I believe in open and honest communication.
I’d like to be clear about how I can support you, my ethical perspective, and why I work the way I do. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about my practice and bodywork in general.
Other questions? Send them my way! >>
Do I have to take my clothes off?
For massage, not if you don't want to. My rule of thumb is for you to get undressed to your level of comfort. I am trained in many modalities of massage, most of which can be performed over clothing.
That being said, if you're looking for deeper work, it's often easier for me to work directly on naked skin, especially in muscle dense areas of the body like the hips and legs. I palpate the muscle more efficiently when there is less material in the way.
Whatever your level of undress, unless you scheduled a Sacred Lomi session, I use draping to only uncover one area of the body at a time, leaving you feeling unexposed and safe. And can make modifications with Sacred Lomi too.
For energywork sessions, you can keep your clothes on.
For Sacred Lomi sessions, full nudity under complete draping is standard. You can read more about my Sacred Lomi draping policy here.
Does bodywork have to hurt to be effective?
No. It doesn't. In America we have a prevailing cultural value of "no pain, no gain," but often the very opposite is true when it comes to healing work. In order for the body to recover, it must be able to maintain a parasympathetic state in the nervous system. Pain elicits our sympathetic response - this puts healing on pause while the body deals with the "threat." In short, punching you in slow motion isn't going to help you. Mindful bodywork, on the other hand, can teach us to self-correct without self-punishing. When we reform our bodies painlessly, it's a lot more likely to "stick." Our work can be intense or sensational at times, but it does not mean that work is more or less effective than gentler techniques. Sometimes it only takes a little to get a lot.
How often should I get bodywork?
For massage, I recommend a minimum of a one hour session every 1-3 months for general body maintenance and well-being. Monthly massages make for calmer, happier humans.
In cases of physical injury treatment or recovery, and for ongoing emotional support in cases of depression, anxiety, or trauma recovery, weekly or biweekly treatment (whether massage or energywork) may be advisable until a baseline is established or an injury healed.
For general energetic work, I recommend using me as an as-needed resource to support and empower you in life. I’m happy to see you whenever and as much as it's right for you.
Should I tip you?
I do not expect tips on top of my sliding scale payment. You choose the compensation amount that is right for you. I set up my sliding scale within reasonable parameters, any payment within that range is deeply appreciated. For Sacred Lomi and Warm Bamboo Fusion it is completely at your discretion and will not affect your service in the least.
