Happy New Year!

From all of us at Trinidad Massage and Day Spa we wish you a wonderful and healthy new year in 2012!
2011 has been an exciting and expansive year for the Spa, we will be celebrating the one year birthday of our Lighthouse Cottage location in April. Angela Pisoni, Liz Roth and Stephanie Pearlston have settled in to the cottage and it has become an exquisite healing space.

The original location, the Main St. Studio, finally got it's much needed make over! Fresh coats of paint on both the exterior and interior. The front room is a rich warm gold to uplift the spirits and bring in joyous energy, the back treatment room is still a healing blue but now with a soothing hint of purple to calm and elevate the mind.

(Pictured is the front room with new paint and Pedicure chair)

Proprietress Katherine Perry continues to work out of the Main St. location and has expanded her offerings with all natural hand and foot care including therapeutic Manicuring and Pedicuring.  Of course, pampering is always included and there is a wonderful assortment of non-toxic and even Vegan nail polish in a vast rainbow of colors to choose from. Katherine of course still offers her Therapeutic, Ayurvedic style Hot oil, energy balancing massage sessions and luxurious Spa treatments. 

Katherine now shares the Main St. Studio with Wade Pajares offering Jin Shin Jyutsu on Wednesdays by appointment. To learn more about Wade, Jin Shin Jyutsu or any of the therapists at the Spa visit our "About us" page on our website: http://wwwtrinidadmassage.com

As we bring in 2012, we look forward to continuing to offer our services to those near and from afar and to support each client in maintaining their health and wellbeing and of course providing the occasional pampering we all need from time to time. Wishing all a happy new year and many thank you's to all for your support of our small independent business. 

Trinidad Massage & Day Spa Update

The grand opening event on April 16th for our new expanded location known as the "Lighthouse Cottage" at 529 Trinity St. was a wonderful success! Celebrating with a formal ribbon cutting, there was food and wonderful refreshments including the popular "Spa Water" fruit infusion that included Oranges, Lemons, Raspberries, and Blueberries. The Trinidad Chamber of Commerce donated a lovely variety of Moonstone Crossings Wines for the celebration. We are so very excited about our new location and are looking forward to a great Summer and beyond in Trinidad.
Now with a total of three treatment rooms (2 at the cottage and 1 at the studio) to accommodate our guests, 5 highly skilled and talented therapists, each with their own specialties, make Trinidad Massage & Day Spa the destination for Therapeutic Massage & Organic Facials suited to each clients needs. Spa parties such as Bridal showers, girls get-away weekends, or any celebration occasion can be accommodated with our full kitchen amenities and lovely seating areas both inside with an ocean view or outside in the garden. Moonstone Crossing Winery tasting room is located just behind our Lighthouse Cottage location.
The Main St. Studio is home to Therapists Cathy Garfield and Katherine Perry (Spa owner), where they continue to offer their professional services. The studio will be transformed with a long awaited makeover very soon. Expanded retail offerings include Ritual Alami body care products, Neti Pots for allergy defense, body brushes for exfoliation and circulatory benefits, and more coming soon.
By the end of 2011 we will be offering all natural hand and foot care that include Manicures and Pedicures available at both locations.
Our website is getting a complete overhaul and will be optimized to include on-line scheduling and gift certificate purchases! Available now, clients may schedule Massage and Facial appointments with Angela Pisoni-Bartley at www.trinidadskincare.com.
Thank you for your support and patronage! We look forward to your visit. 

Spring time and Spa expansion!

Happy Spring to all! 
We are so excited to announce our expansion with an additional location in Trinidad to better serve the needs of our clients from the community and from afar. We now have two more treatment rooms at our new Lighthouse Cottage at 529 Trinity St. and a stunning ocean view!
In the future we will be offering foot baths and pedicures at the Lighthouse Cottage, stay tuned!

We welcome Lydia Bernard C.M.T. to our amazing circle of therapists. She has over 15 years of experience and will be available starting April 1st at the Lighthouse Cottage location. Therapists Liz Roth and Angela Pisoni will be moving to the Cottage on April 1st as well. 

We will be announcing our Grand Opening event very soon, where we willl have a raffle for a free massage! Moonstone Crossing Wine and refreshments will be served!

Cathy Garfield and Katherine Perry will continue offering their highly skilled and professional services at the Main St. Studio at 460 Main St.

New logo is almost complete, we are so grateful to be in business in the beautiful town of Trinidad! Our new logo design is in honor of the beauty and spirit of the land & coast that is Northern California. Much gratitude to Matt O'Brien of 10.29 designs!

Spring special with Katherine Perry CA C.M.T: 

Aromatherapy wrap for renewal and transformation. Using essential oils blended according to client needs, nourishing massage oils to feed the skin, energy point work and a relaxing meditative body wrap treatment, body, mind and spirit will be transformed and comforted. Add to any massage for $40. 

Angela Pisoni offers Eminence Facial and Massage package for $100. Retail products are available. 

Cathy Garfield's Ayurvedic and Hot Oil Massage continues to be a very popular and healing offering. Cathy also has Himalaya Herbals retail products available to support client self care at home.

We have Transitional Medicinals flower essences and tinctures from our dear friend Dominique Doubek available for sale. The Rose tincture and Redwood essence are some of our favorites!

We look forward to your visit to Trinidad and thank you for your patronage!

 

A new year and Valentines Weekend at Trinidad Massage & Day Spa!

New Years wishes for good health and wellness from Trinidad Massage & Day Spa!

The exciting news is that the spa is expanding to better serve our clients with more options for scheduling and availability. Will update as things progress but our goal is to be ready by late spring! We are all very excited and are so very grateful to our clients from near and far for the continued patronage and support. Stay tuned for special offers for our guests and a grand opening event.

Make regular massage therapy sessions a part of your new year for stress management and to help you achieve optimum wellness. We have client rewards packages and more. Earn a free massage when you purchase a package!

Valentines weekend! Couples, friends and family can enjoy side by side massage (separate rooms avail if preferred). Spa parties are welcome and Gift Certificates are available. Chocolate and roses will be offered to all our guests. Make it a special Valentines in Trinidad! There is great food, accommodations, dining, Trinidad museum, casino, a wine tasting room and of course the wonderful beaches and trails.

Valentines Special with Esthetician & CMT Angela Pisoni: Feb 14th-28th. Indulge your senses and treat your skin to a lavish facial & spa treatment. Chocolate & Rose facial, Mimosa Champagne sugar body scrub & Chocolate truffle body wrap. Hydrates, soothes and leaves your skin with a rosy glow. All treatments are with Eminence Organics skin care line, products are avail for purchase so you may continue your skin care regime at home. 

Purchase an aromatic Rose Collection gift tube from Eminence and receive 3 travel size jars of seasonal favorites for free!

Visit: http://www.eminenceorganics.com for more product information.

As always, outcall mobile massage is available to any of the local Inn's, B&B's, vacation rentals and private residences! Let us come to you, providing Massage Therapy, Side by Side sessions and couples massage. Serving Trinidad, Big Lagoon and McKinleyville.

We are now offering Traditional Medicinals Herbal Tinctures & Essences by Dominique Dobeck! Hand crafted in the Redwoods of Humboldt county, these Vegetable Glycerin Tinctures & Essences contain spring water from Mt. Shasta: Rose, Kava Kava, Lavender, Chamomile tinctures and Redwood Flower Essence. Bring back a bottle & get $1 off the next purchase! All products offered for sale at the spa guide clients to continue their self care at home.

Seasons Greetings!

During the busy holiday season be sure to make time for your own self care! Offering traditional Ayurvedic Massage with Cathy Garfield, a deep immune booster and very nurturing for the spirit. Hot Stone Therapy special with Liz Roth, very warming & grounding techniques specific to the clients needs, Luxurious organic facials and body treatments as well as massage with Angela Pisoni and Katherine Perry brings over 10  years of experience to the table and is accepting new clients for the winter season. 

Winter Specials at Trinidad Massage & Day Spa:

Facial& Body Scrub/Wrap Combo a 2 hour treatment for $125. Get into the holiday spirit while you relax and unwind with a healing spa treatment & Facial using Emenince organics skin care line!
Facial~pumkin peel & cranberry mask. All facials include face, neck, shoulder, arm, hand & foot massage.
Body Scrub/Wrap~cranberry pomegranate sugar scrub, luxurious pumpkin cream wrap & sugar plum hydrating massage.

Hot Stone Therapy massage special rate: $85 for an hour/$100 for 90minutes.

During this deeply therapeutic treatment heated Basalt stones are used in combination with Swedish & Deep Tissue techniques to help melt away tension & bring deep relaxation to both mind & body. Working with the Earth element this treatment is very grounding for both client & therapist.

Gift certificates are available for purchase by calling (707) 677-9225 and by mail with a check or credit card. Instant gift certificates are available online at: www.spafinder.com.

The team at Trinidad Massage and Day Spa wish everyone a warm and healthy holiday season and a blessed winter solstice!

Eminence Organic Skin Care and Airbrush Make up now available

We are proud to announce that we are now offering Eminence Organic Skin Care line for our facials and retail products. These luxurious handmade organic products from Hungary are specialized for your specific skin care needs and are a delight for the senses. Esthetician Angela Pisoni is thrilled to share and use this line in her services. 


For more info visit: http://www.eminenceorganics.com/

Now Offering Airbrush Make up and Air-Tanning. Air Tan from Dinair Makeup (the original airbrush makeup from Hollywood) offers a 10 day lasting natural tan in either dark, light or medium. Make a tropical vacation picture perfect ~ A full Body Scrub combined with the Dinair tan for $100 per 70 min treatment.
Dinair make-up is water based (not silicone) and is used in high definition films/pictures...Won't fade in color or smear when wet...washes away with cleanser and water.

Esthetician Cassie Leonhardt is available for these services and Spa facials and is excited to share this innovative technique with her clients.

For more info visit: http://www.airbrushmakeup.com/


We also offer: Therapeutic Massage, Ayurvedic Massage, Luxurious Spa body treatments such as exfoliating scrubs and wraps,  & Hot Stone Massage.
Call to book your perfect day at the spa! (707) 677-9225

Relax and restore with Holistic Facials with Cassie Leonhardt, Licensed Esthetician. Make a commitment to your skincare regimen today! The benefits of facials include: Increased self-efficacy to focus on the future of your skin and knowing that you can trust in the safety and integrity of pure ingredients used by the Esthetician.
What ingredient tops the charts for restoring elasticity, delivery of hydration and is beneficial for all skin types? SEAWEED! Loaded with beneficial anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins, seaweed is wonderful for the therapeutic treatment of most skin conditions.
Cassie is available to set up a skin analysis and customize a "perfect facial" treatment just for you. Check out Hannisdottir Seaweed products at the link below or contact Cassie at (707) 616-9640 or call the spa (707 677-9225. Blessings

Trinidad Massage & Day Spa/Biographies

Several healing arts practitioners share this sacred space. At Trinidad Massage & Day Spa we are proud to offer our skills and therapies to the community at the highest level of professionalism and service. We currently offer Therapeutic Wellness Massage combining, but not limited to, Swedish, Lymphatic, Deep Tissue, Energy balancing techniques, Somatic bodywork, Ayurvedic Massage & treatments (including Pancha Karma series), Spa body treatments such as Body Scrubs, Hydrating Mud Wraps, Aromatherapy & Herbal linen Wraps, & Hot Stone Massage. We also offer all natural Spa Facials, Waxing & Henna.

Couples, friends and family can enjoy massage together, side-by-side or in separate rooms.

Day Spa packages are available combining Massage, Spa treatments & Facials and a client rewards package program to earn Free Massage!

We have Gift Certificates for all occasions available by calling the spa or online at www.spafinder.com

We offer out call mobile massage to local B&B’s, Inns, residences, and Vacation rentals.

Visit us on the web at trinidadmassage.com. We look forward to serving you.

Featured Therapists:

Katherine Perry, state and nationally certified Massage Therapist, Massage & Bodywork Instructor, Proprietress, Trinidad Massage & Day Spa: 10 years experience offering Therapeutic Massage to suit the clients’ needs combining traditional Swedish Circulatory, Deep tissue, Spa treatments and Energy Balancing massage. Katherine seeks to meet each client where they are in their health and healing process and is honored to be a part of her clients self-care to manage stress, recover from injury, and to maintain good health and general well being.

Angela Leah Pisoni, Licensed Holistic Esthetician and Certified Massage Therapist: Specializing in organic skin care, spa treatments, intuitive Swedish & Deep Tissue Massage customized to the individual needs of each client. Nurturing informative facials to keep your skin healthy

and glowing, waxing, body wraps and scrubs, and healing massage.

Cathy Garfield, Ayurvedic Massage Therapist: In 2006, Cathy traveled to Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, India, to experience authentic emersion and instruction in a certified Ayurveda Therapist training program at the Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat Hospital.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning the science or philosophy of life, the knowledge of how to live in harmony with nature and without disease. It is a way of healthy living practiced in India for over 5,000 years.

Cathy was so impressed with the healing magic of the Ayurvedic massage and body work component that she has been thrilled to share it with others since her return. Utilizing herb-infused heated oils and massage patterns that together promote balance, cleansing, healing, relaxation and rejuvenation!

Cathy makes her own oils using food grade, organic oils and herbs that can be used for cooking as well as massage. Also offering special Eastern style face, foot, body treatments and scrubs.

Make an appointment with Cathy for an authentic Ayurvedic Massage and restore your true essence!

Liz Roth Certified Massage Therapist: Liz integrates Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques, modified to your preferences and physical needs, creating a relaxing and effective full body session. Her work can help alleviate neck, back and sciatic pain, and leave you with a sense of deep relaxation, self-awareness and well-being. Hot stone therapy can be included for added benefits.

Cassie Leonhardt, CMT, Spa Therapist & Licensed Esthetician: Lend your body a hand~ Providing eco- friendly & organic massage, scrubs/wraps, facials, waxing, and make-up. I invite you to invigorate the senses, preserve the youth, and indulge the spirit.

Sabrina Boyd Certified Massage Therapist: Over 10 years of experience offering Swedish, Deep tissue, Sports therapy, Lymphatic, Reiki II and Energy balancing massage. Specific and intuitive touch to bring relief from pain and injury, featuring a full range of light to deep work.

Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based ink 65

Visit us online at www.IsisScrolls.com

Angela Pisoni CMT & Esthetician: Services offered

Angela Pisoni now offering Raindrop Therapy sessions, John Masters Products: Organic Facials & Waxing at Trinidad Massage & Day Spa!

Raindrop Therapy combines aromatherapy, reflexology, and more to create a healing and cleansing massage. The purpose of the therapy is to bring total balance, a sense of harmony, and body wellness including mental, physical, and emotional through the techniques used.

Excerpt from:

The Steps And Oils Utilized In Raindrop Therapy

By Susan M Keenan

Published June 14, 2007

Spa Finder Valentine's Day Gift Certificate Sale

Share the love! Tell your Friends & Family About

SpaFinder’s Oh-So-Sweet Valentine’s Sale

For four days only, SpaFinder is extending to friends & family a

sweet discount on the gift all Valentines truly desire.

Shop now and save 25% off your second SpaFinder Gift Certificate when you purchase the first one at full price. This offer is available now through Monday, January 25th ONLY so shop today! (And be sure to share the link to this page on Facebook so you can pass the savings on to your own friends and family.)

SpaFinder Gift Certificates are accepted at 5,000 spas worldwide for massages, facials, luxurious beauty products and more. Share the love.

Tell your friends & family!

Use Promo Code: friendsandfamily2010

www.spafinder.com

If a SpaFinder Gift Certificate is what you desire,

drop a hint to your Valentine!

Trinidad Massage & Day Spa is proud to be a Spa Finder partner.

Side-by-Side sessions for friends, family and couples is one of our specialties.

Call (707) 677-9225 to schedule and visit www.spafinder.com for a great deal on gift certificates.

Now offering Himalaya Herbal Heathcare

Trinidad Massage & Day Spa is now offering Himalaya Herbal Healthcare products for sale! All organic products including shampoo, conditioner, soap, face wash, toothpaste, Liver care supplements and more. Himalaya Herbals has been providing herbal healthcare for 79 years, is family owned, & is a science based problem solving brand harnessed from nature's wealth. Visit www.himalayausa.com for more product info or call Cathy Garfield C.A.S. at (707) 834-8803.

Gift Certificates/Spa Finder

Trinidad Massage & Day Spa is now a Spa Finder partner! Spa Finder is a global resource for locating destination, day and medical spa's all over the world.

For stress free holiday shopping visit www.spafinder.com where you can purchase gift certificates online for any dollar amount valid at any Spa Finder partner establishment.

Spa Finder gift cards are also available in stores such as Safeway & Borders.

As always, Gift Certificates are available at Trinidad Massage & Day Spa for purchase in person, by mail or over the phone.

Call 707.677.9225 to make arrangements.

Have a wonderful holiday and a happy winter solstice.

Winter Special Hot Stone Therapy!

Hot Stone therapy uses heated Basalt stones in combination with hands-on massage techniques to achieve a deep state of relaxation and soothing pain relief. Perfect for a winter time retreat for yourself or as a gift for the holiday.

1-hour $85

90-min $100

Call today to schedule or to arrange for a Gift Certificate

707.677.9225

Credit

Want to extend a thank you to Leslie Young, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals/VP Communication

Massage & Bodywork Magazine/Editor-in-Chief

Articles, where indicated, are written by Cathy Ulrich & Robert Chute, and are supplied by Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

Thank you

Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda (eye-yur-vay-da) is a Sanskrit word meaning the science of life, the knowledge of how to live in harmony with nature and without disease. It is a practice from India that treats body, mind and soul as a whole to achieve and maintain a balanced state of being. There are three constitutions, called Doshas (Doe-shas), which represent the five fundamental elements that exist in all matter. Kapha (Ka-fa) is earth and water, Pitta (Pit-ta) is fire, and Vata (Va-ta) is air and space. Each individual is born with a unique combination of all three Doshas in varying percentages, called their Prakruti (Pra-kroo-tee). The most common percentage is 60% one Dosha, 30% another, and 10% the third. An individual’s present constitution is called their Vikruti (Ve-kroo-tee). If these two constitutions are not the same, there is imbalance for the individual.

The purpose of Ayurvedic massage is to harmonize the Doshas. This is achieved by using warm oil, usually sesame, infused with a combination of herbs, plus patterns of massage movement that work together to help clear and release imbalance as well as strengthen and rejuvenate the natural flow of energy that enables the individual to return to their Prakruti, the balance of their unique constitution.

Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage today at Trinidad Massage and Day Spa!

We offer Himalayan Herbals body care products to support your self care following an Ayurvedic Massage treatment.

Cathy Garfield, Ayurvedic Massage Specialist

707-677-9225

The Implications of Bodywork

Human Touch Has Powerful Results

Cathy Ulrich

Whether in giving or receiving, touch is as essential to human survival as is food. Infants deprived of touch, even when they are getting adequate nutrition, will fail to thrive. Elders isolated by loss of partners and friends become depressed not only because of the absence of social interaction, but also because of the simple loss of physical contact.

We calm our pets by stroking them, we greet each other with a hug or a handshake, and we soothe our children by holding them. No other form of connection is as powerful and universal as touch. Taking a look at how this sensation is connected to the brain provides insight into the significance of bodywork.

Skin and the BrainThe adult human lives inside an envelope of about 18 square feet of skin. Every inch houses thousands of nerve endings and various kinds of sensory receptors, all working to tell the brain about its surroundings. The cold of an ice cube, the softness of a cat's fur, a warm breeze, the caress of a loved one--all of these feelings are possible because of our skin. Our skin tells us about our environment and ourselves. When we touch something with our fingers, we're not only sensing the object, we're also feeling our own skin, our own boundaries.

In the first few days of an embryo's life, the cells that eventually become a fully formed baby divide into three layers. The brain and skin come from the same layer, and they develop together, not only before birth, but well into the first year of life. When a baby is held, cuddled, and breast-fed, she's getting crucial stimulation to build neural connections between her skin and her brain that will ultimately last her entire lifetime.

Study after study has shown that touch is not only important for development, but is crucial to survival. James H.M. Knox of Johns Hopkins Hospital reported in 1915 that babies left in orphanages and given proper nutrition died at a rate of about 90 percent. Other studies of the same era confirmed these findings and showed that those babies who did survive were often mentally handicapped and stunted in their growth. These valuable studies helped institutions understand the importance of touch. When staff was added to provide enough time for each child to be held, handled, and touched, mortality rates dropped dramatically.

Massage for ChildrenThose early statistical studies showed how vital touch is to developing infants. Researchers are also finding that giving massage to premature infants can improve their growth and overall health. A study conducted by the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami found that when stable premature babies were given five, one-minute massages a day, they gained 47 percent more weight than their counterparts who didn't get massage.

A 2001 study conducted by TRI showed that when mothers gave their infants a 15-minute massage before bedtime, these sleep-challenged kids went to sleep more quickly and were more alert during daytime hours.

Conversely, clinical research and sociological studies link touch deprivation with aggression. A 2002 study reported that adolescents with a history of aggressive behavior showed less aggression and were less anxious after receiving a 20-minute massage twice a week for five weeks.

Massage also reduces the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder so kids can concentrate better, and it's even been found that the right kind of touch can help kids with autism relate better to teachers and family members.

Massage for AdultsOngoing research by the Touch Research Institute continues to prove that massage is an important therapy for many conditions. After a massage, levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop in saliva tests, examinations show an improvement in alertness and relaxation, depression scores decrease, and mental focus improves.

The exponential growth of the bodywork field is a testament to the value of safe, therapeutic touch. Of course bodywork can play an essential role in the healing of specific chronic or acute orthopedic conditions, but it also serves as a powerful aide in improving the quality of life for adults.

Stan, a former client, was going through a nasty divorce. He had friends to support him emotionally, but it seemed that the thing he missed most was the nurturing touch of his partner. He credits weekly massage appointments, along with seeing a counselor, to his emotional recovery. Massage can be a healthy way to get that much-needed human contact.

Massage for EldersPeople confined to nursing homes rarely get more than daily hygienic care in terms of touch. Yet elders need touch as much as infants, studies show that when they receive regular massage, the elderly have less depression and anxiety, experience better physical coordination, and show a decrease of stress hormone in their saliva.

Geriatric massage is a growing field requiring specialized training, and many massage therapists offer it in their practices. Some nursing homes now provide massage to their residents. Elders appear to respond as well to bodywork as, if not better than, their younger counterparts.

Contact for All AgesBefore babies learn about their hands and feet, they need the touch of loved ones and caregivers. We retain that need our entire lives. Remember to savor touch the next time you're lying on a massage table. Your therapist is not only working out tight muscles, she's contacting your entire nervous system, calming you through pathways that were put in place before you were born.

Six Massage Questions You're Afraid to Ask

Six Massage Questions You’re Afraid to Ask

Get the Inside Scoop

Robert Chute

Considering massage but have a few concerns? Get your answers here!

I'm a bit uncomfortable taking all my clothes off when I go for massage. Do I have to be completely naked to receive massage?

Some people go under the sheets without a stitch on, others wear underwear, and some people prefer to wear shorts, sweatpants, or even their regular street clothes. No, you don't have to take off more clothes than you are comfortable with to receive massage. Talk to your therapist and he or she will adapt to your needs. Be aware that wearing more clothes can interfere with the use of certain techniques, but there's no reason you can't enjoy receiving massage in casual clothes. Therapists won't be able to use lotion and may be unable to work as deeply, but they can adapt to your comfort level and still deliver a satisfying massage experience.

People who are self-conscious about their bodies might get massage more often, and with less apprehension, if they had the added underwear barrier. For some, it creates a psychological boundary that allows them to more fully relax during the massage, and that's okay, too. Rest assured, massage therapists work with all kinds of bodies, from the very young to the very old and all shapes and sizes in between. Massage therapists are a very caring and giving group. To be successful at what they do, they have to be. Your therapist strives to strike a balance between engaging with you as the complex individual you are, as well as seeing your body and all its unique qualities from a clinical perspective. Bodywork is about the careful application of techniques to muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue as a means to enhance your whole being, it's not about judgment.

I'd like get massages more often, but I can't afford it. Do I talk to my massage therapist about this?

Yes, talk to your massage therapist. Your practitioner may have a client loyalty or frequent-buyer program in place to bring down the total cost of massage, or a time-pay option to spread out the cost.

Many therapists take credit cards, and some will take postdated checks or a series of postdated checks to work out a payment plan. Some therapists have a sliding scale of fees depending on annual income and financial hardship, or they may accept coupons from bartering networks.

If you have some flexibility with your schedule, ask your therapist if she/he does a standby list. Your therapist might consider a discount fee if you can pop in for a last-minute appointment and fill a late cancellation.

You may also want to check with your employer or insurance carrier to see if you might be covered for massage therapy.

If you love massage and communicate to your therapist how much you value it, you might be able to work out an arrangement that's fair to all parties.

I'm never sure about gratuities for massage services. What should I tip?

Massage therapists working in spas don't usually receive the full fee charged for their services. They work on a percentage split with the spa owner or receive a salary. If you are visiting a spa, tipping is common (15-20 percent) and therapists may depend on tips for their income, just as restaurant servers do.

Your solo practitioner will likely appreciate tips as well, although not all massage settings accept tips (a doctor's office with a practitioner who offers massage, for example). Bottom line is, if you feel like tipping, offer. If you don't feel tipping is appropriate, don't.

What should I do when I feel ticklish on the massage table?

Some people are sensitive to particular techniques, which make them feel uncomfortable and want to giggle. If that happens, your therapist may use a broader stroke or deeper pressure so it doesn't tickle. In the unlikely event you're still way too ticklish with those variations, the therapist can skip that part of the body and concentrate on less sensitive areas. It's your massage, so you can dictate what works and what doesn't. Be sure to tell your therapist beforehand about any sensitive or particularly ticklish areas of your body so he or she can accommodate you more effectively.

Isn't it true that massage has to hurt to do any good?

Massage does not have to hurt to help. You can gain therapeutic benefits from a relaxing massage, which doesn't hurt a bit, or you can seek out more aggressive treatment options, which can cause some discomfort. Trigger point therapy and friction are examples of techniques, which are briefly uncomfortable, but very helpful for many conditions. If you don't want heavy pressure, say so. Massage therapists want to help you. If you're wincing under the pressure and tightening up, that will work against the goals of massage, which is to invite your body to relax, reduce pain, increase well-being, and have long, supple muscles. Massage therapists aren't in the torture business. Let your therapist know what feels good and what doesn't. Recognize that your needs and pain threshold might change with each visit.

From the male client: What if I get an erection during a massage?

It rarely occurs, but if it does, don't panic. Sometimes as a result of your nervous system going into relaxation mode (or because of certain medications) erections happen. Therapists know that this is a physiological reaction and will treat the situation accordingly. Usually your therapist will try to redirect your attention with a shift in the focus of his or her work, maybe by altering pressure or moving to a different area of your body. Your unintended erection, and any embarrassment, will soon pass.

Any more unspoken questions for your therapist? Ask. Your honesty will strengthen your therapeutic bond with your caregiver and let you deepen your relaxation time and feeling of healing. And that's what it's all about: You.

Your Massage Session

Your Massage Session

Dialing in the Details for a Great Experience

These basic bodywork etiquette guidelines will help you get the most out of your massage, create a healthy client-therapist relationship, and address some of those unknowns.

It's All About Timing

Be good to yourself, and show up a few minutes early for your session. This allows you to transition into calm, healing space and focus on the massage. It also ensures you'll receive your full time allotment for the massage.

When scheduling at a spa, most guests are asked to arrive early to prepare for their session, stow belongings, and even enjoy the facility's amenities, such as a steam room, before the scheduled service begins. New massage clients will also need to fill out health history intake forms.

If you do get held up in traffic and arrive late to your appointment, the therapist will probably not be able to give you a full session. Respect your therapist's time, call if you're going to be late, and understand that your session must end on time, regardless of when you arrived.

When it comes to cancellations, most spas and private practitioners require a 24-hour notice to avoid fees. Every situation is different, so check with your therapist about his or her specific cancellation policy, and then honor it.

Honor Your Body

Some people have a hard time even considering massage because they are so unhappy with their body. Primarily a female issue, poor body image can be extremely damaging. While it's hard to imagine that taking your clothes off and lying on a massage table will make the situation any better, massage therapy can do wonders to bring an individual back into body awareness. Bodywork can help mend the body-mind chasm that is created through self-hate, bringing the two pieces back together in a peaceful, healthy union.

Massage therapists and bodyworkers not only have advanced knowledge of tissues and structure, they also have a great appreciation for the human body as a whole, no matter its shape or size.

Communicate

One thing that will make your massage both more enjoyable and more beneficial is communicating with your therapist. If the room is too warm, if the bolster under your legs isn't in the right spot, if the music is driving you batty--whatever the issue--let your therapist know right away so you can get back to the business of enjoying your massage.

Skip Alcohol for Water

In resort settings, it can be hard to step away from icy margaritas on the beach to make that afternoon spa appointment. But the last thing you want is to be "tipsy" on the massage table. There are several downsides to being under the influence during a massage, the most important being how alcohol wreaks havoc with the body and can have a negative interaction when combined with bodywork. The result can be dizziness and nausea. That's no fun and a waste of good massage time and money. Leave the alcohol for another time. Water, before and after a therapeutic massage, is what the body really wants.

Won't Find That Here

It's unfortunate that massage therapists even have to address this subject, but they do. So the answer to late-night callers is, "No, we don't give happy endings. No, you may not pleasure yourself. Therapeutic massage has nothing to do with sex." If a misinformed client somehow ends up in the massage room of a professional therapist and asks for something other than therapeutic massage, they will be asked to leave. Flirting, inappropriate touching, and sexual innuendos will not be tolerated. Keep the relationship professional and above board and your therapist will be a valuable member of your healthcare team.

You're Human

The body can have a lot of responses to therapeutic massage. While avoiding food at least one hour before your massage will help, there's still the chance that you'll have tummy gurgles or even pass gas. It's okay. As the body relaxes and systems get moving, the body can play all kinds of tricks. Your therapist has seen it all, yet sees well beyond those kinds of issues.

For men, there's even a possibility that massage will cause an erection--a normal response to nervous system activation. It rarely occurs, but if it does, your therapist will likely shift the focus of the work.

Time To Wake Up

While a nap after your massage may sound lovely, other massage clients will be arriving soon and the room must be readied for them. When your massage concludes, your therapist will say something along the lines of, "Our session is over. Take your time getting up." That's your cue to take a moment as you come back to the here and now. Carefully sit up, allowing your body enough time to readjust. Go slow or else your body will knock you for a dizzying loop. Also, be careful not to slip getting off the massage table, especially if your therapist used oil on your feet.

Insights on Tipping

While it's customary to tip 15-20 percent, most experts say it's ultimately the client's decision. Like in other service industries, providing a tip is usually done in response to excellent service. A couple of notes: Many therapists who work in spas earn only a small percentage of what you've paid for their services. For these therapists, tips are an important part of their income. On the other hand, tips are usually not accepted for massage performed in a medical environment. Unsure what to do? Ask if tipping is customary and what is the policy.