The Book of Sacred Boundaries

Dear curious soul,

Thank you for showing interest in Massage Baum holistic massage studio. Congratulations in taking the first step and reaching out. It’s an honor to be included in your wellness journey.

I am ready to receive you here in my studio.

And I am so excited to work together.

But first here are some things you need to know before we can proceed:

Reading The Book of Sacred Boundaries is a requirement. Please scroll all the way down and read everything before we can proceed to make your first appointment. I am looking forward to getting to know you and having you here in my studio.

Thank you.

-Katie

Sacred Boundaries Deutsch

Sacred Boundaries English

The Book of Sacred Boundaries

This is my Book of Sacred Boundaries. My massage studio is a sacred space and I am careful about those whom I allow to enter. These boundaries are in place in order for us both to feel safe while spending time together. Massage is intimate. Emotions can come up. Touch is involved. And sometimes relaxing can bring up a sense of vulnerability.

I want you to feel safe here. Safe to rest. Safe to simply be. And I want you to feel safe to express yourself and communicate with me.

But mostly, I want to you to feel safe so that you can ENJOY your time here.

Because honestly, safety is everything.

I am writing this Book of Sacred Boundaries to ensure that my boundaries are crystal clear to us both and to protect myself to ensure more safety for all who come to my massage studio.

I will do my best to prepare you here and explain some basic guidelines and procedures so you understand how things work here at Massage Baum. And so that you will know how to show up to have the most wonderful experience working together.

These are my boundaries you must agree to before stepping inside my studio. Please make sure you read them thoroughly before we start our journey together. If anything isn't crystal clear, please contact me before continuing. I am always available to answer any questions.

My Boundaries:

Boundaries for Protection and Mutual Respect:

I have zero tolerance for any kind of sexual or inappropriate behavior. If you cross this boundary your actions will be reported to the police. I will not hesitate to take any action necessary to protect myself and my space.

I agree to treat your body as sacred and you must also agree to treat mine the same way. Just because I am a massage therapist and I am touching you, does not give you any right to touch me. While I am working during the massage, do not touch me or attempt to initiate any physical contact. If you need my attention, communicate verbally. Talk to me. If you need a hand getting on or off the table, I will assist you. We can share a hug after the session is over - but do not touch me while I am working on you.

I have the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. Massage Baum is a private massage studio open by appointment only. It is not open to the general public. I screen clients and am selective about who I choose to allow into my space. If I feel there is no mutual respect between us, you will be denied service without explanation.

My massage studio is open to men, women, trans, gay, bi...Whatever you identify with, you are welcome here. However, I only accept clients who can speak English or German. I appreciate how multi-cultural our world is, however, language is a barrier. If we can not communicate properly or I feel you are unable to understand me, we can't work together. If your English or German isn't fluent, it's ok - I'm not testing your language skills. I'm an American living in Germany so my grammar isn't perfect either...However I might request a phone conversation prior to making an appointment to gauge your level of understanding. This is to create safety in communication between us.

Personal Hygiene. This has honestly never been an issue with any client I've ever had in the past. However, let's just state this here as a boundary:
Show up for your appointment with proper hygiene. Plan ahead accordingly, especially if outdoor activity, exercise, or heavy labor is planned before your appointment. You will not be able to enjoy your massage to the fullest if you feel uncomfortable in your skin because you didn't shower that day. Please don't wear heavy scents. Facial massage is best performed on clean skin with no makeup. Take that into account before arriving.

Communication Guidelines:

My phone is on silent most of the time and I can not answer the phone throughout the day. Please contact me through Whatsapp message, email, or through the website contact form.
I am always available to answer any questions :)
However, I do not respond to rude messages.

I only work with clients speaking German or English. Messages in any other language will be ignored.

I also do not respond to messages just saying "hi" or "hello"

When you contact me, please introduce yourself and let me know how I can help you. I don't chat with strangers.

I always try to respond to messages within 24 hours but sometimes there can be a delay.

***Important note: Massage is a luxury, not an emergency service. If you are having acute pain or a health problem you need to contact emergency services, not a massage studio.
If you are an established client of mine I will do everything I can to get you in the massage studio as quickly as possible if you have something come up that needs immediate attention. Same day appointments are ONLY available to established clients of mine.

Cancellation Policy:

Currently, there is no penalty for needing to cancel an appointment. I only ask that you contact me as soon as possible when plans need to change. I understand that life is hectic and sometimes we need to adjust our schedules.
Sometimes I will also have to cancel appointments, for example if I fall sick or have an emergency. This is why I collect your contact information in the client intake form.

Thank you for taking the time to read and understand my boundaries. Now let's go over some helpful information for clients - about what to expect at Massage Baum and how to communicate your own boundaries...

Information for Clients:

Studio Accessibility and Mobility Information:

It is important to note that this is a massage studio and not a spa. When you arrive for your appointment, you are the only client here and you have my undivided attention. There is no waiting room. If someone is driving you and wants to stay during your massage, please communicate with me beforehand. There are also no showers here. Please take care of your hygiene before you arrive.

The address of the studio will be shared after your initial appointment is made.

The massage studio is house in an old building built in 1906. The studio is located on the ground floor but it is not wheelchair friendly.
There is a bathroom on the ground floor.

Most clients arrive by car, but many also arrive with bike. Public transportation is also available with a bus stop about 500m away.

On the topic of draping and nudity:

I have traveled extensively so I feel this is an important topic to be clear about because every culture around the world has different comfort levels regarding modesty and nudity. I am American and this massage studio follows standard American procedures.

Every client, at all times, will be covered with a full sized sheet and a blanket on top. This is non-negotiable.

I don't care how comfortable you are with your body or nudity - you will be draped no matter what. If you are too warm, the blanket can be removed but you will still be covered at all times with the sheet. As I move around during the massage I will uncover the areas I am working on and then recover them when I move on. Draping is part of the massage ritual.

For women, breasts will always be covered with a smaller towel if I open the sheet to work on the front of the body. Genitalia will always be covered. This is non negotiable.

In the American style, I also leave the room to give you privacy while you undress and get on the table. After the massage is finished I leave the room again to give you privacy while you dress. There is never a moment when your body is exposed in entirety to me.

How should you undress for your massage?

Honestly, undress to your level of comfort. You will always be covered by a sheet so feel free to undress completely - especially if we are doing a full body massage. If we are only doing a crown massage or working on the upper body feel free to leave your pants on - however, if they are jeans or tight please unbutton your pants so that I can adjust them to have access to your entire back. If you feel more comfortable leaving your underwear on, please do so. It is easier for me to work without bras, but for example if you are a nursing mother and worried about leaking of course you can leave your bra on. I am here to accommodate you in every way so that you can relax and feel comfortable and safe.

If you leave clothing on during the massage - I take that as a boundary that I will not cross. So for example if you leave your socks on - I will not work on your feet. If you are wearing boxer shorts that come down to your knees, I will only work on exposed skin below the knees. If you want me to work on your sciatic nerve but leave your underwear on - I will only work on you above the sheet. This is to protect your clothing from oil but mostly to respect your visible boundaries.

Talking during the massage:

Communication is essential to create a safe environment. If you want to engage and have a conversation before the massage starts, please feel free to do so. You are welcome to ask me any questions that will make you feel more comfortable and get to know me better. But after the massage starts I will let the conversation die out.... And I will not speak much while I am working during the massage.

I feel it is important for me to state this boundary: It is your responsibility to speak up and communicate with me if you need something. I will not keep "checking in" or ask you questions during the massage.

If you need a tissue or a glass of water, let me know. When you need to take a break or use the bathroom, it's no problem - just let me know. If something doesn't feel right or you are cold and need another blanket, talk to me. You are never disturbing me. You are always welcome to speak your needs. I am here for you. I am always listening.
If you need deeper pressure or need me to lighten up or move on to another area - please let me know.
I welcome all feedback. I want you to enjoy your experience. I am here for you.

***Important note: I am not psychic and I can not read your mind. You are a co-creator of your experience here at Massage Baum and it is your responsibility to communicate with me during the massage. Especially during the Deep Tissue Massage Ritual - communication is KEY.

Thank You.

Thank you for taking the time to read The Book of Sacred Boundaries all the way to the end. I hope this empowers both of us to have a mutually wonderful experience while working together and opens the line for clear communication between us.

I also hope it inspires you to state your boundaries - both here at Massage Baum and in your own life :)

Please fill out the client intake form and we can make your first appointment!

Client Intake Form