Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early to your appointment.

Your practitioner will review all the details you filled out in your New Client Form, and discuss your health history and any current goals or concerns that you’d like treatment on. If you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to your massage therapist’s attention.

We'll then give you privacy to make yourself comfortable – you can decide whether you want to remove your clothing or not.

Your massage or Reiki session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except for the area being worked on.

All you have to do is lay down, relax, and make yourself comfortable. Your massage therapist may adjust your position before beginning if necessary. If you are uncomfortable laying face down, or in any other position, let your massage therapist know. Bolsters and towels can be used to make you as comfortable as possible and the face rest can be adjusted up and down for your neck comfort.

If you have questions at any point during the massage process, please don't hesitate to ask them.

Once the massage has concluded, your massage therapist will leave the room for you to slowly get up and get dressed in privacy. Your therapist may offer feedback, self-care tips, and answer any questions you might have.

If you have questions at any point during the massage process, please don't hesitate to ask them.

There are all sorts of things you could need in the middle of your massage, so please speak up for your comfort. Possible concerns might be:

•More or Less Pressure

•If You’re in Pain or Discomfort

•Too Hot or Too Cold

•Need a Tissue or Fresh Face Mask

•Need to use the Bathroom

It's normal to fall asleep during a massage. You might be feeling stressed and sleep-deprived, so falling asleep is normal once you're in a relaxed state.

There's zero judgment from us if you snore. We're pleased you're relaxed enough to fall asleep, and we won’t mention it.

Drooling is also common, especially if you're laying on your front. Ask us for a tissue, and we'll be glad to grab one for you.

You shouldn’t feel like you’re fighting the urge to stay awake if you get tired. It’s even a compliment to your massage therapist because it means you’re so relaxed that you’re able to fall asleep. Do not stress about staying awake or alert or feeling as though you have to act a certain way. Again, the session is all about you and what you get out of it, so as long as you feel relaxed and comfortable, that’s all that matters.

You will experience the greatest benefits from your session if you just allow yourself to become quiet and relaxed...which helps your massage therapist focus on providing a great massage!

Definitely communicate with your therapist if you feel any pain or discomfort, if you have any concerns during your massage, or if there is anything your massage therapist can do to make you more comfortable. Some types of massage that work on deep layers of muscle and tissue, such as deep tissue or sports massage, will require more feedback to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.

Whether or not you prefer talking during your session is completely up to you! This is your time. The massage therapist will occasionally ask a few questions, pertaining to your comfort level, and how you are feeling. We have learned that some people relax by talking while others prefer to have their massage in silence. Often times, people will start out talking, then "drift away” as the massage proceeds. Whatever helps you to relax the most is best.

Massage therapists work to alleviate scar tissue and adhesions (knots) in the muscle tissues by using pressure to "break up" those areas and to bring much-needed blood flow back to various muscles. This is particularly the case with therapeutic massage and techniques such as trigger point therapy. Generally, the more pressure applied and time spent on specific areas, the more likely that area is to be slightly sore a few hours later or even the next day. This is often due to inflammation after the massage and is part of the healing process. If you are feeling a little sore, it is a good idea to ice the sore areas. Drinking water and keeping well hydrated is recommended to assist your body in flushing out toxins released by massage and supporting it’s healing process.

A warm epsom salt bath & good rest is also recommended. Email if you have any issues.

The answer to this question depends entirely upon you and your current situation. If you are experiencing muscle pain and tension in a specific area or areas that are bothersome or noticeable on a daily basis, frequent massage on a weekly or biweekly basis may be suggested until the pain has lessened. On the other hand, if you are experiencing some aches and pains from time to time or just looking to relax, we generally suggest a regular massage on a 4 - 6 week basis. This is what we consider a maintenance massage.

The best way to see the benefits of a therapeutic massage is to receive one on a regular basis, if possible. That could be once a week or once a month, whatever fits into your life both financially and timely. Since our nervous system and muscles have memory, they need to be reminded regularly that relaxation is the preferred state. Your therapist can recommend a frequency for you based on your wellness goals.

All massage and Reiki sessions are by appointment only. Please use the online scheduling form to check for current available appointments.

The Relaxation Room is open on weekends for walk ins.

Please arrive on time for your appointment. Time for your appointment has been specially arranged for you. If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. We will do our best to provide you with the services you have booked, but we cannot guarantee the full time if you arrive late. Full payment for your scheduled services will be expected.

Yes! We have massage therapists that are certified to give prenatal massages.

Prenatal and Postnatal Massage relieves many of the common discomforts of being pregnant including backaches, neck pain, leg cramps, sore feet, headaches, and edema (swelling). Massage encourages blood and lymph circulation as well as alleviating sore, tense muscles, and improving sleep and energy, ultimately promoting overall wellness.

Clients must be 13 weeks or later to book a session.

We do not have a couples massage room and do not offer couples massage. We do occasionally offer couples massage classes, so please mention this to your practitioner if you are interested in doing this in the future.

We find that the best way to connect your friends and family with a massage session is by purchasing a Gift Certificate. This allows your recipient to schedule their appointment at their convenience.

We do not allow scheduling an appointment for anyone other than yourself. We are happy to help you if you are needing assistance with scheduling, please message us at: TheSelfSanctuaryChicago@gmail.com

Referrals are always welcome and appreciated!

After someone you’ve referred to Erin has completed their first massage, you’ll receive 15% off your next appointment. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Be sure to tell your friends and family to use your name when filling out their New Client Form.