FAQs

Massage FAQs

If you have questions about massage, be sure to read through our frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, you can contact us and we will answer them as best we can.

  • Helps to improve and increase systemic circulation throughout the body.
  • Helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
  • Increases lymphatic flow that helps to remove toxins from the body.
  • Increases venous flow towards the heart.
  • Reduces stress by relaxing muscles.
  • Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system responsible for bringing the body to a state of relaxation.
  • Increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, hormones responsible for regulating moods i.e. great for alleviating depression.
  • Increases range of motion in joints.

Under the NYS law, massage should not be performed during:

  • High fever as it can exacerbate the condition.
  • A cause of pain whether locally or throughout the body is unknown.
  • Areas of recent strains or sprains.
  • Consumption of heavy alcohol or drug abuse.
  • The first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Areas of DVT or thrombosis.

In preparation for the session, it is recommended that you do not arrive on an empty stomach nor should you have a meal immediately before your massage. A good measure is to have your meal at least 1½ hours to 2 hours before the session to allow for proper digestion. It is also encouraged that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the session to allow for any questions or concerns to be discussed. This also allows you to enjoy the full 60 minutes of the hands-on portion of the session.
During a full-body massage session, professional massage cream and oil is used on the unclothed body. Underwear is optional. You will be lying between sheets and properly draped for warmth, comfort, and privacy in accordance with NYS law. However, in a full cranio-sacral, lymphatic balancing, or reflexology session, you may remain fully clothed.
Gratuity is optional, however, if the client is inclined to give a tip in addition to the cost of the session, the client may give any additional amount desired, at least 15 to 20% of the cost of the massage is adequate.
During the massage, particularly after deep tissue work, when accumulated toxins have been released, water will help to facilitate the flushing out of toxins as well as hydrate the body. The recommended amount of water varies from person to person as everyone’s body weight and mass differs. However, after a massage session, it is encouraged to consume more water than usual to encourage continued detoxification and lubrication for your internal body.
It is quite normal to feel sore in the area in which deeper focused technique was applied to during the session. The soreness is due to sustained pressure to the deeper tissue layers which assists in the break up and release of toxins and allows for blood, oxygen, and nutrients to better circulate and flow through the area that was restricted. However, I try to deter that effect with the usage of Arnica blended oil.

Stats on Massage and Healthcare from 2009 AMTA Surveys

Thirty-two percent of Americans get massages for medical and health reasons, according to the 13th annual consumer survey sponsored by the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®), compared to 31 percent last year.Twenty-five percent of Americans ages 35-44 have talked to their doctor or healthcare provider about massage therapy this year, compared to 14 percent in 2008. Seeking a massage for medical or health reasons is now tied with relaxation and stress reduction as the top reasons why Americans get massages. Of those who discussed massage therapy with their doctors, 52 percent say their doctor strongly recommended/ encouraged them to get a massage.

Eighty-six percent of Americans agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain.

Eighty-five percent of people agree that massage can be beneficial to your health and wellness.

Massage therapy for stress reduction

  • This year, 32 percent of Americans said they got a massage for stress and/or relaxation in the last five years; compared to 36 percent last year.
  • Fifty-seven percent of Americans say they are more stressed this year than they were a year ago.

Massage therapy and Income

  • Forty-seven percent of those making $35,000 to $50,000 a year say they have considered massage to manage stress.
  • Thirty-four percent of those making less than $35,000 a year got massage for medical/health reasons. This group is the second largest income bracket of those who had a massage for medical/health reasons.
  • Forty-nine percent of those making $75,000 to $100,000 choose massage for medical or health reasons.
  • Older Americans are most likely to seek massage for its medical and health benefits rather than for relaxation or stress reduction
  • Among those who have had a massage in the last five years, 41 percent of those over 65 years of age and 41 percent of those between the ages of 55 and 64 received their last massage for medical or health reasons.
  • In contrast, only 13 percent of those over 65 and 28 percent of those ages 55 to 64 had massage for relaxation/stress reduction.

Massage considerations and recommendations

  • Fifty-seven percent of 35-44 year olds who had a massage in the previous 12 months have considered massage to manage stress.
  • Sixty-two percent of Americans have or would recommend massage therapy to a relative or someone else they know

Massage Education Links

Massage: It’s Real Medicine – Increase Alertness,Immunity, Serotonin, and Delta waves! Decrease PMS symptoms
Massage: A relaxing method to relieve stress and pain – Mayo Clinic Article
Massage Go Bad – Post Massage possible negative effects..
Massage for Arthritis – Stop the pain cycle and increase standard of lifeNCCM @ NIH
Massage Therapy as CAM – Induction of massage as national recognized healthcare under the umbrella of Complementary Alternative MedicineTouch Research Institute
Massage Therapy Research – from Arthritis to Sleep

General Health

Citizens for Health – www.citizens.org
Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database – /www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
NY Wellness Guide – www.nywellnessguide.com
Organic Consumers Info- www.organicconsumers.org

Practitioners Links/Referrals

Chiropractor

Dr Eddie Gorecki – www.www.energychironyc.com.com
(Versed in a range of traditional chiropractic techniques, Dr. Gorecki incorporates other holistic care approaches including Medical Intuitive energy work, Applied Kinesiology, and Nutrition Response Testing to treat all aspects of a patient’s health. Practicing for more than 10 years, he is experienced in treating common conditions like disc bulges, pinched nerves… and just authentic!)

Massage

Brad Teasdale – www.medicinehandsmassage.com
(incorporate indigenous plants and ayurvedic based healing mediums with thai massage. wonderful!)
Ben Fleisher – www.benfleisher.com
(zero balancing practitioner and soon to be acupuncturist; founded YogaLocal)

Yoga

Kula Yoga Project Ariel, Annie, Benn, Marisa S, Nikki www.kulayoga.com
(powerful group of alignment strengthening based yoga instructors. highly recommend)
Genny Capuler Studio www.gennykapuler.com
(esoteric, discussion focused Iyengar classes held in Genny’s amazing Soho apt)
Yoga Union Center by Alison West www.yogaunionbackcare.com
(true focused yoga for scoliosis)

Acupuncture

East Wind Healing Arts by V Rojanavongse, M.S., L.Ac – www.aikipuncture.com
(Japanese style, gentle yet holistically effective)
Gotham Acupuncture by Steve Pang,L.Ac – www.gothamacupuncture.com
(A go to practitioner for referrals)
Luke Hamilton LAc – www.lukehamiltonacupuncture.com
(Sports alignment and chinese medicine focused, Personal Trainer )
People Tree Wellness by Mona Chopra, M.S., L.Ac – www.peopletreewellness.com
(Yoga & acupuncture )
Giovannni Maciocia – www.giovanni-maciocia.com
(Master text guide)

Osteopath

Jeffrey Maitland, Ph.D. – www.jeffreymaitland.com

World Interests

Amazing ethnobotanist Dr.Mark Plotkin – www.amazonteam.org

CNN.com

Thai massage: The ‘lazy man’s yoga’
Massage: It’s real medicine