Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few frequently asked questions. I hope you find answers to any questions you have. If you think of any others do email them to me at info@pulferholistics.com. A list of my training and qualifications can be found here.

I’m pregnant, when can I receive massage?
How long can I have massages for whilst pregnant?
What parts of the body can be massaged?
What can massage help with?
What should I wear and what clothes do I need to remove?
Will it hurt?
Will I need a shower after a massage?
How many appointments will I need to have?
Should I try reflexology?
How do I find Pulfer Holistic Therapies?

 I’m pregnant, when can I receive massage?

The Pregnancy Massage Diploma I completed encompassed the entire pregnancy period. Many therapists and other professionals prefer to wait until the second trimester before working with a pregnant woman because during the first trimester the risk of miscarriage is higher (with 15 – 25% of pregnancies ending in miscarriage) than in the other trimesters. Because this is such an awful yet not uncommon experience it can be easier to avoid many things during the first trimester. On the other hand, many women are unaware they are pregnant and carry on with their normal activities which may include massage amongst other things like strenuous exercise, stressful jobs and so on and experience healthy pregnancies. The choice is yours to make as long as your are aware of the risks and talk through any questions you have I am happy to work with women through their entire pregnancy.

How long can I have massages for whilst pregnant?

You can be massage all the way into labour, if fact you can set aside a massage appointment to help you and your partner learn techniques to use throughout pregnancy and labour.

What parts of the body can be massaged?

Having trained in body massage, facials and reflexology you can literally have a head to toe massage simply discuss your requirements when you book. All appointments are flexible according to how you feel on the day so we can spend more time on your face, or back, or legs etc. depending on what requires most attention on the day.

What can massage help with?

The impact of massage is wide and varied and can depend on why you have chosen to have a massage. Generally speaking if you have some sort of minor physical discomfort be this from stress, anxiety, poor posture, headaches, muscle cramps or tension etc. then massage maybe able to help your body feel better by releasing tension enabling you to improve your posture and move with more ease. Humans are so diverse and such complicated organisms it’s very hard to say that your body will react in a specific way. Once you’ve received massage the process is much more about seeing how you then react and working out what best fits you and your circumstances. If your a looking to recover from a reoccurring issue regularity will be key but this will be discussed in your consultation or prior to booking.

What should I wear and what clothes do I need to remove?

This depends on the therapy you choose to come for: 
Reflexology requires only the removal of shoes and socks.
Reiki is performed fully clothed except for the removal of your shoes. If you have seated Reiki then your shoes can remain on your feet.
Oiled back massages (Deep Tissue MassageHot Stone MassageRelaxation Massage). All of these require you to remove the layers of clothing on the top half of your body (bras, shirts, jumpers etc.) as well as removing jewellery from around your neck, face and ears as is comfortable for you. You are given privacy during this time.
Oiled full-body massages (all of the above and Aromatherapy). For these therapies your knickers/briefs/boxer shorts remain on all other clothes are removed. You are covered in either towels or sheets during the massage only the area being worked on is uncovered the rest of you is kept covered and warm. You are given privacy whilst getting undressed and dressed.
Tuina (Chinese massage) is different to other massages. Here it is best to wear loose cotton clothing as the massage is performed through your clothes with a light cotton blanket placed on top of you. You may be asked to remove your shoes/socks whilst lying on the massage couch.

Will it hurt?

All the therapies are specific to you and not designed to ‘hurt’. However should you choose an oiled deep tissue massage or Chinese massage/tuina the nature of these is to have a deep impact on the muscle tissue therefore you will feel them. You may feel the areas where your muscles have needed the most work in the form of DOMS (Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness) similar to a post-workout muscle soreness. Not everyone experiences this though, commonly I hear feedback of feeling “looser” and “lighter”. During Reflexology some points on the feet can be tender but the intention is to stimulate and relax. During Reiki discomfort of a physical nature is highly unlikely (I have never had anyone feel physically uncomfortable during a Reiki session).

Will I need a shower after a massage?

When massaging with oil I aim to use only what I need to so that the oil soaks into your skin leaving it feeling soft rather than sticky so a shower isn’t necessary (plus I do not have one on-site!) towels are on hand if you’d like to remove excess oil. Tuina is performed mostly through a sheet with cream being used on the neck, wrists, ankles, feet and sometimes the calves. In reflexology I use a small amount of cream or oil but excess can be removed at the end of the session. Head massage can be performed without oil (though a little oil on the face and neck does feel lovely). Reiki is performed without the use of any products.

How many appointments will I need to have?

This depends on the reason you’ve booked your appointment and how your body responds to the therapy.

If you’re recovering from an injury then regular appointments at short intervals are key. Soft tissue responds to regularity so if we’re working on fixing something then twice weekly or at least weekly intervals for a short duration is advised. However, if the nature of your work/life means that you every now and again need a little time to yourself to refresh and re-balance then the frequency is really up to you. Many people find monthly intervals useful, some people 6 weeks. By working together and listening to your body we’ll find the optimum frequency of appointments for you.

Should I try reflexology?

Reflexology can have quite a profound effect because it is so relaxing. The stimulation of specific points on the feet and the concentrated time that is given to your feet during a session of reflexology creates a therapy like no other. I practice therapies that I receive and enjoy myself, the choice is yours but I’d say “Yes, give it a go.”

How do I find Pulfer Holistic Therapies?

I’m based in Suite 3 of Premier House this is a set of offices in the same building as Premier World Fitness. To find PHT turn onto Newhold which is opposite Aagrah and East Garforth Primary School following signs for Premier World Fitness and park up. To the right of the building is a separate entrance to the gym with an intercom system, buzz Suite 3, head upstairs and I’ll meet you there.

Any more questions do get in contact at amy@pulferholistics.com or call 07949 772 713. Keep up-to-date with information about PHT through joining the mailing list.