FAQ
Freqently Asked Questions
Q: I am afraid of a deep tissue massage. What makes yours different?
A: With a varied clientele ranging in age from 9 to 90, as well as varying conditions, my depth/pressure is customized to the specific needs and tolerance of each individual.
Q: The pictures of Seifukujitsu and OORM look alike. What is the difference?
A: Seifukujitsu and OORM come from the same line of bodywork. Seifukujitsu (say-fu-ku-jitsu) is a massage that is meant to get the body moving and touches every system of the body through its kata/form. OORM (Original Okazaki Restoration Massage) is a more focused therapy that uses more elbow techniques, and can be very intense for the uninitiated.
Q: Why does your intake form have so many questions?
A: Knowing "what NOT to do" is just as important as knowing what to do. The Client Information form is a basic guide to your present condition. I will be asking for clarifications to make sure that your massage experience is tailored to your needs. There may be mitigating medical circumstances that contraindicate a massage -- meaning that massage would not be appropriate for those conditions.
Q: I am sensitive to oils and have certain allergies. Will that affect my massage?
A: It certainly could. There are many oils, lotions, cremes and liniments used at A Restorative Massage. A thorough intake covering topical sensitivities and medications will be done; this information is carefully considered in customizing your session. It is important that medications (including over-the-counter) and supplements used by the client are disclosed.
Q: What do I wear to a massage session?
A: You may wear your typical clothing with the notation that disrobing is usual for most massage sessions. Draping is an important part of each session to maintain privacy and comfort at all times. For the client that is not comfortable with disrobing, there are techniques to accommodate that situation and still be effective in the massage goals. Ashi Thai is typically done clothed, but can be incorporated with Ashiatsu.
Q: On your Services page you state one should stop eating one hour before a massage. Why?
A: This direction is for your comfort. Although there should be fuel in the body, one does not want to be on the belly right after a heavy meal. This precaution is to assure no disruption of the digestive process.
Q: Are you really standing on the person for Ashiatsu and Ashi Thai?
A: Yes. Ashi = foot, atsu = pressure. This style of massage has been utilized for centuries to accommodate very muscled and tense individuals. The modern-day Ashiatsu can be modified for the most delicate and medically fragile person. The bars suspended above the massage table are used to control the pressure and angle used during the massage - meaning that the pressure can be deepened or lightened as needed.
Q: What is unique about the prenatal massage?
A: First and foremost is safety of the client. Pregnancy requires a different approach from the other styles listed. High-risk pregnancies need further modifications to accommodate medical parameters. Most of the massage is done in the side-lying position due to circulatory concerns during a normal pregnancy. Draping, bolsters and pillows are used for the comfort and safety of the mother-to-be. Use of the bolsters and pillows can be seen in the slide show on the Services page.
Q: Do you go to clients' homes?
A: Typically, the preferred location is my office with the array of supplies available. Ashiatsu requires me to be at the office. Should a client have mobility issues or is house-bound, a home visit may be arranged.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: My original certification in Okazaki Long Life Restorative Massage was received in 1986. For the next twenty-four years I shared this massage with friends, family and strangers across the nation - to their great relief. To assure that my skills and knowledge was current, a return to the classroom was necessary. A Restorative Massage was opened in 2010. From that time forward, education and skill level has continued. New information and research comes along at a surprising rate, requiring me to keep pace with the new findings. You may wish to view the Certifications noted at the bottom of the About page.