What is holistic massage?

At the garden of wellness I focus on holistic and clinical massage therapy.

I’m always asked what is “holistic / whole” massage and why does it differ from regular massage.

I always say what sets me apart  from other therapist is that If you come to me for specific problem., for an example shoulder pain I will not  simply just rub your shoulder. I look at all aspects of you as a “whole” from physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. As to why you are having that shoulder pain. I will look at your sleep patterns your nutrition, stress etc.

When I massage I am present, “whole” and connected to you in every session. Every session is unique and different from client to client and not the same for everyone as if I am just going through motions.

I also offer other alternative therapies and specialty services to help me connect to you on all all levels for well-being . I manage to unlock the potential of self-healing in each client. I can joyfully say that many of them never return to traditional medical treatments after their first visit

 

When should I get a massage?

The shortest and most honest answer is whenever you want one. When your body needs nurturing touch, you will feel it. You may be tired, anxious, sore, depressed, tense, stressed, in pain. The longer you deny your body the work it is calling for, the harder it will be to undo.

When should I "NOT" get a massage?

If you have any of these conditions, you should not come in for a massage:

• fever

• uncontrolled high blood pressure

• blood clots

• infectious/contagious diseases

• burns, sunburns, or open sores (area may be avoided)

• vertigo

• phlebitis or lymphangitis

• uncontrolled diabetes

• acute infection of joint or skin (area may be avoided)

• If you are ill

Many other conditions require caution by your massage therapist. Please be thorough when filling out your health history!

 

What can massage help me with?

Just a few of the conditions I am accustomed to treating with massage:

• anxiety

• back pain

• bloating

• chronic tension

• decreased joint mobility

• depression

• fatigue

• gastrointestinal problems

• headaches

• irritability

• joint pain

• low body awareness

• menstrual cramps

• muscular soreness and pain

• neck pain

• poor circulation

• poor posture

• sleep problems

• stress

• sub acute and chronic injuries

 

How often should I get a massage?

SESSION FOCUS SUGGESTED FREQUENCY

 

Pain management:

Every 1-2 weeks or more often, increasing the interval as the source of the pain is addressed. When you’re in pain, your muscles tend to tense up even more, which prolongs the pain you are feeling. Then you develop patterns of movement to mitigate pain which may instead cause pain in another area. Massage helps to break this cycle.

 

Relaxation/Stress Reduction

Every 2-4 weeks or more often, depending on stress level The direct relaxation effects of massage last only a day or two at most. However, with the right session frequency, your body will be able to remember how it feels to be relaxed and stress-free for longer periods.

Improving posture. Once a weekImproving posture is as much about releasing chronic tension patterns as it is relearning how to stand and walk. You wouldn’t go to a dance class once a month and expect to retain much.

 

 

Reducing muscle soreness.

Every 2-4 weeks, as needed Massage helps remove metabolic wastes from the muscle tissue, while lengthening and reconditioning it to be able to handle the exercises you are doing.

 

General health maintenance

Every 4-6 weeksAt this frequency, most people will still be able to notice the cumulative benefits of massage. Any longer than 6 week intervals is just an occasional treat for your body.

 

How long should my appointment last?

I can give a balanced full body massage in 60 minutes and still give some specific attention to one or two spots. I do find that being able to move through the body more slowly and with greater attention to detail can yield deeper results–I recommend at least 75 minutes if you’d like a full body session as well as extra focus on a region or two. 90 and 105-minute sessions can yield the greatest benefits in term of balancing relaxation and deep, specific work.

…And you can always book a 2-hour session for when you really need to rest and reset =)

 

How does massage work?

There are two main effects: reflexive and mechanical. Massage stimulates a chain of events which tells the body to relax. For example, nerves in the skin and muscles send impulses to the brain, and the brain in turn, tells the muscles to release. These reflexive effects are known as the relaxation response, or “rest and digest”: the heart and breath rate slows, stress hormone production slows, blood pressure goes down. It allows your body necessary time for recuperation a busy life often does not afford.

Massage strokes also move blood and lymph, as well as mechanically lengthening, stretching, spreading, separating, and releasing muscle and connective tissue.

 

What should I wear during the massage?

Whatever you feel comfortable in. A lot of good work can be done right through clothing (like in chair massage). However, even more good work can be done without a layer cloth between my hands and the muscle tissue. Only the part of the body I am working on will be undraped.

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Do I have to use a towel or sheet as a drape?

Yes, the State of Ohio has certain rules regarding draping and your therapist must follow those rules.

Please allow me to drape and undrape you during the massage. If you are too hot, let me know and I can appropriately undrape certain areas (arms, feet, etc.) to make you more comfortable.

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Will massage hurt?

If you are receiving a therapeutic massage (deep tissue, trigger point, NMT, etc.) there may be discomfort in certain areas as the therapist works to relieve tight and/or inflamed muscles. Everyone has a different tolerance level. We will work together to ensure that you are not feeling any extreme pain.

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Can I talk during massage?

Yes – if you want to talk during a massage, please do so. Many clients feel more relaxed talking during a session while others would rather remain silent. I will let you dictate how the conversation does or does not go. 

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Can I get a massage if I'm sick?

While many people believe that a massage can help them get over their cold faster, receiving one while you still have symptoms can actually prolong the sickness. It is always best, out of care for yourself, myself, and other clients, to reschedule.

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In order to maintain a healthy environment, I ask that if you are sick (which includes a cold, fever, flu, etc) or have onset symptoms of a illness that you reschedule  your appointment. If you arrive for your appointment with symptoms of illness, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment. This is for your well-being as well as the health of myself as your therapist and other clients.

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What if I am overweight or embarrassed about my body?

I often have clients tell me that they have a friend or family member who won’t come in because they don’t want to be undressed in front of someone. Please don’t let this stop you from receiving a massage and all the benefits that it can bring to your body!

Therapists see many different body types and we enjoy working on all of them.

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Is tipping expected?

I accept tips graciously in my private practice, but it is not mandatory. Tips are appreciated and welcomed ,

hugs are good for the soul and  awesome as well. 

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Will one massage fix me?

There’s no definite answer to this question – clients vary with different ailments, some chronic, some intermittent. The therapies to alleviate these conditions varies as well.

I've been telling clients your body isn't Amazon Prime you can't expect full results in one-day. 

But, some people walk away from a single massage therapy session feeling immediate relief, others have felt a physical improvement from their massage session the next day or a few days later, and some have required a series of regularly scheduled massage therapy sessions in order to notice significant improvements.

It’s important to speak with me about your ailments and your expectation, so I can help you understand the benefits they anticipate you’ll receive and how soon you can expect those benefits from your massage therapy treatments.

While it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether you want a single session or a series of sessions, if you plan to return more frequently you can take advantage of series packages/treatments plans. 

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It it required to wear mask during my treatment?

With the decline in Covid-19 cases and Government guidelines, masks are not required during treatments only optional. If you wish to wear one or you would like me to wear one that's totally fine.

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What do I need to know before I come into my next appointment?

When you book an appointment, you will receive an email that outlines the new procedures. They will include; arriving 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled time,  bringing a filled water bottle needed to hydrated after your session. 

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Why do you no longer accept cash?

For the time being, I no longer accept cash as a form of payment or for tips in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

 

 

How have you updated your sanitation procedures and is it safe for me to get a treatment ?

All of my new policies and procedures meet or exceed the standards described by local and national regulatory bodies. I have implemented rotational sanitation procedures for all common surfaces, multiple times throughout the day. Treatment rooms are fully sanitized, and all linens/blankets etc. are professionally cleansed each week, and  replaced after each treatment. Your health and safety are my top priority. I have taken proper training courses to receive certification on proper sanitation practices dealing with COVID-19, communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens. 

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Should clients take any precautions before attending their appointment?

In order to maintain safe office I am advising anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms to reschedule their treatments. This helps to protect myself as well as other clients from being exposed to COVID-19 and any other virus.

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Can you be denied service if you are experiencing symptoms?

The State Medical Board of Ohio  has advised that anyone exhibiting symptoms remain at home and avoid coming into contact with others. With this in mind, and for the safety of everyone at the Garden of Wellness, that service be declined. Your appointment will be rescheduled, with clinics waiving the 24-hour notice period.

 

I am dedicated to the care of my patients. I will continue to monitor the pandemic and adjust our precautions as necessary.