MASSAGE Q&A

What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
You will first need to complete a health history intake form. You will be asked general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on or if there are any conditions that need to be addressed.

What do I wear during the massage?
Depending on the primary technique used during your session, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to undress down to your comfort level. You will have privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.

How will a massage feel?
It usually depends on the techniques used. Generally your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) 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. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the I can use another approach or technique.

How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. 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 session, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Occasionally I recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.

Will the massage hurt?
This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage (Swedish Massage) that doesn't probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn't hurt. With that being said, there is a “feels good” hurt and an “ouch, stop it” hurt. A good massage deep tissue massage, should always stay in the “feels good” hurt range. Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Pain can cause you to tighten up and work against the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it.

How often should I get a massage?
It varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then I recommend coming more frequently at first and then slowly tapering down to a maintenance schedule.

What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate), is known for its mineral rich and soothing properties. When absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath salt soak, Epsom Salt is believed to draw toxins from the body, reduce swelling, and relax muscles.

WAXING Q&A

What areas can I wax?
Many areas of the body may be waxed: eyebrows, forehead, lip area, cheeks, ears, chin, back, upper/lower leg, underarms, forearms, bikini line, even hair on the knuckles of fingers and toes.

How should I prepare for a hair removal treatment?
Any unwanted body hair should be at least 1/4" long. You should exfoliate your skin the night before your waxing service. On the day of your waxing services, you will want to make sure you thoroughly cleanse the area being waxed and that the skin is not greasy and free from oils or lotions. Before you begin the treatment, there are a few things you should tell our staff, if you have the following symptoms:

• Are you diabetic?

• Do you bruise easily?

• Do you have varicose veins?

• Are you sunburned?

• Do you have thyroid condition?

• Are you menstruating?

• Are using products/medications that are contraindicated for facials & waxing: Accutane, Retine-A, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, Tazorac Avage, Differin, Strivectin, Renova, Proactive, Avita, benzoyl peroxide & salicylic acid. These are only some of the products we are aware of that may cause a problem and new ones can come along daily.
  Your skin is important to you and us, so please check with your doctor if you have any doubts.

Does waxing hurt?
Your first time receiving a body waxing can be uncomfortable because after shaving for years, the hair grows extremely coarse. With continuous waxing, hair becomes finer and sparser, and waxing becomes more comfortable. If you are especially sensitive to pain or you are a first-time waxing client, you may want to take an anti-inflammatory (such as Ibuprofen) 1 hour before your appointment.

How often should I wax?
This depends on the area being waxed and how fast your hair grows (which depends on the season, medication, hormonal changes, and medical conditions). On average, every four weeks is recommended for body waxing.

How should I take care of my skin after waxing?
After waxing, avoid tanning, extended sun exposure and jacuzzis for 48 hours. You will want to avoid hot showers or baths, sauna and steam room use. Scented lotions, perfumes, or colognes should be avoided for 48 hours. This can traumatize new skin, as the dead skin layer has been removed with the hairs during waxing. We also want the pores to close, not open. Exfoliate with a cloth or glove, but only when the skin has calmed down after waxing. Don't use deodorant, perfumes or alcohol-based products for at least 24 hours after waxing. It is recommended to use sun protection lotion for the 1st day after the waxing, to avoid hyper-pigmentation.