Frequently asked questions

Gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash. If you are buying a gift card and want to schedule a massage right away, please try booking first so you can see current availability.

Should prices increase, you will be responsible for the difference. For example, if a gift card has $90 on it and a one hour massage is now $105, you will owe $15 after that session. If you have other questions about gift cards, please reach out.

At this time insurance is not billed directly. However, a superbill can be provided at the end of the session upon payment. You then send the superbill and receipt to your insurance company for direct reimbursement.

Clients whose plans cover massage have found that reimbursement usually takes several months and is typically a percentage of services rather than the full amount. Please check with your insurance before booking to learn about your coverage and whether they accept a superbill from an LMT outside a medical facility. When booking, let me know if you would like a superbill.

In Japanese, “ashi” means foot and “atsu” means pressure. Barefoot ashiatsu is a massage technique in which the therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure using their feet and body weight, working with gravity instead of against it. It allows an effective therapeutic massage without discomfort for the client or the therapist. The closest comparison is a deep tissue relaxation massage, with more pressure available than I can apply with my hands, arms, fists and elbows.

Contraindications for barefoot ashiatsu: pregnancy, breast implant surgery within the last year, active skin infections or ulcerations, recent Lasik or eye surgery, TB, thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose veins, aneurysm, kidney disorders, hemophilia, severe osteoporosis, removed lymph nodes, blood thinning medications or medications that inhibit sensation, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, recent injury including broken bones or fractures, hematomas or bruises, conditions in acute stages, swollen or inflamed areas, severe pain, sunburn, open cuts, burns, skin rash, cold or flu. Special care is taken for clients with pacemakers.

The neck, shoulders and face are massaged first to address other areas that may be contributing to pain, tension or restriction. For the work inside the mouth, nitrile gloves are worn, and the thumb or index finger massages the inside of one side of the mouth while the other fingers work the outside.

This lets me slowly glide or compress through target jaw muscles such as the masseter, the lateral and medial pterygoid (nope, not a dinosaur!) and the buccinator. Pressure is based on your comfort. Having worked on myself many times, I can say it may be uncomfortable during, but it feels incredibly relieving immediately after.

Yes. That is why I ask general health questions before your session begins. It is very important that you tell me about any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, a written recommendation for massage or bodywork is strongly advised before any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Your session takes place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room, with soft music if you like. You will lie on a table designed for your comfort. The studio is on the 2nd floor and the building does not have an elevator, so please plan accordingly.

Most massage techniques are traditionally performed unclothed, but it is entirely up to you. Undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

No. I leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table and cover yourself with a clean sheet.

Yes. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on is exposed.

A typical full-body session includes your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders. If you would like your stomach included, just let me know.

A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline. It may start with broad, flowing strokes that calm your nervous system and relax surface muscle tension. As your body relaxes, pressure gradually increases to release specific areas. A light oil or lotion reduces friction and hydrates your skin. Please tell me right away if you feel any discomfort so we can adjust. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting.

There are many types, using different strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, pressure on specific points and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

Before the massage, feel free to ask any questions about the technique or the session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I will gently move you or tell you what is needed, such as lifting an arm. Many people close their eyes and relax completely, speaking up when they need more or less pressure, another blanket or anything else.

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial slowed-down feeling, people often notice more energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity that can last for days.

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 muscle tissue, improve posture and reduce blood pressure. It is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of wellbeing.