Artichoke Hearts Healing, PLLC

07/17/2025

Artichoke Updates

Thursday July 17, 2025

Upcoming Availability

Sunday, July 20th 9am-7:00pm All Locations
Mon/Tu/Th, July 21st, 22nd, & 24th 4:30-5:30 All Locations
Wed/Fri, July 23rd&25th 4:30-7:00PM MOST locations
Mon/Tues, June 30th and July 1st 4:30pm to 5:30pm All Locations
Coming Up:

My kids will be away at sleep away camp August 3-8. I will be opening up my availability from 9-7 Monday through Thursday that week. Book your appointment NOW and save your spot!

What’s stopping you from scheduling regular massages? Regular massage therapy offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, including:

Stress reduction
Pain relief
Improved circulation
Enhanced flexibility
Consistency is key to maximizing these benefits, making it a valuable addition to a wellness routine. Schedule your regular sessions out through the end of the year to have 5 bucks off!

HFLA Poker Tournament Results

On June 22nd, I was priveleged to participate in the 7th Annual Hebrew Free Loan of Austin Annual Poker Tournament Of Champions Funraiser as a door prize. I gave 10 minute chair massages to participants at their table throughout the evening. I was called good luck several times, and it was really fun!

Their most successful poker tournament yet, they had a record-breaking 100+ players and raised over $57,000 to fund interest-free loans for individuals and families in need across the Jewish community!



Updates from the Studio

Man, it’s been a crazy couple of weeks! I’ve haven’t even had time to put out a newsletter in way too long!

My mom came to town and stayed for 2 whole weeks. It was delightful to have her, even though there was plenty of chaos for much of her visit, which she helped me navigate, including buying a new car, throwing a home birthday party, and 2 separate trips to the Dell Children’s ER!

Plenty of fun, though, too. She took my boys to Urban Air twice, and Schlitterbahn, and we spent lots of quality time just hanging out, going for walks, watching TV shows and movies together, and going out to eat!

We’ve also been having summer fun with Pogo Passes.

Now, though, it’s time to focus on getting back to work!

Efforts in Self-Care - Reasons to schedule your massage now:

Before your vacation

Reduce stress and anxiety: Travel planning and the days leading up to a trip can be hectic and stressful. A massage can help alleviate this anxiety and set a positive tone for your vacation.
Ease muscle tension and soreness: Long periods of sitting during travel can lead to muscle stiffness and discomfort. A pre-travel massage can help relax muscles and prevent or reduce soreness during your journey.
Improve circulation and flexibility: Massage can enhance blood flow and loosen up your body, which can be beneficial for travel related activities like walking and swimming.
After your vacation

Recover from travel fatigue Long flights or drives, unfamiliar beds, and changes in routine can disrupt your sleep and energy levels. A post-vacation massage can help regulate sleep patterns and improve overall restfulness.
Soothe tired muscles and aches Vacations often involve increased physical activity like walking or hiking, which can lead to muscle soreness and tension. A massage can help alleviate these aches and promote faster recovery.
Combat jet lag Rapid travel across time zones can disrupt your internal clock, leading to jet lag symptoms like fatigue and disorientation. Massage therapy may help improve sleep quality and promote a sense of well-being, potentially aiding in recovery from jet lag.
Reduce post-vacation blues Transitioning back to your daily routine can sometimes be a challenge. A post-holiday massage can help you relax, manage stress, and maintain the sense of calm and rejuvenation you experienced during your trip.
Before back to school:

Stress Reduction:
The end of summer and the return to school can be a stressful time for parents as they juggle work, childcare, and the logistical challenges of getting kids back on schedule. Massage can help alleviate this stress and improve overall well-being.
Teachers face the challenges of preparing classrooms, lesson plans, and managing student behavior, which can be physically and mentally demanding. Massage can help them cope with the stress of the new school year and maintain their own well-being.
Improved Sleep:
Stress can disrupt sleep patterns. Massage can help promote relaxation and better sleep, which is crucial for both parents and children as they adjust to new routines.
A relaxed and refreshed teacher is better equipped to handle the demands of the classroom. Massage can improve focus and concentration, leading to a more positive and productive learning environment.
Children may also experience sleep disturbances as they adjust to the school routine. Massage can help promote better sleep, which is essential for their physical and cognitive development.
Reduced Anxiety:
Parents often experience anxiety about their children's academic performance, social life, and overall well-being at school. Massage can help reduce these anxieties and create a more positive mindset for the school year.
Going back to school can be a source of anxiety for children, especially young children or those starting at a new school. Massage can help them relax and feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Burnout Prevention:
The demanding nature of teaching can lead to burnout. Regular massage can be a proactive measure to help teachers manage stress and prevent burnout.
After back to school:

First day back at school for the kids, why not treat yourself to massage as a reward for surviving the school holidays. Got no kids, who cares, book yourself a massage, you deserve it!!!
Keryn’s Favorite Recipe Corner

This week I’m offering up one of my kids and my favorite recipes. This recipe is great for a healthy grab and go breakfast or after school/work snack.

Crazy Good Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

By Alexis Joseph, MS RD

https://www.hummusapien.com/vegan-chocolate-zucchini-muffins/

Ingredients

1 cup white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour, spooned and leveled
¼ cup almond flour (can sub coconut flour)
¼ cup cacao powder
⅓ cup organic cane or coconut sugar (can sub monk fruit sweetener/erythritol)
1 ¼ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp baking soda
½ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp cinnamon
1 heaping cup mashed very overripe bananas (3 small-medium)
1 heaping cup grated zucchini (don't squeeze water out)
1 tbsp milk of choice
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup chocolate chips, + more for topping
Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease muffin tin/line with paper liners or silicone baking cups and set aside.
Place bananas in a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork. Add zucchini, almond milk and vanilla.
Place flour, almond meal, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, whisking until combined.
Pour the dry mixture into wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The batter will be very thick--that's normal! Fold in chocolate chips without over-mixing.
Fill sprayed/lined muffin tin evenly with batter, filling about ⅔ full (I use a muffin scoop). Top each muffin with 2-3 additional chocolate chips. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Devour sprinkled with flaky sea salt!
Locations

Available by appointment only at any of these convenient locations:

Your Home - I can bring my table to you at no extra charge if you are within 9 miles of 78729. Over 9 miles includes a $45 service fee.
Amber Moon Studio - Far Northwest Austin
Club Pilates, North Burnet - Domain Area
Once again, thank you for supporting Artichoke Hearts Healing - Your friendly neighborhood massage therapist! Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, and incites.

Call or Text NOW to Schedule: 512-461-4574

06/19/2025

Upcoming Availability

Friday, June 20th 4:30-7:00pm All Locations
Mon/Tu/Th, June 23rd, 24th, & 26th 4:30-6:00 Most Locations
Wed, June 25th 6:15:30-7:15P All locations
Mon/Tues, June 30th and July 1st 4:30pm to 5:30pm All Locations
Wed, July 2nd 6:00-7:00pm All locations
Sunday, July 6th 9am-7pm Amber Moon Studio
Aromatherapy

Recently, I made a variety of Aromatherapy Rollers, Sprays, and Inhalers. I labeled them all with their intended purpose: Relaxing, Stress Blend, Soothing, uplifting... But I didn’t remember to write down what I put in each one. They MAY contain a combination of lavendar, frankinsence, neroli, sweet orange, sandalwood and Chamomile. I also have Menstrual Relief by Veriditas Botanicals and ImmuneShield by Elizabeth Essentials, which are pre-mixed blends. I’m selling them for $20 each. You’re welcome to come smell before you buy!

Updates from the Studio

I’ve officially added Sports Massage to my menu! I am still offering a discount to the next 4 people who schedule. Only $80/hr. Call 512-461-4574 to book NOW!

The Hebrew Free Loan of Austin is a charity that offers interest-free loans to members of Austin’s Jewish Community. I’ve been the recipient of 2 of those loans, and it’s really made a big difference for me. They’ll be hosting a Fundraising Poker Tourament on June 22nd. 10 minute chair massages by me will be raffled off throughout the night! Come support me and the HFLA!

On August 24th and 25th I’ll be attending a Thai Massage workshop. I’d really love to take it sooner, but I also wanted the CEs to go towards next year’s license requirements, as I’ve just renewed my license, this year. However, I have been regularly attending Thai Massage Jams for a while now and I’m excited to start getting more practice in. If you want to schedule a Thai massage, I’ll offer the same $80/hr, and I will only charge you for the time we use, if we don’t end up filling the whole hour.

Beginning July 6th, I will be offering massages at Amber Moon Studio on Sundays from 9am to 7pm. Reserve your spot NOW!

Efforts in Self-Care

June 17th was my birthday! A big group of us went out to celebrate at Karaoke! I haven’t done Karaoke in years and it was so much fun! I’ll also be going on a birthday tubing trip down the Comal River on the 27th. What kinds of things are you planning to celebrate yourself this summer?

Back in September I had to drop my Y membership for financial reasons. I struggle to get motivated if I'm not doing group fitness. I tried to keep up with regular walks, but my walking buddies became more and more inconsistant. Exercise has to have a social element for me to be motivated, so I've been walking less and less, and just becoming more and more sedentary. However, I recently remembered that I'm a member of Team Survivor, and I haven't been taking advantage of that. So I looked up the website and was able to sign up for a free beginner tap class AND a free Broadway Jazz class with Art Beat Dance Center! I had my first tap class tonight and it was so hard and so fun. My posture supporting muscles need a lot of work, as do my shins and calves, but I'm totally inspired. It's nice to be dancing, again. I'm also trying to sign up for a rowing class at Ro Fitness. And a new group of friends is starting up a walking group!

I also started having headaches recently. I went to Sharon Boon at Amber Moon Studio and received Cranial Sacral Therapy. That was nice, for me.

Who has time to sit down and read a book? Not me. But, I listen to audiobooks when I’m in the car, doing chores around the house, and even sometimes during massages, if the client doesn’t want to chat through the massage. Did you know you can get audiobook downloads FREE through your local public library?

Self-care is so important! Looking back on the school year, how well were you able to put time into your own needs? How will you make time for yourself this summer? And, what about this fall, when the kids go back to school? Start planning time for yourself NOW. Work it in!

Keryn’s Favorite Recipes Corner

Many of you who know me, know that I am vegan. I’ve been vegan or vegetarian since 8th grade biology, not to put too fine a point on it. Originally, I was a straight up ethical vegan. Back in about 2011, my mom took me to a health retreat in Costa Rica, hosted by Dr. John McDougall. Since then, I’ve been vegan for ALL the reasons: Ethical, Health, Economic, and Environmental. Dr. McDougall has an excellent website filled with information and also tons and tons of delicious recipes that are both plant-based and oil-free and also frequently salt and sugar free! I’d love to share a yummy summer recipe that I tried recently. I liked it so much that I made it again a few weeks later. Enjoy!

Squash Stuffed with Kale and Almond Risotto

By Miyoko Schinner

Ingredients

8 Zephyr, acorn, or delicata squash
Water or stock for sauteing
3/4 Cup Arborio rice
1 Onion, chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
3 Cups Vegetable broth
1/4 Cup White wine (optional)
6 Cups Kale, chopped
1 Tsp (Rubbed) sage
Salt & pepper to taste
3/4 Cup Almond meal
1/2 Cup Almonds, sliced
Directions

Slice squash in half and remove the seeds. Place face down on a baking sheet. In a 350 degree oven, prebake the squash for about 45 minutes, until tender.
While the squash are baking, you can prepare the risotto. In a heavy-bottom saucepan, heat the water or stock and add the diced onions and minced garlic. Over medium-low heat, saute the onions and garlic until tender, adding a little salt to flavor. Add the dry Arborio rice, and continue to saute for about 3 or 4 minutes. Add a half-cup of the stock and stir until mostly absorbed. Keep adding a half-cup of stock at a time, stirring almost constantly; this will prevent the rice from sticking and yield risotto suspended in a creamy sauce. After you have added about 2 cups of stock, add the wine, sage and kale. Continue by adding the final cup of stock in two increments, until the rice is tender. Add the almond meal, stir well, and remove from heat.
Spoon this mixture into the hollowed-out squash. Sprinkle almond slices over the risotto.
*I have revised this recipe from the original because it had said to add the risotto to the squash and return it to the oven for another 30 minutes. I found this to make the risotto to come out overdone.

Locations

Available by appointment only at any of these convenient locations:

Your Home - I can bring my table to you at no extra charge if you are within 9 miles of 78729. Over 9 miles includes a $45 service fee.
Amber Moon Studio - Far Northwest Austin
Club Pilates, North Burnet - Domain Area

Once again, thank you for supporting Artichoke Hearts Healing - Your friendly neighborhood massage therapist! Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, and incites.

Call or Text NOW to schedule! 512-461-4574

06/19/2025

I'll be giving away 10 minute chair massages at this event between 5pm and 7pm. Come participate and support the cause!

🎉 The countdown is on! Join us in just SIX DAYS for our 7th Annual Poker Tournament of Champions! ♠️♥️

Why join? Because every hand played supports stories like Olivia's:

“As I reflected on the mounting credit card debt we had accumulated while my wife endured a debilitating five-month migraine, I felt a deep sense of both emotional and financial strain...I left with peace of mind and, more importantly, the support we needed to stabilize our lives.”

We’re proud to have helped over 300 borrowers like Olivia since 2011. Your seat at the table helps fund the next 300!

🗓️ REGISTER NOW for Sunday, June 22nd — prizes, surprises, and a Second Chance Table await.

🎟️ Register now and make a real impact: https://hebrewfreeloanofaustin.org/poker-tournament-2025-ticket-page/

06/11/2025

Schedule Update:

Hello,

When I sent out my last newsletter, I forgot that my kids are going to be at sleep away camp for a week! I will be opening up my schedules and during the week of June 16th my hours will be 9-4:30 M-Th in addition to the hours I already posted.

I will continue to honor the $90/hour price for any massages scheduled through the end of June up to 3 months out (end of October).

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out.

Call or Text NOW to schedule! 512-461-4574

Send a message to learn more

06/08/2025

Saturday, June 7th, 2025!

Sports Massage and Summer Hours

Many exciting changes happening! I have new offerings, new photos, and, starting in July, I will be stepping back from the Spa, reducing my hours on weekdays, but opening up my schedule on Sundays!

Upcoming Availability

Monday, June 9th - 4:30-5:30pm - All Locations
Tues, June 10th - 4:30-7 - All Locations
Thurs, June 12th - 4:30-5:30P - All locations
Friday, June 13th - 4:30pm to 7:00pm - All Locations
Mon, June 16th - 4:30-5:30pm - All locations
Tues, June 17th - 4:30-7pm - All Locations
Deep Tissue

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Oncology Massage

Services

Custom Integrative Massage $60/$120/$180 for 30/60/90 Minutes
Oncology Massage $60/$120/$180 for 30/60/90 Minutes
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy $65/$125/$185 for 30/60/90 Minutes
Prenatal Massage $65/$125/$185 for 30/60/90 Minutes
15 min Hot stones (Himalayan salt), or face and scalp massage. $30 Add-on
Dry brushing or foot scrub $40 Add-on Add 15 min
FarmHouse Fresh Swell Being® H**p Relaxation Dual-Phase Body Oil $30
Packages

3 Custom Integrated Massages $170/$350/$540 for 30/60/90 Minutes
To be used within 3 months
3 Oncology Massages $170/$350/$540 for 30/60/90 Minutes
To be used within 3 months
3 Pre/Peri-natal Massages $178/$365/$563 30/60/90 Minutes
To be used within 3 months
4 Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massages (Starter Package) $240/$490/$740 for 30/60/90 Minutes
to be used within 1 month
3 Lymphatic Massages (Maintinance Package) $178/$365/$563 for 30/60/90 Minutes
to be used within 3 months
9 Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massages (Post-Surgical Package) $553/$1115/1678 for 30/60/90 Minutes
to be used within 1 month
*All inclusive pricing may include hot stones (Himalayan salt), hot towels, hot packs, cupping therapy, percussion therapy and aromatherapy to aid in addressing your needs.

New offering: Schedule a Sports Massage NOW for a limited time offer of only $80/hr!

I’ve partnered with Elizabeth Essentials to bring you quality essential oils to further promote well-being! For the Chad. O event I created several unique custom rollers and inhalers for stress relief, relaxation, calming, and uplifting. I have several available going for $20 each.

Once again, thank you for supporting Artichoke Hearts Healing - Your friendly neighborhood massage therapist! Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, and incites.

Call or Text NOW to schedule! 512-461-4574

06/07/2025

New skill set unlocked! I'm excited to have new tools for my tool belt. Come see me so I can practice on you. Offering a $10 discount off my original rate to the first five people to schedule, so only $80!

06/02/2025

The cancer journey is a tough one. Oncology massage requires a special understanding and a special touch, but can help treat the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue among other things. If you are fighting this fight, come see me for oncology massage. 512-461-4574.

06/02/2025

Manual lymphatic drainage is excellent for managing lymphedema, post-surgical recovery, and general decongestion as well as fighting inflammation, managing allergies and migraines, and many other benefits. Come see me for some MLD today! 512-461-4574

06/02/2025

Got some new photos!

05/31/2025

Important updates: Services and Pricing

First and foremost, thank you for your continued loyalty, trust, and support. It truly means the world to me.

This message is to inform you about important updates to my services and pricing at Artichoke Hearts Healing.

It’s been 3 years since I last increased my prices, and I have been offering my services at well below the market average for a while now. Over the past few years, we’ve all navigated tremendous change - globally and personally. After careful consideration, to keep up with industry standards and inflation, and to continue providing the quality and service you expect, I find it necessary to adjust my prices.

Beginning on July 1st, 2025 I’ll be making a few important updates:

Custom integrated massages will increase to $120/hour.

I am also changing to an all-inclusive pricing structure. That means limited hot stones (basalt or Himalayan salt), hot towels, hot packs, cupping therapy, percussion therapy and aromatherapy will no longer be an add-on fee as long as they don’t add time to the massage. I want to be able to use any of the tools at my disposal to address your needs and provide results.

A $30 add-on will include a 15 minute time extension to focus on hot stones (basalt or Himalayan salt), or face and scalp massage.

A $40 add-on for dry brushing or foot scrub will include the 15 minute time extension and the cost of materials.

I will also be offering FarmHouse Fresh Swell Being® H**p Relaxation Dual-Phase Body Oil as a $30 add-on.

I will continue to honor the $90/hour price for any massages scheduled through the end of June up to 3 months out (end of October). Call or Text NOW to schedule! 512-461-4574

If you have any questions about this new policy or need to discuss special circumstances, please don't hesitate to reach out. As always I will do my best to work with you and support your wellness journey.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Artichoke Hearts Healing.

05/28/2025

Wednesday, May 28th

Greetings from Artichoke Hearts Healing

Sports Massage

On June 7th I will be taking a 6 hour sports massage refresher course. I will be offering $10 off to the first 5 people who book a sports massage after that date, so I can hone my skills. Call or text now to schedule and secure your spot!

Upcoming Availability

Wed, May 28th 4:30-7pm Club Pilates
Friday, May 30 4:30-7 All Locations
Tues, June 3rd 2pm-4pm All locations
Wed, June 4th 4:00pm to 7:pm Club Pilates
Thurs, June 5th 1-4pm All locations
Friday, June 6th 4:30-7pm All Locations
The Salt of the Earth: Hot Himalayan Salt Stone Massage

I’m bringing back salt stones! I loved using these before the pandemic. I had a set and got lots of positive feedback. Then I dropped one and it broke, then the pandemic hit, and I just never replaced it. I think it’s time. This is such a luscious treatment to add to your massage! You’ll love it!

The top benefits of Himalayan Salt Stone massage therapy:

Helps relieve muscle tension and pain
Heat from Himalayan Salt Stones combined with proper massage technique can improve blood flow and increase circulation to muscles which will reduce pain and inflammation, as well as promote healing. It may also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful.
Lightly exfoliates the skin
The subtle texture of Himalayan Salt Stones provide a natural, manual exfoliation during the massage process.
May help relieve symptoms of chronic skin or pain conditions
Thanks to the unique minerals and anti-microbial properties found in Himalayan Salt, massage with these stones can help relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia and reduce the inflammation caused by eczema and psoriasis.
I am committed to dispelling the misinformation that often circulates within my industry. Here is an excellent article that outlines the benefits and limitations of Himalayan salt:
What All Type of Spas, Wellness Facilities, and Salt Therapy Providers Need to Know About Misconceptions Regarding Himalayan Salt
Thanks for supporting Artichoke Hearts Healing - Your friendly neighborhood massage therapist! Feel free to respond to this email with questions, comments, and incites.

Call or Text NOW to schedule! 512-461-4574