FAQs & Policies

Do you accept walk-ins?

No walk ins, appointment only! You are required to book an appointment through the Ahara Massage booking site. To book an appointment you are required to fill out an intake form AND put a card on file to reserve & request an appointment, as well as bring ease of payments and complying with the cancellation policy explained in the next FAQ.

Booking/Requesting Appointments

Appointments always have to be accepted by me, so you will always “request” an appointment. Your appointment is not confirmed until I approve, and you will get a notification saying so. This is just a safety measure for me.

What is your cancellation policy?

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists’ day that could have been filled by another patient. We require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee to the card on file for the full price of the session. For further explanation visit the Cancellation Policy Page Here.

What should I expect for my session?

To comply with informed consent, I will discuss the following with you:

1: What to expect from your massage treatment

2: Proposed treatment plan and goals

3: Explanation of the analog pressure scale I will be using during your treatment

4: Any contraindications or precautions for receiving a massage

Is Ashiatsu for everyone?

Just like with other massages, there are always contraindications to be aware of for your safety. The following list is a compilation of ashiatsu contraindications**if you have any of these contraindications I will need a physicians permission before you can book an ashiatsu appointment.

  • Pregnant or trying to conceive

  • Contagious skin disorders (shingles, MRSA, Scabies)

  • Implants within nine months (breast, pectoral, gluteal, calf)

  • Thrombosis, aneurysm, varicose veins, DVT

  • Acute inflammatory conditions (active phlebitis, cellulitis, lupus, or lymes flare up)

  • Recent bowel, inguinal or abdominal hernia surgery

  • Acute liver, kidney, and urinary disorders

  • Persons on Coumadin, Lovenox, Heparins or heavy aspirin (bruise/clot), cortisone

  • Uncontrolled high/low blood pressure or heart condition

  • Any disorder that causes loss of feeling or motor control

  • Any recent (acute) injuries, accidents, surgeries within last 6 weeks

  • AIDS, Hodgkin's disease, Cancer, Leukemia -Recent injection (cosmetic or steroid)

  • Hemophilia and any condition where blood clots can occur

  • Severe diabetes

  • Rib fracture, osteoporosis

  • Spinal surgeries that involve pins, plates, rods

  • Stents, shunts, pacemakers

**if you have any of these contraindications and still wish to continue booking an Ashiatsu appointment, I can send you a physicians form to bring to your doctor for permission in order to be approved for an ashiatsu appointment.

Terms of Service & Liability

The massage/bodywork provided for the basic purpose of relaxation and relief of muscular tension. If you experience any pain or discomfort during your session, please IMMEDIATELY inform the practitioner so that the pressure may be adjusted to my level your comfort.

Your massage should not be construed as a substitute for an examination, diagnosis, or treatment of disease/injuries. Please confirm that you have stated all your known medical conditions and answer all questions honestly. Please agree to keep the practitioner updated as to any changes in your medical profile and understand that there should be no liability on the practitioner's part should you forget to do so.

Review and adhere to the cancellation policy set forth and will be responsible for charges if I fail to show up for my scheduled appointment.

**UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. ANY ILLICIT OR SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE REMARKS OR ADVANCES MADE BY YOU WILL RESULT IN THE TERMINATION OF THE SESSION, POLICE REPORT, BANNED FROM MAKING FUTURE APPOINTMENTS AND YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF THE SCHEDULED SESSION.

Privacy Notice

Ahara Massage and Bodywork collects personal and medical information in the intake form documents. You may authorize Ahara Massage and Bodywork to communicate with a family doctor and/or referring doctor as deemed necessary for your beneficial treatment. Your personal and medical information is confidential and will only be disclosed to third parties with your permission.

Credit Card Policy

Ahara Massage & Bodywork requires that you put a card on file for ease of payments and reserving your appointment. *Your credit card will not be charged until your appointment.

Do you offer oncology lymphatic massage?

I do not offer oncology massage. If you are currently undergoing any cancer treatments I will refer you to another Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in oncology massage. As Lymphatic Massage can be a complimentary bodywork to cancer treatments, Oncology Licensed Massage Therapists will have that extra knowledge to specifically help you through your journey and I only want you to have the best team at hand!

Can you use deeper pressure in Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle treatment to speed up the movement of lymph fluid to relieve pain and swelling, assist the body's own healing processes, boost immunity, and reduce the chance of scar formation. The pressure used during this session is extremely light. If deeper pressure is used, the session will not be as effective with its results and could exacerbate the condition. Thank you for understanding.