Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose the type of massage I want?
Due to a hand injury, Swedish and Deep Tissue massage are no longer offered. I highly recommend the Ashiatsu barefoot massage. It can be as light or as deep as you prefer. The client is always in charge of the pressure I use. Because of the long, sweeping strokes, a light Ashiatsu is even more relaxing than the best Swedish massage. If you prefer deeper work, Ashiatsu has all the advantages of Deep Tissue, without the discomfort. That's the difference between being worked on by an elbow and having the smooth flat surface of the foot applying just the right amount of pressure.
2. What should I wear during the massage?
If you want the gluteal muscles (buttocks) to be massaged, you will be asked to completely disrobe, as long as you are comfortable that way, or wear thong underwear. If you want to skip the glutes, simply leave your underwear on. Men who wear boxers will be asked to roll them up exposing as much leg as possible.
3. If I book an hour appointment, how much of that time will be spent on the actual massage?
It takes me an hour and a half to give an hour massage. That includes reviewing your health history, explaining the massage, a full 60 minutes on the table and some aftercare recommendations, without rushing. When you book an hour appointment, you get 60 minutes of massage, but plan on being at my studio for 90 minutes. You are charged for the massage time only.
4. What if I’m embarrassed about my body?
A professional massage therapist has seen bodies of every shape and size. There is no judgment, only a professional assessment of how to provide the best hour of massage possible. If you are truly uncomfortable disrobing, consider a Reiki session, where you remain fully clothed.
5. What areas of the body will be massaged?
Your massage will cover the back, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, hands, upper chest (above the breasts on women), neck, face and scalp. The gluteal muscles (buttocks) will also be addressed at the option of the client. Abdominal massage is available upon request. Genitals will not be touched or exposed.
6. Can I talk during the massage?
It’s your hour and you may choose to chat. However, in order to fully receive the benefits of massage, it is recommended that you eventually drift into a quiet state. If you choose a quiet massage from the start, I will follow your lead and focus on my work.
7. Will the massage hurt?
No, the tissue is approached slowly and with proper warm up. Once that stage is completed, deeper work can be administered without pain, and with much greater and longer lasting benefits.
8. What can I expect during a Swedish massage?
Due to a hand injury, Swedish massage is no longer offered. I highly recommend the Ashiatsu barefoot massage. It can be as light or as deep as you prefer. The client is always in charge of the pressure I use. Because of the long, sweeping strokes, a light Ashiatsu is even more relaxing than the best Swedish massage.
9. What can I expect during a Deep Tissue massage?
Due to a hand injury, Deep Tissue massage is no longer offered. I highly recommend the Ashiatsu barefoot massage. It can be as light or as deep as you prefer. The client is always in charge of the pressure I use. Ashiatsu has all the advantages of Deep Tissue, without the discomfort. That's the difference between being worked on by an elbow and having the smooth flat surface of the foot applying just the right amount of pressure.
10. What can I expect during an Ashiatsu massage? Does it have to be deep?
First, the Ashiatsu massage can be administered as light as you wish, or as deep as my full weight, about 100 pounds. Either way, it is a luxurious sensation to be worked on by foot.
You’ll begin face down and your feet will be wiped clean. A cover sheet is used to keep genitals and breasts covered at all times. Unscented, organic coconut oil is applied to the body. It is an oil that is very similar to your body's own natural oil and has many health benefits.
Then your hour of massage begins. Upper back and arms are addressed first, with a warm up routine. At one point I’ll ask you to place the back of one hand at the small of your back. This opens up the shoulder blade so that I can work more deeply there. Either hand is fine to start, as you’ll switch hands when I finish with that side. As the final step to the warm up, I’ll wedge my foot beneath your shoulder blade and gradually transfer my weight onto that foot. I’ll ask you to let me know when you have enough of my weight, and then we’ll hold it for a couple of deep breaths. This is a great stretch for chronically tight upper back muscles!
Once the upper back is warmed up, the whole back is addressed. I’ll start with one foot on the left side of the spine starting at the bottom of the rib cage, gliding up to the top of your left shoulder. The other foot remains on the table allowing me to vary the pressure by shifting my weight from one foot to the other. I’ll ask you to let me know how much pressure to use. It may take a few repetitions before I have the pressure to your liking, as I always begin with less pressure and work up.
Once the correct pressure is established, I’ll work from your shoulder to your ankle and back up on the left side of the body several times, before moving to the right side. If I find that you are taking all or most of my weight, then I’ll stand on you and work both sides of the body at the same time. Those who prefer lighter pressure will not receive this final double footed work.
Towards the end of the face down portion of the massage, I will stand or press on your sacrum, the strong, fused portion of the spine just above your tailbone. I’ll know by then how much pressure to use.
Finally, we'll do two stretches, depending on your body's capabilities. For the first, I will kneel just below your glutes, take your wrists and have you take mine, then I will pull you up into an arch.
1. How do I choose the type of massage I want?
Due to a hand injury, Swedish and Deep Tissue massage are no longer offered. I highly recommend the Ashiatsu barefoot massage. It can be as light or as deep as you prefer. The client is always in charge of the pressure I use. Because of the long, sweeping strokes, a light Ashiatsu is even more relaxing than the best Swedish massage. If you prefer deeper work, Ashiatsu has all the advantages of Deep Tissue, without the discomfort. That's the difference between being worked on by an elbow and having the smooth flat surface of the foot applying just the right amount of pressure.
2. What should I wear during the massage?
If you want the gluteal muscles (buttocks) to be massaged, you will be asked to completely disrobe, as long as you are comfortable that way, or wear thong underwear. If you want to skip the glutes, simply leave your underwear on. Men who wear boxers will be asked to roll them up exposing as much leg as possible.
3. If I book an hour appointment, how much of that time will be spent on the actual massage?
It takes me an hour and a half to give an hour massage. That includes reviewing your health history, explaining the massage, a full 60 minutes on the table and some aftercare recommendations, without rushing. When you book an hour appointment, you get 60 minutes of massage, but plan on being at my studio for 90 minutes. You are charged for the massage time only.
4. What if I’m embarrassed about my body?
A professional massage therapist has seen bodies of every shape and size. There is no judgment, only a professional assessment of how to provide the best hour of massage possible. If you are truly uncomfortable disrobing, consider a Reiki session, where you remain fully clothed.
5. What areas of the body will be massaged?
Your massage will cover the back, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, hands, upper chest (above the breasts on women), neck, face and scalp. The gluteal muscles (buttocks) will also be addressed at the option of the client. Abdominal massage is available upon request. Genitals will not be touched or exposed.
6. Can I talk during the massage?
It’s your hour and you may choose to chat. However, in order to fully receive the benefits of massage, it is recommended that you eventually drift into a quiet state. If you choose a quiet massage from the start, I will follow your lead and focus on my work.
7. Will the massage hurt?
No, the tissue is approached slowly and with proper warm up. Once that stage is completed, deeper work can be administered without pain, and with much greater and longer lasting benefits.
8. What can I expect during a Swedish massage?
Due to a hand injury, Swedish massage is no longer offered. I highly recommend the Ashiatsu barefoot massage. It can be as light or as deep as you prefer. The client is always in charge of the pressure I use. Because of the long, sweeping strokes, a light Ashiatsu is even more relaxing than the best Swedish massage.
9. What can I expect during a Deep Tissue massage?
Due to a hand injury, Deep Tissue massage is no longer offered. I highly recommend the Ashiatsu barefoot massage. It can be as light or as deep as you prefer. The client is always in charge of the pressure I use. Ashiatsu has all the advantages of Deep Tissue, without the discomfort. That's the difference between being worked on by an elbow and having the smooth flat surface of the foot applying just the right amount of pressure.
10. What can I expect during an Ashiatsu massage? Does it have to be deep?
First, the Ashiatsu massage can be administered as light as you wish, or as deep as my full weight, about 100 pounds. Either way, it is a luxurious sensation to be worked on by foot.
You’ll begin face down and your feet will be wiped clean. A cover sheet is used to keep genitals and breasts covered at all times. Unscented, organic coconut oil is applied to the body. It is an oil that is very similar to your body's own natural oil and has many health benefits.
Then your hour of massage begins. Upper back and arms are addressed first, with a warm up routine. At one point I’ll ask you to place the back of one hand at the small of your back. This opens up the shoulder blade so that I can work more deeply there. Either hand is fine to start, as you’ll switch hands when I finish with that side. As the final step to the warm up, I’ll wedge my foot beneath your shoulder blade and gradually transfer my weight onto that foot. I’ll ask you to let me know when you have enough of my weight, and then we’ll hold it for a couple of deep breaths. This is a great stretch for chronically tight upper back muscles!
Once the upper back is warmed up, the whole back is addressed. I’ll start with one foot on the left side of the spine starting at the bottom of the rib cage, gliding up to the top of your left shoulder. The other foot remains on the table allowing me to vary the pressure by shifting my weight from one foot to the other. I’ll ask you to let me know how much pressure to use. It may take a few repetitions before I have the pressure to your liking, as I always begin with less pressure and work up.
Once the correct pressure is established, I’ll work from your shoulder to your ankle and back up on the left side of the body several times, before moving to the right side. If I find that you are taking all or most of my weight, then I’ll stand on you and work both sides of the body at the same time. Those who prefer lighter pressure will not receive this final double footed work.
Towards the end of the face down portion of the massage, I will stand or press on your sacrum, the strong, fused portion of the spine just above your tailbone. I’ll know by then how much pressure to use.
Finally, we'll do two stretches, depending on your body's capabilities. For the first, I will kneel just below your glutes, take your wrists and have you take mine, then I will pull you up into an arch.
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For the second stretch, I will have you go into the yoga pose called the Child’s Pose, which I will demonstrate before the massage. It’s an easy pose, where you simply bring your hips back to your ankles, leaving your arms stretched out in front of you. Once you are in this position, I will sit or stand on your low back and stretch out the spine. It’s a wonderful stretch for the low back! Clients with knee problems will skip this stretch.
The face up portion of the massage begins with the front of the legs and arms, also massaged by foot with coconut oil. Then I will work with my hands. I’ll massage your feet with peppermint massage cream and hands with lavender cream. Upper chest (above the breasts on women), shoulders and neck are massaged with coconut oil by hand. I then wash my hands again and finish with a face and scalp massage using no cream or oil.
11. Umm, feet, really?
My feet are scrubbed and sanitized before each massage. They are filed daily to keep them soft and supple. Because of the work I do they are constantly moisturized!
The advantage to working by foot is not only the amount of pressure I can use, but the comfort level of the client receiving that pressure. Many deep tissue therapists working by hand use their elbows or thumbs to dig into tissue. These pointy bones can hurt tissue that has not been properly warmed. The soft, smooth, flat surface of the foot delivers pressure in a way that is totally comfortable for the client. Truly a luxurious massage, deep or light!
12. What can I expect during a Reiki session?
Reiki is a very relaxing energy therapy. The client begins face up on the massage table, fully clothed. I begin by placing my hands at the top of the client’s head becoming a conduit for “life force energy”. What does that mean? Who knows! Some people believe it is that force that gives all living things life, some call it God’s love, and there’s everything in between. As human beings I believe we all have the ability to channel this force. So what makes a session with a Reiki practitioner different? Practice, practice, practice. I have been a Reiki practitioner/master for over 20 years, consciously working to become a clear channel. When I place my hands on a client, they get very warm, the first sign that energy is flowing. My hands remain in place 3-5 minutes, before moving on to the next position.
The client experiences not only warmth, but a very calming sensation. Relaxation occurs on three levels. There’s the physical level: relief of muscular tension, the emotional level: that sense of calm, and the spiritual level, where the client almost falls into a state of meditation. Some clients report seeing colors on the inside of their eyelids with their eyes closed. Some feel a sensation of waves rippling through their body. Everyone is different.
The hour passes as I move from one position to the next, spending about 30 minutes on the front of the body, working from head to feet, and then 30 on the back, working from feet to head. The hand positions do not include the breasts or genitals.
13. What can I expect during a Matrix Energetics session?
Matrix Energetics is no longer offered.
14. When is massage NOT recommended?
Please do not schedule an appointment if you are suffering from a fever or an infectious disease, at risk for a stroke, recuperating from recent surgery or cancer treatment, or under the influence of painkillers or alcohol.
Areas of inflammation, skin problems, broken bones (obviously) must be disclosed so that those areas can be avoided.
I will review your health history with you before the massage, in order to determine if there are health considerations I must take into account during the massage.
15. What is your cancellation policy?
I ask all my clients to please be respectful of my time. I require 24 hour notice if you intend to cancel your appointment, otherwise you will be expected to pay for the appointment. Your appointment is important to me. I consider it a commitment both on my part and on yours.
16. What if I am sunburnt?
If you are too sunburned to get a massage and you have not cancelled with 24 hour notice, consider a Reiki session instead. If Reiki does not appeal to you, you choices are to either find someone to take your appointment time for you or pay for the missed appointment.
Please use sunscreen. Re-apply at least every hour.
17. I'm coming to Cozumel for a week. How many massages can I get in that time period?
Many clients just get their one "vacation" massage. More and more clients book one for the day of or day after arrival and another just before departure. Some choose to get worked on every other day and a few clients enjoy daily massages while on the island. It's totally up to you.
18. Do you offer couple's massage?
I work as a solo therapist, and it is as a solo therapist that I have built my reputation. I am happy to book back to back appointments for couples or friends. Feel free to bring a book and just kick back for an hour in my air conditioning while you wait your turn. Free wifi is available.
19. What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash in dollars or pesos, at the current exchange rate, as well as Paypal.
The face up portion of the massage begins with the front of the legs and arms, also massaged by foot with coconut oil. Then I will work with my hands. I’ll massage your feet with peppermint massage cream and hands with lavender cream. Upper chest (above the breasts on women), shoulders and neck are massaged with coconut oil by hand. I then wash my hands again and finish with a face and scalp massage using no cream or oil.
11. Umm, feet, really?
My feet are scrubbed and sanitized before each massage. They are filed daily to keep them soft and supple. Because of the work I do they are constantly moisturized!
The advantage to working by foot is not only the amount of pressure I can use, but the comfort level of the client receiving that pressure. Many deep tissue therapists working by hand use their elbows or thumbs to dig into tissue. These pointy bones can hurt tissue that has not been properly warmed. The soft, smooth, flat surface of the foot delivers pressure in a way that is totally comfortable for the client. Truly a luxurious massage, deep or light!
12. What can I expect during a Reiki session?
Reiki is a very relaxing energy therapy. The client begins face up on the massage table, fully clothed. I begin by placing my hands at the top of the client’s head becoming a conduit for “life force energy”. What does that mean? Who knows! Some people believe it is that force that gives all living things life, some call it God’s love, and there’s everything in between. As human beings I believe we all have the ability to channel this force. So what makes a session with a Reiki practitioner different? Practice, practice, practice. I have been a Reiki practitioner/master for over 20 years, consciously working to become a clear channel. When I place my hands on a client, they get very warm, the first sign that energy is flowing. My hands remain in place 3-5 minutes, before moving on to the next position.
The client experiences not only warmth, but a very calming sensation. Relaxation occurs on three levels. There’s the physical level: relief of muscular tension, the emotional level: that sense of calm, and the spiritual level, where the client almost falls into a state of meditation. Some clients report seeing colors on the inside of their eyelids with their eyes closed. Some feel a sensation of waves rippling through their body. Everyone is different.
The hour passes as I move from one position to the next, spending about 30 minutes on the front of the body, working from head to feet, and then 30 on the back, working from feet to head. The hand positions do not include the breasts or genitals.
13. What can I expect during a Matrix Energetics session?
Matrix Energetics is no longer offered.
14. When is massage NOT recommended?
Please do not schedule an appointment if you are suffering from a fever or an infectious disease, at risk for a stroke, recuperating from recent surgery or cancer treatment, or under the influence of painkillers or alcohol.
Areas of inflammation, skin problems, broken bones (obviously) must be disclosed so that those areas can be avoided.
I will review your health history with you before the massage, in order to determine if there are health considerations I must take into account during the massage.
15. What is your cancellation policy?
I ask all my clients to please be respectful of my time. I require 24 hour notice if you intend to cancel your appointment, otherwise you will be expected to pay for the appointment. Your appointment is important to me. I consider it a commitment both on my part and on yours.
16. What if I am sunburnt?
If you are too sunburned to get a massage and you have not cancelled with 24 hour notice, consider a Reiki session instead. If Reiki does not appeal to you, you choices are to either find someone to take your appointment time for you or pay for the missed appointment.
Please use sunscreen. Re-apply at least every hour.
17. I'm coming to Cozumel for a week. How many massages can I get in that time period?
Many clients just get their one "vacation" massage. More and more clients book one for the day of or day after arrival and another just before departure. Some choose to get worked on every other day and a few clients enjoy daily massages while on the island. It's totally up to you.
18. Do you offer couple's massage?
I work as a solo therapist, and it is as a solo therapist that I have built my reputation. I am happy to book back to back appointments for couples or friends. Feel free to bring a book and just kick back for an hour in my air conditioning while you wait your turn. Free wifi is available.
19. What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash in dollars or pesos, at the current exchange rate, as well as Paypal.