FAQ

Initial consultation: We will have a chat about your medical history, current health conditions, expectations as well as your reasons for having the treatment to ensure the most effective treatment is chosen.

I will give you a few minutes in private to change for the massage table.

I work in combination with the information gathered during consultation and my intuition. Please let me know at any point before, during and after your treatment of any adjustments to pressure, temperature, music choice... so that your time with me is what you would like it to be.

After your treatment I will leave you to change in private.

I will offer you a glass of filtered water to hydrate so we may have a chat about the treatment and for relevant follow-up advice.

It happens - and is nothing to worry about or be embarrassed by. They are natural bodily functions. In fact, these are all signs that your body is relaxing, which is the primary goal of getting a massage!

Emotional release during or after massage is a natural and therapeutic process where deeply held emotions are expressed and discharged, often leading to a profound sense of relief and healing. Suppressed emotions may have been stored in the body due to trauma, stress, or unresolved feelings. This release can manifest in various ways, including tears, laughter, or a deep sense of calm. It is a sign of the body's innate ability to heal itself both physically and emotionally. 

Why Does Emotional Release Occur During Massage?

1. Physical and Emotional tensions are closely linked: The body stores emotions in various tissues and muscles. Applying pressure to relieve physical tension, can trigger the release of stored emotions.

2. Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Massage stimulates the vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for relaxation. This activation allows individuals to access and process repressed emotions, often bringing them to the surface unexpectedly.

3. The nurturing touch during a massage can foster feelings of safety and comfort, encouraging emotional expression. This connection enhances the likelihood of experiencing emotional release.

What do I do if I have an Emotional Release During Massage:

1. Safe Space: Trust your therapist and allow yourself to be vulnerable. A professional therapist will provide a non-judgmental environment for you to express your emotions. 

2. Allow Yourself to Feel: If emotions arise, embrace them. Letting tears flow or laughter bubble up is part of the healing process.

3. Communicate with your Therapist: If you feel comfortable, share your experiences with your therapist. This can help them tailor the session to your emotional needs.

Benefits of Emotional Release

1. Increased Relief and Lightness: Many individuals report feeling lighter and more at peace after releasing pent-up emotions. 

2. Enhanced Emotional Resilience: The process can help individuals develop a better understanding of their emotions and improve their ability to cope with stress.

3. Improved Physical Well-being: Releasing emotional tension can also alleviate physical discomfort, leading to overall better health.

In summary, emotional release during massage is a significant aspect of the healing process, allowing individuals to confront and process their emotions in a supportive environment. Embracing this experience can lead to profound emotional and physical benefits.

The answer depends on various factors like physical, mental and emotional health, lifestyle, circumstances and budget.

I will use the example of an untended garden - initially more intense and frequent work is needed over a short period of time to clear an overgrown garden. Then regular maintenance is sufficient for optimum health of the garden. 

Ideally I would recommend a holistic treatment at least every 3 to 4 weeks for optimum health benefits.

A treatment like reflexology, when there is a specific goal in mind, may be best to do as a block of 4-6 over a 4 to 6 week period in line with certain lifestyle changes for optimum results.

If you are having issues with tension in back, neck and shoulders, a similar approach with 3-4 treatments over a 4 week period may be highly beneficial to target and disperse tension with a view to then take maintenance treatments on a 3-4 weekly basis.

Please speak up!

Massage therapists are intuitive people, but we cannot read your mind. Always let us know if you need more or less pressure, if you're too hot or too cold, or if you need to use the bathroom etc...

The benefits of massage therapy are vast and broad. They include benefits to the physical as well as the emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Some examples below:

* Stress relief and relaxation 

* Boosts mood 

* Relief of muscular tension, soreness and strain

* Eases pain and stiffness

* Increases flexibility and range of motion  

* Relief for joint pain 

* Improving circulation, thereby boosting the immune system

* Lowering heart rate and blood pressure

* Constipation relief

* Pain management

* Fibromyalgia pain management

* Relief for tension headaches and migraines

* Improves sleep quality

* Anxiety

* Release of trauma

Environmental toxins accumulate in tissue throughout the body over time. Additionally, the human body is a host for bacterial colonies. 

Manual massage improves blood flow by manipulating the body's tissues. This in turn improves the body's detoxification process and boosts the immune system. During and after massage toxins may dislodge and some bacteria may die off and release endotoxins. These toxins and waste are flushed into the bloodstream to be filtered and eliminated. This sudden circulation of toxins can temporarily impact your well-being and symptoms of illness (headaches, nausea, sweating, fever, discomfort, etc.) may occur.

The process of healing sometimes includes a healing crisis, which is a detox/cleansing reaction. During a healing crisis, you can feel much, much worse than before. The good news is that this reaction is likely a sign of healing.

Symptoms during a healing crisis can include headache, nausea, and fever - symptoms typically experienced during illness. During the crisis, a recurrence of symptoms from long-forgotten illnesses may also occur. Symptoms of a healing crisis vary from person to person and treatment to treatment, and may include:

Fatigue, Headaches, Migraine, Diarrhea, Aches and pains, Low-grade fever, Anxiety, Mood swings, Nausea, Skin irritations, Stuffy nose, Congestion, Low blood pressure...

A healing crisis may come on immediately after your treatment or in the days following. The symptoms may last 3-5 days, sometimes longer, depending on your situation.

It is important to support your body through a healing crisis by keeping hydrated with filtered water (add a splash of fresh lemon), lemon juice and herbal teas.

Epsom salt baths or bath with bicarbonate of soda helps eliminate toxins through the skin.

Ideally you will support your body by eating a clean diet with plenty of fresh, organic fruits, veg and legumes.

For Lomi Lomi in particular, a massage with long flowing strokes along the length of the body, underwear can feel disruptive in the flow of the treatment.

I offer all my clients a choice: to keep underwear on or to remove it for treatment - genitalia are always covered with a sarong. A cover for breasts for the ladies is also optional. This is usually discussed during the consultation.

I will always work within your comfort zone - without judgement.

I currently do not offer shower facilities.

If you prefer to have oil residue removed from your body with some cologne, please let me know so that I may facilitate.

Toilet facilities available - ideally before or after your treatment as my treatment room is located in the back garden and the bathroom is in the main house.

This is a common concern for men during a massage.

It is important to know that this is a normal physiological response.

Massage stimulates the parasympathetic Nervous System ("rest and digest" system) which causes relaxation, increases blood flow, and sometimes arousal - even without any sexual intent.

An erection during a massage is not always necessarily sexual or means that you are aroused. The body can react this way due to relaxation, pressure on certain nerves or hormonal fluctuations. It is common and nothing to be embarrassed about.

What my thoughts are if this happens to you:

It is a regular occurrence among male clients.

I will continue your session professionally.

If necessary I will adjust the draping or technique to ensure your comfort.

The key is intent - as long as your behaviour remains respectful and appropriate, it is not a concern. However, I will end your session if I feel there is any inappropriate behaviour.

What should the client do if this happens to him?

No need to feel embarrassed - it is a natural response and nothing to be ashamed of.

Let it pass - usually it subsides on its own.

Ask for a break if you are uncomfortable.