Frequently Asked Questions

  • In response to massage, a range of physiological and psychological changes cascade through the body, with profound effects. Research shows that, with massage:

    * Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain;

    * Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow; and

    * Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.

    Massage is considered a part of complementary and alternative medicine, and health professionals are increasingly recommending massage therapy alongside standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations, including helping people cope with the pain and stress of cancer, heart disease, stomach problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, among many others. Studies have found massage helpful for:

    * Muscle pain and stiffness

    * Sports-related injuries

    * Chronic pain

    * Stress relief

    * Anxiety and depression

    * General well-being

    In addition, clients often report increased mental clarity, emotional balance, and focus after massage.

  • People come to me for all sorts of reasons. Most people come for relaxation and stress relief, or because they are seeking relief from physical pain of some kind — back and neck pain, headaches, muscle strain, etc. Others come looking for relief from anxiety or depression, or to help with integration following a psychedelic journey. Many athletes receive massage as part of a regular training and self-care regimen (and, of course, to help prepare for and recover from specific events). I also often work with clients who are living with cancer or other serious medical conditions, as well as with clients who are pregnant or post-natal and looking for deep relaxation and relief from body aches.

  • While there’s no “magic bullet” that applies to everyone, for most people, regular (daily) stretching is probably the single most important thing you can do to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness and muscle tension … and the discomfort that often comes with it.

    When it comes to stretching, the importance of frequency and consistency cannot be overstated: stretching for five minutes a day, every day, will almost certainly improve your flexibility; stretching for an hour once a week almost certainly won’t do anything for you.

    So my advice is to start slow, with a brief routine you will be able to maintain even when you’re busy or on days when you’re not especially motivated:

    1) Designate a specific time each day for stretching — five or ten minutes is ample to start.

    2) Focus on one or two muscles or muscle groups that are particularly problematic.

    3) Choose one or two stretches that address those specific muscles.

    4) Do those stretches every day, no matter where you are or what else is going on.

    5) Be patient and kind with yourself — learning to stretch takes practice, and you may feel a little awkward at first; but if you stick with it, in a very short time you’ll be stretching like a pro.

    6) Don’t expect miracles — it will probably take a few weeks, possibly even a month or more, before you notice a difference, but if you keep at it, you will notice a difference.

    There are, of course, hundreds of stretches to choose from, and it can be challenging to find the specific stretches that will be most beneficial for you.

    If this is something you’re interested in, let me know at your next appointment. I’m happy to work with you to develop a personalized stretching routine that will be right for you.

  • Integration is a vital part of harnessing the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Integration usually involves working with a therapist or coach to help in processing the large amount of physical and emotional material that can come up when one is in an expanded state. It also often involves activities such as journaling, yoga, meditation, and simply spending time in nature. Massage can play an important complementary role to these activities because of its ability to directly address the fundamentally embodied nature of psychedelic experiences, even (or especially!) aspects you may not yet be fully aware of or able to articulate.

    Integration is particularly important in the hours and days immediately after a psychedelic journey because of the well-documented increase in neuroplasticity we experience during this time. By helping you connect with your body's parasympathetic nervous system (and maintain a state of physical and emotional relaxation) while your brain's neuroplasticity is heightened, massage helps your brain learn how to deepen and maintain that state of relaxation in your daily life, thereby helping you to more effectively access the wisdom and resilience you hold in your body.

  • No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate:

    People with deep-vein thrombosis (blood clots), for example, or with certain skin conditions, should check with a doctor before getting a massage. If you have recently been in an accident, you may want to postpone your massage appointment. And of course, if you are (or think you might be) contagious with COVID, or even with a cold or flu, you should not come in for your session. (There’s no cancellation fee or late charge for last minute cancellations due to illness.)

    If you are under a doctor's care, I strongly advise that you consult with your physician about the advisability of massage prior to our session.

    It is very important that you inform me of any health problems or medications you are taking; that's why it is necessary that you complete the health history form before you begin your session.

  • At your first appointment, you’ll be required to fill out a health history form. While you’re completing the form, I’ll be setting up the room—adjusting the lights and music, making sure the table warmer is on, getting my oils and lotions ready, etc. Afterwards, we'll spend a few minutes reviewing the form together, discussing your goals for the session, and addressing any questions or concerns you may have. I will also use this time to assess your posture and the quality of your movements, and may perform specific physical tests to help me determine how best to treat you.

    Please plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early to give yourself time to thoroughly complete the form without feeling rushed.

    When we're done talking, I'll leave the room for you to disrobe and get onto the table. I’ll knock to make sure you’re ready before I re-enter the room.

  • The more relaxed your body and mind become, the more effective the massage will be. Therefore, it’s usually best to do as little as possible: allow your body be heavy and limp, and try not to help me when I pick up and move your arms and legs around.

    Many people close their eyes and drift away completely. In cases where stretching is indicated, I may ask you to hold the drape, or to push back against a stretch, but otherwise, just relax and let me do the work.

  • It’s totally up to you what you leave on or take off.

    You can receive an effective massage regardless of what clothing (if any) you choose to remove. Your comfort and ability to relax is the top priority.

    Many people take off all their clothing; others leave on just their underpants; and some remain fully clothed. If you choose to be fully clothed, please wear loose-fitting clothing (e.g., sweatpants and a t-shirt) so your body will not be restricted.

    Regardless of what you do or don’t wear, I’m trained to make sure your modesty is fully respected. You will always be properly draped by the sheet, and only the body part I’m working on will be uncovered at any given time. If at any time you feel uncomfortable—due to pain, treatment, or draping—please let me know right away.

    Before and after the massage, you will be able undress and dress in complete privacy.

  • It’s preferable if you can find time to shower the day of your massage—not only because it’s more comfortable (for both therapist and client), but also because freshly washed skin absorbs oils and lotions more effectively.

  • You should always let me know about any pain or discomfort during your massage. Beyond that, the amount of communication we engage in depends on your goals. If relaxation is what you’re after, you’ll probably want to talk as little as necessary—intense chatting can lead to increased muscular tension and may limit the effectiveness of the massage. Many people practice mindful breathing, allowing their mind and body to enter a meditative state.

    On the other hand, if you’re seeking treatment for a particular injury or condition, regular feedback on the sensations you are experiencing and which specific areas feel painful or tight can be very helpful.

  • It’s quite common for people to fall asleep during relaxation massages. I typically take this as a compliment—a sign that I’m providing you maximum relaxation. Enjoy your massage experience and don’t expect to stay awake and alert at all times. Many clients allow their bodies and minds to “reset” in deeply relaxing states.

  • This is completely normal, and is nothing to worry about. Clients frequently snore, pass gas, or make other noises during massage. Emotional release (including laughing, crying, and everything in between) is also quite common. My goal is to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space — a safe place, where you can feel totally at ease and allow yourself to be fully present to, and equanimous with, whatever is happening in the moment.

  • Relaxation massage usually feels very good—often including a slowing and easing of the breath, a loosening of tight muscles, and an overall feeling of release and deep relaxation.

    On the other hand, injury treatment, or work on an area of chronic pain, may cause some discomfort. Please be sure to let me know if I cross the boundary from therapeutic (“hurts-so-good”) discomfort into actual pain so I can adjust my technique and pressure as needed.

  • It’s not uncommon to feel a little sore or “out of it” for 12-24 hours after a massage. Deep-tissue massage can be a bit of a workout for your muscles; they get exercised in some of the same ways as they do at the gym. During your massage, I work to stretch and loosen your muscles, breaking up knots and adhesions. This leads to improved blood flow, but can also cause tenderness or increased sensitivity due to tiny micro-tears that are produced in the muscle fibers.

    That said, if you experience genuine pain — as distinct from the kind of therapeutic discomfort you might feel the day after a strenuous workout or a long hike — I may have worked a particular muscle or muscle group too hard or too fast. Be sure to let me know before our next session so I can adjust my technique appropriately. While such discomfort is not exactly enjoyable, it is completely normal. As your body becomes accustomed to regular massage, you’ll have less soreness.

  • Interestingly, there is no definitive agreement as to what muscle knots are made of, why they cause pain and discomfort, or whether they even exist.

    However, it is generally believed that muscle knots (sometimes referred to as “trigger points”) are due to individual muscle fibers or groups of fibers being stuck in a tensed (or contracted) state — usually as a result of overuse and/or poor posture. These hyper-tensed muscle fibers reduce the muscle’s overall function and can also impede blood flow. Decreased circulation then causes the fibers to contract even more, which then further impedes blood flow, etc. Moreover, when a particular muscle isn’t functioning properly, the surrounding muscles will work to “pick up the slack” and/or to guard the perceived injury. The added strain on these muscles can then cause further overuse and postural problems, leading to more knots, etc.

    Massage breaks up these knots and adhesions by relaxing the muscle fibers and improving blood flow to the affected areas.

  • You will almost certainly experience some beneficial results right away.

    For example, you will very likely leave feeling more relaxed and at ease than when you arrived. Many clients also report increased calm and equanimity, and an enhanced sense of balance, perspective, and clarity after receiving a massage.

    Longer-term benefits generally begin fairly quickly as well. Some people experience significant pain relief and improved quality of life after only one treatment. In cases of severe injury or other more serious conditions, clients commonly report that by their third or fourth treatment they are beginning to enjoy sustained and tangible decreases in physical pain and muscle tension, increases in flexibility and mobility, as well as substantial reductions in stress and overall improved function.

  • No. If you have (or think you might have) anything contagious, please do not come in for your session. There’s no cancellation fee or late charge for last minute cancellations due to illness. Please give me as much notice as possible.

  • If you are in good health, have no specific injury or condition, and are able to afford it, there's nothing wrong with getting a massage every week. In cases of injury, chronic pain, or other conditions, I may recommend more frequent sessions for a limited time (e.g., two or more sessions per week for a specific number of weeks), before tapering back to once every 1-2 weeks.

  • Most of the large massage chains recommend tipping your massage therapist the way you would a waiter, i.e., 15-25%. Ultimately, of course, it’s up to you, and will depend on the service I provide, your appreciation of that service, and your budget. Any amount is appreciated; nothing is expected or required.

  • Requirements vary by state, but generally range from 350 to 600 hours of training. I attended a 500-hour course at the Lauterstein-Conway Massage school, in Austin, TX, which included specific training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, practical technique, health & hygiene, kinesiology, and other areas. I followed this with several hundred more hours of specialized training in oncology massage and neuromuscular therapy.

    Most states also require a set number of continuing education (CE) classes, ranging from 20-30 hours per year.

  • Yes. You are always in control of your massage therapy session. If you feel uncomfortable or wish to stop the session for any reason (or no reason), simply speak up, and I will immediately stop the massage.

  • Yes. You can file a complaint with the California Massage Therapy Council.