FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Massage Therapy and Energy Healing Sessions

Nancy Hausauer, LMP
706 Sixth Avenue * Tacoma, WA 98405 * 253-686-1214
Massage, lymphatic massage, and energy healing serving Tacoma, Seattle,
Federal Way, Puyallup, Lakewood, Olympia, and the Puget Sound region

How Much to Undress (Do I Take Off My Underwear?)
If you are just having energy work, you will only need to take off your shoes and perhaps your belt and jewelry to make yourself more comfortable.

If you are having bodywork, you will undress to the level required for the kind of bodywork you'll receive, and your level of comfort. For full body work, some of my clients undress completely, while others leave their underwear on. Either way is fine, from my perspective.

If you are not comfortable disrobing, I can provide you with alternative styles and methods of bodywork that are still effective.

What if my stomach growls or I pass gas?
One of my primary goals is to help my clients relax deeply. Relaxation and deep rest provide a chance for the body to heal and restore itself, and for the energy to re-balance and restore flow.

All the body's systems work better when you are relaxed. For example, breathing slows down and becomes deeper and more regular. The kidneys function better (which is why many people need to use the restroom immediately after or during a treatment).

And the digestive system starts to function very well. In fact, I can often tell when a client has reached a deep state of relaxation, because their stomach starts to growl and squeal and make noises. It's a good sign!

Burping and passing gas are also signs that you are relaxed at a deep physiological level -- and they're good, too. So don't be embarrassed -- I'm not!

What If I Have to Use the Bathroom During A Session?
The relaxation response makes the kidneys function better, so it's not uncommon for someone to need to use the restroom during a session. And it's a good sign -- a sign that your body is functioning well. I keep a robe in the treatment room so that you can use the bathroom, and then slip back on the table, with a minimum amount of fuss and time.

What if I have an erection during bodywork?
It's not uncommon for men to be worried that the touch involved in body work might cause an erection, and they avoid bodywork because of this concern. It's actually not uncommon, because it can be caused by the fluid dynamics of bodywork (it moves a lot of fluid around the body).

As long as your intentions are honorable, I will remain neutral, as I would for any other physiological response, such as stomach-growling. So don't let your concerns keep you from getting bodywork--it has such great benefits for the body-mind.

Is energy healing compatible with my religion?
In doing energy healing, I do not appeal to any particular deity, so in my mind it harmonizes with any religion. I see energy work as being more a question of world view and reality-constructs -- more about philosophy than theology. Of course, you will have to make that determination for yourself, but I don't see why it shouldn't be compatible with your religion.

Is energy healing safe?
Energy work is generally very safe. Restorative Touch™, the form that I practice, is particularly safe, because it is working primarily with your own energy. It can only amplify your own processes, not introduce new or foreign ones.

Will it hurt?
I've never seen energy work hurt anyone, and my bodywork is also very gentle. I don't believe that pain is therapeutic -- with one exception -- trigger point work. Trigger point treatment is highly focused bodywork that can be somewhat uncomfortable -- but also can be extremely effective in relieving chronic muscle pain and dysfunction. I only do trigger point work with the agreement of my client, and then always within your range of tolerance. Other than that, I strive to make each treatment a relaxing, pleasant experience.

Should I continue to see my doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, or psychological therapist?
Yes, absolutely. My treatments should be viewed as a complement, rather than a replacement for, traditional medical and psychological therapy. You should seek and follow the advice of your regular doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, dentist, or psychological therapist. If any advice or suggestions I give you conflict with those of your medical/psychotherapy practitioner, you should follow their advice over mine. I will be happy to confer with your doctor(s) if you desire.

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