FAQs

It depends on what you want out of it and how your body usually responds.

• 60 minutes — The standard choice. Enough for a relaxation full-body massage without feeling rushed. Or focused deep tissue work on 1-2 problem areas, depending how complex the injury site is.
• 90 minutes — Best balance for deeper work + relaxation. Therapists can spend meaningful time on problem areas and still do a full body session.
• 120 minutes — Usually chosen by people who love massage and never want the session to end! Often chosen by people who need a major nervous system reset.

Cupping Therapy, also known as myofascial decompression, helps relieve pressure in areas where connective tissue has become tight or restricted. It is commonly used on the shoulders, neck, hips, legs and back.

This therapy supports the release of scar tissue, promotes fascial circulation, and encourages the body’s natural detoxification processes. Cupping creates space for fresh blood flow to enter the area, helping flush out stagnant toxins while bringing hydration and nourishment to overly tight and constricted tissue.

Cupping marks can vary in color and are often a reflection of the condition of the underlying tissue. Darker marks may indicate deeper or older areas of congestion, tension, or injury.

Cupping therapy is not recommended for everyone. Common contraindications and precautions include:

• Open wounds, burns, sunburn, or active skin infections
• Severe bruising, inflammation, or recent trauma
• Blood clotting disorders or use of blood thinners
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or serious heart conditions
• Pregnancy over the abdomen
• Cancer, unless approved by a physician
• Fragile or thinning skin, including some elderly clients
• Recent surgery or unhealed scar tissue (4-10 post surgery)
• Over areas with fractures or broken bone

Massage therapists often use heat on the back to help muscles and connective tissue relax before or during treatment. Heat increases circulation, which can improve tissue elasticity and make tight areas easier and more comfortable to work on.

Common benefits of heat therapy during massage include:

• Relaxing tight or stiff muscles
• Increasing blood flow and circulation
• Reducing muscle tension and discomfort
• Improving flexibility and range of motion
• Helping the nervous system shift into a more relaxed state
• Enhancing the effectiveness of deeper massage techniques
• Heat may be applied using hot towels, warm stones, or moist hydrocollator packs. Many clients find it especially helpful for chronic tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

However, heat is not appropriate in every situation. It may be avoided in cases of acute injury, inflammation, swelling, certain circulatory conditions, or if a client is heat-sensitive.

Our Antara CBD cream is designed to help calm an overstimulated nervous system and support the body’s natural response to inflammation and tension. Our CBD add-on is non-intoxicating and will not make you feel “high.”

Antara uses full-spectrum CBD, which contains trace amounts of THC (0.3%), the federally legal limit. These trace plant compounds work together to enhance the effectiveness of the CBD, often referred to as the “entourage effect,” where the whole plant works more synergistically than isolated compounds alone.

ANTARA Organics products are crafted with clean, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients to provide luxurious CBD skincare and support balance for the body and mind. Their formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged with environmentally conscious materials.

We offer Tandem Massages, where two guests receive services at the same time in separate treatment rooms. Any of our Massage or Spa services may be scheduled as a tandem appointment.

Advance planning is recommended, as availability can be limited. Fridays and Saturdays are typically the best days for scheduling tandem services.

Massage therapists often use heat on the back to help muscles and connective tissue relax before or during treatment. Heat increases circulation, which can improve tissue elasticity and make tight areas easier and more comfortable to work on.

Common benefits of heat therapy during massage include:

• Relaxing tight or stiff muscles
• Increasing blood flow and circulation
• Reducing muscle tension and discomfort
• Improving flexibility and range of motion
• Helping the nervous system shift into a more relaxed state
• Enhancing the effectiveness of deeper massage techniques
• Heat may be applied using hot towels, heating pads, warm stones, hydrocollator packs, or infrared heat. Many clients find it especially helpful for chronic tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

However, heat is not appropriate in every situation. It may be avoided in cases of acute injury, inflammation, swelling, certain circulatory conditions, or if a client is heat-sensitive.

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts derived from flowers, herbs, roots, leaves, fruits, and trees. In massage therapy, essential oils may be incorporated through aromatherapy or blended into massage oils to enhance relaxation and support overall well-being.

Depending on the oil selected, aromatherapy may help promote relaxation, ease stress and tension, support deeper breathing, uplift mood, or create a grounding and calming experience during your massage. Many clients find that the natural scents help them feel more present, nurtured, and connected during their session.

Essential oils are different from synthetic fragrances. Pure essential oils are naturally derived from plants and contain the plant’s aromatic compounds, while synthetic fragrances are artificially created scents designed to mimic natural aromas. Synthetic fragrances are commonly found in perfumes and scented products and may contain chemical additives that some individuals find irritating or overwhelming.

At our office, we prioritize high-quality, naturally derived aromatherapy whenever possible. If you have sensitivities, allergies, are pregnant, or prefer no scent, please let your therapist know before your session so we can customize your experience to your comfort level.

Your comfort is always the priority. Massage is typically provided on a massage table, with sheets and blankets covering the areas of the body not being worked on. Only the area being massaged will be exposed at any time, and you will always be professionally draped throughout your session.

Most massage sessions are most effective when massage oil or lotion can be applied directly to the skin, so many clients choose to undress to their comfort level. If you are receiving low back or hip massage work, working directly on the skin is often easiest and most effective for the therapist. However, you should only remove the clothing you feel comfortable removing.

If you prefer to remain partially clothed, your therapist can generally adapt the session to work around clothing when possible. While massage directly on the skin typically allows for the most effective and nurturing experience, your therapist will gladly discuss options with you before your session begins.

In massage therapy, a “knot” is a common term used to describe a tight, sensitive area within a muscle or fascia. These spots are often referred to clinically as trigger points.

A trigger point is a small, hyperirritable area within muscle tissue that may feel tender, tight, or rope-like when pressed. Trigger points can develop from:

• Muscle overuse or repetitive movement
• Poor posture
• Stress and tension
• Injury or compensation patterns
• Lack of movement or prolonged sitting

Trigger points may cause:

• Localized tenderness or stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Aching, tension, or discomfort
• Referred pain, where discomfort is felt in another area of the body

Massage therapists use techniques such as sustained pressure, myofascial release, stretching, cupping, or trigger point therapy to help reduce tension and improve circulation in these areas. Clients often describe a release of pressure or improved mobility after treatment.