Frequently Asked Questions

* What style of massage do you offer?
-- My massage is a combination of Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, Chinese acupressure, Reflexology, Chi-work, Chinese Martial Arts and Modern Dance. It is designed for healing and relaxation. To me, massage is not only a physical process based on knowledge of  human anatomy,  but also an Art form that develops from the spiritual contact and Chi flow between two human bodies. Each session is a magic tour, an adventure, and a live music performance. 

* What is Chi, and why it is important for your massage work?
-- In Chinese medicine, Chi (also sometimes written as qi; or in Japanese, ki) refers to the natural energy which circulates in the human body. The channels along which that energy flows are called Meridians in English. When the chi flow is blocked, various imbalances and sometimes illnesses will be the result. Massage is one of the best ways to reduce the disruption of the chi flow (body exercise, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine are other ways). 

The practice of Chi-Gong is an important basis of my massage. . While acupressure helps stimulate the flow of Chi along the meridians, that is an internal type of Chi. In Chi-Gong, the motion and the forms create a powerful external field of Chi that can be used therapeutically.

All you need to do is relax your body and mind, and breath as deeply as you can.

* What do you do beside of massage practice? Is massage your full time  or  part-time work?
-- I am a self-employed artist involved in several creative activities¡Xfilm making, graphic design and massage.  I enjoy both the creative activity and connecting with people. Some of my actors and production crew have become my massage clients and some of massage clients have gotten involved in my film and other artistic projects. To me, Art is a creative way of bringing all of my interests together and of living with freedom and joy.

* What are your working hours?
-- I work from 11am to 8pm by appointment only.  The more advance notice, the better able I am to schedule your appointment at the time you wish.

* How can I make an appointment?
-- For a same day appointment, calling my cell phone is the best way to make an appointment with me. I check my phone messages more often than my e-mail.

-- My contact number: (415)205 -1043
-- e-mail: underthepalms@sbcglobal.net

* Do you work at home or in a dedicated professional space?
-- My massage studio is a private working space; I do not live there. The studio is located in a building with other studios. My neighbors are writers and a sculpture teacher. We have a quiet and peaceful environment.

        * How do I get to your studio?  Map
-- My studio is located near the corner of 21^st and Guerrero streets, on the eastern border of Noe Valley. It is about a 10 minute walk from: the
J-Car Muni stop (21^st street /Church); the 22  line (on 16th street); the 33 line (on 18th street); the 49 & 14 lines (on Mission street); the 26 line (on Valencia); and the 16th Street & 24th Street BART stations. If you are coming from the south on Highway 101, you can exit on Cesar Chavez street.

* What is the parking situation around your studio?
-- Parking spaces are more available during the day than evening. Based on my clients¡¦ experience, 21^st Street and Fair Oaks Street are usually better choices than Guerrero street.

* Is there any special vista point around your studio?
-- It is only 5 to 10 minutes walk from my studio to Dolores Park which is sometimes called ¡§Hidden Paradise¡¨ or ¡§Dolores Beach¡¨.  There are always events there during the weekends. It is one of the best locations for people to lie down on the grass and enjoy the  views of San Francisco.  There are lots of good restaurants and cafés in the neighborhood.

* What should I do if I am late or can¡¦t make my appointment?
-- I always appreciate it if you call me when you know you will be late. I know that traffic delays can be unpredictable,  and I consider that being 15 minutes late or so is understandable.  Please give yourself enough time so that you can arrive without a sense of rush or pressure.

* What do you mean by ¡§massage under the palms?" Do you really do massage    under the palm trees?
-- My studio is located in the warmest area in San Francisco. There are many palm trees growing in this neighborhood. Besides  the real palm trees, I¡¦m also referring to my ¡§Magic Hands¡¨. Massage under the Palms: an oasis of tranquility in the City.

* Do you use oil or lotion?
-- I have a variety of oils and lotions available. Please let me know your personal preference. Body type and body hair are two factors to consider in making the choice. My standard is warmed, pure rice oil.  I usually finish the massage with a few hot, moist towels.  This can refresh the body and it removes most of the oil. The oil I use is all natural and good for skin care. I use a lotion from L¡¦Occitane for facial massage. You are welcome to bring your own lotion or oil for your session.

        * Do I need to completely undress?
-- It depends on your comfort level.

* Can I talk, moan or sleep during the session?
-- A few minutes conversation at the beginning of session is typical, but I strongly recommend that clients pay attention to their experience of the graceful environment --the touch, the music, and the fantasies that play in the mind during the session. Moaning and singing is allowed. I usually let the clients rest on the massage table 5 to 10 minutes after the session.

* Can you work in the dark?
-- Yes, I can work in the dark. Covering my eyes during the massage session is a part of the training I had. It helps me concentrate on the touch.

* What kind of environment can I expect to find in your studio?
-- I have two space heaters and a heated massage table; there are two windows which open to my private side-garden¡Xthis gives me more control of room temperature and fresh air. Different clients have different needs.  I also have an illuminated aquarium and  soft lights for a relaxed mood.  Candlelight is be available upon request.

* Do you accept credit card or check?
-- I accept cash and check.

* Why is your rate so low?
-- I want to make the price affordable for most people, so they can come more frequently and get better results. I prefer to charge a lower rate for regular clients, rather than charge a higher rate for someone who only gets massage once in a while. Where I grew up, receiving massage is a part of daily life.

* Do you have any special discount?
-- I offer a discount of $10 per massage for students,  and for regular clients who  make  weekly or bi-weekly appointments in advance (starts from the second session).

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