Spirit and Body Massage has a few guidelines we would like our clients to follow. Please read the following Do’s and Don’ts of massage.
Water
Drink it! Your body needs water before and after a massage. Water hydrates your body and helps the muscles be supple for better manipulation. Drinking water after bodywork will help flush any toxins in your system.
Timing
Please show up at least 15 minutes early for your first session. This allows you to fill out paperwork and have a brief discussion about any medical issues. This time is also a time for transitioning into a calm, healing space focused on you. It also ensures that you’ll receive your full time allotment for your massage. For your next massage, we will check in with you and how your health is progressing. This generally takes 5-10 minutes.
Quiet Zone
Upon arrival, please silence your phone so therapist and client can concentrate on the massage. Let your therapist know if you need to keep your phone nearby for family emergencies. Please know that we have multiple rooms and you may not be the only client in the building. Please be courteous to others. Inside voices are encouraged when entering the quiet zone.
Undressing & Your Body
Massage therapist/bodyworkers have advanced knowledge of tissue and structure as well as a great appreciation for the human body as a whole, no matter its shape or size. So when it comes to undressing for your massage, put aside any inhibitions and worries you have about your body. We believe that the best way to enjoy massage and its benefits is to be comfortable and stress-free. At Spirit and Body Massage, we ask that you undress to YOUR comfort level. Our therapists will never tell you that you must take everything off. Yes, we prefer to have access to the areas of focus, but we can work through clothing if necessary. If you choose to wear clothing, we will do our best to keep worn items lotion/oil free. Valuables: Removing jewelry is also your choice. Each room has a small dish in your changing area for your rings, necklaces, bracelets and watches. We wish to keep such items safe and clean. Your therapist will remind you to collect your belonging before leaving.
Communicate
Please let your therapist know if ANYTHING is uncomfortable for you at ANY time. Your comfort includes the temperature of the room, temperature of the table, the lotion being used, the lighting, the music level, the need to be face up, the pressure being used, or anything else that comes to mind. You have the right to enjoy your massage, so speak up. Your therapist will do whatever they can to make it the best experience possible.
Being Human
The body can have a lot responses to therapeutic massage. While it is advised to avoid food at leat 1 hour before your massage, there’s still the chance that you’ll have tummy gurgles or even pass gas. It’s ok. As the body relaxes and systems get moving the body can play all kinds of tricks. Your therapist has seen it all, no need to be embarrassed. For men, there’s even a possibility that massage may cause an erection – a normal response to nervous system activation. No need to be embarrassed or feel you have disrespected the therapist. Some natural bodily functions happen, our trained therapists will professionally continue the session.
Nap Time or Massage Brain?
Your therapist will let you know when your massage session has ended. This is not the time to start napping even though it may be a big desire. This is when you need to take a moment and get ready to slowly get off the table. Carefully sit up on the table, give yourself time to adjust to the light and your body position. Standing up too fast may cause dizziness. Get dressed with consideration of time. The therapist may have another client coming in soon after the end of your massage. When you are all put together and are ready to face the world again, you may open the door. Your therapist will be there ready to start the check-out process. This includes reviewing your session, creating a therapy plan, hydration and walking you to the front desk.
Tips on Tipping
It is customary to tip 15-20% of the price of the massage. But, it’s ultimately the client’s decision. Providing a tip is usually a response to the service provided. We prefer that your tip reflects what you feel comfortable with.
Reviews
Leaving a review/testimonial of your experience is greatly appreciated – whether it is good, bad or both. All kinds words shared by you are valued as they encourage out team. We will do our best to rectify any complaints you may have while continuing to focus on improving our services.
Scheduling & Rescheduling, & Cancelations
We ask that all appointments be reserved with a major credit card or valid gift certificate. Your card will not be charged until after the massage has been completed. If you arrive late (15 minutes or more) or do not show up to your scheduled appointment, we will charge your card half of the standard appointment fee. If you have reserved the appointment with a gift certificate, it will be redeemed for its full value. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please notify Spirit & Body Massage a minimum of 24-hours in advanced by phone (text and email are unreliable), not doing so will result in your card being charged half of the standard fee.
We May Not Be What You’re Looking For
If you call, say, after 8pm and are looking to book an appointment that night, you’re likely not going to get it. Professional Massage Therapist do NOT work all hours of the night. And a ‘happy ending’ is not provided or allowed at Spirit and Body Massage. Therapeutic massage has nothing to do with sex. Flirting, inappropriate touching, and sexual innuendoes will not be tolerated. You will be asked to leave, your massage will be terminated, and the payment for the massage will still be collected. Keeping a professional relationship with your therapist is greatly appreciated. This allows your therapist to provide the best therapeutic massage possible.