Before:
Have a soak in our hot springs. I am across the street from Delight's
Hot Springs Resort for a convenient soak. The natural hot mineral waters of Tecopa,
California are incredibly relaxing in themselves. The waters have proven
therapeutic value . If you like, please enjoy a soak just before you come
for your massage. [A note of caution: if you are presently under a
doctor’s care, particularly for high blood pressure, please consult your
doctor prior to soaking in the hotter (104+ degree) waters.]
After:
Have another soak! It will relieve any possible soreness you may feel,
particularly on sessions where we went really deep.
I’m sure you’ve heard that after a massage
you should drink PLENTY of clear cool water. It bears mentioning however,
that sodas, diet drinks, coffee/tea are not water. They can
frequently leave you more dehydrated particularly here in the
desert.
After a session, take it easy! … or at least
easier ... for a few days. Your body will continue to “unwind.” Once
locked-up energy has begun to release, it will continue to release for a few
more days IF you treat yourself kindly and slow down a bit. And, if you
feel like napping, please listen to your body -- give it a rest!
The difference between structural bodywork
and "massage" is that, in most massage, the best you are going to feel is
the moment the massage practitioner finishes. With bodywork, if you can
take it easy for a few days after the session, those areas which we opened
up in the session, will continue to release for a period of time and will
"reintegrate." Generally, within 4 days after a session, you will actually
feel even better than you did the moment we finished!
Finally, keep
noticing where/if your body is holding residual tension, and stress, if at
all….. Give yourself time to notice what is going on in your body, breathe
into it, choose to let that residual or habitual tension go.
What should I expect during each session?
Naturally, each person's experience is
different, but here is some information that you may find helpful.
Plenty of Time to Slow Down:
First, because I only take a few clients per day, I allow approximately 2
hours per client, even though the hands-on part may only be 60 or so
minutes. This is so that no one has to rush. Rushing creates more tension
and stress, not less! So, if possible, please DO arrive on time for your
appointment, but know that there will be plenty of time for us to relax
together. We will discuss what you would like to accomplish or experience
with your session and I will answer any questions you may have about what to
expect. We will also take time to discuss any injuries, concerns or special
conditions you may have, if you feel it appropriate.
Because we will generally have plenty of
time, if you find that you are really liking your session experience, at any
time in your session you may also "add more time to the meter" if you
wish. There will never be any expectation or pressure to "up
sell" you.
A Safe Space: Prior to commencing our session, I will ask you you to
please promise to tell me if, for any reason, any part of your experience is
not ok. No matter what you tell me -- it's too fast, too slow, too hard,
too soft, I want different music, could I have a blanket? -- I absolutely
promise you that I will immediately stop and change or correct "it". Your
boundaries and preferences will always be respected and protected here.
Clothing:
Privacy is provided for you to undress to your comfort level. During
sessions your body is draped at all times with a sheet (and light blankets
as needed), except for the area being worked on.
Oil: I use a professional massage oil (a water-dispersible combination of
grape seed, sesame, almond, etc.) to which I add aromatic essential oils
(such as lavender, lemon grass, peppermint etc. Although they are high grade
oils, they are not organic. Please let me know in advance if you have
special skin sensitivities or allergies that might react to these oils.
Massage oil is not used during sessions of cranial sacral therapy.
Interacting:
The sessions are only somewhat interactive. I will encourage and coach you,
from time to time, on “going inside” your body. I may quietly ask you
questions or for feedback. Most of the session will be quiet and soothing as
my hands guide and work with your body.
Painless:
Because I can feel where the pain is in your body (and will need to go to
the location of that pain, however gently) it is not necessary for you to
tell me where it hurts. Although you are welcome to report your sensations
as we progress, it is not necessary; I can literally feel them. Clients
generally tell me that “it hurts good …. like stretching a
limb that has 'gone to sleep.'”
Transformational:
Personal awareness /consciousness can begin in the body. As I
identify places where a client's body holds musculoskeletal pain, my hands
show the tissue how to let go of the pain. As a person becomes
increasingly aware of his/her body and how it holds -- and can let go -- of
(musculoskeletal)pain, new possibilities and paradigms for a more positive
life can become available.
Emotional Material:
Sometimes, as the body releases tension during bodywork, an emotional
component -- the "issue in the tissue -- gets freed up along with it. Some
people may have visual memories arise when I work in an area that holds
pain. Regardless of the emotional content, I promise you that I will hold a
safe space for you to release without pressure, judgment, processing or
expectation from me. You are welcome to express your feelings or talk to me
about your experience, but only at your choice.
Erections:
Though rare in my bodywork, the male body does, on occasion and often
unpredictably, respond to being touched, with an erection. This is an
absolutely human, biological response, completely normal and not at all a
subject for concern or embarrassment. If ignored, erections usually go
away. However any attempt by a male client to take sexual action on
the basis of that erection will immediately terminate the session with full
payment due immediately. My bodywork is 100% therapeutic and does not ever
include a sexual component.
Colds, flu, contagious conditions:
For the sake of other clients as well as for my own health, it is required
that notify me in advance if you have a contagious condition.
After Your Session:
I will leave the room and allow you a few minutes to relax and tingle.
After a 5-10 minute rest to reorient yourself, please get up carefully (as
you may still be deep inside your body) and get dressed. When I hear you
moving around, I will come back in and answer any questions you may have and
assess the results we accomplished. Occasionally, if there continues to be
discomfort left in an area where we were working, I may put you back on the
table to see if we can just clean up the last little bit. Frequently, once
a client is off the table, I will often teach them stretches and exercises,
look up information and/or make practical suggestions to assist them in
continuing their Healing Journey.
How did you get to
Tecopa?
Most likely, same as you did: by car. Ok,
I’m just teasing! Real answer: After September 11th, I closed
down the Topanga Healing Center which I had created in 1996. I moved to
Tecopa to be near my ex-husband who was temporarily living in Pahrump, NV.
Unfortunately he died shortly thereafter .... and I am still in Tecopa.
Do you stay
here in Tecopa all year round?
By July of each year, the temperatures in
Tecopa can go as high as 127-degrees (F). While I absolutely LOVE how
peaceful and quiet it can be around here (usually population 24 or so), I
also crave green places and growing things…. Since I have very few clients
willing to come to Tecopa during the summer, I generally travel during the
hottest months. I am however, back here and ready to work by October 1st
of each year. I can still be reached by phone and email using the contact
information below.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to email me
at
planetshpr@aol.com.
.
What kind of massage do you do?
What should I do before and after
my session?