Frequently Asked Questions
Massage Questions
How do I prepare for my massage?
Arrive 5 minutes early.
- Jewellery off (watch, necklace, bracelets, rings, earrings)
- Tie long hair up loosely in a ponytail
- Remove make-up (where possible)
- Use the bathroom/toilet (so you feel comfortable)
- Switch your phone to “silent” or turn it off
What happens when I arrive for my massage?
Talk honestly – ask questions, discuss pressure and what’s going on. You have time alone to undress and position yourself comfortably on our table, with a big towel to cover you. We knock before entering and will adjust towels/pillows. Any area not being massaged is kept covered.
Do I talk or remain silent during massage?
Talk before your massage. Once treatment begins – relax, focus on breathing and enjoy your massage! We are busy working, so don’t worry about making conversation. At any stage, ask questions or give feedback.
What if I fall asleep during my massage?
Occasionally, people are so relaxed they fall asleep – this is the greatest compliment for us! You will be gently woken when it is time to change position or when your massage ends.
Why can’t I just get one body part massaged?
The human body is complex. Treating the whole body ensures more effective results. Ask questions – we’re happy to discuss our clinical reasons, goals and how we personalise your treatment.
How does massage help digestion?
Our Nervous and Digestive systems work together during massage, encouraging relaxation and peristalsis (digestive movement). Abdominal massage directly affects organ alignment. We follow anatomy (where everything is) and understand physiology (how it all works).
What should I do after my massage?
Shower 2-3 hours after, so essential oils continue working. Keep well hydrated with water 24-48 hours after treatment.
Try to schedule a massage for a relaxing time – leave hard labour for another day (if possible). Returning to work or sport? Tell us before, so we make your treatment more stimulating than relaxing.
Women ‘s Health Questions
Why use a Women’s Health specialist?
A woman’s body changes constantly in life, transitioning into periods, pregnancy, menopause and growing older. Adjusting massage, oils and treatment needs specialist knowledge.
Why is it important to feel comfortable?
Women are vulnerable, so we carefully use professional draping to protect your body. We believe in gentle respectful care and creating a safe space.
How do you massage ‘reproductive’ areas?
Any areas not being massaged are covered. For Womb Massage, underwear is pulled down to the pubic bone, with towels tucked in securely. With Abdominal Massage, upper body/chest and lower body/legs are neatly covered.
Can I massage my own womb?
Yes! Regular abdominal massages and reflexology points help. We share tips to follow the correct direction, apply the right pressure and figure out the right time to massage.
What’s your recommended home self-care?
Holistic health nourishes your mind, body and soul. Massage, Mediation, Yoga, Pilates, Buteyko Breathing and modalities that encourage your mind to connect to your body will help.
Talk to a nutritionist or dietician. Most people benefit by reducing your intake of grains, sugar and processed foods and increasing good quality proteins, fats and nutrient dense foods including fruit & vegetables. Reduce or eliminate alcohol and cigarettes.
How does massage help heal trauma?
Life stressors impact thoughts and are stored in your body. Touch (Massage) can release powerful emotions. Understanding triggers and coping mechanisms (with professional guidance) helps if you’re suffering now or have experienced trauma, sexual problems, miscarriages or body issues.
Do you talk with other health care providers?
Yes! We ask for your permission to work with your Doctor, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Counsellor, Nutritionist, Acupuncturist, Reflexologist or Naturopath.
Pregnancy & Postnatal Questions
Why is Pregnancy Massage training special?
SAFE CARE is vital – for mum and bub.
Massage can be dangerous with
- Aromatherapy oil blends and dilutions
- Positioning and techniques
- Contraindications and changes for each trimester
Can you get a massage in the first trimester?
Massage can help calm and relax you. Deep abdominal work, hot treatments and some essential oils are avoided. Always consult your doctor/health care professional before any treatment.
What's the best time for Pregnancy massage?
Massage helps in all stages. If you’re trying to conceive, tell us – so techniques and aromatherapy can be altered. Regular massage has many benefits as your body changes and grows. If you start to hurt, get treatment immediately.
When do I need medical clearance?
- High-risk pregnancy
- Previous problem-pregnancy
- Current illness
- High blood pressure
- You are on bed rest
How do I get positioned on the massage table?
Our electric table makes positioning easy! If complications exist, initially lying on your left side promotes optimal maternal and foetal circulation.
Prone (face down, lying on your tummy) is only ok in the first trimester (to 13 weeks). It exerts strain on lumbar, pelvis and uterine structures. Side -lying is best for second and third trimesters. From 13-22 weeks, a support-pillow is used under your right hip when supine (laying on the back). From 22 weeks to birth, we semi-recline at a 45degree angle.
How often should I get a massage?
Monthly Massage is perfect for healthy mums. More frequent treatments depend on your health, pain, time and baby’s position! Weekly visits are ideal labour preparation during your final 4 weeks.
Why is Postnatal Massage important?
Massage helps recovery. Relaxation encourages milk let down. Research shows proven benefits, especially mums with postnatal depression. Side-lying is best, unless mum prefers prone, with chest support.
Massage is sometimes not appropriate. A doctor’s permission is needed if maternal complications have occurred. For epidurals, swollen ankles/feet are common, and no deep pressure is applied at the site until residual tenderness is resolved.
Sauna Questions
What’s the best type of Sauna?
There’s 4 types of Saunas
- Traditional (‘Finnish’ or Steam)
- Dry Sauna
- Steam Bath or Turkish Bath
- Infrared Therapy Sauna
Infrared is the best overall experience:
- Breathing is easy: rays heat you (not the air)
- Deeper faster Infrared ray penetration
- Gentle warmth on skin, lungs and hair
- Music & Colour Therapy (chromotherapy)
What does “Infrared” mean?
“InfraRed” means below the visible/damaging rays of the light spectrum. The sun’s warmth and heat you feel from rubbing your hands together are forms of infrared heat. Hospitals warm newborns with infrared – its specific wavelength directly penetrates skin, without sunburn/damage.
How do I prepare for my Sauna?
Drink a big glass of water.
- Take off jewellery
- Tie long hair up
- Remove make-up (where possible)
- Use the bathroom/toilet (so you feel comfortable)
- Switch your phone to “silent” or off
- Follow our Sauna Room instruction card
At every visit, we discuss procedures and your expected end time.
What’s included?
- Chilled water to stay hydrated
- Soft towels and Bathrobe
- Private Bathroom Amenities
- Shower with Organic Body Wash
Our Sauna seat/floor has towels so you can dress down. After Sauna, showering cools your body, changes skin pH and helps recovery. Bring fresh clothes to leave feeling refreshed!
What can I do during a Sauna?
Sit. Relax. Chill. Listen. Breathe. Meditate. Visualise. Dream. Stretch your neck, arms, wrists, fingers, ankles and toes. Our Sauna syncs to Blu-Tooth. Open the Sauna door or change the temp if you feel too warm.
How long for my Sauna Session?
Massage with a 20 minute Sauna is ideal. Sauna (with no massage) for 25-30 minutes. The maximum Sauna time is 45 minutes.
Are Sauna’s safe?
Infrared light is inherently hygienic, killing all surface bacteria. Our Clearlight Sauna emits very low ELF (energy waves) and EMF (electromagnetic fields). We use freshly washed linen and constant cleaning protocols.
Our schedule is carefully monitored. Our Sauna Room is locked during use, with a key for emergency access. It’s important we know you are safe.
Sauna Rules
- Drink water before, during and after
- Do not sleep in a Sauna (ANY SAUNA!)