FAQ's

1 - What are your qualifications?

I am a certified massage therapist (CMT), with certification from the State of California. I have been in business as a full time practitioner for 17 years. I have over 11,000 hours of actual hands-on massage experience. I have previously performed massage at health clubs, a San Francisco five star hotel, a women’s health facility, an agency serving HIV/AIDS clients, and at corporate & small businesses for employees. For more detail, please go to the “bio” page of this website.

2 - Do you have an office I can visit?

No. All massages are given at your home or your hotel.

3 - How do I prepare for my Home or Hotel Visit Massage?

Choose a relaxing location in your home. Ideally, select a spot removed from distracting noises & interruptions. Set the room temperature at a comfortable level. Have a light blanket or throw nearby in case you do become cool. Allow a clear space (about 7 feet by 5 feet) to set up the massage table, with room to move around it. Space allowances for a hotel room can be made. If you like, you can light candles or incense to enhance the ambience of the room.

If you are having an outdoor daytime massage, I recommend choosing a location that has both light shade & privacy from neighbors.

Please have a clean body in preparation for your massage.

4 - What happens when you arrive?

To begin, you can expect an on-time arrival, perhaps 5 to 10 minutes early. After we greet, take me to the location that we will use. We can talk while I set up the massage table (I bring everything necessary) & the music. I encourage you to ask me any questions you may have.

I’ll ask you about past & present health conditions of which I need to be aware. You can also tell me about your goals for the session and the level of pressure that you like.

When everything is in place, I will leave the area so that you can undress in privacy and position yourself on the massage table, beneath the top sheet. When you are ready, I will return and begin your massage.

5 - How much clothing should I remove?

Both women & men usually undress entirely for their massage. It helps them to completely relax during the session. This also allows me to have better access for working on important muscle groups in the hip & gluteal area.

However, it is quite acceptable if you prefer to remain in your lower underwear. Your comfort is most important. You will still receive a complete massage.

6 - Will I be covered for modesty?

Yes. Many people prefer to be. My usual assumption is that you will. I’ll cover you with a sheet. This can provide both a sense of safety and warmth. Only the specific body area being massaged is then unveiled. I will not expose you in a manner that makes you feel uncomfortable. If that sense arises for you, simply let me know, and I’ll gladly make the necessary adjustments.

7 - Can I choose to be uncovered?

Yes, if you prefer to be in the buff & uncovered during your massage, that’s fine. Please feel free to let me know. With this choice, you can still be confident of receiving a completely professional and respectful massage. And if you wish, you can change your mind at any time. Once again, your total comfort & enjoyment is paramount.

8 - What should I do during the massage?

Focus on breathing easily. Be aware of your body. Let your thoughts freely pass through your mind without stopping on any of them. If you calm your mind, your body will certainly follow, and vice versa!

9 - What about talking?

I will follow your lead. If talking helps you to unwind, feel free to do so. If you’d rather have silence, I will honor that, as well.

You can ask me a question whenever you like. At times, I may ask you about the quality of the massage, explain why I am using a particular massage technigue, or ask you to follow a direction.

10 - Will my massage be therapeutic, or sensual?

Hopefully, it will be both!

Firstly, it will be therapeutic, that is, healing. This is because it will assist your body’s natural abilities for repairing physical & stress related challenges.

Secondly, your session will be sensual by the very nature of the massage process. Awareness of the body determines how we experience & respond appropriately to the world. Unfortunately, too often, we suppress this awareness. Just by fully realizing the pleasure of touch during your massage, significant positive internal changes occur. These changes allow improvements to your physical & mental well being. This may include feelings of euphoria, calm, energy, and wholeness.

The degree to which I slant attention toward either the therapeutic or the sensual aspect of the massage is up to you. Having clear goals and freely communicating about the quality of the touch (pressure & pace) that you are receiving will ensure a massage that entirely pleases you.

11 - Can I have an “erotic massage” from you?

Nope, not my line of work.

12 - How much pressure do you use?

I can provide light touch if desired. I can provide heavy pressure if requested.

With 17 years & thousands of hours of professionally massaging people, I have developed a very refined touch. I am usually keenly aware of the pressure that your muscles can accept. With your help, I can perfect the appropriate pressure. A pain producing massage is not beneficial. With pain, the body is saying that something is wrong! I have nothing to prove by inducing it. With troublesome muscle areas, there may be a few moments of discomfort, but that’s it.

My experience has taught me 2 things: People dislike painful massage, but they equally dislike what I’ll call “fluff & buff” (extremely light). Neither of these extremes is well received by our bodies. One hurts, the other can be irritating & dissatisfying, and both can be ineffective. I try to find the middle way that works best for you.

13 - What massage oil do you use?

I use 100% pure jojoba (Hobacare), which is unscented & non-allergenic. If you have a lot of body hair, I will use an alternate massage lotion to reduce pull.

14 - How long is the massage, really?

You can schedule for 1 hour, 90 minutes, or 2 hours. The time you choose is the actual duration of the massage! It will not be cut short by 5 or 10 minutes. Your massage time does not include my set up & pack up.

15 - Will you massage more than one person on the same visit?

Yes. I frequently do. The massages are given one after the other.

16 - How many massages do you do each day?

Four is my maximum. That way, I can be sure that I have the energy to give each person an outstanding massage.

17 - How should I pay you?

Cash is preferred; local checks, Visa/MC/Discover accepted. No debit cards.

18 - Do you offer any discounts?

Yes! Reduced fees for new & continuing clients can be found on either the New Customer Discounts page, or the On-Going Discounts page of this website. Every now and then, there may be an on-line special of the month.

19 - Is there a travel fee?

There is no travel fee within Contra Costa County.

20 - Should I tip?

Tipping is acceptable. However, tip only if it feels right to you and is within your means. It is always appreciated. It is never mandatory.