Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get coverage through my insurance plan?
My Shiatsu treatments are covered under some plans with Sunlife, Manulife and Greenshield. Whether you're covered or not depends entirely on which type of insurance plan you have. If you are intending on writing off your treatments, please check with the policies of your insurance company, as sometimes you need a doctors note to have coverage. The Shiatsu Association of British Columbia is currently striving towards incorporating more insurance agencies.
Where will my session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a massage table especially designed for your comfort underneath a cotton sheet.
Must I completely disrobe?
Most bodywork sessions require the client to be disrobed, however, lower undergarments may remain on. You will be properly draped and comfortable throughout your entire session. Shiatsu sessions may also be preformed clothed on the client's request.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time cash, cheque and credit(via Square Reader) are accepted at the business location. I also accept online e-transfers for for printable certificates. For amounts over $200 I only accept cash and cheque. Thank you for your understanding.
Are you an RMT (Registered Massage Therapist)?
No. I am a Registered Shiatsu Therapist & Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. I am not covered for ICBC claims.
What are you certified in?
I have received certificates in the following: Shiatsu Therapist, Bach Flower Remedies, Hot Stone Massage, Energy Medicine, TCM 5 Element Analysis, Relaxation Massage, Nutritional Counselling, Iridology, Ariculartherapy. I have also received a Holistic Health & Shiatsu Practitioner Diploma.
Do you take ICBC patients or anyone that has massage covered under medical?
I do not take ICBC claims, or paitents. ICBC is not covered under my services.
Will the you be present when I disrobe?
I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet. I shall not enter back into the room until you are comfortably draped beneath a sheet.
Will I be covered during the session?
Absolutely, you will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on shall be exposed. A heating pad lines the table to keep you warm throughout your treatment.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, shoulders, neck, head, legs, arms, hands and feet. The treatment given is professional and for therapeutic purposes and is strictly non-sexual. Any inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and the session will end immediately.
What type of massage lotion/oil do you use?
I use Biotone Advanved Therapy Massage Lotion. This lotion leaves you feeling less oily at the end of your treatment and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. It is hypo-allergenic and is unscented. Aromatherapy may be added to your session to enhance your relaxation and rejuvenation. For more information on the lotion, please visit Biotone's website:
http://www.biotone.com/ATL1G/hypoallergenic-massage-lotion-1-gallon
What will the massage treatment feel like?
Your session may start with broad, flowing massage strokes down the spine and legs that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension through acupressure (pressure point therapy). A massage lotion mixed with relaxing aromatherapy is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction and to help hydrate your skin. The session may also be preformed clothed if you are more comfortable in such circumstance. The benefit of a clothed session is that you need not worry about the oil residue on the skin if you're on the go.
What's the difference between Shiatsu and other massage styles?
Shiatsu focuses primarily with pressure points, while other massages incorporate more kneading and rubbing. Due to the pressure points being used, points and muscles are more easily accessed and relaxed. This is because every point on the body gets it's own attention, rather than working superficially on the muscle by rubbing or kneading. Following the pressures points are deep, dispersing strokes that help to increase circulation to that area. Shiatsu also works with balancing the entire body rather than the particular area of complaint. Worry not though, your sore area will be well attended to.
What do I need to do during my bodywork session?
All that is required of you is to relax and enjoy. There is no need to assist with any stretches or body movement, aside from rolling onto your back so that I may work on your arms, legs & head. You're welcome to communicate if you feel any discomfort regarding the pressure, temperature or anything else relevant to your session. Feel free to ask any questions during or prior to the session.
How will I feel after my bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
What are the benefits of massage?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. It is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, I ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform me of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you feel that a condition of yours may contradict massage, make sure that you check with your doctor before coming in for your session, as some conditions contradict massage.
My Shiatsu treatments are covered under some plans with Sunlife, Manulife and Greenshield. Whether you're covered or not depends entirely on which type of insurance plan you have. If you are intending on writing off your treatments, please check with the policies of your insurance company, as sometimes you need a doctors note to have coverage. The Shiatsu Association of British Columbia is currently striving towards incorporating more insurance agencies.
Where will my session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a massage table especially designed for your comfort underneath a cotton sheet.
Must I completely disrobe?
Most bodywork sessions require the client to be disrobed, however, lower undergarments may remain on. You will be properly draped and comfortable throughout your entire session. Shiatsu sessions may also be preformed clothed on the client's request.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time cash, cheque and credit(via Square Reader) are accepted at the business location. I also accept online e-transfers for for printable certificates. For amounts over $200 I only accept cash and cheque. Thank you for your understanding.
Are you an RMT (Registered Massage Therapist)?
No. I am a Registered Shiatsu Therapist & Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. I am not covered for ICBC claims.
What are you certified in?
I have received certificates in the following: Shiatsu Therapist, Bach Flower Remedies, Hot Stone Massage, Energy Medicine, TCM 5 Element Analysis, Relaxation Massage, Nutritional Counselling, Iridology, Ariculartherapy. I have also received a Holistic Health & Shiatsu Practitioner Diploma.
Do you take ICBC patients or anyone that has massage covered under medical?
I do not take ICBC claims, or paitents. ICBC is not covered under my services.
Will the you be present when I disrobe?
I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet. I shall not enter back into the room until you are comfortably draped beneath a sheet.
Will I be covered during the session?
Absolutely, you will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on shall be exposed. A heating pad lines the table to keep you warm throughout your treatment.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, shoulders, neck, head, legs, arms, hands and feet. The treatment given is professional and for therapeutic purposes and is strictly non-sexual. Any inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and the session will end immediately.
What type of massage lotion/oil do you use?
I use Biotone Advanved Therapy Massage Lotion. This lotion leaves you feeling less oily at the end of your treatment and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. It is hypo-allergenic and is unscented. Aromatherapy may be added to your session to enhance your relaxation and rejuvenation. For more information on the lotion, please visit Biotone's website:
http://www.biotone.com/ATL1G/hypoallergenic-massage-lotion-1-gallon
What will the massage treatment feel like?
Your session may start with broad, flowing massage strokes down the spine and legs that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension through acupressure (pressure point therapy). A massage lotion mixed with relaxing aromatherapy is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction and to help hydrate your skin. The session may also be preformed clothed if you are more comfortable in such circumstance. The benefit of a clothed session is that you need not worry about the oil residue on the skin if you're on the go.
What's the difference between Shiatsu and other massage styles?
Shiatsu focuses primarily with pressure points, while other massages incorporate more kneading and rubbing. Due to the pressure points being used, points and muscles are more easily accessed and relaxed. This is because every point on the body gets it's own attention, rather than working superficially on the muscle by rubbing or kneading. Following the pressures points are deep, dispersing strokes that help to increase circulation to that area. Shiatsu also works with balancing the entire body rather than the particular area of complaint. Worry not though, your sore area will be well attended to.
What do I need to do during my bodywork session?
All that is required of you is to relax and enjoy. There is no need to assist with any stretches or body movement, aside from rolling onto your back so that I may work on your arms, legs & head. You're welcome to communicate if you feel any discomfort regarding the pressure, temperature or anything else relevant to your session. Feel free to ask any questions during or prior to the session.
How will I feel after my bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
What are the benefits of massage?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. It is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, I ask general health questions. It is very important that you inform me of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you feel that a condition of yours may contradict massage, make sure that you check with your doctor before coming in for your session, as some conditions contradict massage.
