Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
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 session?
How will I feel after the 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 session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable room within a wellness center in Pacifica, or at your location. Soft music may be played to help you relax, with a heating pad on the table and/or a bolster placed under your knees or ankles depending on your preference. You will lie on a comfortable massage table.

Must I be completely undressed?
Unlike Swedish and other common massages, Amma is done with clothes on. Please wear comfortable clothing such as a cotton T-shirt and shorts or leggings for your comfort. 


Will I be covered during the session?
Though you will be fully clothed, a sheet is typically draped over your body as well, but is not required. 

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, hips and glutes, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders, and sometimes abdomen. I will also incorporate stretches and percussions/tapping. For chair massage, just the upper body will be massaged; neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, and sometimes hips  

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Amma is a type of acupressure-style massage, much like Shiatsu. I will use my thumbs, fingers, palms, forearms, and sometimes knees to palpate and stimulate various points along the meridians (energy pathways) on your body. Unlike Zen Shiatsu, however, Amma is more invigorating (yang) in nature and many clients report feeling relaxed and rejuvenated/invigorated at the same time, as well as lighter or even taller. I always work with the client's comfort level and make sure the pressure always feels just right. 

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
Both my table massage and chair massage are in the style of Amma, so the techniques are the same or very similar whether you are getting an upper body chair massage or a full body table massage. 

What should I do during the massage session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about the technique or the upcoming session, or share any concerns you may have. During the massage, please let me know if need more or less pressure, and communicate any of your needs around your comfort relevant to the session.  

How will I feel after my massage session?
Most people feel very relaxed and rejuvenated as a result of increased circulation and energy flow. 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. It is also not uncommon to feel a little bit sore the next day as though you have worked out, not receiving too head a pressure will minimize this possibility. 

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, balance the nervous system, 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 or physical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. It is 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 advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Amma is contraindicated for pregnancy. Unfortunately, I will not be able to give you an Amma session if you are pregnant. If you have lesions on your skin or inflammation that makes it uncomfortable for you to receive a massage, please wait until that has subsided.