FAQs
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?
You will not be disrobing for sessions at Sacred Grove Healing Massage unless you have been referred to me by a physician for Lymphatic Drainage and in that treatment, only the area being worked will be exposed at a given time.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders (Breastwork is only done by specific request for medical purposes like cancer and post-surgical recovery).
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Medical/Orthopedic Massage and Tuina are targeted to correct dysfunction and help in the recovery from injury. There may be some discomfort but, your therapist will use only as much pressure is necessary and if the area is too sensitive, please tell your therapist and they will move to another area. Lymphatic Drainage is an extremely light touch massage and is very relaxing. It should be a painless experience for you, however, some lymph nodes, when full may be tender but not painful.
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. 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?
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.
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 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.
Videos
Gunfa is a rolling technique in Tuina. It is one of the most common techniques I use as it is considered to be the most powerful technique in Tuina.
Thanks Rebecca Eastman for allowing me to work on and video treatment of your ankle sprain
Thanks Tiffany for allowing me to work on and video your treatment of low back pain.
Thanks Ray W. for allowing me to video a portion of your session today.