Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments/Account Management/Scheduling

What’s the best way to schedule an appointment?

The best way to schedule an appointment is online at http://www.emeraldvine.net/appts/. It’s up-to-date, immediate, and can also be used to schedule same-day appointments up to 75 minutes before your desired start time (assuming the desired appointment time is still available). Since I do not have a receptionist, if you try to schedule via phone it is likely you will end up playing phone tag with me, and the appointment time you want may end up going to someone else booking online. Also, by scheduling online, you will have access to your user account, where you can manage your appointments and account information, as well as book future appointments.

Do you have a wait list?

While there is currently no way to join a wait list online, you are welcome to email us at massage@emeraldvine.net if you wish to be informed if/when your desired time/day open up. When contacting us, be sure to let me know:

• Which day(s) you are interested in
• The earliest you could come in
• The latest you would need the session to end
• Whether or not you would be likely to be available last-minute
• The best way to reach you quickly

You may also call me to request being waitlisted, but keep in mind that, not having a receptionist, this is typically a slower way of getting your request in.

How do I reset my password?

You can reset your password from the login page, which you can access by clicking on the “Login to your account” link in the upper right portion of my webpage menu. Once there, scroll down to the “Reset password” section. You will need your username to reset your password, so if you’ve forgotten it, see "How Can I Find My Username?" below.

How can I find my username?

Please do not create a new account. You can find your username by viewing the link to your account page (which you can find on any old appointment confirmation or reminder email). It will be the last part of the link (e.g. the account link "http://www.emeraldvine.net/accounts/view/kiyoshi/" will mean that the username is "kiyoshi"). Occasionally you will see a % sign followed by some numbers oddly placed in the username section. This indicates that some sort of special character or space is in your username that had to be encoded for the account URL to be valid. Some examples are:

• "%20" equals a space (e.g. "http://www.emeraldvine.net/accounts/view/kiyoshi%20akidau/" will mean that the username is "kiyoshi akidau").
• "%40" equals an "@" (e.g. "http://www.emeraldvine.net/accounts/view/kiyoshi%40emeraldvine.net/" will mean that the username is "kiyoshi@emeraldvine.net")
• “%21” equals an “!” (e.g. "http://www.emeraldvine.net/accounts/view/kiyoshi%21/" will mean that the username is "kiyoshi!")

A more complete list of URL character encodings may be found here. I apologize that this is confusing and odd, so please feel free to email us if you are having problems deciphering your username.

What is your cancellation policy?

I require at least 24-hours notice to cancel or change appointments, otherwise charges will be made for the time reserved. If you are using insurance, they will not cover a missed appointment, so you will be required to pay for it personally. If you are feeling ill or there is an emergency of some kind, please let me know as soon as possible and allowances may be made. You will often receive a reminder email one to two days before your appointment; as it is a courtesy, in the event that you do not receive a reminder, you are still responsible for remembering your appointment time. If you are late for your appointment, I will do what I can to give you the best massage possible within the remaining time scheduled for your session.

How do I cancel/change an appointment?

If you created an account online prior to booking the appointment (even if you, perhaps, booked this particular appointment in-person or over the phone), you can manage your appointments online by logging in, visiting your account page (in the top right of my website menu), scrolling down to the “calendar” section, and clicking the "cancel" button next to the appointment you wish to let go. You can then reschedule your appointment, if you wish, by visiting my appointment page and booking a new time, day, or length of massage. If, however, you have never created an online account, you will have to email or call us to cancel/change your appointment.

How do I update my account information and/or change my password?

This can be done by logging in to your account and visiting your account page - by clicking on your name in the top right top of my webpage menu once you’ve logged in. Scroll down to the “client information” section and click “edit” to make changes.

Do you do additional length appointments besides 90 minutes?

I only offer appointments in 90 minute minute blocks. Some clients book two 90 minute blocks in a row to receive a 3 hour massage, which is allowable. Part of the reason I keep limited to 90 minute blocks is because I like to make the day as efficient as possible and, when I used to offer more than one length choice, I ended up with odd gaps between appointments. By limiting the number choices, I limit the incidence of these gaps.

Facilities

Are you wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, there are a few steps up at the entrance to my building and the room, itself, is a bit crowded, once those steps are cleared.

Do you have parking?

In addition to the street parking around Fremont, there is free 1.5 parking for our building in the the underground PCC Garage (accessible from the ally off of Evanston Ave N).

Insurance

Do you take insurance?

I am only accepting PIP (Personal Injury / Motor-vehicle Accident) claims at this time from new and existing clients. I was unhappy to discontinue accepting insurance but, as time has gone on, most insurance companies have greatly decreased their rates and made it difficult or drawn-out process to receive payments on claims.

While booking a massage, I received a notice that you do not accept my insurance. What does this mean?

I am no longer accepting insurance claims that are not PIP (Personal Injury / Motor-vehicle accident). And, while I had grandfathered in existing clients for a couple of years, I am saddened to no longer be able to do so. I encourage those who still wish to receive treatment under my care to look into out-of-network coverage or take advantage of the discounts I offer.

Specials/Payment/Gift Certificates

What are the details of the buy-one-get-one-half-off special?

• This deal is for new clients only.
• The second, half-priced massage must be redeemed within two months of the initial visit, by date, and is nontransferable and not redeemable on the same day as the initial visit.
• This deal may not be combined with any other offer or used in conjunction with PIP insurance-covered visits.
• If you are purchasing a gift certificate for a new client and this special is in effect, they are eligible to receive their second massage half-off.

What are the details of your existing client discount through 2025?

My prices have increased from $160 to $180 in 2025, but the $160 price is extended to all previously existing clients through the end of 2025. This deal may not be combined with any other offer, may not be used with PIP insurance-covered visits, and is nontransferable

What are the details of the loyalty/frequency specials?

• If a client schedules an appointment within one week of their last visit, they will receive $10 off their upcoming visit.
• If they schedule an appointment within four weeks of their last visit, they will receive $5 off their upcoming visit.
• Redemption of this deal is strict according to date.
• This deal may not be combined with any other offer, may not be used with PIP insurance-covered visits, and is nontransferable.

What are the details of your weekday daytime discount?

• Appointment scheduled on weekdays starting after 8am and ending by 3pm will receive a $5 discount.
• This deal may not be combined with any other offer, may not be used with PIP insurance-covered visits, and is nontransferable.

Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes I do. However, since I do not have a receptionist, this can make things a bit tricky. There are several options to get around these obstacles.

• If you wish to make the purchase in person, you can do so when you come in for an appointment, yourself, or, given enough warning, hash out a time someone will be able to meet with you to complete the transaction.
• If you don’t require interacting with a person, you can give me the necessary information (the receivers name, the giver’s name, the amount you wish it to be for, the recipient's address), then I can mail it to him/her. In this case, I would have to invoice you for the certificate and the certificate would not be valid until payment is received.
• If you don’t have time to do any of these options because you need something immediately, the best thing to do is to just forgo the physical certificate and, instead, give the recipient a sealed envelope with a check enclosed - which can be presented when they come in for their appointment.

Can I extend the length of my discounted / gift certificate visit?

Sure. You're welcome to upgrade the length of your visit by simply paying the difference in cost.

Massage Session

What style of massage do you offer?

You can find more about what my style is all about on my Therapist page.

Do you do pregnancy massage?

Yes, I have been trained in pregnancy massage. If possible, contact me in advance and let me know how far along you are; that way I can make sure that the proper bolstering preparations are set up in advance.

What should I bring to my appointment?

If possible, bring your completed paperwork (found on our appointment page under “Intake Forms:” http://www.emeraldvine.net/appts/), otherwise the paperwork will have to be completed when you arrive. Optionally, some clients enjoy bringing a playlist on their phone to listen to while they receive their massage. Just let me know when you arrive if you have music prepared to listen to.

What do I wear on the massage table?

This is perfectly dependant on your individual comfort level. Some folks wear nothing and some choose to leave on their underwear. For those that wear nothing, rest assured that your privacy is insured by a sheet and careful draping. Often times, clients that would benefit from glute work will forgo underwear so that more a specific and extensive treatment can be carried out effectively. Whatever your preference is, I will work around it, so do what feels best for you.