MEDICAL HISTORY

Your first session will begin with a brief review of your health history, focusing on problematic

or painful areas. This is an important process to determine the course of treatment that will best

meet your needs. During this time you will need to disclose information about your health history

in order to rule out any contraindications for massage. In some cases, you may be asked to

provide a written release from your primary care physician in order to receive massage. Keep in

mind that your medical records will be held confidential. In some cases, the information from

your chart may be shared with other health care providers, but only with your written permission.

DRAPING

The nature of most massage therapies requires direct skin contact in order to accurately view

involved body parts/areas and apply oils, lotions, or other lubricants as needed. Unless you come

in for a Thai Massage, you will be asked to undress to your comfort level. During traditional

massage sessions, clients are covered and draped with sheets and towels, only uncovering the

body part to be worked on. Yet, throughout a typical Bhakti Massage only your genital areas

will be draped to allow long, continuing strokes and to not have to break the rhythm to adjust

draping. If for some reason, you feel unsafe with this draping style, it will be adjusted to your

comfort level. The goal here is to allow you to feel safe and warm. The genitals are never exposed

or massaged.

MASSAGE OILS and LOTIONS

Some kinds of massage sessions require the application of oil to the skin. All oils, lotions, and

ointments used are 100% natural, vegan products. In some cases, essential oils may be added to

the basic carrier oils to enhance the therapeutic effects of the massage; if done, the client will be

informed of the types of essential oils to be used, their therapeutic benefits, and any risks of

allergic reactions.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

The actions of our daily lives naturally produce a layer of bacteria on our skin. Some of these

bacteria, if forced into skin pores, can cause illness and discomfort (for cigarette smokers, this

also includes nicotine). Therefore, for your health and safety, please shower or bathe prior to your

appointment.

COMMUNICATION

During sessions, clients are encouraged to relax and inform the practitioner immediately if

anything makes them uncomfortable, either physically or psychologically, so adjustments can be

made. Though talking may occur during the session, you will be encouraged to save conversation

for afterward, as it takes away from your experience of deep relaxation and contact with your self,

as well as the practitioners focus and meditative state of being.

PROFESSIONALISM

The practitioner will not engage with any client in intimate social or personal relationships.

Personal and professional boundaries are respected at all times. The practitioner only performs

services for which he or she is qualified professionally, physically, and emotionally. Referrals to the

appropriate specialists are made when working with the client is not within the scope of practice

of the massage therapist or not in the client’s best interest. All client information is held

confidential. All clients are treated with respect regardless of their age, gender, race, national

origin, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, body type, political affiliation, state of

health, or personal habits.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

There is zero tolerance for sexual harassment in my massage practice. The profession of massage

therapy ascribes to a code of ethical behavior, and I believe firmly in adhering to those ethical

standards.

RIGHT of REFUSAL

I reserve the right to refuse potential clients for any reason.

PAYMENT

Payment for all services is due at the time of your visit. Many insurance carriers now cover

massage therapy. If you have insurance, you must still pay for your visit. You will be provided

with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is

recommended that you call your insurance company to find out if massage therapy services are

covered and if there are any restrictions such as needing a prescription form your primary care

physician. Cash or checks are accepted.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Gift certificates are available for purchase and expire Three years of issuance.

CLIENT / PRACTITIONER EXPECTATIONS

• Massage sessions are by appointment only.

• Don’t eat a heavy meal before your massage.

• Privacy and confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

• A client / practitioner Informed Consent Agreement must be read and signed, and the

client will be provided with a written copy of the massage policies prior to the first

session.

• Not every muscular issue you have may be addressed during a given session, but I strive

to improve your overall well-being by the time your session is complete.

• Your practitioner reserves the right to refrain from performing massage on clients who

appear under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Clients must inform the practitioner of any prescription medications being used and for

what reason.

• There is no smoking permitted in my practice, and please, refrain from doing so

immediately prior to the session. I reserve the right to refuse treatment to any client who

has an overabundance of nicotine odor on their skin.

I reserve the right to change, add to, or modify any or all of the above policies with or without

notice to the client.