Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

Upcoming Event:  Rattan Fest!

• When: November 8th
• Time: 10-3
• What: Mat-based Thai and Chair Massage

This year I will be offering 20 or 30 minute sessions of Mat Based Thai Massage, in addition to my usual chair massage up to 30 minutes.

*Also, stop by my booth for a special discount offer!

Upcoming Availability

• Monday, October 27th, 12-2 All Locations
• Tuesday, October 28th, 9am-2pm Most Locations
• Wednesday, October 19th, 9-10 or 1-2 Most Locations
• Sunday, Nov 2nd, 10-2 or 4:30-7 All Locations
• Monday, Nov 3rd, 10AM-12pm All Locations
• Tuesday, Nov 4th, 10am-2pm, All Locations

News from the studio

I haven’t sent out a news letter in almost 2 months! Boy, school started and my world got crazy! I was feeling like I was in way over my head for a while there. My boys are at 2 different schools now, with quite a few after school activities and I’m on 2 different PTAs. I also joined a walking group and 2 different book clubs. But when I step into my massage room, I leave all that at the door. Massage time is my zen time as well as yours.

II think I’m over the beginning of the school year craziness, and things are starting to settle into a rhythm. Plus, my mentor encouraged me to streamline my schedule a bit, to achieve better work-life balance, but it’s always a work in progress.

How’s your Zen? What are some things you do to keep things in balance? Send me an email with your tips and tricks and maybe I’ll post them in my next newsletter update.  And consider making massage a part of your regular wellness routine by booking a series.

On a mission to find my zen... and yours

Keryn’s Favorite Recipe Corner

Fall is in full swing, and soon it will be soup season! Well, at least the temps in the 10 day forcast seem to indicate that we’ve seen the last of the days over 90 degrees, and several days in the forcast below 80. But at least we can act like it’s soup season.

I’ll probably post some great soup recipes for my next few newsletters. I’m trying to encourage my oldest son to eat fewer processed foods, and foods that are lower fat and higher protein. So I made a giant pot of hearty lentil vegetable soup. I don’t know if he would have otherwise eaten it, but I stopped at Sprouts and picked up some take and bake sourdough bread and introduced him to the concept of bread bowls. He gobbled up the whole bowl, and asked for more. Costco at Target also have good deals on take and bake sourdough. They’re small loaves, and not rounds, so it came out a little bit more like a bread trough, then a bread bowl, but who’s complaining. As a matter of fact, I think I have at least one neighbor who makes and sells sourdough bread. I might reach out to her and see if she can supply me with some single sized rounds. I’m a fan of supporting local artisans.

This recipe for Lentil soup comes from Love and Lemons. They are a resource I frequent. However, I used an entire package of brown lentils, and doubled all the other ingredients. Then I devided the soup into quart containers, serve some hot, put some in the fridge for later, and the rest in the freezer.

https://www.loveandlemons.com/instant-pot-lentil-soup/#wprm-recipe-container-60367

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil* (*I generally skip the oil and dry sautee everything)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chopped carrots, about 4 medium
• 6 kale leaves, stems finely diced, leaves chopped (I was able to grab these from my garden)
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• ¾ cup uncooked green lentils
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (*I didn’t have this on hand, so I skipped it and it was fine)
• 12 fresh thyme sprigs, bundled (*I was also able to grab this from my garden)
• 1½ teaspoons sea salt
• Heaping ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups vegetable broth (generally I either make my own vegetable broth, or I just use water, and it’s just fine).
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

• Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Set the level to medium and set the time to 8 minutes. When the Instant Pot is preheated, drizzle the oil into the pot and add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for the 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
• Add the kale stems, garlic, tomatoes, lentils, vinegar, thyme bundle, salt, cumin and several grinds of pepper to the pot and stir. Pour in the vegetable broth and secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
• Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. This will take 20 to 30 minutes. When the float valve drops, remove the lid and stir in the kale leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Remove the thyme bundle, and garnish with the parsley. Serve with crusty bread.

Gift Certificates, Packages, and Series Available

As the holiday season approaches, I invite you to consider the gift of relaxation and wellness. Whether you have family visiting from out of town or simply want to show appreciation for those you care about, massage gift cards make thoughtful presents for any occasion—from birthdays and anniversaries to holiday celebrations.

This time of year can be demanding, making self-care more important than ever. I encourage you to think about your own wellness needs, as well. Consider purchasing a gift card for a loved one, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage session.

Gift cards are available now and can be tailored to suit any budget. Give the gift of wellness this season—because everyone deserves a moment of peace and renewal.

Also check out my services and rates page for new Packages and Series offerings!

 

Sunday, August 31st, 2025

Thank you for supporting Artichoke Hearts Healing. I appreciate your continued support. My practice thrives on reviews and word of mouth referrals.

Additionally, you can help by signing an updated intake form that includes a consent to be video taped during your session, for the purpose of marketing and social media.

*Note: Sports Massage and Thai massage are performed fully clothed, and all other modalities will always include appropriate draping.

Upcoming Availability

• Fri, Aug 29th, 4:30pm-7pm, All Locations
• Tues, Sept 2nd, 11am-2:00pm, All Locations
• Wed, Sept 3rd and 10th, 9am-2pm, Most Locations
• Thurs, Sept 4th AND Tues, Sept 9th, 1pm-2pm, All locations
• Fri, Sept 5th, 4:30pm-7pm, All Locations
• Monday, Sept 8th, 10AM-2pm, All Locations

News from the studio:  Thai Massage

Last weekend I received training in Robert Gardner’s My Next Level Pain Relief® (Modern Thai.) I’m totally jazzed up about it and eager to start practicing. Come try it out! Book a 90 minute session for the price of a 60 minute session! That’s 30 FREE MINUTES! I’m also going to be offering further reduced rates when you book a 2-3 hour session.

What is Next Level Pain Relief®?

• This approach to hands-on therapy, combines traditional Thai massage techniques with modern pain science and myofascial release to provide a more comprehensive and informed approach to reducing pain and improving movement. These therapies focus on the nervous system, helping clients to understand and change their body's pain patterns for more lasting results, rather than just addressing symptoms. It is a dynamic, full-body treatment that differs from Western massage in its use of passive stretching and deep pressure. The recipient remains clothed and is positioned on a mat on the floor, while the practitioner uses their hands, feet, elbows, and forearms to apply pressure and manipulate the body into various poses.

Tech Updates: Online Booking

• As I mentioned last week, I am trying out a 1 month subscription to Massagebook.com for online scheduling. So far, I’m not entirely satisfied with it. Additionally, if you’re a ClassPass client, they’ve been having a glitch with their calendar sync for the past week, and right now it looks like my entire schedule is blocked out! I can’t fix it until they fix the problem. Meanwhile, my Google page won’t let me update any information on my profile (like hours/location/services/photos) until I jump through some hoops. I’ve been jumping. Hopefully it’ll get sorted out soon. The happy result of this is that my husband is building me a whole new website and booking platform! I’m super excited and I hope to roll it out soon. In the meantime, you can still book with me at massagebook.com/me/artichoke-hearts-healing or call/text to 512-461-4574.

Keryn’s Favorite Recipe Corner

It’s still hot! However, there’s rain in the forecast, and projected temperatures dropping down to highs in the low 90s/high 80s, and lows dropping down to the low 70s and even high 60s! Still great juice weather, though.

Here is another of my favorite homemade recipes:

Ingredients:

• Beets (½ -1)
• Apples (About 2-4)
• Carrots (2-4)
• Optional: Fresh Ginger (1-2inches)
• Optional: Fresh Turmeric (1 piece)
• Optional: ¼ cup of aloe vera juice

*Adjust amounts according to size and personal tastes. When I make juice, I usually pour it over ice or top it off with water and it makes enough to fill a 24oz cup. Keep it in the fridge and sip it throughout the day.

Potential Health Benefits (AI Overview):

• Beets
  • Contain nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body, dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. This can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Nitrates may also enhance blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and memory.
  • Contain betalains, powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
  • Contain Betaine, a nutrient that supports liver function and protects it from damage.
  • A good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
  • Note: People with kidney disease or low potassium levels should consult a healthcare professional before consuming beets.
• Apples:
  • Contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease, as well as vitamin C, quercetin, and catechin which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
  • Some studies suggest that apples may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including colon and lung cancer.
  • Apples have a low glycemic index, which means they release sugar into the bloodstream slowly. This can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Contain vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function., vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health., as well as probiotics, which can improve gut health.
  • Note: Apples may interact with certain medications. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
• Carrots:
  • An excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision and protecting against eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, as well as supporting the immune system, helping the body fight off infections. and also promotes healthy skin and hair.
  • Contain antioxidants called carotenoids, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Carrots have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
  • Packed with antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  • May improve oral health by stimulating saliva production, and also enhance cognitive function.
• Ginger:
  • Contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have potent anti-inflammatory effects. They can help reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis and muscle soreness, as well; as headaches, menstrual cramps, and other types of chronic pain.
  • Traditionally used to improve digestion. It can stimulate gastric juices and promote gastric emptying, which can help reduce bloating, gas, nausea, and vomiting, especially in pregnant women and people undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties may help boost the immune system. May help fight off infections and reduce inflammation.
  • Some studies suggest that ginger may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation. This may potentially reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • May also help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. This could be beneficial for people with diabetes.
  • May reduce risk of cancer, Improve brain function, offer anti-aging effects, and reduce anxiety and stress.
  • Note: It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using ginger for medicinal purposes, as it may interact with certain medications or have potential side effects.
• Turmeric
  • Turmeric offers significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, attributed to its active compound, curcumin, which is being researched for its potential in managing conditions like joint pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis, certain cancers, metabolic syndrome, and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as cognitive decline.
  • Note: Curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body, rapidly metabolized, and quickly excreted, limiting its potential benefits from ingestion alone. Substances like piperine (from black pepper) can significantly increase its bioavailability. (So try adding a pinch of black pepper? I haven’t tried that, yet.)
  • Note: Use cautiously by individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, those who are pregnant or nursing, people with bleeding disorders or iron deficiency, and those with gallbladder or kidney problems.
  • See last week’s newsletter for the health benefits of aloe vera juice: https://artichoke-hearts-healing.abmp.com/artichoke-updates-julydecember-2025-blog

*Note: Nutrition and medical advice are outside of my realm of expertise. Always consult a licensed professional before making drastic changes to your diet. I am not endorsing juice fasting. I just like drinking fresh, cool, refreshing, healthy juice on a hot day.

 

Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

Online Booking Now Available

Artichoke Hearts Healing is now offering online booking through massagebook.com

Appointments can be scheduled up to 3 months out.

School is back in session, so I will be opening up weekdays between 9 and 2!

Book your appointment now!

Upcoming Availability

• Wed, August 20th 4:30pm-7:00pm Most Locations
• Fri, August 22nd 5:45pm-7pm All Locations
• Tues, August 26th 4:30-7P All locations
• Wed, August 27th 11am to 2pm Most Locations
• Thurs, August 28th 4:30pm-5:30pm All Locations
• Fri, Aug 29th 4:30pm-7pm All Locations

News from the studio:  Thai Massage

Last May I took a Structural Table Thai Massage class. This coming week (Sunday and Monday) I will be furthering my knowledge in this area, learning more about table Thai, and also learning more about clothes on mat based bodywork and Thai massage. I have been learning Mat Thai informally at regular Thai Massage Jams (https://www.facebook.com/thaimassagejam) for the past year or so, and I absolutely love it!

Thai massage, also known as Thai yoga massage, is an ancient healing practice that combines acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. It is a dynamic, full-body treatment that differs from Western massage in its use of passive stretching and deep pressure along energy lines (sen lines). The recipient remains clothed and is positioned on a mat on the floor, while the practitioner uses their hands, feet, elbows, and forearms to apply pressure and manipulate the body into various poses.

I will be taking Robert Gardner’s Next Level Pain Relief class and I will be eager to practice all I’ve learned. Book your Thai Massage NOW for a special 25% discount to the first 5 people who book.

*Also offering 25% discount on Sports Massage to the next 5 people who book

Book Now:  https://www.massagebook.com/therapists/ArtichokeHeartsHealing

Keryn’s Favorite Recipe Corner

It’s hot! We’ve had blessedly few days over 100 degrees this summer, but August has been hot! And humid! And no rain in sight! So I busted out my old trusty juicer that I bought in college over 25 years ago, and started making some nutrient dense, low calorie, cool, refreshing juice blends.

Vegetable and fruit juices are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but lack the fiber found in whole produce. When I was a little kid and went to visit my grandmother in California, she was always juicing. She would drink the juice (and offer some to me, which I thought was wierd but also suprisingly good), but then she would take all the pulp (where all the fiber is) and mix it into spaghetti sauce, and serve spaghetti for dinner!

Here is one of my favorite homemade recipes:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 to 1 celery stalk (about 6-12 ribs)
• 1 cucumber cut in half longwise
• 1 lemon, cut in half longwise
• optional: ⅛ -¼ tsp of cayenne pepper as tolerated
• optional: ¼ cup of aloe vera juice
• Pour over ice

Health Benefits (AI Overview):

• Cucumber
  • Cucumbers offer a variety of health benefits due to their high water content, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can aid in hydration, support bone health, and potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Cucumbers may also help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health.
• Lemon:
  • Lemons offer a variety of health benefits, primarily due to their high vitamin C content and other beneficial compounds. They can boost the immune system, aid digestion, promote heart health, and potentially help with weight management.
• Celery:
  • Celery offers a range of health benefits due to its rich nutrient profile. It's low in calories, supporting weight management and digestion. Celery also contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation. Additionally, it can help regulate blood pressure, improve heart health, and potentially aid in managing diabetes. Celery is also a natural source of electrolytes.
• Cayenne Pepper:
  • Cayenne pepper offers several potential health benefits due to its active component, capsaicin, and other nutrients. These benefits include pain relief, improved circulation, and potential weight management support (boosts metabolism and suppresses appetite)
• Aloe Vera Juice:
  • Aloe vera juice contains various nutrients and antioxidants that may offer potential health benefits, including polysaccharides that may help soothe and heal the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C, and polyphenols, which can promote skin healing, reduce inflammation, protect against free radical damage, and stimulate the production of white blood cells, reducing oxidative stress and protecting against chronic diseases.
  • The juice's antimicrobial properties may help reduce plaque and improve oral health.
• Other Benefits: The combination of these ingredients can also contribute to clearer skin and potentially boost energy levels.

Artichokes Update:

Remember my beautiful artichoke plant that went into full bloom? I let it dry out and go to seed. In the beginning of July, I harvested the seeds. I didn’t have high hopes because the seeds seemed kind of pale and flimsy, like they weren’t fully formed. But, I started the process of cold stratification, anyway. 2 weeks later, I planted them in soil from my garden and put them into my greenhouse.

Interestingly, it looks like what I’ve got are several weeds, about 8 cilantro plants, a few morning glories, and possible some mystery pepper plants. Sadly, no artichokes. Oh well. It was a fun experiment. Hopefully my established artichoke plant, which I’ve fertilized and burried in mulch, will come back next year and I can try again.

Locations:  Available by appointment only at any of these convenient locations:

Amber Moon Studio

• Amber Moon Studio - Far Northwest Austin
• 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.
• Club Pilates, North Burnet - Domain Area

Call or Text NOW to Schedule:

512-461-4574

Or Book Online

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

 

Sunday, August 3rd, 2025

Coming Up:

It’s official, I’m kid-free for the next 5 days, and my kids go back to school 4 days after that! Get ready for new hours! 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!

Upcoming Availability

• Monday, August 4th & Thurs, August 7th 1pm-3:00pm All Locations
• Tues, August 5th 1pm-7pm All Locations
• Wed, August 6th 4:30-7P MOST locations
• Mon, August 11th 11am to 2pm All Locations
• Tues, August 12th 12pm-3pm & 4:30pm-7pm All Locations
• Thurs, Aug 14th 1pm-3pm All Locations

Efforts in Self-Care:  Finding my zen

As you may know, it’s my mission to focus on building Zen into my life and the lives of those around me. But, this summer has been bananas. With the kids home from school, and keeping them off media as much as possible. So many doctor's appointments, two trips to urgent care, two trips to the ER, lots and lots of lab work and scans for EVERYONE. 20 yards of mulch, 90lbs of Chile, a visit from Grandma, a new car, Pogo passes, walks, dance classes, and work. I've been a bit overwhelmed everyday, and I've completely lost sight of my Zen.

Thankfully, my kids are at sleep away camp for the next 5 days, and go back to school 4 days after that. I plan to spend some time decompressing, some time putting my house in order, and then reestablishing normalcy with my schedule.

I look forward to helping you, and myself find some Zen.

Keryn’s Favorite Recipe Corner

It’s hot. We’ve had blessedly few days over 100 degrees this summer, but now August is upon us, and there were 4 100+ degree days in a row last week! Looking at the forcast, there’s hope that August wont all look like that, but still in the high 90's. Try cooling off with this easy, gluten-free, sugar free, vegan recipe for banana ice cream from Love and Lemons!

https://www.loveandlemons.com/banana-ice-cream/#wprm-recipe-container-85500

Ingredients

• 6 very ripe bananas, peeled and frozen
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Milk (regular, or your favorite nut/seed/grain milk alternative), as needed to blend

Instructions

• Remove the bananas from the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly, then chop.
• In the bowl of a food processor, place the chopped bananas, vanilla, and salt. Process for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the bananas have a smooth, whipped texture similar to soft serve. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. If the bananas are too frozen to fully process, let them thaw for another minute or so. You can also add milk to help the bananas blend, but the texture is creamiest with just banana.
• Enjoy immediately, or for firmer ice cream, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 hours before serving. Don’t freeze it for much longer, or it will be too firm and icy to scoop. This banana ice cream is best enjoyed on the day it’s made.

Artichoke Update:

Remember my beautiful artichoke plant that went into full bloom? I let it dry out and, in the beginning of July, I harvested the seeds. I didn’t have high hopes because the seeds seemed kind of pale and flimsy, like they weren’t fully formed. But, I started the process of cold stratification, anyway.

2 weeks later, I took the seeds out of the fridge and planted them and put them into my greenhouse. A few days ago I started noticing some tiny little seedlings! I’m not entirely convinced that they’re really artichoke seedlings, and not just weeds that were in the soil I used - the leaves don’t look right - but it’s really soon to tell. Anyway, I am feeling more hopeful, now.

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

 

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!

#HFLAustin #PokerForACause #CommunityImpact #InterestFreeLoans #JewishAustin

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