Your Visit

During Your Visit

The best way to receive a massage is with your body unclothed. Our therapists are sensitive to your need for privacy, and will keep your body appropriately draped at all times.

Tell Us About Your Needs

Before the session, let your massage therapist know what your needs are. Let us know if any areas of your body are injured, tense or sore. Also mention any recent surgeries or if you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, we recommend you consider our pregnancy massage that is specifically designed to meet your special needs. During any treatment let your practitioner know if you feel any discomfort or would like special attention on a particular area. . Provide feedback to the massage therapist regarding amount of pressure, speed of movement, or any discomfort.

The Benefit of Touch

To enjoy the maximum benefit of touch, keep conversation to a minimum and breathe deeply as you flow with the hands of your massage practitioner. Be limp and do not try to move yourself. Our practitioners are trained professionals who will not do anything to hurt you. However, feel free to speak up if anything the therapist is doing is uncomfortable in any way. The best experience comes from honest communication.

Many people fall asleep. The practitioner will gently wake you if you need to move or it is time to end the treatment. Slow, deep breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

At Heath Spa Healdsburg our massage therapists provide several exceptionally therapeutic massage styles. Our Swedish massage is actually a combination of Swedish and Esalen techniques. The massage is a whole body experience that works to relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.

The Swedish style may include long gliding strokes, kneading of individual muscles, friction, tapping and vibration. Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports, deep tissue, hot stone and aromatherapy.

The Esalen techniques add an integration of body, mind and spirit into a more harmonious whole person. Esalen massage is set apart as a unique style because it also reflects an attitude about touching, caring, energy awareness and emotional, spiritual healing besides just physical manipulation.