Allergies and "Sensitive Systems"

My primary focus is working with people with "sensitive systems." Often times that does include allergies. For those individuals, I focus on supporting the lymphatic system and keep herbal applications really simple. Our work together is a collaboration. With each session I will slowly add herbals when you are ready so we can get feedback from you and your body to determine what works for you. There is no guarantee of what will work for each client as everyone is unique. However, I have had many clients who have over time and with consistency gotten slow and steady improvement overall with increased energy, better sleep and reduced pain, anxiety and sensitivity. There are ups and down days but overall, with time and consistent work many of my clients report that they feel better.

What to Expect During and After Massage

I typically start clients face-up. I am trained in medical massage (outcome based massage), and while I address muscles, fascia, connective tissue, digestive, and do both light and deeper work, I operate from the perspective of the lymphatic system, your body's sewage system designed to cleanse and nourish. The major lymph points are at the front of the body so I open those up. Even for those with back pain, starting at the front makes the massage more effective for back work. Every part interacts with each other, so I am always looking to address the source and holding pattern behind your pain rather than just focus where it hurts. I will spend extra time on those pain areas but for more effective, lasting results I need to address this as a system. Lymph work is not always light. I work deep too. But one thing is for sure, I will adjust my massage, the oils I use, and the depth of pressure based on the level of inflammation YOU have in your system TODAY as well as the feedback you give me before, during and after your session. Every day is different, so your massage needs to fit where you are today.

Each session begins with a short consultation. New client appointments can take up to 20 minutes of intake which is why I prefer to start with 75 minute or more for new massage appointments. Follow up appointments include a 10 minute check-in. These check-ins are absolutely essential so I can continue to tailor our work together for your needs. If you are having a bad day or week, I want to know. Emotions and stress do have a significant impact on your levels of inflammation and tension. That way I know if I can feel more inflammation, I know it was not just bad pizza. I might even throw in a little more lavender or lemon balm to make sure you are getting that extra relaxation you need!

I incorporate herbal oils and hot or cold herbal tea soaked towels (called compresses or fomentations) in my sessions as well. If you have allergies I will take that into account.

AFTER THE SESSION:

You may feel an increase in energy and reduced pain or you may feel a little tired. You may also feel a little sore for a couple of days. If you have had pain and tension in one area for a while, you may find the pain increases in the area or opposite side as your body readjusts. No worries, just do some gentle movement to get your joints moving but don't overdo it. 

Most of my clients do not report headaches after their sessions (though it is possible) that is more common with full body deep pressure work. For those with chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions and for those with neurodegenerative conditions it is best not to do deep work all over but be very targeted and intentional with areas that may need a little deeper work. If you have a lot of inflammation, then the more we work together, the deeper pressure we can do with each subsequent visit. My goal is to tailor your massage so your lymphatic, detoxification system is able to process what we release in your system to minimize the possibility of headaches or unwanted side effects.

Finally, it is possible, on rare conditions to notice an increase in bowel movements as your body purges waste material. Abdominal massage is an essential part of the work that I do. But it is possible with deeper, targeted abdmonial massage to increase elimination. As your bowels flow, that creates a vacuum effect for your lymph system to remove the metabolic waste and toxins throughout the rest of your body. If you do find that you are increasing elimination and if it is uncomfortable, make sure you continue to drink plenty of water and you may use bowel herbs such as Traditional Medicinal's Smooth Move tea to assist the cleansing, apply a hot pack to your belly and eat light. For the few clients I have that reported an increase in bowel movements, once they cleansed they said they felt better than ever! Some people are ready and willing to cleanse their system and their bowels if needed. However, if this is a concern and you are not ready for this cleansing reaction, then let me know and we can make adjustments to the massage, no problem!

Why Herbs?

Herbs assist the body in its ability to heal and repair, to relax and renew. Topical herbal preparations are made the day before each massage session and take approximately 12 hours until they are ready. When preparing for the day's session, I always review the next day's notes to determine any allergies and look at each scheduled clients' specifics. I prepare herbs that are generally safe and allergy free for the participants of the follow day -- including herbs traditionally used for nerves, relaxation and sleep, antispasmodic herbs that are known to loosen muscles and tension, healing tissues, skin health, and supporting the lymphatic system. For example, if I have a client who is allergic to peppermint that day, then I ensure that there is no peppermint in the preparation for that day. That way, even if the hot herbal towel compresses or essential oils are not used on that person, I will make sure it is not in the air.

No Awkward Add-ons or Tipping

All services are included in your session, including, cupping, herbal oils and tinctures, herbal teas and compresses, hot and cold towels, and aromatherapy. I do not believe in up charging in a massage session.  This also gives the freedom to provide the service you need, when you need it, without selling more service while you are on the table (Awkward!). Enjoy your session. It's all covered!

TIPPING:

I REALLY appreciate your desire to say "thank you." But, no, I do not accept tips. The best way to say "thank you" is by leaving me a review or by referring people you know who also have autoimmune or chronic inflammation. Within the industry, many practitioners rely on tips. It is more than just a nicety This is a way spas and offices (even food service) can under pay their employees and keep the base rate of the service low, but it hardly creates a livable wage. It also creates an awkward interaction at checkout for you, the valued client. Massage is a healthcare service. As such, I have carefully calculated the cost of service without having to rely on tips to keep my business functioning.  It is important for me to have integrity in all I do and let my yes be yes and my no be no. Therefore, I have calculated rates so I communicate clearly my operating expenses in order to have long-term sustainability in my business in our beautiful town. This is also important so you don't have to second guess. No more awkward moments at checkout!

For more information on tipping, check out the article I wrote on my blog!

Herbalist as Teacher

The body works as an integrated system and there are many factors behind the symptoms of the body. Herbalists do not diagnose, prescribe, cure or treat conditions. Rather, an herbalist takes on a role as teacher and support. An herbalist teaches on the historic uses of plants and diet to help the body cleanse and nourish and find its balance but it is ultimately the client's decision along with consulting with their medical professional which direction to take. These historic uses of herbs takes the full system into account as well as the mental, emotional and circumstances surrounding certain conditions. Having a thorough intake is necessary. Herbal teaching consultations are separate from body work and coaching sessions and need to be scheduled separately.

Giving Herbal Recommendations

I am unable to give herbal advice without consulting with the individual first. There are various nuances that need to be taken into account and I am unable to offer consulting without a thorough intake and releases.  Also, results are best when the individual in question is thoroughly invested in this process and in their own healing journey.

If you, a friend, a child, or a husband are in need of assistance, I recommend that they schedule an herbal consultation appointment and/or reach out directly to me for more information.

Pregnancy, Postpartum and Pre-Pregnancy

Yes! I love working with women who have autoimmune and chronic inflammation who are also walking through this precious time in their life! I have undergone doula training and while I am not currently acting as a doula, that and my herbal training have served me in supporting women in all stages of their life.

I have worked with kids as young as 8 years old. A parent or guardian is required to be present in the room during massage treatments of under age kids.

Insurance

I take HSA/FSA card payments, but I do not bill to insurance. 

However, sometimes insurances will reimburse for massage services. You may need a prescription from your doctor. I will provide an invoice to you after your session. If you would like to submit your receipt to your insurance company, you may do so. Specific questions about insurance coverage and reimbursement needs to be directed toward your insurance company.  Full payment is due at the time of service. 

For reference, the correct insurance charge code is 97140.

Training and Scope of Practice

I am a Master Herbalist and Licensed Massage Therapist. I am also a life coach and hypnotherapist. While I have approximately half of a program completed in Marriage and Family Therapy and experience as a Life Skills facilitator, I am NOT a licensed mental health counselor.  While I was studying Marriage and Family Therapy, I experienced autoimmune conditions and chronic fatigue. This lead me to stop that master's program and pursue my own healing journey and eventually studied herbalism and massage. 

I bring all of this experience and the skills I have learned with me to my sessions. However, I am not a doctor and do not diagnose. Also, as I am not a mental health counselor I will always refer out when these services are needed. Additionally, when performing hypnotherapy, if my client is pursuing hypnotherapy related to a physical or mental health diagnosis, I will seek to obtain a release from my clients' mental health counselor or physician before undergoing hypnotherapy for those conditions.

With herbal consulting, I provide information on historical uses of herbs and wellness coaching. It is always advised to consult with your doctor with any changes. 

If you are seeking to get off medications, you will need to work closely with your prescribing doctor. I will never recommend you stop or reduce your medications and this is outside of my scope of practice. The body is wise and wants to heal when you support the system in it's ability to heal and repair itself. These changes while wonderful can make medications more or less effective and can be problematic without the direct care of your prescribing physician. Sometimes, supporting your body towards health with changes your doctor makes will result in your ability to reduce and possibly wean off your medication. But you will need to work with your physician on anything medication related.

Hypnosis and Guided Visualization

Hypnotherapy is not like what you see on TV. It is not mind control. No one can make you do anything, and you will not cluck like a chicken! All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You are in control the entire time. It is a deep form of relaxation and visualization when the overthinking brain takes a break and you can present images and suggestions so you can then daydream about the life you want to live. Hypnotherapy is great for overcoming blocks and difficult habits, for self-improvement, nail-biting, test anxiety, pain, irritable bowel syndrome and even anxiety and depression, and many other things. Please note that hypnotherapy for an illness, physical pain or mental health condition requires obtaining a release from a medical or mental health professional prior to your session.

Initial Hynotherapy sessions are scheduled for 2 hours. Follow up sessions are 60 or 90 minutes.