Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when i disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, and safe room. Music that you select will be played through the massage furnishing which will enable you to literally feel the vibrations of the music. This will offer you the opportunity to simply let your emotional body to relax.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear or not wear. If you elect to disrobe you should only undress to your level of comfort. The IMT technique does not require any disrobing to be effective. Should you elect to disrobe, your body will not be subjected to viewing during the entire session.
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 the provided clean sheet or towel.
Will I be covered during the session?
Ethically, it would be inappropriate for the therapist to view your body when disrobed. Steps that prevent the facilitator from viewing your disrobed body such as draping will be taken at all times to keep you warm and comfortable.
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, abdomen, and shoulders. A full body Lymph Drainage Massage is included in every session at no additional charge. You may request a therapeutic breast massage but this will only be provided after you have read and signed the provided informed consent form that fully describes the technique and reasons for having a breast massage. You should immediately advise your Facilitator about areas of concern to you.
What will the massage or bodywork 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 emotionally induced 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. The IMT/VAM technique of Massage is a combination of a variety of techniques and is most effective when you feel safe and secure in the massage environment so in IMT/VAM session you will be given the freedom to express your feelings and emotion without judgement from the facilitator.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you. In the technique of IMT/VAM Reiki is the base energy with Swedish - elements of CranioSacral - Vibrational - Full Body Lymph Drainage - Therapeutic Touch - Range of Motion & Muscle Testing & Russian.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). During an IMT/VAM session most 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. You should always interupt the session at any time that you feel uncomfortable with the application being used.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very deeply 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 your massage. The VAM/IMT technique is a full 60 minute massage. The time doesn't actually begin until you are on the table and the massage begins. Ninety minutes are set aside for your session to ensure that you will be well grounded prior to leaving the massage room.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help improve your emotional outlook, 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 and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
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 for any physical injury or disease, 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. Ask your facilitator for a referral / doctors permission form. You will be asked to sign a medical information release form.
