CONTAGIONS, ALLERGENS & PRODUCTS
precautions
As I serve clients with varying immune health and allergies, safety and comfort are my top priority in maintaining a low-risk environment for all clients. Please contact me if you have specific concerns - like dog, cat, or peanut allergies.
You must reschedule if ill, especially with a fever. When I'm ill, I do the same. No one wants cooties! Late cancel fees are waived if symptoms are sudden onset, just be sure to contact me before your appointment time begins.
A HEPA air purifier cycles my office air every 12 minutes, removing 99.97% of airborne particles >0.1 microns. It's also rated for double the square footage of my office. Also, my HVAC system uses a hospital-grade (MERV 13) filter.
Decor is minimal and non-porous, thus easy to clean and reduces surface areas for allergens/contagions. After each appointment, contact surfaces are disinfected; all linens are changed and laundered. Beneath the linens on the massage table are waterproof barriers that shield any other layers from direct contact.
You are welcome to wear a mask based on your own risk assessment. Masking is often requested by clients who are undergoing treatments or have conditions that heavily effect their immune system; care for someone who's medically vulnerable; and/or have an upcoming surgery. Whatever the reason, give me a heads up and I'll meet you at the door with a mask on and a smile underneath.
supplies
I don't diffuse oils or spray/burn/wear artificial fragrances. Occasionally I may use essential oil sprays, natural cotton wick soy candles, or sandalwood incense in adjacent rooms, but can refrain upon client request.
All clients are asked to refrain from applying heavily scented oils/perfumes/lotions before arrival. This reduces risk of allergic or sensitivity reactions for both me and other clients and is super appreciated.
Sheets and pillow cases used on the massage table are 100% bamboo and the top blanket is cotton.
Both the detergent used to launder linens and hand soap used between clients are fragrance-free, dye-free, and formulated for sensitive skin by Dropps.
I use a 100% jojoba oil -- it's unscented, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging), and doesn't stain fabric. The oil is produced by Hobacare, a small farmer-owned vertically integrated company providing some of the highest quality jojoba in the world.
Only after request or consent, I may apply a topical pain reliever (like Salonpas or Tiger Balm) or an essential oil. All essential oils used and sold in my office are made by Simply Earth, an ethically sourced company that donates 13% of its profits to help end human trafficking.
You're also welcome to bring your own oil, lotion, or essential oils. Or, request none to be used at all. Massage therapy can be adapted to be delivered over your clothing and/or through a cloth barrier. A "no-skin-contact" massage uses techniques more focused on compression and movement than on friction and gliding. This can be a useful option for clients with a high sensitivity to direct touch (trauma, ticklish, skin conditions, etc), yet still would like to explore the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy.