A few frequently asked
Questions about Massage and Reiki
Q. What will my first massage be
like?
A. When you first arrive for your
appointment I will be there to personally greet you and welcome you to my
office. I will have you fill out a health intake questionnaire to better
understand your current heath care concerns and your past history with
massage.
We will talk about what your
individual goals are with massage. I will ask you a few questions about any
tension you may have and what it feels like and about any specific injuries
or conditions you may be experiencing. I will also ask about what you liked and
what you did not like about past massages or other therapeutic modalities you
have experienced to gain a better understanding what your needs are for your
session.
It is my goal to provide you with
the best possible massage for your individualized needs. You will have lots
of time to ask any questions you may have or inform me on any concerns or
insight you would like to share.
I will then leave the room and
allow you to undress to the level of your comfort and climb onto the heated
massage table and cover up with the cozy linens and blankets before I renter
the treatment room.
During your session I encourage
you to let me know how you are feeling. If the pressure is ok or if you would
like something to be different or if you are cold or too warm. This is your
time and your massage and I would like to offer you the opportunity to feel
pampered and well cared for.
When your session time is over I
will leave the treatment room and to allow you the time process your experience
and prepare to face the world again. There will be a full glass of fresh filtered
water waiting for you before we finish up the session with payment and
rescheduling.
Q. Does Massage Therapy have to be painful to be
effective?
A.
There are many forms of Bodywork. There are many modalities that
encourage muscles to relax without painful manipulation of the tissues. Some
clients prefer to have the practitioner “just get in there and get it over
with”, but this is not the case for everyone. In my practice I prefer to find
the most comfortable way to release tension from the body. Often by using
softer pressure, breath work, focused attention and caring touch in an area
of tension and pain clients can safely and comfortably invite healing and
wellness to there body. By using softer measures to relive tightness clients
are given the space to feel there bodies and muscles in a positive way and
enjoy the healing process.
In
the beginning of a session, I talk with each of my clients and find out what
your goals are for your massage, and customize each session to fit your
individual needs.
If
you ever feel that your practitioner is working too deeply, be sure to let
them know, (while they are working) so that they can change the technique or
the pressure that they are using. In my practice I encourage open dialoge and
clear communication during sessions.
Q. Will I be naked?
A.
No. At no time during a massage session is the client ever “naked”. In my
practice I always use appropriate draping techniques that allow me to work on
an area of the body while the others remain covered with a sheet and a
blanket. It is important for you to feel safe and comfortable during a
massage.
Some clients prefer to undress completely,
but it is also ok and appropriate if you are most comfortable to leave underclothing
or shorts on.
Please
be sure to inform your practitioner if at any time during any session you
feel your safety or comfort is being compromised. When you arrive for a
massage appointment you have made the decision to treat your self and give
your self some time for healing. This is your time and your massage and it is
important that you are given the space and comfort you deserve. In my practice I recognize that each client
that I work with is a unique individual with unique and individual needs. I
take the time before and during each session to listen to there needs and
respect there personal boundaries. My goal is for each client to feel well
cared for and given the personal attention they deserve.
Q. What is Integrative Bodywork?
A.
Integrative massage and bodywork is an approach to Bodywork that connects and
integrates the Whole Body. Some Practitioners work one area of the body and
then another, without connecting each body part to another leaving the client
feeling a bit disconnected and disjointed.
By utilizing connecting strokes, integrating
different types of body work and connecting the client's breathing with the
massage session, the client is given the opportunity to feel completely
connected to each part of their body and integrated to the their whole being.
Q. What is Reiki?
A.
Reiki (RAY-KEE) Reiki is the offering of healing Energy, it is healing touch.
Anyone of any belief or faith may receive or give Reiki energy. Reiki is not
a religion or a belief. Reiki is an energy work that uses “universal life
force” energy (the energy that makes up our world and all of us). Reiki is
similar to what nurses in some hospitals use and call “Therapeutic touch”.
Every
one has the ability to connect with Reiki energy. If you have ever given a
friend a massage you may have felt your hands become very warm. Or you may
have felt a mild tingle in your hands when you have been petting an animal
friend. That is Reiki energy.
A
Reiki practitioner learns how to focus this healing energy with practice and
training with a Reiki Master.
During
a Reiki treatment the client will often experience a sense of deep healing
and relaxation. The Reiki practitioner will place their hands on or just
above the client’s body. The client my feel heat or vibrations in there
muscles or coming from their practitioners hands. Reiki offers clients time
and space to focus in on there body, personal energy and emotions and tune
into what they are feeling. Some clients may feel a deep sense of relief and
relaxation some may fall asleep and some clients feel energized. There is no
right or wrong way to experience a Reiki session.
Reiki is a non-intrusive, non-invasive, form
of healing and has no negative side effects. It can be used for treatment
when massage therapy is contraindicated or as a soothing addition to any massage
therapy session.
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Joanna Schmidt, L.M.P