Bodywork: Massage Therapy & Reflexology

No. This experience is about you and your comfort. Christi will ask you to remove clothing only as far as you feel comfortable. If you only want to undress to your underwear, that's fine. She will leave the room while you're undressing and will provide a sheet and blanket to cover you during the massage. She also has a gown that opens in the back available for those who wish to be covered in the front at all times.

Christi specializes in services for women's health and well-being only because her private practice is based out of her residence. She is happy to offer referrals to other great massage therapists for male clients hoping to benefit from therapeutic massage.

Of course. Let Christi know before your session. She can use firm, slow pressure or, if you're extremely sensitive, they can avoid your tickle spots altogether.  

Some people prefer to chat during their massage session, while others prefer to completely phase out and relax. Do speak up if:

• You're feeling hot or cold
• You're in pain or uncomfortable
• You prefer a lighter/heavier touch
• You have questions, or you forgot to mention something important during the consultation

 Yes! A good massage therapist will check in with you during your massage to make sure the pressure is okay. Be mindful that massage doesn't have to cause you pain to be effective. Some massage techniques are pretty gentle. But do speak up and ask your therapist if you'd like more or less pressure during your session. I'm not offended!.

When you're in a relaxed state, you might pass gas during your massage. It may even occur when the therapist applies direct pressure to a particular area. Any massage therapist will let you know this is normal and just shows you're relaxed. You'll get zero judgment from me!

It's not unusual to feel some soreness after a massage, especially a session where deep tissue techniques were used. This is due to a release of lactic acid in the muscles, but it doesn't last long - usually 24 hours. If you notice soreness more than 24 hours after your massage, let Christi know on your next visit and pressure will be adjusted.

Deep tissue massage doesn't need to be painful to be effective. The "no pain, no gain" myth is a common misconception that doesn't apply to massage therapy. In fact, effective massage should only cause a "good hurt". 

If it becomes painful, it can be counterproductive. Deep tissue massage manipulates the deeper layers of soft tissue, including muscles, ligaments, fascia, and tendons. Lotions or oils are used, and I start by working more lightly to relax the top layer of tissue and muscle. 

This allows me to access and work on the deeper layers more easily and with less pain. The level of discomfort during a massage can indicate the current condition of your tissue. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for people with chronic pain caused by tight muscles or injuries. 

Yes. Many clients opt to receive two services together during a 60-minute session. You can combine the following services:

• Massage & Reflexology
• Massge & Reiki
• Massage & Lymphatic Drainage
• Massage & Sinus Drainage (with cold stones)

There are thousands of nerve endings in your feet which correspond to (and send messages about) specific parts of the body to and from your brain. Through reflexology, any blockages in nerve and/or blood supply can be released, and your circulation is boosted which enables your body to heal itself.

In Foot Reflexology, the trigger points for various organs are thought to be located on the soles of the feet. In Acupressure, the trigger points are thought to be located on fourteen meridians on the body. In other words, in Reflexology, points to be stimulated are limited only to soles whereas in Acupressure, points to be stimulated are scattered all over the body. 

Reflex zones are present on the entire body. However, the soles or the feet are preferred for treatment because: 

• a) they are quite thin (flattened) and, therefore, easy to work upon and
•  b) nerve endings can be easily pressed against the underlying bones.  

Reflexology is particularly beneficial for the relief of stress, tension and anxiety. It also rebalances hormones, boosts your immune system, improves your sleep, flushes the body of toxins, and generally boosts energy levels. 

But it can also do so much more.

• Arthritis and joint pain
• Digestive health
• Fertility and pregnancy
• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle aches and pains
• Stress and anxiety
• Respiratory health
• Women's health
• Sleep disorders and insomnia

No. Reflexologists are not medically trained. If you are feeling unwell you should seek advice from a medical expert. Reflexology treatments can help with certain ailments and conditions once they are diagnosed. Please note that reflexology is a complementary health therapy. It works alongside conventional medicine and shouldn’t be used on its own as an alternative.

The number of treatments you will need depends on your ailment or condition, how long you have had it and what you are hoping to achieve. If you are focused on a specific health issue, I would recommend that you have sessions two weeks apart, then monthly as a maintenance program. 

If you are having treatments to promote general relaxation and health, then I would suggest one session a month. However, the frequency of treatments are entirely up to you and your own personal preference. It might be once per week, once per month or even once per year.

Reflexology balances the body and promotes self-healing. Most people feel the benefit both during and after their first treatment. However, for more longstanding issues, it may take a few treatments for you to notice the improvement in your wellbeing. 

IN 2008, I completed my training with Integrative Reflexology (by Claire Marie Miller). Since this time, I have offered reflexology within my private practice and in my work with oncology patients. 

It proves to be an effective alternative therapy for neuropathy, which is a common side effect of certain chemotherapies. Reflexology is a gentle therapy for many of my clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, headaches/migraines, sinus issues, digestive issues, respiratory issues, and so many more conditions.

Wear comfortable clothing to your reflexology session. You will be lying on a massage table, so you will want to feel relaxed. During a session, only your feet and ankles will be exposed. I will provide blankets, pillows, neck pillow, and eye mask for your ultimate comfort.