FAQ

We offer the following services:

Massage Therapy

• Relaxation massage

• Deep tissue remedial massage

• Myofasical Release techniques (these are mostly incorporated into your deep tissue massage session)

• Pregnancy massage

• Children's massage

Holistic Mind-Body Modalities

• Holistic Pulsing

• Myofascial Unwinding

To see our range, click on the Services page and our Shop or email michelle@massagewithm.co.nz

If you are unsure what you need, feel free to drop me an email or we can arrange a mutually beneficial time to have a phone discussion. Otherwise, book a massage you feel drawn to, and write in the notes what is on top for you right now - we can discuss this further when you arrive.

• Your first massage appointment takes generally around 10-30 minutes longer than other appointments.

• During the first session, we will go through a form (hopefully it has been filled out online prior to the appointment to give the therapist a heads up if anything to be concerned about, and also saves time for us both), and discuss any concerns, as well as things like pressure, areas you prefer not touched, any other questions you may have.

• If you have filled in the online form prior to the appointment, the above time will not eat in to your massage time. If you choose not to fill in the form prior to the appointment, the therapist may reduce the amount of "hands on" time you have.

• I will leave the room while you get changed and lay down on the table, covering yourself with the covers provided.

• The massage session starts with some holistic pulsing, which is basically gentle rocking, to slowly bring your body into a relaxed parasympathetic state. Then the massage begins.

• I will connect with you intermittently to check on temperature, comfort, pressure and make sure you are feeling safe and okay. I am more than happy to adapt throughout if needed. Your comfort and safety is the most important part of the massage session. If you don't feel safe, your body won't relax. If your body won't relax, it will hinder your body's own healing process.

• I usually finish the massage on head and neck (if the client is okay with this, otherwise we can finish on the feet, or I will finish with a light pulse).

• I then leave the room and give you a minute to relax, while I get hot towels for your face and back.

• Then I leave the room and leave you to get changed. Filtered water and mints are available for you.

• When you are ready, I will knock and re-enter to check in, manage payment and say farewell.

Yes.

There will always be a cover over you and we try our best to keep your modesty in tact at all times, and keep professional draping.

There is always at least a cotton sarong sheet covering your body, and often a blanket, depending on whether you are feeling hot or cold. It is important to feel comfortable throughout a session, so your mind isn't distracted by unnecessary discomfort, that we could do something about. So PLEASE, do let me know :)

If you have booked a holistic pulsing session, you will be fully clothed for the whole session. You will also have a draping of some sort over you.

If you have booked a massage, you may undress to your level of comfort. Many prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others choose to be nude. This is not an excuse or pre-empt for any untoward behaviour, which will not be tolerated. Your massage therapist will leave the room so you can undress and lie on the massage table under a top sheet.

If you prefer to remain dressed, body-fitting clothes that are comfortable will be your best option. Just be aware that this may limit the therapeutic benefits as your massage therapist will not be able to have direct contact with your skin and muscles. However, if you would like bodywork that is fully clothed, both Holistic Pulsing and Myofasical Unwinding, can be very beneficial. Read more about them on our Services page.

We do not subscribe to the "no pain no gain" philosophy, and will do our best for you to be at optimal comfort and a relaxed state.

Relaxation massage generally has a lighter pressure, but will adapt to your needs on this. If there is any pain that comes up, then I can address whether we need to add in an extra bolster, pillow, towell or some other way we can bring in more comfort.

There is no to very little pain with myofasical unwinding and holistic pulsing (the only pain will be if your body wisdom presents pain suddenly wanting some attention).

If you have chosen a therapeutic remedial massage, there can be discomfort and some pain from sore areas, but we will always work within a 1-10 scale that guages pressure based on your level of tolerance, not exceeding your tolerance.

Your body needs to be in a parasympathetic relaxed state in order to facilitate optimal healing. If your system is activated and on edge, we tend to tense up and this is non-conducive to the healing work we are trying to do.

Yes we endeavour to.

We do this by:

1. Having a low lit room with unscented candles.

2. Soft relaxation music playing, but the client can also choose their own music, make suggestions or bring your own headphones and music with you.

2. Having very little smell or no smell in the room depending on the sensitivity of the client.

3. A client can make a note on the pre-appointment form if they have any sensory needs such as smell, lighting, music type, volume, type of massage oil/balm used (smells to avoid etc).

4. Discussing any needs with the client beforehand.

5. Asking the client or the clients parent if there is anything that might trigger them during a massage session, to help minimise any triggers.

Additionally, we offer mind-body therapy which can help calm the nervous system, improve interoception and proprioception, and reduce overwhelm. Holistic pulsing is also a fun way to release stored energy and tension, particularly valuable for our neurodivergent children and adults.

Yes we do cater for children.

We offer both massage therapy and holistic pulsing (holistic pulsing is fully clothed and can be a fun session for children, that helps them to connect in with their body, release tension and find calm)

We appreciate it may be challenging for a child to come to a stranger for a massage.

To help reduce the stress around this, we are happy to provide photos of the studio and also even arrange a "visit only" prior to the massage appointment, so they have the opportunity to meet the massage therapist and see if they feel at ease.

During a session, we can have a chair next to the massage table, for the parent to sit near their child and help put them at ease.

The session is tailored to hold time and space for the child and go at their pace. This may mean that the first session is getting to know them and say only their arms massaged. It may be that they wish to stay fully clothed in the first session.

It is only if they feel fully comfortable that we would move to another area of the body or remove an item of clothing. There is no pressure, and the most important objective is to build trust, build relationship and for your child to feel safe.

Over time we can slowly graduate to the parent being in the room, but sitting elsewhere, maybe sitting in the next room, and who knows eventually may even be able to let mum go off and have a cup of coffee or do some groceries! Again, its tailored to the needs of the child and the parent, and working at their pace.