Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first — or next — session with Yan.
What should I expect during a mobile massage session?
Yan will arrive at your home at the scheduled time with everything she needs — massage table, fresh linens, therapeutic oils, and ambient music. She'll take a few minutes to check in with you about how you're feeling, what you'd like to focus on, and any areas to avoid or give extra attention.
You'll have privacy to undress to your comfort level and get settled on the table. Yan uses careful draping throughout the session so that only the area being worked on is ever exposed. The session itself flows with a mix of techniques guided by the style you've chosen and what she notices in your body as she works.
Afterward, Yan will give you a few minutes to rest and come back to yourself before she quietly begins packing up. The whole appointment — arrival to departure — typically takes about 30–45 minutes more than the session length itself.
How should I prepare for my session?
A little preparation goes a long way toward a deeply restorative experience:
- Clear a space in a bedroom, living room, or any room with enough floor space for a massage table (roughly 7 ft x 4 ft, plus walking room on all sides)
- Shower beforehand if possible — you'll feel more comfortable, and it helps the body absorb oils better
- Avoid a heavy meal in the hour before your session
- Stay well-hydrated in the hours leading up — and especially after — your appointment
- Wear or have loose, comfortable clothing available for afterward
- Dim the lights if you can, and let household members know you'll need quiet time
- Put your phone on silent or in another room
That's it. Yan handles everything else.
What do I need to provide?
Almost nothing. Yan brings:
- Professional massage table with face cradle
- Clean, fresh linens and bolsters
- A selection of therapeutic massage oils
- Essential oils for aromatherapy sessions
- Cupping equipment (silicone and glass cups)
- Ambient music and anything else needed to create a serene atmosphere
What you provide: a clear space large enough for the table (about 7 ft x 4 ft), and the desire to rest. A glass of water after the session is always welcome but never expected.
Does Yan bring a massage table?
Yes, always. Yan brings a professional-grade portable massage table to every appointment — it's part of what makes the house call a complete experience rather than just a floor mat massage. The table has an adjustable face cradle for comfort during face-down work, and she brings bolsters to support proper positioning for side-lying work (especially important for prenatal sessions).
All linens are clean and fresh for every client. You'll have everything you'd find at a professional spa, in your own home.
What areas do you serve?
Yan serves Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan region. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Grand Rapids and all surrounding neighborhoods
- Ada, Cascade, East Grand Rapids
- Kentwood, Wyoming, Grandville
- Rockford, Lowell, Caledonia
- Holland, Zeeland
- Muskegon and the lakeshore corridor
Not sure if you're in range? Send a message with your city or zip code and Yan will let you know. For locations outside the standard service area, a small travel fee may apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Life happens, and Yan understands that. The policy is designed to be fair to both sides:
- 24 hours or more before your session: Cancel or reschedule at no charge
- Less than 24 hours before your session: A 50% cancellation fee applies
- No-show (no contact, no arrival at appointment time): Full session fee is charged
If you're feeling unwell — especially with a contagious illness — please reach out as soon as possible to reschedule. In these cases, Yan is happy to waive the late cancellation fee. Your health (and hers) comes first.
To cancel or reschedule, contact Yan by phone or email at least 24 hours in advance.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! Gift certificates make a beautiful, thoughtful present — for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, new mothers, or anyone who deserves a little dedicated healing time. Twelve Lotus gift certificates are available in any dollar amount or session length.
To purchase a gift certificate, simply reach out to Yan by email or phone. She'll confirm the details and deliver a beautifully formatted certificate digitally (or by arrangement, in a physical format).
Gift certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and are transferable. They can be applied to any service or combination of services.
Is massage safe if I have a medical condition?
Massage is safe for most people and can be highly beneficial for many medical conditions, but there are some situations that require modification or consultation with your healthcare provider first. Please let Yan know if you have any of the following:
- Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, or clotting disorders
- Open wounds, burns, or skin infections in an area to be worked
- Recent surgery (generally wait 6–8 weeks, or as directed by your doctor)
- Cancer (massage may be modified but is often safe — discuss with your oncologist)
- Severe osteoporosis or bone fragility
- High-risk pregnancy (first trimester or complications)
When in doubt, check with your doctor and let Yan know your situation. She is happy to adapt the session or refer you to an appropriate practitioner if massage isn't appropriate at the time.
What should I do after my session?
The beauty of an in-home session is that you don't have to go anywhere. Here's how to make the most of the time after Yan leaves:
- Drink plenty of water — massage mobilizes tissue fluids and metabolic waste; hydration helps your body clear them
- Rest if you can — even 20–30 minutes of quiet lying down after the session significantly deepens the benefit
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day — your body is integrating
- Take a warm bath or shower later if desired — Epsom salts are wonderful for supporting the detox process
- Notice what shifts — emotions, energy, sleep quality, areas of pain. These observations help inform your next session
Some people feel wonderfully light and clear after a session. Others feel a gentle tiredness as the body processes the work. Both are normal and healthy.
Don't see your question here?
Reach out directly — Yan loves connecting with potential clients and is happy to answer any question before you book.