Prior to your massage, drink plenty of water. Dehydrated tissue is harder to work with and more painful for the client.

Arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out a health history form and review this with the therapist so that he/she will know where you are having difficulties and what area to focus on. This will help determine the type of massage that best fits your need.

The office setting includes a private room for massage with a massage table that has fresh linens or towels for draping purposes. There is usually soft music and dim lighting to enhance the relaxing experience. The environment plays a vital role.

The therapist will leave the room to allow you to undress privately and to get on the massage table under the sheets/towel. Remember to remove all jewelry. The massage will be discreet, only the area that is being worked on will be uncovered.

Bolsters will help protect your back while lying down and pillows for additional support. A face cradle is used in the face down position so work can be done on your neck. Sometimes you may experience congestion in your sinuses due to this face-down position, but this is usually only temporary.

For most techniques, the therapist will use oils or cream. Some may get in your hair so you might want to tie your hair back, if it is long. If you have allergies to oils, please let the therapist know.

Communicate with the therapist about anything that is uncomfortable: such as pressure (too deep?), pain, cold room, therapist talking too much? Do not feel obligated to carry on a conversation while getting a massage – you can relax more if you do not talk and the therapist can concentrate on the work.

Remember to breathe slowly and deeply throughout the session. Breathing will help to reduce tension and it will assist in the flow of blood and oxygen to restricted muscle tissue. At the end of the session, the therapist will leave the room. Get up from the table slowly and get dressed.

After your massage drink plenty of water. At least – your body weight in ounces is recommended on a daily basis. Refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours after a massage, unless your massage is designed for a pre-determined sporting event. Proper stretching is helpful in maintaining the increased flexibility that you will experience after your massage.

Upon payment, many people wonder about tipping. Tipping is optional – not expected but always appreciated.

Soreness: it is possible to be sore after a session, especially if it is your first massage and you fail to drink plenty of water afterwards.

It is recommended to schedule appointments in advance and plan on getting a massage at least one time per month for therapeutic benefits. Don’t wait until you go on vacation – use massage as a mini-vacation or stress-break during your normal routine.

Why should I try acupuncture?

Acupuncture is effective – Acupuncture along with modern medicine have a great potential to support, strengthen, nurture, and help patients regain vital health and well-being. To verify that the healing power of acupuncture is not just a “placebo effect” it is commonly used to treat/heal animals.

Acupuncture has stood the test of time – Originating in China, it has been used for over 3000 years.

Acupuncture is safe – It is a natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects except feelings of relaxation and well-being. Needles are disposable and used only once to ensure the prevention of infection.

Acupuncture is cost effective – In comparison to other medical procedures, acupuncture costs relatively little. Also, by getting these as preventative treatments when there are early signs of health problems, time and money can be saved by avoiding surgery, excessive absences at work, and costly medications.

Acupuncture lets you take charge of your health – Instead of merely covering symptoms, acupuncture gets to the root of problems for the purpose of healing.

The major benefits of massage therapies:

Physical- Massage therapies can stretch and loosen muscles, improve the flow of oxygen, and stimulate the release of the body’s natural painkillers known as endorphins. For these reasons, therapies can be used to treat common lower back pain, sports-related injuries, and repetitive-use injuries associated with labor intensive occupations. Massage therapies also increase the rate of healing, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure.

Mental – Massage therapies reduce stress, promote better sleep, and reduce anxiety and mental fatigue. In many cases, massage also promotes concentration and clearer thinking.

Emotional – Massage therapies may lessen anxiety, create a sense of well-being, and ease the discomfort associated with some health conditions, especially mild depression.