FAQ

What does Sahaya mean?

Sahaya is Sanskrit for "helper" or "ally." Through the culmination of my life experiences and therapeutic tools, I am able to help both myself and my clients navigate life dynamically using the helpful practices of yoga and clinical bodywork.

What kind of oil do you use for MLD?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is primarily a "dry" modality, as the technique requires precise traction on the skin to gently stretch the superficial lymphatic vessels. If clinical conditions call for it, I will wear nitrile gloves to protect both the client and myself. Additionally, a minimal amount of EWG-verified jojoba oil may be used if my hands or the client's skin are too dry to maintain proper traction.

What is Jojoba oil?

Jojoba oil is the extract of a seed from the Jojoba plant. Despite its name, it actually is classified as a liquid wax. It is rich in vitamin E, B vitamins and essential fatty acids. It's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and has a special quality being non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores. Because of all these qualities and waxy ester nature it is almost identical to our own skin sebum. While not impossible, it is least likely to cause a topical allergic reaction.

Do you accept tips?
Because my practice focuses on clinical results, gratuity is never expected or required. To keep your checkout seamless and pressure-free, my credit card terminal will never prompt you for a tip. If you would still like to leave a token of appreciation, you are welcome to use cash or Venmo, but your presence and referrals are the best compliments!

What are your sanitation standards?

To uphold clinical hygene, I I partner with a professional laundry service that provides and launders hospital-grade table linens. Between every client, the room and high-touch surfaces are thoroughly disinfected using EPA-registered, hospital-grade solutions. I practice universal standard precautions, utilize clean aseptic techniques, and maintain strict controls to prevent cross-contamination. At the close of each day, I perform a comprehensive terminal clean of the entire practice space.

Science & Expectations FAQ

What does a Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) session feel like?

Unlike deep tissue or Swedish massage, true Vodder-method MLD uses an ultra-light, feather-weight touch. It involves precise, rhythmic skin-stretching movements designed to open the delicate, microscopic initial lymph vessels located just beneath the surface of the skin. It is entirely painless, profoundly relaxing, and intentionally lacks heavy physical pressure.

How many sessions will I need to see results?

MLD is an ongoing therapeutic process rather than a "one and done" remedy. For acute post-surgical recovery, a series of 2 to 3 sessions per week during the first month is common to aggressively manage swelling and bruising. For chronic autoimmune management or lymphedema maintenance, clients typically transition to bi-weekly or monthly sessions.
Your customized frequency will be designed alongside your lifestyle, diet, and your physician’s medical directives.

What should I expect after my treatment?

Because MLD moves massive amounts of stagnant interstitial fluid back into your central circulation for filtration, increased urination is the most immediate post-session effect. You may also experience deep relaxation, an immediate reduction in tissue tightness, improved range of motion, and temporary fatigue as your body processes and eliminates metabolic waste.

Medical Clearance FAQ

What is a medical clearance letter?

A medical clearance letter is an official document written and signed by your healthcare provider (such as your surgeon, oncologist, or primary care physician) stating that it is clinically safe for you to receive specialized manual therapy. This letter provides a formal "green light" for your treatment plan, outlining any specific timelines or anatomical boundaries to ensure your care is coordinated and safe.

Why is a medical clearance letter required before my session?

Specialized therapies like the Vodder Method dynamically influence your central fluid volume, systemic circulation, and autonomic nervous system. A clearance letter ensures that high-risk physiology—such as acute surgical incisions, fragile post-radiation tissues, or compromised immune states—is stable enough to receive therapy. It also certifies that your doctor has screened for absolute contraindications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or active infections, protecting both your health and our clinical scope of practice.

For which health challenges do I need a clearance letter?

Medical clearance is strictly required if you are seeking care for:

Post-Surgical Edema & Bruising (plastic surgery, orthopedic procedures, or general surgery)
Oncology Support (active cancer treatments, post-radiation care, or history of lymph node resections)
Adjunct Lymphedema & Lipedema Support (working under a physician or CLT treatment plan)
Autoimmune & Inflammatory Relief (to verify your condition is in a stable remission phase)

How do I obtain and submit my medical clearance?

You can request a simple clearance note or directive from your treating provider's office. For your convenience, you can download the Sahaya Practices Medical Clearance Form directly from our platform, have your doctor sign or check the approved boxes, and upload the completed document as a secure PDF or photo via the Messages tab in your Jane Client Portal prior to your first visit.

Pre- & Post-Appointment Prep FAQ

Why do I need to avoid caffeine before my session?

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and a mild vasoconstrictor. It activates the "fight-or-flight" sympathetic nervous system, which tightens fluid channels. To achieve optimal lymphatic drainage, your body must shift into a deeply relaxed parasympathetic state. Refraining from caffeine for 3 hours before your session ensures your vessels are open, soft, and receptive.

Can I receive MLD during an autoimmune flare-up?

No. If you are experiencing an acute flare-up of an inflammatory condition (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus), manual therapy is strictly contraindicated. Working over actively inflamed tissues can compound the local inflammatory cycle and overwhelm your systemic pathways. MLD is incredibly effective, but it is applied safely during stable remission phases only.

Can I get a session if I have an active infection or open wound?

No. Open, weeping wounds, unhealed surgical dehiscence, and active bacterial or viral infections (like cellulitis or a fever) are absolute contraindications. Mobilizing fluid during an active infection risks sweeping pathogens deeper into your central cardiovascular loop. If you present with an open wound, you must be referred out to a specialized wound care nurse, physical/occupational therapist, or physician before resuming care.

Medical, HSA, Insurance & Payment FAQ

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and cash at the time of your service.

Do I need to pay a deposit when booking, and when is final payment due?

Yes. To secure your appointment block on our high-demand scheduling calendar, a 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. A valid payment card must remain securely authorized on file via the Jane portal to finalize your reservation. The remaining 50% balance for services rendered is due in full at the conclusion of your session during checkout

Are package deals or series discounts available?

Each service plan is tailored to your individual needs.

For MLD bodywork after the initial intake is completed, multi-session packages are available:

Prepaid 5-Session Care Plan: Includes a 5% savings.
Prepaid 10-Session Care Plan: Includes a 10% savings.

For Neuromuscular massage clients may purchase packages any time:

Prepaid 3-Sessions: Includes a 5% savings.
Prepaid 6-Sessions: Includes a 10% savings

Can I use my HSA or FSA card to pay for my sessions?

Yes. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) debit cards are gladly accepted at checkout for eligible clinical manual therapies. Please note that clients are independently responsible for keeping a current Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from their treating healthcare provider on file for their personal tax and benefit substantiation records.

Will my health insurance cover these sessions, or do you bill directly?

In accordance with South Carolina regulations, Licensed Massage Therapists cannot bill health insurance carriers directly, and Sahaya Practices, LLC does not process in-network insurance claims. However, upon request, we are happy to provide an itemized clinical receipt (Superbill) containing standard procedural codes (such as CPT 97140 for manual therapy) and relevant diagnostic codes, which you can self-submit to your insurance carrier for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

What is a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), and do I need one?

An LMN is a formal document issued by your physician or specialist stating that Manual Lymphatic Drainage is medically necessary for your specific diagnosed condition (such as post-operative edema, lipedema, or cancer support). While an LMN is not required for general wellness bodywork, benefit administrators require you to maintain a current LMN on file to legally substantiate the use of your pre-tax HSA or FSA funds.

How do I coordinate my clinical sessions with my surgeon or physician?

For all specialized clinical applications—including acute post-operative recovery, oncological history, or adjunct lymphedema and lipedema care—written medical clearance or a physician directive is required prior to your initial hands-on session. You can request a directive from your doctor and upload the signed document as a secure PDF or photo via the Messages tab in your Jane Client Portal, or bring a physical copy with you to your first visit.