WHAT TO EXPECT
Please remove your shoes at the bench upon entering. You will have a chance to use the restroom and have a cup of water if needed. Next you will have a seat on the chair and we will discuss your goals for the session.

After I leave the room, you will undress to your level of comfort. Comfort levels can change from day to day. Any level of undress is always okay. My only requirement is that you remove your shoes and anything from your pockets. There is a tray for your jewelry, watch, glasses and silenced phone. Next you will lie on the table underneath the linens either face up, face down or on your side (depending on how we structure your session). Side-lying is best for prenatal clients and an option for anyone who may feel claustrophobic laying face down with a mask on. When I return from washing my hands I will first give a shout out to ask if you are ready to be sure you are fully covered on the table before entering. You will remain covered with the linens at all times except in the immediate area where you are being massaged. I want you to let me know at any time if you are experiencing discomfort, whether it is the amount of pressure I am applying, you’re too hot/cold, music volume, or you need a tissue or a sip from your water bottle.

When the session is over I will gently remind you to move slowly getting off the table and I will leave the room to wash my hands. DO NOT STAND UP TOO QUICKLY. People can become dizzy after a massage, especially if you are dehydrated. After you are fully dressed, I will return to wrap up discussion, show you any stretches or postural adjustments that might be helpful to you and open the curtains and door for you.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
There are certain situations where massage may not be recommended. If you are experiencing acute pain, please see your doctor for evaluation.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is performed fully clothed. You may want to bring comfy clothes to change into before we begin.

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he served as professor of biomechanics.

Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams - about the weight of a nickel - practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

How does it work?

Few structures have as much influence over the body's ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. And, the central nervous system is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system - the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.

Every day your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.

Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses their hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.

By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body's ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are certain situations where application of CST would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.

How to prepare for cupping or cupping massage: 

• Hydrate. Water is essential for your health, especially for your lymphatic system. Cupping supports your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system clears away cellular waste from your body and it needs plenty of water to do this effectively. 

• Eat an hour or so before your appointment. 

• Don’t shave the area within four hours of your appointment. 

• Recover from sunburn. When you receive cupping, it will feel like that area is warmer than normal. Neither the cup nor the extra heat will feel good on sunburned skin. Apply some soothing aloe and wait until your skin has recovered before your next cupping appointment. 

• Don’t exfoliate aggressively. Exfoliating removes a layer of dead skin, which makes your skin extra sensitive. Wait a couple days after aggressive exfoliation treatment before receiving cupping. 

Cupping Aftercare 

Cupping is a traditional treatment that is safe, comfortable, and effective for many health disorders. The gentle suction that cupping creates loosens and lifts connective tissues, which increases blood and lymph flow to your skin and muscles. To get the maximum benefits from cupping, it’s important that you follow a few guidelines. 

What to do after cupping or a cupping massage: 

• Drink a lot of water. 

• Water helps flush your lymphatic system of the cellular waste that cupping helps release from your tissues. Stay warm. 

• Try to cover the area(s) where you received cupping. 

• Rest. 

You may feel more tired than normal or experience flu-like symptoms after cupping (headache or general body aches). This is a temporary reaction by your immune system to the cellular waste that cupping helps release. 

What to avoid after cupping or a cupping massage: 

For 4-6 hours post cupping, avoid exposure to: 

• Caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and drinks, dairy, and processed meats. These foods slow down your body’s ability to process the treatment. 

• Hot showers, saunas, hot tubs and strong air conditioning. After cupping, your skin will be more sensitive to temperature in the areas where the cups were placed. Give your skin time to recover. 

• Intense exercise. 

• Cold and windy conditions. 

How to make the cupping marks go away faster: 

After cupping, your skin will have circular marks ranging in color from pink to deep red or purple. People may joke that you look like you were in a fight with an octopus. Wear those badges proudly! You’re doing something great for your body. 

Discolorations from cupping will fade. Some may fade after a few hours while others take up to two weeks to disappear completely. The discolorations are related to your body’s health at the time of cupping. 

If you’d like those marks to go away faster, do two things: hydrate and rest. 

Everyone’s body responds differently to cupping. If you have any questions either before or after a cupping appointment, please contact me.

Cupping Contraindications

In general, cupping is contraindicated directly on veins, arteries, nerves, skin inflammation, any skin lesion, body orifices, eyes, lymph nodes, or varicose veins. Cupping is also contraindicated on open wounds, bone fractures, and sites of deep vein thrombosis.

Areas to avoid
•Abdomen
•Anterior neck, medial to SCM
•Fractures, dislocations
•Kidneys – stationary cups over kidneys
•Areas of superficial blood vessel areas/nerve areas: anterior neck, groin, anterior distal forearm
•Insulin, or any medical injection sites
•Scarring following surgeries. Wait for the scar to heal, at least 3-5 weeks
•Herniation/Bulging disc area
•Cyst of any kind – pressure can increase discomfort

Acute and non-acute medical conditions
•Cancer, malignant tumors or while receiving cancer therapy
•Rheumatoid arthritis flare up
•Infection
•Fever

Cardiovascular-related conditions
•Aneurysms
•Hematomas
•Deep vein thrombosis
•Low blood pressure
•Acute circulatory disorders (varicosities)

Systemic Conditions / Weakened Conditions
•Diabetes
•Liver dysfunction
•Kidney dysfunction
•Hemophiliacs and clients who bruise easily
•Clients with extreme exhaustion, high stress or weakened general conditions
•Severe edema

Skin hypersensitivity-skin conditions to avoid include but not limited to
•Bruises
•Psoriasis
•Rash, Sunburn
•Shingles (Herpes zoster)
•Skin lesions, raised moles, skin tags, acne
•Medications – Including thin skinning medication
•Aspirin, Blood Thinners

All Acute musculoskeletal injuries

Medications
•Ask your doctor if cupping is contraindicated with any current medications you are taking.
•If you cannot reach you doctor, inform your massage therapist and we will consult with other resources.

CUPPING SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Pregnancy
It is recommended to introduce cupping gently in the second trimester. Recognize that a conservative approach is necessary as structures may be more responsive during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes in the body.Cupping will not be done lateral to the lumbar spine.

Breastfeeding
It is recommended to express milk before cupping therapy to prevent exposing the infant to an altered breast milk taste following the treatment. It is advised to pump and dump the breast milk and feed the baby with the pre-cupping treatment expressed milk.

Note
Visible markings can result from cupping from 3 to up to 7-8 days (rarely longer) following treatment. You must be comfortable with the markings, otherwise, cupping therapy is contraindicated.

“At the end of the massage, I told Melanie that I think this experience was the most relaxing one of my entire life and it’s true. From the moment I stepped through the door I felt cared for in every possible way. Melanie was so kind, considerate and care filled. I look forward to many return visits!”

— S.K.

“Melanie is a compassionate and skilled massage therapist. I trust her completely and have consistently gotten incredible massages from her. The space is warm and inviting. I wouldn’t even consider going anywhere else! She is also meticulous with her COVID-19 safety protocols.”

— J.B.

“Melanie is a true professional who took the time to understand my specific musculoskeletal issues, tailor the massage to them, and to educate me on ways to deal with these issues at home. She made sure the environment was comfortable, and the massage was excellent. I left feeling relaxed and rejuvinated!”

— L.M.

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​2026
Craniosacral II, Upledger Institute, Boston, MA. Teaching Assistant (August 2026)

2025
Visceral Manipulation, Barral Institute, Providence, RI.
(January 2025)
Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, JP Centre Yoga, Brenna Matthews and Alex Bauermeister, Jamaica Plain, MA.

2024
Beyond the Cranial Base, Thomas Rosenkilde Rasmussen, PhD, MSc, CST-D, Upledger Institute, Boston, MA.
CranioSacral Therapy Applications for Concussion, Upledger Institute, Minneapolis, MN.

2023
Craniosacral I, Upledger Institute, Boston, MA. Teaching Assistant.
Craniosacral I, Upledger Institute, Providence, RI. Teaching Assistant.
Neuromuscular Cupping Therapy, Gretchen Popp.

2022
Reiki 1, Anthe Kelley, Boston, MA.
Thai Foot ReflexologyMassage, Jeanne Coleman, Grafton, MA.
Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Saskia Coté, Bridgewater, MA.

2021
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy 1, Lyons Institute.

2020
9 Step Protocol for Low Back Pain, Lyons Institute.

2019
Somatoemotional Release II, Upledger Institute, Denver, CO.
“MotherMassage®: Massage during Pregnancy”, with Elaine Stillerman, Bancroft School of Massage, Worcester, MA.

2017
Somatoemotional Release I, Upledger Institute, Portland, ME.
Intro to Thai Massage, with Niss Bach, Boston, MA.

2016
Mana Lomi Self-Massage, with Barbara Helynn Heard, Cortiva Institute, Seattle, WA.
Craniosacral I, Upledger Institute, Portland, ME.
Craniosacral II, Upledger Institute, Portland, ME.

2015
Craniosacral Part I and Part II, with Kate Peck, Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, Worcester, MA.
Down to The Bone Painless Deep Tissue, with Mary Gail Sullivan, Body Education Project, Watertown, MA.

2014
Cupping Massage, with Morgan Sutherland, Cortiva Institute, Watertown, MA.

2012
Massage Therapy Diploma, Cortiva Institute, Watertown, MA.

Yoga
2015-2020: “Radically Restorative” Assistant to Alex Bauermeister, Jamaica Plain/Boston/Roslindale, MA.

2015
The Art of True North Alignment, bCalm, Hopkington, MA.

2013-2014
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training w/ Claire Estes-McDonald & Gregor Singleton, Cambridge, MA.

2013​
The Art of Assisting, Baltimore, MD.
100 Hour Yoga Teacher Training: Baptiste Journey into Power Level Two Training, Tulum, Mexico.

2012 
100 Hour Yoga Teacher Training: Baptiste Journey into Power Level One Training, Phoenicia, NY.