Questions
& Answers

Touching and working on the body with hands or even feet is one of the oldest healing methods in the world.

The Greek doctor Hippocrates, who is considered the “father of medicine”, was of the opinion that every doctor should be able to perform massages and wrote about it around 460 BC: “The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing (massaging).”

Massages have a positive effect on the body and our psyche in many ways.

The physical effects particularly include:

• increasing blood flow to the tissue
• releasing tension and hardening of the muscles
• the breakdown of lymphatic fluid and detoxification
• the reduction or avoidance of pain
• strengthening the immune system
• promoting mobility and flexibility

In addition, massages have a holistic effect that can have a proven and decisive influence on our state of relaxation. Touch usually increases the release of the feel-good hormones oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine and can bring body and mind into harmony.

The consequences are improved stress management, healthy sleep and ultimately increased general well-being.

A warm welcome is followed by a brief conversation about your current state of health and your personal preferences and wishes. We will also discuss any circumstances that may make a massage treatment currently inadvisable or impossible. (See also: "When should you or shouldn't you get a massage?")

Then you take a seat on the massage table. You are either completely undressed or you wear underwear, depending on your preference. (See also: “Do I have to undress completely?”) Of course, all parts of the body that are not being massaged are covered accordingly.

By the way: while I'm working, I usually have quiet, relaxing music playing in the background. You are welcome to express your personal music wishes. Please note: I do not massage to metal, rap and country music ;-)

At the end of the treatment, you are welcome to remain on the massage table for a while - at least until you have floated back to the ground.

Finally, I would be happy to receive your feedback, your praise or your criticism.

My goal is to make you feel comfortable, safe and respected throughout your stay with me.

Both the medical and the so-called wellness massage have beneficial effects on the entire physical and mental state.

The main difference is that medical massages almost always specifically combat specific physical issues, while wellness massages are a holistic treatments.

If you have any physical issues, you should first contact your physician. He or she will recommend the most suitable treatment for you - depending on your symptoms - and can tell you whether a massage can alleviate your symptoms.

Certain issues, illnesses or life situations (e.g. pregnancy) must be taken into account during a massage or may mean that a massage is not advisable at this time. (See also "When should you or shouldn't you get a massage?")

Massages - regardless of type - generally have a relaxing and beneficial effect on the body and mind. (see also: “What exactly does a massage treatment do?”)

However, certain issues, illnesses or life situations must be taken into account during a massage and can mean that a massage may be inadvisable at this time. Such factors are also called “contraindications”.

When it comes to contraindications, a distinction is regularly made between so-called "relative" and "absolute" contraindications. Relative contraindications do not generally prohibit a massage, but must be taken into account when applying it. In the case of absolute contraindications, a massage can have negative effects on the body or - in individual cases - have an impact on the psyche, so a massage should not be carried out even by a responsible masseur.

Absolute contraindications include, for example:

• feverish illnesses
• thromboses
• cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators
• cancer diseases
• high-grade osteoporosis
• inflammation of all kinds
• hemophilia (bleeding disease)
• aneurysms

Here are some examples of relative contraindications:

• pregnancy
• fractures (broken bones)
• sores or ulcers
• hematomas
• sunburn
• regional skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema or neurodermatitis)
• psychological pathologies
• alcoholism
• varicose veins
• heart attacks

Before each tratment there is a short preliminary examination during which possible contraindications are discussed. Please be open and let us consider together whether a massage (and, if necessary, which massage) is recommended and useful for you.

An essential goal of almost every massage treatment is the maximum relaxation of the recipient. He or she should - in the truest sense of the word - feel comfortable “in his or her own skin”. Although there are types of massages in which the recipient is clothed during the application (e.g. traditional Thai massages), most types of massages require direct contact with the skin - especially if oils or lotions are used that are applied directly to the skin to achieve the desired effect.

The types of massage I offer require this direct skin contact. It probably goes without saying that, for example, an aromatic oil massage cannot be carried out sensibly on a clothed body.

The relaxation aspired during a massage can only be achieved if the recipient knows what to expect from the massage and the “conditions” have been agreed upon beforehand. The “(un)dress code” is a crucial feel-good factor. The same applies to the agreement about whether any and, if so, which parts of the body should be excluded from the massage.

The private parts area is always excluded. This remains covered with a towel and/or a sheet throughout the entire massage, as do all parts of the body that are not being massaged at that moment.

During a full-body massage, the person being massaged is usually completely undressed or, depending on individual preferences, wears underwear. With a partial body massage, naturally only those parts of the body that are to be massaged need to be exposed. What clothing you wear is up to you. A simple T-shirt and comfortable pants (e.g. jogging or training pants) are highly recommended for better relaxation, but are not required.

You should feel as comfortable as possible during your stay with me and during your treatment. A comfortably designed and professionally equipped treatment room is the basis for a pleasant atmosphere.

But it is equally important to me that you feel completely safe and respected at all times. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have and address your concerns or personal requests. Just call me or write an email to (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or a message via WhatsApp.

If you have fundamental concerns about at least partially exposing yourself during a massage, but are still interested in massage treatments, you may perhaps first consider a traditional Thai massage. I've heard a lot of good things about Lana Thai Massage in Annweiler. Although I haven't had any personal experience there myself, I know several people who are enthusiastic about what they have to offer.