Frequently asked questions
Scheduling, Payments, & Policies
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Call us at (916) 222-3734 and we will be happy to find a time that works for you! You can also book online up to 24 hours before the appointment start time.
**A credit or debit card is required to reserve an appointment, however you are not charged for anything until after the appointment is completed. After your appointment, you can choose another form of payment.
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Intuitive Massage is open to the public, but reservations are required.
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Yes, you receive the full amount of treatment time that you pay for. You are not charged for the intake and interview process, or the time it takes you to dress.
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Please arrive on time for your appointment. Time for your appointment has been specially arranged for you. If you arrive late your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. We will do our best to provide you with the services you have booked, but we cannot guarantee the full time if you arrive late. Full payment for your scheduled services will be expected.
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Same day appointments are sometimes available, and we can also put you on our waitlist. However, we tend to be fully booked so we recommend booking in advance.
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If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, completely, please call at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. If it is within 24 hours, we charge 50% of the service price. A “no show” appointment is charged at the full service rate.
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We accept check, credit card, or gift cards and certificates.
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Tipping is neither required nor expected, but of course we appreciate the gesture! We do not depend on tips. If do decide you would like to leave a tip, simply add the gratuity at checkout.Typical gratuities range from 15% to 20% of the cost of the service.
The best appreciation you can show is by referring your friends and family to us and letting them know about the amazing benefits of massage therapy!
About us
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For more information about what to expect during your appointment, please read about Your First Visit.
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We provide a clean comfortable robe for clients to change into.
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You don't need to necessarily shower right before your massage, but do we ask that you come to your appointments clean and free of fragrances and personal care products.
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This depends on your comfort level and the type of massage you are going to receive.
For Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, or Hot Stone Massage, many people prefer to be completely nude when they receive a massage, while others prefer to keep their undergarments on. It's completely up to you, and you are encouraged to undress to your level of comfort.
For Craniosacral Therapy, you may be asked to leave some or all of you clothing on.
Tight-fitting or bulky undergarments can sometimes get in the way of the massage, especially if your problem areas are the low-back, buttocks, or hips. Women usually remove their bras so no straps are in the way of back and shoulder massage.
Licensed massage therapists must ensure that clients are always properly covered by a sheet or towel, genitals will never be exposed, and only the specific areas being massaged will be uncovered. -
You are encouraged to openly communicate about your preferences and comfort. If anything needs to be adjusted, or if I am almost (but not quite) getting the right spot, just speak up and let me know right away!
However, it is a myth that massage therapy needs to hurt in order to be effective. Some of the most effective techniques involve very light, gentle touch. Often, too much pressure can cause muscles to tighten further, and detract from the effectiveness of your treatment. -
You will experience the greatest benefits from your session if you just allow yourself to become quiet and relaxed...which helps your massage therapist focus on providing a great massage!
Definitely communicate if you feel any pain or discomfort, if you have any concerns during your massage, or if there is anything I can do to make you more comfortable. Some types of massage that work on deep layers of muscle and tissue, such as deep tissue or sports massage, will require more feedback to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. -
A massage will likely just make you feel worse. If you are sick, you may get your therapist sick and pass it on to other clients that day. Even if you are giving less than a 24 hour notice, we prefer you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell, so let us know as soon as possible.
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It is important for you to fully complete your Health History and keep your therapist up to date on your condition. Not all types of massage are appropriate for all conditions.
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It's a great idea to give yourself some additional time after your massage to continue relaxing and to allow your body to fully absorb the benefits of massage. We leave plenty of time in between appointments so that you never feel hurried and can take your time before you head out the door.
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Yes, it's ok to exercise after a massage, but most people prefer to stay relaxed.
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This very often happens during a massage and is nothing to be embarrassed about. Just take it as a sign you are enjoying the relaxation!
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No Problem!
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Yes, please let me know right away.
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If any medical conditions have changed since your last visit, please let me know at the time of booking to ensure there are no contra-indications. This includes allergies, pregnancy, and recent surgeries. If you are on any medications for high blood pressure, blood thinning or diabetes, please let me know before your visit.
“touchy” topics
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The purpose of massage is to have time to relax your mind and body. You are not obligated to maintain a conversation with your therapist. That being said, you are encouraged to communicate if you need something in order to be more comfortable. I am here to provide you with the best experience possible; knowing if you are too hot, too cold, in an awkward position, or need a moment to use the restroom is a key part of that.
To be eligible to receive a license for Massage Therapy in the State of California, massage therapists must complete a minimum of 500 hours (I have over 700 hours) in an approved Massage school, pass standardized exam, and the state Statutes and Rules Examination. -
Simply let me know. I will provide you with a robe and step out of the room so that you can cover yourself and make your way to the restroom. Massage can also stimulate digestion, so it is not uncommon to pass gas during a session. No need to be embarrassed, it happens! If you are concerned about this happening, try avoiding high-fiber foods before your appointment.
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While we ask our clients to be mindful of cleanliness and hygiene, you are neither expected nor required to remove body hair, have manicured fingers, or styled hair. These are personal decisions that do not impact your massage. Be comfortable! Be you!
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No! I 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.
I will leave the room while you're undressing and will provide towels and blankets to cover you during the massage. There are some massages that work well if you want to remain clothed, so discuss this with me before you book.
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Your weight
Unwanted body hair
Scars
Acne or other skin blemishes
Please don't let this stop you from getting help from a massage therapist. If you're sensitive about a particular area, ask me to avoid it. You can also opt for a fully clothed massage. Whatever your concerns, know that I am friendly, supportive and judgment-free.
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When it comes to massage frequently asked questions, this is a common one. It's normal to fall asleep during a massage. You might be feeling stressed and sleep-deprived, so falling asleep is normal once you're in a relaxed state.
There's zero judgment from me if you snore. I am pleased you're relaxed enough to fall asleep, and I won’t mention it.
Drooling is also common, especially if you're on your front. Ask me for a tissue, and I'll be glad to grab one for you.
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I will ask you what you want to get out of the session. You will also be asked to describe any problems that you are experiencing. This will determine the appropriate regions of your body that need attention.
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Most people report feeling very relaxed, and often experience significant relief from aches, pains and stress after a massage session. However, some people experience mild muscle soreness which may last a day or two.
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If you are uncomfortable laying face down, or in any other position, let me know. Bolsters and towels can be used to make you as comfortable as possible.
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I ask that you please refrain from using tobacco, recreational drugs, or alcohol at least 4 hours before your appointment. Even some prescription or over the counter medications can contraindicate massage.
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Yes, absolutely let me know if you do not want to be touched in a specific area or in a certain way. You don’t have to give me any details, and you have the right to ask to take a break or end your massage all together at any time, for any reason.
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Our professional ethical code of conduct that requires us to make sure boundaries are clear, and massage therapist-client relationships must be kept professional, or be terminated if things become personal. Additionally, we have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.
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No, not even as a joke. This is disrespectful to your massage therapist and our profession. Additionally, we have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.
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Arousal is a natural parasympathetic response, so don’t feel guilty. However, understand that it was not your massage therapist’s intention to arouse you. Our professional ethical code of conduct that requires us to make sure boundaries are clear. If there is a distracting technique or motion (i.e. rocking the prone torso) that aroused you, it is okay to tell your therapist to stop that motion. Just to be clear, we do have a zero tolerance policy and any sexual advances, innuendo, or inappropriate touching is grounds for immediate termination of your session.
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Yes. I am certified by the State of California (California Massage Therapy Council). I am also a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
To be eligible to receive a license for Massage Therapy in the State of California, massage therapists must complete a minimum of 500 hours (I have over 700 hours) in an approved Massage school, pass standardized exam, and the state Statutes and Rules Examination. -
To become certified in California, a practitioner must demonstrate mastery of core skills and knowledge, pass an CAMTC standardized exam, uphold the organization's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics , and take part in continued education.
I have received extensive training at an accredited massage schools with curriculum including Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology, Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage, Sports massage, Pregnancy massage, Infant massage, Adaptive massage, Myofascial Release, Polarity, Reflexology, Trigger Point, Business and Professional Ethics, Service Learning, as well as Clinical Experience. -
The Intuitive Massage Office is located on the second floor of the Miller Building located at 207 16th Street in Pacific Grove. The Intuitive Massage Office is accessible via elevator or stairs.
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Parking is conveniently located across the street from the front door of the Miller Building.