Why should I get a massage?
Massage can make you feel better, both physically and mentally! It’s more than just being pampered. Muscle soreness and spasms, tightness, joint pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression all show improvement after a massage. Learning how to relax, knowing how good your body can feel, and heightened somatic awareness are also wonderful benefits of regular massage.
When are you open?
We are open 7 days a week! Monday-Friday 10-7, Saturday 9-7 + Sunday 10-3
Do you do facials and waxing?
Yes!
Do have gift certificates available?
Yes! In all amounts! Don't live around here? Check out our online store, where you can purchase a gift certificate, and print it out.
Even though you offer walk ins, should I call ahead anyway?
It's generally best to schedule an appointment. Our walk-in massages are shorter sessions (10-20min), performed through your clothes. Walk-in sessions are subject to availability. If you know you want a 30 minute or longer massage with oil, please schedule an appointment.
What the deal with leaving a tip or gratuity?
The prices on our menu do not include gratuity, however it is industry standard to tip your Massage Therapist. How much? $15-20 for an hour session is normal if you are happy with your service. A percentage (typically 18-20%) of the total cost of the service is also normal.
What's your cancellation policy?
If you have scheduled a massage in advance, please give us at lease 24 hours advance notice if you need to change or cancel it. If we are unable to fill that appointment time with another session, we will need to charge you a 50% cancellation fee.
Does Birch take credit cards?
Yes! Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Birch also accepts personal checks and cash
Do you accept insurance?
We are currently accepting Kingston Trust Fund Insurance. Please call us for more info. In addition to being responsible for your co-pay, please be sure to tip your Massage Therapist appropriately.
When is it NOT okay to get a massage?
No massage anywhere if you have: a fever, infectious disease (like the flu), blood clotting disorder, unregulated high blood pressure, or unregulated diabetes.
No massage on or over: acute inflammation, blisters, contagious skin conditions, open cuts and wounds, broken bones, hernias, and varicose veins.
What about cancer? There are conflicting theories about whether or not massage is okay for people with cancer. If you are under the care of a physician who recommends massage or reflexology, the benefits probably out-weigh the drawbacks. Deep massage is, however, a no no.
What types of massage are there?
Just about a bazillion.
The most prevalent types are based on Western anatomy and physiology and include Swedish and deep tissue massage. You should expect your massage therapist to use oil or lotion on the skin. Depending on your specific needs and preferences a combination of strokes and varying pressures will be used during the massage.
Eastern based massage focuses on clearing and rebalancing energy blockages along meridian (energy) pathways. Thai massage and Shiatsu involve plenty of range of motion techniques, stretching, and compression using the hands, fingers, and sometimes feet. You should expect to remain clothed, but should wear loose fitting garments. Reflexology bridges some Eastern and Western philosophies and mainly focuses on the feet. It is a very specific foot massage that works to bring balance to the body through massaging reflex zones. Different areas of the feet correspond to the various organs, glands, and general areas of the body. If nothing else, it is extremely relaxing and is a wonderful therapy, especially if a full body massage is not indicated.
Will it hurt?
It shouldn’t hurt. But please, please, please, please, please speak up during your massage if the pressure becomes too intense! Massage therapists are not psychic and sometimes it’s hard to tell if something feels very deep to you. A professional won’t think less of you if you “can’t take it,” and certainly won’t take a request for less pressure personally. However, sometimes there can be a “hurts so good” type of pain associated with deep massage work that can be quite beneficial and enjoyable.
Will I be sore after my massage?
It’s possible. Getting a massage is much like doing a workout. If the muscles aren't used to it, they may respond with some soreness. If any soreness lasts longer than a day or so, the massage may have been too intense, and the therapist should adjust for this in the next session.
Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts, taking ibuprofen, or applying a topical homeopathic remedy such as Topricin or Arnica may help to alleviate soreness.
Do I have to take off my underwear?
That is completely up to you. Regardless of your choice, you will be draped with a sheet at all times and only the area being worked on will be exposed. Birch also offers by the minute massage that requires no disrobing.
What about happy endings?
We give completely non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Period. No exceptions. If you make a sexual advance or innuendo before, during or after your treatment, the session will be terminated immediately and you will be charged full price.
Do massage therapists have to go to school for this stuff?
Yes. States have different educational requirements, but New York State requires at least 1200 hours of education at an accredited massage school. Licensed Massage Therapists must also pass a state board exam to become licensed.
Where can I park my car while I’m at Birch?
There are two free municipal lots located on North Front Street between Washington Avenue and Wall Street. There is also a free municipal lot at the corner of Fair Street and Schwenk Drive. Metered parking is available all over Uptown Kingston. You Don't need to feed the meters after 5pm or on the weekends. There is a paid parking lot at the Ulster County Office Building (DMV) located on Fair and Main Streets. That lot is free after 6pm and on weekends.
Is Birch handicapped accessible?
Yes!
Do you offer Aromatherapy?
Yes! We use therapeutic grade essential oils made by DoTerra that can be added to you session for $10.
Massage can make you feel better, both physically and mentally! It’s more than just being pampered. Muscle soreness and spasms, tightness, joint pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression all show improvement after a massage. Learning how to relax, knowing how good your body can feel, and heightened somatic awareness are also wonderful benefits of regular massage.
When are you open?
We are open 7 days a week! Monday-Friday 10-7, Saturday 9-7 + Sunday 10-3
Do you do facials and waxing?
Yes!
Do have gift certificates available?
Yes! In all amounts! Don't live around here? Check out our online store, where you can purchase a gift certificate, and print it out.
Even though you offer walk ins, should I call ahead anyway?
It's generally best to schedule an appointment. Our walk-in massages are shorter sessions (10-20min), performed through your clothes. Walk-in sessions are subject to availability. If you know you want a 30 minute or longer massage with oil, please schedule an appointment.
What the deal with leaving a tip or gratuity?
The prices on our menu do not include gratuity, however it is industry standard to tip your Massage Therapist. How much? $15-20 for an hour session is normal if you are happy with your service. A percentage (typically 18-20%) of the total cost of the service is also normal.
What's your cancellation policy?
If you have scheduled a massage in advance, please give us at lease 24 hours advance notice if you need to change or cancel it. If we are unable to fill that appointment time with another session, we will need to charge you a 50% cancellation fee.
Does Birch take credit cards?
Yes! Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Birch also accepts personal checks and cash
Do you accept insurance?
We are currently accepting Kingston Trust Fund Insurance. Please call us for more info. In addition to being responsible for your co-pay, please be sure to tip your Massage Therapist appropriately.
When is it NOT okay to get a massage?
No massage anywhere if you have: a fever, infectious disease (like the flu), blood clotting disorder, unregulated high blood pressure, or unregulated diabetes.
No massage on or over: acute inflammation, blisters, contagious skin conditions, open cuts and wounds, broken bones, hernias, and varicose veins.
What about cancer? There are conflicting theories about whether or not massage is okay for people with cancer. If you are under the care of a physician who recommends massage or reflexology, the benefits probably out-weigh the drawbacks. Deep massage is, however, a no no.
What types of massage are there?
Just about a bazillion.
The most prevalent types are based on Western anatomy and physiology and include Swedish and deep tissue massage. You should expect your massage therapist to use oil or lotion on the skin. Depending on your specific needs and preferences a combination of strokes and varying pressures will be used during the massage.
Eastern based massage focuses on clearing and rebalancing energy blockages along meridian (energy) pathways. Thai massage and Shiatsu involve plenty of range of motion techniques, stretching, and compression using the hands, fingers, and sometimes feet. You should expect to remain clothed, but should wear loose fitting garments. Reflexology bridges some Eastern and Western philosophies and mainly focuses on the feet. It is a very specific foot massage that works to bring balance to the body through massaging reflex zones. Different areas of the feet correspond to the various organs, glands, and general areas of the body. If nothing else, it is extremely relaxing and is a wonderful therapy, especially if a full body massage is not indicated.
Will it hurt?
It shouldn’t hurt. But please, please, please, please, please speak up during your massage if the pressure becomes too intense! Massage therapists are not psychic and sometimes it’s hard to tell if something feels very deep to you. A professional won’t think less of you if you “can’t take it,” and certainly won’t take a request for less pressure personally. However, sometimes there can be a “hurts so good” type of pain associated with deep massage work that can be quite beneficial and enjoyable.
Will I be sore after my massage?
It’s possible. Getting a massage is much like doing a workout. If the muscles aren't used to it, they may respond with some soreness. If any soreness lasts longer than a day or so, the massage may have been too intense, and the therapist should adjust for this in the next session.
Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts, taking ibuprofen, or applying a topical homeopathic remedy such as Topricin or Arnica may help to alleviate soreness.
Do I have to take off my underwear?
That is completely up to you. Regardless of your choice, you will be draped with a sheet at all times and only the area being worked on will be exposed. Birch also offers by the minute massage that requires no disrobing.
What about happy endings?
We give completely non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Period. No exceptions. If you make a sexual advance or innuendo before, during or after your treatment, the session will be terminated immediately and you will be charged full price.
Do massage therapists have to go to school for this stuff?
Yes. States have different educational requirements, but New York State requires at least 1200 hours of education at an accredited massage school. Licensed Massage Therapists must also pass a state board exam to become licensed.
Where can I park my car while I’m at Birch?
There are two free municipal lots located on North Front Street between Washington Avenue and Wall Street. There is also a free municipal lot at the corner of Fair Street and Schwenk Drive. Metered parking is available all over Uptown Kingston. You Don't need to feed the meters after 5pm or on the weekends. There is a paid parking lot at the Ulster County Office Building (DMV) located on Fair and Main Streets. That lot is free after 6pm and on weekends.
Is Birch handicapped accessible?
Yes!
Do you offer Aromatherapy?
Yes! We use therapeutic grade essential oils made by DoTerra that can be added to you session for $10.
ph: 845-331-7139 ll birchbodycare@gmail.com ll Birch Body Care, 73 Crown Street, Kingston, NY 12401