FAQs

Whether you're booking your first massage, unsure if a treatment is right for you, or wondering how I like to work, here are answers to some of your most common questions.

 

For Reiki FAQs, check out my Reiki guidance.
 

What payment methods do you accept?

I request the full payment in advance to secure your booking. I accept online bank transfer or via PayPal and I do not accept cash. If payment is not sent through 24 hours before the appointment at the very latest, the booking will not be accepted. 

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This is standard practice for many self employed therapists and larger businesses. For full details of my payment requirements, see the Terms and conditions.

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What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

 

​I ask for a minimum of 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling bookings. If you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, you will receive a full refund. For cancellations or rescheduling less than 24 hours' notice, I charge 50% of the treatment price as a cancellation fee. In some situations, I am happy to discuss extenuating circumstances with you. I aim to be as accommodating as possible for discretionary rescheduling of bookings.

 

If I need to cancel your booking for any reason, I will aim to give you at least 24 hours notice. I will always offer you the chance to reschedule or to have a full refund.  

For more information about the cancellation policy, read the Terms and conditions.

Do you offer discounts?

I'm glad you're a fan! I offer a 20% total discount if you prepay for three bookings (of the same treatment). This includes a three-session Reiki package priced at £200. These offers have to be booked within six months and packages can only be redeemed once per treatment type.

​Do I need to prepare in advance for my treatment?

I would recommend showering if possible, although I appreciate there isn't always time! The cleaner your skin, the better the oil or wax can absorb and any grime from the day can be removed. Please bring a hairband if you have long hair and turn your phone onto silent and non-vibrate mode. This helps you to unwind as much as possible. For mobile bookings, you will kindly need to provide towels (and pillows for pregnancy bookings). I will explain what's needed in advance.

What should I wear?

Loose fitting clothing is best, so you can be comfortable and get changed easily. This includes wearing boxers that are fairly loose, so you can roll them up for me to access to your upper leg muscles. 

Should I talk during the treatment?

It's entirely up to you! This if your time to relax and be looked after, so if you would like to chat - I'll be led by you. I like to keep an open dialogue and where relevant, I will check in with you about pressure and targeting tension during the massage. But generally I create a calm, silent space as default. 

I'd like to book a pregnancy massage, is there anything I need to be aware of?

A pregnancy massage is suitable after the first trimester (12 weeks of pregnancy) up until birth. In order to treat you, I need permission from your midwife or healthcare professional prior to attending your appointment. Please speak to them to ensure they are happy for you to book a massage (verbal consent is fine). This is to ensure open communication between me, yourself and your healthcare professional, and so I can be aware of an health concerns that may affect the massage. To find out more, check out my blog on what to expect during a pregnancy massage.

 

I'd like to book a postnatal massage, is there anything I need to be aware of?

 

Please be aware that I can work with you from one week after birth or 6 weeks if you have had a caesarean. I need permission from your midwife or healthcare professional prior to your first appointment. Please check they are happy for you to book a massage (verbal consent is fine). For C-section scar work, I will arrange written authorisation from your HCP.

Which of my health conditions do I need to tell you about?

However insignificant you may feel it is, please feel comfortable to let me know about your health concerns prior to the massage. It helps me to understand how you are feeling both physically and mentally before treating you, so I can adapt the treatment if needed. I would advise speaking to your GP to check that the therapies you have booked in for are suitable for your needs. We will discuss your health and wellbeing at the start of the treatment and be guided by the consultation form. 

Does the treatment time include consultation time?

I always advise you arrive at least ten minutes before your appointment time, so that we can have a consultation to find out about your health, wellbeing and what you would like to achieve with your session. This means you get the maximum treatment time possible and ensures no time is cut from your treatment, unless you arrive late. The treatment room at Jiva Health is often booked by other therapists, so it is important that we keep to time.

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If you fail to fill out the new client form before your first appointment, please arrive early to complete it. Otherwise, we will deduct time from your treatment. For more information about what to expect, please refer to my Terms and Conditions.

Are there any side effects I should be aware of?

With massage therapy in particular, generally it's normal to experience things like needing to go to the toilet, feeling hungry, tired or in the case of deep tissue work - sore muscles or fatigue. You may also feel more emotional afterwards. Any of these side effects are a sign of the body's natural processes balancing out and show that the massage has worked! Usually you'll feel back to normal within about 48 hours, but if not, please do get in touch with me or your healthcare professional. 

How often should I book a treatment?

The big question! I don't like to be too prescriptive about this, however I would say if you can afford to, book in as often as you can. Massage and other therapies have so many physical, mental and spiritual benefits and should be seen as a necessary part of self-care. I appreciate it's not always feasible to have regular massages though. We'll discuss a treatment plan at your appointment and I can advise on frequency of treatments for particular issues or health concerns.