FAQs & Policies

Got questions? We’ve got answers! If something isn’t answered here, please feel free to reach out to Sarah at sarah@shantibodywork.com.

Privacy and Collaboration Policy

Protecting your privacy is paramount to Shanti Bodywork and we have implemented procedures to safeguard your information included in our files. Computerized files can only be accessed with a password, and all paperwork is kept in a locked filing cabinet.

We are happy to collaborate with other health professionals, such as chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists, regarding your treatment plan if you desire…we love being part of your “wellness team”! In order to do so, express and specific permission to discuss your treatment is required. We take your privacy and confidentiality VERY seriously and follow all HIPPA Guidelines at our studio.

Cancellation & Lateness Policy

Shanti Bodywork understands that everyone’s lives are busy. In order to accommodate all of our clients, 24-hour advance notice (978) 882-1602 is required when canceling an appointment. Cancellations without 24-hour notice will result in a full charge for your session, as this time has been set aside specifically for you. Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to ensure those appointments following yours begin on time. Full payment for your session will be expected. We thank you for your understanding of this policy!

Sick Policy

In an effort to maintain a healthy environment, I ask that if you are sick (which includes a cold, a fever, the flu, etc.) or have the onset of symptoms of an illness that you reschedule your appointment. If you arrive for your appointment with symptoms of an illness, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment. This is for your well being as well as the health of me, your therapist, and your fellow clients.

Receiving a massage when you are sick is not advised. While in the early and acute stages of a cold, the flu or other illness, a massage can accelerate the onset of the infection and intensify its severity (via additional circulation of blood & lymph). If you get a massage after the infection has peaked, you may experience a relapse of symptoms and feel sick again. Please wait until you have been well for at least 2 full days before getting your massage. If you do need to cancel your appointment, please contact me (978) 882-1602 as soon as possible and I will be happy to reschedule your appointment for a time when you are feeling better.

If illness comes on suddenly and you are not able to adhere to Shanti’s 24-hour Cancellation Policy, please contact me immediately; I’d much rather let you heal and keep everyone healthy. I have many prenatal clients and immune-challenged clients – as well as many medical professionals and teachers! – so let’s all take care of each other! If you are questioning how you feel, please check in with me (978) 882-1602.

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing your happy, healthy self!

Inclusion Policy

Shanti Bodywork wants you to know that they are committed to creating a safe, welcoming space for all clients, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion, size, age or physical limitations. We strive to create a practice grounded in support, equality and respect.

Causes for Termination

Massages at Shanti Bodywork will be terminated for the following reasons. Full payment will be expected.

  • Massage will be terminated immediately if a client makes any sexual advances or requests. Even questionable sexual discussion can be cause for termination. Massage therapy is therapeutic in nature and in no way sexual.
  • A session will not be conducted if the client is intoxicated, using drugs or threatening our safety, the safety of others in the building or themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

what should i expect during my first visit?
Upon arrival, you will be required to fill out a health history form. After this, you and your therapist will have a conversation to establish what your goals may be, if there are any specific conditions needing to be addressed, and if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you appear to have any presenting conditions. Please note that it is important to list all health concerns and medications so your session can be adapted to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies to be sure no allergic reactions occur.
will i be comfortable on the table?

We work very hard to ensure that each and every client that visits our office enjoys their time on the table! We have a state of the art electric lift table that allows the table to be easily lowered for ease of getting on. The table is also able to tilt at the head, so if you have trouble lying flat on your back (vertigo, pregnancy, back problems, etc) we can find the perfect angle. We have plenty of pillows and bolsters to also ensure perfect support of your body throughout your session. The table is rated up to a client weight of 550lbs.

do i have to undress?
You should undress to your comfort level. For a full body massage, most people either undress completely or leave on only underwear (most remove the bra). Your therapist follows very stringent and modest “draping” protocols – you will be comfortably under a sheet at all times, and only the area being worked on is uncovered at any time. Some people may be nervous or very uncomfortable to undress, and that is fine too – we have done plenty of massages on individuals who are fully clothed (wear comfy clothes, like sweatpants or yoga clothes). Often, a client will, over the course of several sessions, get more comfortable with undressing! The genitals and breasts will, of course, never be uncovered. If your therapist is going to provide abdominal work, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen. When it does come time to get on the table, you will be given privacy to do so, and your therapist will knock before entering the room to ensure you are ready.
what do i do during the session?
We tell all of our clients, you are welcome “to laugh, cry, chat, snore or simply enjoy some peace and quiet” during your session, and it’s the truth! Some people relax by chatting, and others will fall asleep. You may be curious about what we are doing therapeutically, and we are happy to share the thought process behind our techniques. Occasionally you may feel emotional during a session, and this is a-ok as well! Your therapist will allow you to dictate the level of chatter. And if you normally chat, but feel like having a quiet session for a change, just say so! We want to you to enjoy your session as much as possible.
what if the pressure is too much, or the room is too cold?
SPEAK UP! Your time on the table is precious, and we want you to get the most out of it. Please just let us know if the table is to warm or cold, the pressure is too light or too much, the music is driving you crazy…we are happy to oblige.
will a massage hurt?
A massage should never cause you to hold your breath, grin and bear it. During deeper, more therapeutic sessions, we will work within the “therapeutic discomfort” range – it may be a little uncomfortable, but not painful. If it ever feels too intense, please do speak up – your body needs different amounts of pressure in every place, and on every day. Not speaking up doesn’t make you a tough guy; your tensing up will only serve to decrease the effectiveness of the work! Your therapist is constantly reading your non-verbal cues, and may back off on their own when you appear to be in the “ouch” range.
do i tip?

Tipping is not required, but is graciously appreciated. Most clients tip in the 15-20% range, but please do what feels most appropriate to you.

how should i feel after a massage?
After a massage, most people feel relaxed, loosened up, and, generally speaking, happy. If you were in for deep work, you may feel a little sore here or there, in that “worked out hard the day before” kind of way. Some gentle stretching, a bath, or some light exercise may help to ease the soreness.
how often should i get a massage?
The effects of massage are cumulative, meaning that each session builds off the progress of the one before. Optimal frequency depends upon your goals and specific condition, and can be discussed with your therapist. If you are coming in to maintain general wellness, for example, once every 2-6 weeks may be just right, but if you are working on a specific condition you may need to come in weekly at first and then extend the time between sessions as your condition progresses.

Relax with music

Set the tune. We have Spotify playlists to enhance your session or bring your own music that helps you relax.


In Sanskrit, Shanti means
peace & tranquility.

With the goal of healing the past in order to welcome the present, the term "Shanti" evokes balance, freedom and a feeling of "lightness."

shanti discount

Save 10% when you purchase a package of three treatments. $5 off your next session when someone you refer books one too. Book today!

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Get in touch

Contact Sarah using the form below or feel free to call (978) 882-1602.

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