FAQ's

1. What are some of the benefits of massage therapy?
2. What are the different types of massages?
3. What training does the massage therapist have?
4. Do I have to take my clothes off?
5. Does the massage therapist use oil or lotion?
6. Will it hurt?
7. Will it really improve my sports performance?

1. What are some of the benefits of massage therapy?
Massage therapy relieves pain, reduces stress, renews energy, increases flexibility and mobility, facilitates postural alignment, helps heal wounds (physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual), strengthens the immune system, helps people reconnect with their inner self, improves circulation, helps eliminate toxins, improves sports performance, optimizes the benefits of other health care providers (eg. chiropractic, physician, acupuncturist) and helps in the maintainence of health, vitality and wellbeing.

2. What are the different types of massages?
There are a wide variety of massage techniques. The most commonly known are:

• Deep Tissue Massage - Focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.
• Therapuetic Hot Stone - Uses heat to relax the nervous system and reduce muscle spasms. Especially indicated for arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic muscle pain, but wonderful for anyone.
• Shiatsu/Acupressure - System of finger pressure based upon the Chinese Meridian System. The therapist uses hand and thumb pressure along designated points in the body.
• Swedish Massage - Characterized by long, smooth strokes and fluid stroking and kneading of the superficial muscle layers, sometimes with tapping, clapping, or similar percussive movements with the hands, and combined with active and passive movements of the joints.

3. What training does the massage therapist have?
In 1997, Sequoia became certified by the renowned Heartwood Institute in Northern California. She is trained in Swedish Massage, Shiatsu/Acupressure, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, TMJ therapy, Craniosacral energy work, and pregnancy massage.

4. Do I have to take my clothes off?
Whatever you are comfortable with. Some people choose to undress completely whilst others keep undergarments on. Throughout the massage you will be covered by a sheet and the massage therapist will only undrape that area of your body to be worked on at the time. No clothes need to be removed for certain massage techiques (eg.Shiatsu).

5. Does the massage therapist use oil or lotion?
Sequoia uses oils or lotions, depending upon the individual client.

6. Will it hurt?
It depends on the type of therapy and what kinds of problems you have. A general relaxation massage (swedish) should not hurt. Shiatsu/acupuressure may access painful points and any therapy that directly addresses myofascial problems (eg. Deep Tissue, Trigger Point) may be painful when treating problem areas. However, most clients describe such feelings as "hurting in a good way" . A good massage therapist pays careful attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues from their client so as they know how deep to go. It is important that you let your massage therapist know if you are feeling any discomfort throughout the massage.

7. Will it really improve my sports performance?
Yes. For many reasons. Perhaps most importantly, massage therapy increases circulation. If a muscle is stiff because of a long day of exercise, getting oxygenated blood to the area improves the condition rapidly. It helps relax muscles and return them to normal health. With your muscles relaxed they will function efficiently, reducing the risk of strain. Further, massage therapy is effective in breaking down adhesions and relieving the fibrosis commonly experienced by atheletes.

Massage therapy will also increase your flexibility and promote elasticity, reduce stress, relieve pain, help injuries heal and renew your energy.