HAWAIIAN MASSAGE
1. What makes Hawaiian massage different from other massages?
Hawaiian massage is with long fluid movement using forearms, elbows and hands. Depending on the needs of the client, other massage techniques and alternative healing modalities would be used. The huge differentiator is the training received by the bodyworker.
In addition to being skilled in the technique, we undergo processes in personal development to fully experience the range of human emotions; to understand the close connection between our emotions and our physical body; to cultivate love, compassion, empathy as we hold that space for our client’s healing; and to honour every individual who has chosen to be on our massage table. This is why we are bodyworkers and not simply masseuses as we work holistically with your entire being.
2. What should I know about prior to receiving a Hawaiian massage?
These are some basic information that you should know:
- the massage table will not be dressed with sheets and towels like what you’d be used to. This is to enable your bodyworker’s arms to slide under your body to perform underbody technique. Please be rest assured that the table is always thoroughly cleaned after each client.
- all clients will be appropriately draped with a sarong during the session.
- organic coconut oil or sweet almond oil will be used in the treatment.
- you will be encouraged to take deeper breaths during your massage especially during deep tissue bodywork.
3. What can I expect from receiving a Hawaiian massage?
You can expect to fall into deep relaxation during the session. After the session, most clients would feel revitalised and refreshed but there had been instances where the client needed more of the much deserved rest. How much relief you’ll receive from muscular tension and tightness will depend on the degree of tension, duration and number of treatment. It is not uncommon for clients to experience emotional releases, have visions, see colours, feel shifts of energy in their bodies. This could happen when there is intention, openness and surrendering to the process of both the giver and receiver. However, you will only experience what you are ready to receive.
HAWAIIAN PREGNANCY MASSAGE
1. I just found out I’m pregnant. Can I continue to receive massages?
Congratulations! Yes, you can and should BUT only after your first trimester. You’d need the health tick by your gynaecologist. It is safe and highly beneficial to receive massages during your pregnancy especially when given by an experienced and qualified bodyworker.
2. How often should I receive prenatal massages?
It is recommended that your massages coincide with your doctor visits. It’d be beneficial to receive massages once a month up to 27 weeks; twice a month up to 36 weeks and transition to once a week till delivery. As you mark the milestones on your pregnancy journey, so would your bodyworker want to ensure your optimal physical and emotional well-being along the way.
3. Can I lie on my stomach for a massage like I used to?
If you were going to a regular spa or massage clinic that only has a flat massage table, then the answer is NO. However, a custom made massage table used at Carita Bodywork provides all the support and comfort that you need to lie on your stomach to enjoy your massage like you used to.
YOGA – PRE- & POSTNATAL
1. What can I expect from your prenatal yoga class?
The prenatal class will depend on which trimester you’re in and whether you already have a regular exercise routine and/or a yoga practice. It will be according to your level of fitness and needs.
Generally, the poses will be more restorative in the first trimester. This is the time when the body is adapting to the massive hormonal changes. Hence, less is best to support the body to nurture the space for your growing baby.
In the second trimester, you’d probably have more energy. We’d want to focus on strengthening the legs in preparation for labour, maintaining your fitness and muscle tone throughout and more importantly, to create space for your growing uterus. By the third trimester, we’d be returning to the more restorative and centring poses to prepare you for birth. In amongst all these, we’ll also be practicing poses to address the common complaints during pregnancy such as sore lower back, achy hips, tight calves etc and meditation to calm and balance.
2. When is it safe to return to my regular yoga practice after giving birth?
You’d be able to return to a gentle practice after 6 weeks following a vaginal birth, to begin strengthening your abdominals and perform poses to lift and tone your uterus. Generally, give yourself 3 months to resume your usual yoga program. If you’ve had a Caesarian Section or had any delivery complications, it’d be advisable to wait till the wounds heals (minimum 2 months) and wait a full 6 months to resume your regular yoga practice.
THE OTHER STUFF
1. How do I make an appointment?
You can make your appointment by filling up the contact form, or send me a WhatsApp message on +65 8789 7904 (Singapore) or +61 431 518 781 (Sunshine Coast). I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
2. What are your prices? What payment types do you accept?
My prices and packages are available upon enquiry. I accept cash, bank transfers, PayNow (Singapore), Credit Card (Australia).
3. Do you give in-home treatments? Where is your clinic?
Yes, I do give in-home treatments as long as there’s privacy, and the room is able to accommodate a massage table comfortably with space to spare around it. In Australia, my massage space is in Noosaville. In Singapore, I offer mainly in-home treatments unless it’s absolutely inconvenient.