clean, comfortable, quiet room. You will lie on a cushioned massage table or sit comfortably. Musical selections may be used to help achieve your session goals: relaxing classical masterpieces; seamless instrumental music featuring strings, keyboard, native flutes and other soothing sounds; quiet vocal or instrumental worship music or traditional hymns; instrumental music integrated with the sounds of nature; and soothing rhythmic womb sounds woven into instrumentation. If you have a preference, please let us know!
Must I be completely undressed?
Most table massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear and some clients prefer clothed massage. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped (covered) during the entire session.
Thai Massage takes place on a comfy floor mat with pillows that assist the therapist with positioning the client in ways that stretch the muscles and engage the fascia. The client is fully clothed, in comfortable, moveable attire. Think cotton yoga pants or leggings – soft and stretchy! Pants preferred, but no denim please.
Reflexology, Serenity in Sixty, and Lymphatic Face Massage may all be done with the client wearing loose comfortable clothing which provides easy access to the body parts being worked on.
AromaTouch Technique™ and Symphony of the Cells™ require skin access for applying oils to the back, feet and ears.
A full CranioSacral Therapy session is typically performed with the client fully clothed (except shoes, belt, and jewelry for comfort) relaxing on their back on the massage table, but can be adapted to other positions as needed.
Touch for Health and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) are interactive sessions that require the client’s focus, participation and movement so are most easily done with comfortable street clothes and minimal jewelry.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe for a massage?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket for modesty and warmth. Assistance is available if needed due to physical limitations.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped with a sheet and blanket at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. Please see Bodywork and Body Image for further details.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body relaxation session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Other areas will be added in to address specific concerns at your request, for example abdominal massage for improved digestion, or gluteal work for low back pain and sciatica. Therapeutic massage and bodywork may target specific trouble areas for the entire session.
What types of massage and bodywork can I choose from?
Full details on all of our services are available on our Services Page.
You can also read more about the different types of bodywork available at Soteria by reviewing some of our further information.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to your session, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or upcoming service. Before and during your appointment, make yourself comfortable. Some people like to focus on the music or their own relaxed breathing. 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. By keeping off-topic talking to a minimum, most people achieve a deep level of relaxation and greater enjoyment of their session than if they are distracted by conversation. Other people enjoy the social outlet of their appointment and find it helps them relax to chat a little during their session. If you have any questions regarding your 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. Many 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 metabolic wastes are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage or bodywork.
Occasionally clients will feel some tenderness for a couple of days after a session as their muscles and other soft tissues are adjusting to new freedom and balance and releasing metabolic wastes. This is most common in people who do not get bodywork on a regular basis and in those receiving deeper therapeutic work including MediCupping™ or Gua Sha, but it also happens with subtle work like CranioSacral Therapy when there have been big shifts. Discomfort can be minimized by drinking plenty of water (consider adding natural electrolytes or a pinch of Himalayan salt) before and after your appointment, applying the recommended after care essential oils at home, scheduling a sauna session before or after your appointment, or soaking in an Epsom salt bath to help alleviate any soreness. Please call if you have any concerns following your appointment. Because of this possibility, lighter pressure may be beneficial for those first adding massage and bodywork to their wellness routine.
Since very deep states of relaxation may be achieved, many people prefer to schedule appointments when they will have time to relax after their session. If you need to return to work, techniques are available that will help to increase your alertness before leaving. To help maintain the benefits from your session, please try to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and long periods of sitting in the hours following a 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, enhance immunity, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. See the Benefits of Massage & Bodywork page for more details.
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 for a serious health concern, it is advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session including any considerations your caregiver needs us to be aware of. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
I tried scheduling online and it said the earliest appointment isn’t for a month (or longer.) Is that true?
If you selected a specific specialty that only one practitioner offers, especially for a late afternoon or evening time slot, they may be booked 4-6 weeks in advance. You may be able to receive another wonderful service with a different practitioner much sooner while waiting for your preferred specialty. Additionally, since the computer controls the schedule online, there may be options to get in earlier if you call us due to last minute cancellations or other circumstances. We also keep a waiting list (available by phone) to fill cancellation spots. Booking regular appointments well in advance can help avoid delays in getting in at your preferred time.
How is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping) connected to massage and bodywork? Which one should I focus on?
EFT deals with many areas that massage and bodywork therapists notice in their hands-on work, but in unique and powerful ways. Because of this, continuing education credit for massage therapists is available through some EFT trainers and organizations. We recommend our clients learn from and work with an accredited practitioner of clinical EFT who has undergone intensive training and mentoring for best results.
Our physical state is intimately connected to our mental and emotional well-being and we have not found anything that addresses this realm as quickly and effectively as EFT! Many clients with long-standing pain and health issues have seen very positive shifts since adding EFT to their regular self-care practices. This is why we teach our clients how to work with EFT at home as well as offer one-on-one coaching in our office or via Zoom conferencing online for more challenging issues. We love empowering individuals and families with tools for natural wellness!
Most of our clients continue receiving regular massage and bodywork while incorporating an EFT package and self-tapping at home into their wellness priorities. Contact us for video access to a 12 minute segment of “The Science of Tapping.”