Frequently Asked Questions

How is sacred alignment massage different?

Sacred Alignment massage is about working with mind, body, and spirit at the pace that the body wants; using slower massage techniques, compression, and gentle stretching while in a meditative and relaxed state. There should not be pain during this massage although it can be deep tissue if that is what the body needs. During the massage we will also identify postures and repetitive motions that are causing the tension in the body.

How does sacred alignment massage benefit me?

The effects of Sacred Alignment bodywork last much longer than standard massage. It is effective for decreasing pain and discomfort, and increasing flexibility and range of motion.

How does the massage work?

At the beginning of your massage I use music, energy, and compression to create a meditative state of mind. I start at the problem areas and let the muscles direct me. Using slow movement, compression, and working in both Fascia and Muscles I release the tension and stuck muscles. By feeling how the tissues are being held we find the movement or posture creating that tension and find different ways to work or counter balance.

The body will also direct where the tension is actually stemming from allowing me to work through more than just the symptom area.

This often works in layers, once one area is resolved other areas that are older will show up to be released.

How is it not just a massage?

A big part of Sacred Alignment is to find what aligns your mind, body, and spirit. There are many components that can vary from person to person. We take a look at your lifestyle including exercise, diet, hobbies, stress, and work habits and find ways to incorporate health into each area.

Why 90 minutes or longer?

It can take up to 45 minutes for your body to get into the rest and digest state. This is especially true for new clients or driving through tough traffic. If you are getting a one hour massage then only 15 minutes of that is productive in the rest and digest state or parasympathetic nervous system.

A 90 minute massage will give 45 minutes of really good therapeutic work.

Moving through the muscles slower also means that it takes longer to get to more area’s of the body. Everything is connected and being able to get to the root of dysfunction can be in a very different place than where the problem areas surface.

How do I know Sacred alignment massage is right for me?

The questions to ask yourself to see if Sacred Alignment is right for you: Do you want to significantly reduce chronic pain or tension permanently? Are you committed to feeling better in your body everyday? Are you ready to make some small changes that will help?

There is nothing words can do in comparison to actually experiencing this type of massage. The most common feedback I have received is that it feels like the muscles are melting. Feel free to book your first session!

How do you know how deep to go?

After providing massage for more than 7 years I have learned many of the body’s responses to pressure and depth. The most common feedback responses are when the muscle becomes hard and does not allow my hand to move and the muscle tensing and pushing my hand out of it. There are many more responses that I watch for as well.

Sometimes the muscles will allow for deeper pressure but because of inflammation, injury, or fascia limits then that pressure still hurts. In those cases I use light pressure and more energy and compression plus gentle range of motion movements.

Can I just get a regular massage?

I would be happy to refer you to someone who is similar to how I massage and is the standard walk in, get massage and leave if that is what you are wanting.

Part of what makes Sacred Alignment amazing is that it helps to release emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual blocks so the problems don’t return. The after care suggestions that I offer are minimal, feel amazing, and will change how you feel for significantly longer after your massage. They are also optional, but I will always offer them.

What about no pain, no gain?

Pain is a signal that your body does not like something or that something is wrong. It often creates a trauma response and can cause unconscious tensing of muscles as a normal self-protective measure. Sacred Alignment massage is directed towards eliminating trauma responses in the body so pain during the massage would be counterproductive.

The one exception is breaking up old scar tissue that is limiting movement. Any time this is necessary it will be discussed ahead of time.

What is the difference between good hurt and bad hurt?

Good hurt is that feeling of hurts so good. You will notice that it is easy to take a deep breath and that as you do the muscles relax. This is an acceptable pain during massage but can also cause soreness following the massage though shouldn’t last more than a day.

Bad hurt is when muscles tense up, you feel like holding your breath, clenching teeth. Pain sensations like lightning, sharp sensations or anything that indicate pain for you. These can create trauma reactions or undo the progress made in removing tension. This can cause long lasting pain after a massage.

Why yoga?

Yoga is about finding balance within one’s self. I teach breathing techniques, meditations, and physical practice to help find the balance for each client. The physical yoga poses can be used in a simple stretch to counter balance or a customized yoga flow can be created to target specific areas for the results that you want.

Why talk about diet?

We know that some foods cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation is one of the main causes of pain either acute or chronic. While the massage can help manage the pain, it is helpful to find the sources of inflammation in order to have longer relief and more control of how you want to live your life.