Where will my massage or Reiki session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the massage session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or Reiki feel like?
What is Reiki? Do I need to believe in all this energy stuff to have a Reiki session?
What should I do during the massage or Reiki session?
How will I feel after the massage or Reiki session?
What are the benefits of massage and Reiki?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or Reiki inadvisable?

Where will my massage or Reiki session take place?
Your massage or Reiki 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?
Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed or with underpants on; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

Reiki sessions are performed with the client clothed. Please wear clothes comfortable enough for you to relax in.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.

Will I be covered during the massage session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

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.

What will the massage or Reiki feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting.

A Reiki session involves the practitioner resting their hands lightly on or above the body. After we have worked together to establish an intention for the session, all you have to do is relax and as I place my hands on or above the areas that I feel drawn to. Some clients who are sensitive to energy feel it moving in and around their body, others simply go into a deep and healing relaxation. 

What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation. The word "reiki" refers to the life force energy called "Chi" by the Chinese. If you've ever had acupuncture, or taken Tai Chi or martial arts, you have already worked with your own life force energy. In a Reiki session the practitioner and client work together to create a space for the Chi energy to create balance and healing in the body.  The Chi has its own wisdom and will go were it needs to go; we just create the intention and the space.

Do I need to believe in all this energy stuff to have a Reiki session?      
No! Just be open to trying something new and focus on relaxing. I've had many a skeptic use and enjoy Reiki as a deep relaxation technique. Science keeps discovering how many human illnesses are stress related. Balancing daily stress with periods of relaxation is key to health, so the goal is to find ways to relax that are healthy and work for you.  

What should I do during the massage or Reiki session?
Prior to the massage or Reiki session, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or structure of the session. During the session, 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 Reiki 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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following a massage.

What are the benefits of massage and Reiki?
Massage 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 is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Reiki can boost feelings of well being and support clients in the grieving process.  Reiki is also associated with promoting a healthy immune system, relieving chronic pain, and increasing energy.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or Reiki inadvisable?
For massage, 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.

For Reiki, No. Reiki is very gentle and if the skin is damaged, or too painful to be touched, it can be done off the body. Reiki refers to the universal energy of life (the Chi you may be familiar with from Tai Chi or acupuncture). It has its own intelligence and goes where it needs to go.