frequently asked questions

A Breathe Organic Massage is like no other. Each massage us custom tailored to your specific needs, hence organic.

And, of course, we use only certified organic products (meaning no chemicals or harmful pesticides used in the production) and since your skin is your largest organ, this is very important.

Yes. I am certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and am licensed by the State of North Carolina. My NC license # is 07699. In North Carolina, all massage therapists are required by law to attend massage therapy school and pass a national certification exam.

I’ve learned that breathing is the quickest, most graceful way to move through stress. If you are unable to change a challenging situation or circumstance, the good news is you can change your breathing.

Try it. Slow your breathing down by pulling in deep, rich inhales. And let the breath go as if it’s a falling feather. You’ll be amazed how quickly breathing helps relax your body and relieve your mind.

I have also experience an incredibly healing modality called Transformational Breathing and plan to incorporate it into my menu of services in the future.

I've experienced every type of body imaginable in my practice - every shape, size, color and type. Every body is beautiful for it's own reasons. And there is absolutely no judgment from me.

Come as you are. I'm inviting you to grow comfortable in your own skin, and maybe even love yourself!

I offer massage to both men and women who are 18 years or older. If younger, a parent is required to be present during the session.

Unless you have any of the conditions listed below, anytime. The gift of massage is its ability to prevent tension and stress from showing up in the body. A regular massage should be a cornerstone in one’s effort to live a healthy life.

Unfortunately, our society has ingrained upon us to react to injury and disease, rather than prevent it. We go to the doctor after we are sick. We receive surgery only after the injury is extreme.

Massage therapy can certainly help reduce the affects of injuries and stress after they have formed in the body. However, it’s best to prevent them from showing up in the first place, right?

No. Receiving a massage while under the weather is very damaging. Be sure that you are 100% back to normal before booking an appointment.

Other reasons to avoid massages are infectious diseases, immediately following chemo or radiation, systemic infections, severe cold, liver, kidney or heart disease. Also refrain from massage if injured from fracture, sprains or strains.

Please alert me if you have sores, open wounds, warts or varicose veins. These areas will simply be avoided during the session.

In an ideal world, receiving a weekly massage would be perfect. As a massage therapist, I receive massages every other week.

At a minimum, one should receive a massage at least once per month. Studies have found that by receiving monthly, the benefits of each session will carry over to the next. This creates a cycle of preventative care, rather than reactive.

No, I am not certified to offer pregnancy massage.

Women should never receive a massage during the first trimester of their pregnancy. Afterward, massage can be enormously beneficial for both the mother and unborn child. Be sure to ask for a certified massage therapist when receiving pregnancy massage. I am aware of larger, more corporate massage businesses in Charlotte that offer this service to clients using massage therapists with no specific pregnancy training.

I recommend receiving from Lula Akbay at Om Enerji. Her number is 704-661-8410.

There is absolutely nothing to worry about as this is a natural response to touch for many people.

However, let there be no confusion. This is a strictly non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Any inappropriate conduct by the client will lead to the session immediately ending with the client being responsible for the full fee, regardless of lost time.

The benefits of massage therapy are endless. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami has found that massage therapy:

• Enhances the immune system
• Reduces stress
• Reduces pain
• Enhances attentiveness
• Reduces aggression
• Helps effects of asthma
• Helps Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Reduces effects of depression
• Decreases occurrence of headaches
  …and much more.
  

Deep tissue massage is one of my specialties. I have given over a thousand massages and have never had a client complain that I could not give enough pressure.

Yes! I massage within your unique preferences for pressure. There are no rules about using more or less pressure.

I’ll ask you before the session starts how much you like. You can also ask for more or less pressure during the massage and I will immediately adjust. The session is all about making you happy.

When you first arrive at Breathe Organic Massage, you will first complete a one-time intake form. I am required by law to keep a medical record of your visit and this form helps identify issues you are having.

After completing the form, we will talk about what is showing up for you, whether it’s tension in the shoulders, low back pain, etc. I will then explain to you what the massage therapy session will include and how to properly lay on the table. During this time, feel free to ask any questions that you may have. There are no dumb questions!

After this discussion, I will leave the room to allow you to undress privately and get on the table beneath the sheets. I will then knock on the door to ensure you are ready. Then, your session begins.

Dress to your own comfort level. Most clients choose to wear nothing, some choose to keep their underwear on. It's your organic massage. Do what best suits you.

Yes. All clients must be draped. It's not just a good idea. It's the law. (In North Carolina)

The massage time is your time. If you want to talk, that is fine with me. My golden rule is that I will not engage you in conversation unless you speak to me first. Whenever I receive massages, I prefer silence. However, it’s up to you to talk or not.

Not necessarily. I work within your comfort level, so if you want to avoid feeling any pain, please let me know. Your massage can be completely pain free.

Most of my massages are a blend of pressure. I typically use firm pressure throughout the body unless I find specific areas of tension, where I will go in using deeper techniques. This can feel intense and at times, somewhat painful. I ask each client to pull in their deepest, most rich inhales when I am working on sensitive areas. This helps release the tension and distracts the mind from focuses on the feeling.

This is a tricky one. The quick answer is yes. I am more than willing to work with you to determine the fee that best fits your financial situation.

However, I will also ask if this is something you truly cannot afford, or is it simply not a priority for you. For example, I’ve had people mention to me that they cannot afford a massage, however they often spend $75-$100 on alcohol any given weekend. They can most certainly afford to receive massages. Perhaps they should reprioritize to fit it into their budget.

On the subject of paying for massages, consider it an investment in yourself. It’s ok to receive. You deserve it!