FAQs -- HealthyMassageDC - www.healthymassages.com

FAQs

Here I would like to address some FAQs (frequently asked questions) and address some that are not so frequently asked as well:

Question: What do you wear during a massage session?
Answer: I always wear a tank top, shorts, and sneakers when I massage clients.

Question: Would you be OK with doing the massages where you are nude? Can I be nude and undraped?
Answer: I am not nude while massaging clients. However, as a massage client you may be nude or have a towel on during a massage session (whichever you are most comfortable with). I have some massage clients who are nudists and I see nothing wrong with them preferring themselves to be nude and undraped during their massage session.

Question: What if I get an erection during a massage?
Answer: Sometimes guys get an erection during a massage -- if that does happen, there is nothing at all to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. If you get an erection during a massage, just take it as a sign that you have healthy blood flow -- so just relax and don't worry about it :)

Question: Do you do "releases"?
Answer: No, I do not do "releases" or "penile stimulation." My massages are non-sexual only.
Question: Is it OK if I "release" myself during/after the massage?
Answer: No, but please feel free to do so somewhere else besides my place, thanks :)
Question: Do you do "prostate massage"?
Answer: No.
Question: Can I touch you and have sex with you?
Answer: No.
Question: What if I pay you extra money to touch you and have sex with you?
Answer: No.

Question:   Does it matter what my sexual orientation is?
Answer: Since I only do legitimate non-sexual massage therapy, your sexual orientation is irrelevant. I have clients that are straight, gay, and bisexual, and I like to provide an environment that is welcoming to all of my clients regardless of their sexual orientation (as well as race/ethnicity, etc.).

Question: What type of massages do you do?
Answer: I do Swedish and Sports massages (Swedish is more for relaxation, Sports is more for muscle tension). I tailor each massage for each client based on that client's needs, which can involve varying combinations of Swedish and Sports massage.

Question: How long have you been doing massages?
Answer: I have been doing massage therapy since February 1998 (and was trained in massage therapy 2 years prior to that).

Question: What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Answer: There are numerous benefits of massage therapy, such as:
- Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
- Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
- Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces blood pressure
- Helps relieve tension-related headaches
- Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
- Strengthens the immune system
- Helps relieve mental stress
- Satisfies human need for caring nurturing touch
- Fosters a feeling of well-being
- Reduces levels of anxiety

Question: Do you use a massage table? Is it heated?
Answer: Yes, I use an oversized and padded Custom Craftworks massage table that is wider-than-normal for your added comfort. My massage table is also electrically-heated so that you don't get chilly and ensures your muscles remain warm and relaxed. And if necessary, I also have an electrically heated blanket.

Question: How light or dark is it inside your massage room?
Answer: As of October 2005 I bought some "black-out" material for the one window in my massage room so that even during bright daylight the massage room is very dark (with the exception of a few lit candles).   Having a room dark is more conducive to relaxation, so now my clients may have that type of atmosphere regardless of how bright it may be outside :)

Question: I would like to have no talking during a massage and just "zone out" -- is that OK?
Answer: Yes, that is completely OK :) I am very "go with the flow" with my massage clients in regards to talking or not talking during a massage. If you are initiating a conversation during a massage, I will respond. If you are not talking and quiet, I will let you remain quiet and "zone out" :)

Question: Where do you perform massages? Is your area safe?
Answer: I live in a luxury high-rise apartment building and I converted one of my two bedrooms into a full-fledged
massage studio that is painted a "cool blue" soothing color. In addition to my electrically-heated massage table and face cradle with a cool gel pack,  I also have a babbling brook water fountain, a CD player for carefully-selected relaxing music, and candles. You can read more about my location and various traveling times at http://www.healthymassages.com/location.html Regarding the safety of my area, it's quite safe. My area has undergone a ton of new construction (luxury highrise apartments, restaurants, shops, and movie theaters) in 2004 succeeding the new construction of the nearby Discovery Channel world headquarters.

Question: Do you use oil for massaging? Do you use scents?
Answer: I use a relatively non-greasy massage creme from Biotone (Biotone's Advanced Massage Therapy creme) -- it is hypoallergenic and UNscented and it has a similar glide to massage oil, but without the heavy greasy feeling of oil. You'll actually find that at the end of your massage you will have very little to wipe off and you can comfortably put your clothes on without showering.   However, one thing that I do use that is scented is the Body Shop's refreshing peppermint footspray on my clients' feet before applying Biotone massage creme to their feet.

Question: What body parts do you massage?
Ansewr: I massage the following body parts during a massage: neck, back, glutes, legs, feet, arms, hands, chest, abs.

Question: I have ticklish feet -- can you skip my feet during the massage?
Answer: I actually use a NON-ticklish foot massage technique that even some of the most skeptical people with ticklish feet have been pleasantly surprised with. I, too, have ticklish feet and the technique works fine on me :) However, if you are dead-set on me skipping your feet, I will respect that request.

Question: Is there anything I need to do to prepare for a massage?
Answer: Usually it's best to have a massage on a stomach that is not stuffed -- so basically you don't want to have a big meal right before a massage appointment -- and conversely you don't want to arrive for a massage feeling hungry either. As with most things in life, moderation is key :) Also, please take a shower before you come over for a massage (your good hygiene is most appreciated:). However, I do have a shower you can use if necessary (for either before and/or after a massage).

Question: Are you discreet?
Answer: I do respect people's privacy so any concerns you may have about discretion are unnecessary :) I have high-profile clients as well as guy-next-door clients and I respect all of their privacy.

Question: Do you do massage trades?
Answer: No, I don't do massage trades since I have someone who I gladly pay to give me a massage. However, you are more than welcome to schedule an appointment with me to receive a massage from me :)

Question: What do I need to bring with me to a massage appointment?
Answer: Just bring yourself and cash :) I will provide you with towels and Evian spring water.

Question: Do you accept personal checks or credit cards?
Answer: To keep things simple I accept cash only.

Question: What are your massage rates?
Answer: My rates for incalls at my place as of December 1, 2006 are:
$80 for 1 hour (cash only)
$110 for 1 1/2 hours (cash only)
$140 for 2 hours (cash only)
The vast majority of my clients schedule 1 1/2 hour appointments. However, an increasing number of people schedule 2 hour sessions that I started offering in 2004 (per my clients' requests for me to offer 2 hour sessions) for the ultimate in combatting stress and achieving total relaxation.

Question: Do I have to tip or is that already included in the price of a massage?
Answer: Tips are not included in my prices, but you are not required to tip. However, if you feel you want to show your appreciation for a massage done well, you are welcome to offer a tip if you so desire.

Question: Do you offer any discounts?
Answer: I treat all of my clients equally, and therefore the same rate applies to everyone.

Question: Can you do an outcall massage to my home or hotel?
Answer: I only perform incall appointments at my place -- I do not travel to perform outcall massages.

Question: What is your availability?
Answer: You can read detailed information about my availability at http://www.healthymassages.com/avail.html

Question: What if I am late for an appointment or need to cancel my appointment?
Answer: If you are late for an appointment, I will try to accommodate you, schedule permitting. However, if my schedule does not allow for this type of accommodation, you will still be given the same time slot and your appointment will be shortened. For example, if you are 15 minutes late for a 90 minute appointment, you will receive a 75 minute massage and you will be charged for the 90 minute appointment you booked.

A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for a cancellation via a phone call only (not via a text message or email).. If less than 24 hours notice is given, you will be billed and expected to pay the full amount for the session.

Question: Can you tell me more about yourself? Do you have more photos of yourself?
Answer: You can read more about me and see more photos of me at http://www.healthymassages.com/me.html

Question: What do your clients say about your massages?
Answer: I've received a ton of positive feedback from my massage clients -- you can read a sampling of what some of my clients have emailed me after receiving a massage from me at http://www.healthymassages.com/comments.html

Question: How can I schedule a massage appointment with you?
Answer: You may either call my cell @ 202.903.7700 (I do NOT communicate via TEXT messages) -- or you may email me at HealthyMassageDC@gmail.com and please include the following information:
1) your first name + phone # (cell # preferred)
2) whether you want a 1 hour, 1.5 hour, or 2 hour session
3) what days/times you are open to
4) whether you would be taking the subway or driving (and from what area).

Question: How far in advance should I schedule an appointment with you?
Answer: Ideally, I would recommend contacting me at least 3 to 5 days in advance. However, sometimes I am able to take a same-day request, but to improve your odds of getting an appointment with me the earlier you contact me the better your odds :)

Question: Can I recommend you to my friends?
Answer: Sure! Feel free to email them my web site www.healthymassages.com or give them my phone # 202.903.7700

If you would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to IM me on AOL or email me your first name + phone number with "MASSAGE" in the subject line of the email so I don't delete it as "spam" email or call my cell at 202.903.7700

You can try catching me on America Online (AOL) - feel free to add HealthyMassageDC onto your AOL buddy list. If you don't have AOL you can download AOL's *FREE* Instant Messenger and add me to your AOL Instant Messenger buddy list to catch me online.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to e-mail me at: HealthyMassageDC@gmail.com