Artichoke Hearts Healing
"Your friendly neighborhood massage therapist!"

Artichoke Updates July-December 2025 - Blog

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