What To Expect On Your First Visit

Our average massage lasts 50 minutes with a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 110 minutes available. Click here for a list of therapies available at the Center for Holistic Care.

We ask that you come at least 15 minutes early for your first visit so that we can make sure we have everything we need and so that we may answer any general questions you might have.

The mood of your session can be affected by the things currently influencing your life. You can improve your results by preparing yourself before your massage time. If you can put the events of your life on pause for a little while and truly devote your session time to taking care of you, the benefits your experience can be greatly enhanced. Life really will wait a couple of hours for you, and you'll be in much better shape to deal with your responsibilities when you are feeling your best!

Before your massage begins, you'll be asked questions about your expectations and reasons for seeking a massage. You may be asked personal questions as:

• Physical Health
• Medical History
• Lifestyle
• Current stress levels
• Any painful areas of the body you want addressed.

We will want to know what your expectations of a massage are so that we can meet or exceed your needs. Your comfort and ease is very important as a massage is very personal. Be sure you ask any questions and to make your wishes known. Try to be as receptive as possible and abstain from eating. Drink plenty of water (but not so much to make you uncomfortable during the massage), give accurate information about your health and make sure the massage therapist is aware of your needs.

You will find a massage history form here. Please complete and bring this form with you. You will be asked to read and sign a massage therapy consent form stating your desire to receive a therapeutic massage and bodywork session.

Our massage therapist will discuss your preferences and choices as well as the outcome you desire for the session. Once agreement and understanding are reached, the massage therapist will step out of the room to allow you to prepare for the session.

Other things you can do, as time allows:

• Limit consumption of caffeine and sugar, as well as other stimulants
• Avoid eating immediately before your appointment
• Allow extra time in your schedule so you don't have to rush to be ready for your session. Otherwise, it may take longer to reach a relaxed state.
• Be aware of your current condition so you can report anything that needs attention. It's important to explain what's going on health wise, because changing health conditions can affect your massage needs.
• Take a relaxing bath or shower before your appointment time.

During your session

The appropriate draping method for your privacy will be explained to you and you will be asked to undress to your comfort level. The massage therapist will only uncover the area required for your specific massage treatment to insure your modesty and comfort. Share what's going on. If you are experiencing any pain, discomfort or anxiety, please let our massage therapist know. If you have a tender spot or an injured area, bring it up so it can be addressed. If you feel you need more pressure or a lighter touch during the session, please say so. If you find your attention is on something, bring it up so you will be able to lie back and relax!

The massage will take place in a private room on a padded table. The environment will be enhanced with peaceful music. If for some reason you do not care for music, please let our massage therapist know. Try to relax as much as possible, maintaining a normal breathing pattern. Our massage therapist may utilize massage oil, lotion or massage gel to lessen the friction on your skin. Please advise any allergies you may have and a possible alternative may be used. Depending on your needs, you may have a full-body massage or have a specific area massaged. Your comfort is the number one priority.

Specify your preferences

Everyone has different needs and wants, so share yours! Is everything in the massage environment okay? The temperature? The lighting? Any other distractions? Are you completely at ease? Do you like certain music? Is the volume okay? Do you like specific techniques? More time spent on a certain area? Each session is especially for you, so please communicate about what you want! If there is anything you don't understand, please ask so we can discuss it.

Let it all go and relax!

One of the major massage goals for many people is to lessen tension and stress. Many of those aches and pains that demand our attention are linked to stress. In fact, according to Dr. Sandra McLanahan, eighty percent of disease is stress-related, so maximizing the relaxation in each session should help you to maintain a much higher level of well-being!

One way to quiet your mind is to focus your attention on the session... really get in tune with your sense of touch.

Proper breathing helps you to relax and to reach your session goals. Slow, deep breathing (from the gut) will provide your body with much-needed oxygen, while signaling your body to let go of its tensions.

After your session

If at all possible, allow for some quiet time before you continue your busy life.

Drink extra water!! Massage releases waste products and toxins from your muscles. Increasing your fluid intake lowers this toxicity and lessens the strain on filtering organs. After your massage you will be given an opportunity to get dressed and discuss any questions you may have.

Before your next session

Make your massage results last by avoiding as many stressful elements as possible.

Schedule your next appointment! When you make bodywork a regular part of your life, you are helping your body to maintain a better state of balance. In the long run, you stand to enjoy much better health gains through consistent sessions.

Make note of anything that occurs between sessions to bring up next time.

Cancellation Policy

Please grant us the courtesy of a 24-hour notice in order for us to book other clients in need of service. There may be a "50% of your session" charge for appointments cancelled with less than 24-hours notice.

Our massage therapist will discuss your preferences and choices as well as the outcome you desire for the session. Once agreement and understanding are reached, the massage therapist will step out of the room to allow you to prepare for the session.

While there are a wide variety of forms of massage therapy and bodywork, all with their own theoretical or philosophical perspectives, there are certain basic principles they all tend to hold in common.

Esomassage uses the techniques and principles of Tai Chi to provide powerful manipulations of the soft tissue with little effort. In the end, you leave with the results you came for: the ease of pain, increased functionality and feelings of calmness, harmony and balance.

You WILL feel a lasting difference between an Esomassage and what you have received from other massage therapists. The most important information I get from you is "how you want to feel at the end of the session". I always work with your specific goal that manifests through discussing your health history, listening to your desires and needs and customizing a personalized treatment plan that meets your desired end-of-session goal.

As a Holistic Massage and Bodywork Therapist, I consider the mind, body and emotions to be interconnected in such a way that there is always a physiological response to what we think and how we feel. Everything is connected! For this reason, virtually all Esomassage treatments are full-body and begin with conversation about how you feel about yourself in relation to your social network. There are times when a specific area may need concentrated focus; however, a follow-up session is usually suggested to integrate the body. It is forever true that people may not remember what you say to them, but they will always remember how you helped them feel.

Massage History Form