Winter, My Winter

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 Hope all is well in your neck of the woods and you’re enjoying a cozy holiday season!
This has been an interesting year to say the least, yet I find that I have much to be grateful for, primarily that my family and friends are still with me, although at a distance. This pandemic has helped me see that life is not to be taken for granted, tomorrow is not guaranteed, and to truly enjoy time together even if it’s strictly virtual . Life has become simpler, slower and that is not a bad thing at all. 
As the year is drawing to its end, please know that I’m still working a reduced work schedule to minimize exposure for me and my family. Your patience in getting your appointment scheduled is very much appreciated. Perhaps as time goes by that will change, I am ever the optimist! 
And may I stress the need to practice the best self care that you possibly can. Getting enough sleep, eating lots of produce, drinking loads of water, minimizing travel, wearing your mask and hand washing are all ways to protect yourself. And move as much as you can, stretching, walking, trying not to sit for long periods of time as “sitting is the new smoking”. 
My daughter Christine is offering both chair and floor yoga classes via Zoom. A schedule for both floor and chair yoga classes in January will be sent on a separate email. Let me know if you’d like to try it, you might like it 🙂
These are difficult times, for sure, but please do your best to take care of yourselves.
Peace and love,
Mary

 

New Normal Updates

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Hello Friends,

 

I sincerely hope this greeting finds you well and holding your own during these difficult times.  Self care has never been more important, never!

 

As much as we all dislike change, circumstances require that we think “out of the box” about our daily activities. Be safe and help your immune system stay strong. Try little ways to get the stress out; a walk, a scenic car ride, a delicious meal, or turn off the tv, put down the phone and listen to some music. Embrace technology and try video visits with friends on  Zoom, Facebook Chat etc. My sisters and I have regular video visits and it has really helped me this year. 

 

So, as the infection rate continues to rise, I will only schedule regular clients that are feeling well and have not traveled out of the Capital District within 2 weeks of their appointments. My schedule has  been greatly reduced as well as I work from home. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. 

 

And for something new, my daughter Christine has started chair yoga classes via Zoom. All you need is a sturdy, armless chair, like a typical kitchen chair and an hour. Her schedule is irregular for now but by January we’re planning on 2 classes a week. Each class is $10 payable by check via mail or Venmo if you have the app. Let me know if you’d like to join us. A floor yoga class will be coming soon too.

 

Best wishes for a warm, healthy holiday season,

 

Mary

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Friends,

 

Wow, it’s August already and I can’t say that I’ll be sad to see this summer go, it’s been too darn hot! Well, on top of all of the other “stuff”, there’s been a lot of resentment on my part towards the weather. This too shall pass…usually with some ice cream to take the edge off 🙂

 

Thank you all for your patience with my schedule. Covid procedures and my own precautions take time, especially working in my home. So my schedule is changing a bit too, my new start time is 11 am Monday through Friday. For the time being, I will not be working on weekends. I have found that having that down time has become essential to my sanity. That, and working in the garden when it’s not too darn hot!

 

As my schedule is limited, it is impossible to see new clients for the foreseeable future. So my friend Laura from Eagle Crest Therapies is helping me out. She’s my massage therapist and she’s great! She’s located at the Executive Suites at the Peter Harris Plaza on Route 7 in Latham, a truly beautiful space, and her telephone number is 518 301 5463. 

 

These unusual times require tweaks to our usual routines to take better care of ourselves. Now more than ever, pay attention to your self care. Keep your immune system strong by reducing your stress/anxiety levels. You know that there’s loads of options via the internet, e.g. meditation, yoga, and Tai Chi, so go explore. Or go for a walk, especially in a wooded area, trees are so healing  

 

Stay well everyone and be careful out there!

 

Peace and love,

 

Mary

 

Finally – From Marys Healing Hands

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Hello Friends,

 

Hope you are surviving this heat wave by drinking lots of water and taking frequent breaks during your chores. Not my favorite weather, but this too shall pass 🙂

 

NYS has allowed massage therapists to reopen as of this past Wednesday and I’m getting things in order to comply with Covid requirements.  My plan is to reopen as of July 9th and I will be contacting each of you directly to reschedule your missed appointments to start. Once that’s done, another email will be sent to advise accordingly.

 

Please know that if you are not comfortable to book an appointment now or in the near future, I completely understand. If you can’t relax during a massage, it just simply defeats the purpose. I plan on being around for the long term, so there is no hurry whatsoever. Until further notice, all Massage A Month club members are exempt from booking every month. Your discount will be waiting for you when you’re ready.

 

Let me explain what changes are required with this new norm:

 

* If you are not feeling well in any way, please do not keep your appointment, just let me know.

 

* Please call me from your car before coming to the door to ensure everything is ready for your visit. Most of my home will be restricted access to keep everyone safe. I have missed you all so much but only virtual hugs allowed. 🙂

 

* If you have traveled outside of the Capital District, please do not book an appointment until 2 weeks later. Also, if you’ve been exposed to anyone that has tested Covid positive, please don’t book an appointment until at least 14 days later.

 

* You must wear a mask from the moment you walk in my door until the moment you leave. The one exception is when you are face down on the table as there will be a cotton enclosure provided.

 

* Your temperature will be taken at my front door and your visit will be logged for Covid tracking purposes.

 

* You will be required to sign an informed consent form to receive my massage services during a Covid health crisis.

 

* My spaces will be disinfected before and after each appointment, including being well ventilated. I will be wearing a mask and face shield during your appointment time here, changing my clothing for each new appointment and all linens will be disinfected as always. Also, before opening, I am having a complete physical including a Covid test.

 

* My NY Forward Safety Plan Template (required) will be available for your review during your visit.

 

Whew, I think that’s everything! If you have any questions, concerns, comments, just let me know. Sticking with an abundance of caution to protect you and to protect me and my family. Looks like it will be slow going for a while, but I believe it will all work out.  My studio has been freshly painted, thoroughly cleaned and decluttered. Keep in mind that, until further notice, I can no longer offer hand waxes, foot soaks or extended visit times, my apologies.

 

Looking forward to seeing you when you’re ready. Until then, please take good care of yourselves.

 

Peace and love,

 

Mary

 

Strange Times

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Hello Friends,

 

Such strange times, aren’t they? Think I’m going to journal about it just to help sort out my feelings, reflect a bit. Keep thinking that someday, it will be interesting to look back at The Great Quarantine of 2020 and how little I actually got done   Thankfully, we are well here and I am so grateful! 

 

As you may have guessed, I will remain closed at least through mid May.  We’ll just have to see how things go, “you protect me and I protect you”.  Speaking of protection, I do hope you all are taking every precaution to be safe and that includes extra self care.  Bob and I are trying Beginning Tai Chi with short YouTube videos. The dogs think we’re doing a new dance or something, but it really feels quite refreshing. My sisters and I are having Zoom meetings, (an app on our phones) to “see” each other a couple of times a week. It’s wonderful except only one of us can talk at a time.   Hope you’re all staying in touch with those that you care about.

 

I am missing you all so much! Bob is finally getting some massages as I need to practice but he keep falling asleep. Please keep yourself hydrated, eat well and stretch every day!

 

Peace and love,

 

Mary 

Covid19 Update

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Hello again Friends,

Hope you are all keeping some self care routines in your day, if only to keep some kind of schedule. It’s funny, I always thought “if I only had time…” all the things that I’d get done, especially loads of cleaning, except that gets old real quick when the days just stretch out ahead of you 🙂

And speaking of days stretching out, I will continue to stay closed until at least April 15. We are watching this virus closely and trying to take all precautions to keep ourselves and others safe. We hope you are all safe too and doing your part to keep well.

Technology has been helpful as a resource for communication and learning. And now I’m trying to learn Tai Chi on YouTube along with a couple of new recipes that I’m going to make once I can get all of the items. Although my pantry is very full till then as my tightening clothes can attest too. But it’s fun to try new things, especially food! It’s medicinal, isn’t it? 🙂

Drink lots of water, get your sleep and don’t forget to stretch please. Miss you all and hope to see you soon!

Peace and love,

Mary

Marvelous March Greetings!

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Hope this finds you all well and eager for spring! My friend John brought to my 
attention that I never did a February newsletter, where did the month go? Time 
to get back on track! 

So, my special this month is my new Rejuvenator package for $60 in my updated 
treatment room: 

* 20 minute chair massage to release tight muscles in neck, shoulders and back 
* Hot paraffin hand wax treatment plus hand massage to deeply moisturize and soothe 
* Detoxing foot soak with essential oils plus foot massage to cleanse and nourish
* Harney & Sons Herbal teas to hydrate and detox 

Mary Treatment Room

If you have not yet visited my updated treatment room, please do so during your next appointment. A new cozy rug, comfy chairs, soft lighting, aromatherapy and relaxing music set the tone for relaxation.  The treatment room is adjoining the massage studio, so it’s easy to extend your regular appointment with a totally new experience. And, as always, gift certificates are available for this package too.

Chair yoga classes continue this month on Thursday mornings at the Waterford 
Community Center with my daughter Christine of Black Bird Yoga. Hour long 
classes begin at 10 am, beginners are always welcome for $4 per class. Help 
yourself feel better in body and mind with this wonderful, simple practice. 

We spring ahead on March 10 and I can’t wait to get out in our garden! Time to 
stretch those muscles in preparation for spring cleaning and weeding. Here’s 
this month’s video from my fave physical therapists, hope you find these 
stretches helpful: 

Recently, I’ve been taking an extended continuing education class in 
aromatherapy from Jennifer Sowle, owner of Saratoga Aromatherapy. The quality of 
her beneficial products have so impressed me that I am now using her oils 
exclusively in my practice. Please take a peek at her web page, 
saratogaaromatherapy.com if you are interested. During your next appointment, I 
would be delighted to share these oils with you so we can find one 
that will most benefit you and your massage experience! 

Be grateful for the little things, 

Mary
Attachments areaPreview YouTube video Hand, Wrist, & Forearm Strengthening (Best Exercises-in our Opinion)Hand, Wrist, & Forearm Strengthening (Best Exercises-in our Opinion)

Jovial January Greetings from Mary’s Healing Hands

Mary's Healing Hands, LLC Posted on by  

Salutations Friends, 

Here’s hoping that 2019 will be a happy, healthy year for everyone! Do what you 
can to take care of yourself with baby steps like drinking more water and 
getting as much rest as you can every single day. And now that the holidays are 
over, we can all make better food choices just to feel better, right? Baby 
steps… 

Start the New Year off by clearing your chakras or fields of blocked 
energy to help yourself heal physically, spiritually and mentally with my New 
Year’s special, a 30 minute Reiki session for $25. You may add this to your 
massage session or have it as a separate appointment, whichever works best for 
you. Reiki is defined as: a healing technique based on the principle that the 
therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the 
natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and 
emotional well-being. You can take advantage of this special through the end of 
February. 
Be  sure to schedule your appointments as early as you can as I am booking out 
about 2 weeks 
ahead. 

Chair yoga classes are continuing with Christine at the Waterford Community 
Center on Thursdays at 10 am for only $4. Beginners are always welcome, classes 
are open to the public and it’s another way to help yourself feel better, 
especially during these winter months! 

For those of you that are stuck at a desk every day or have been bingeing on 
NetFlix 
for hours on the couch, you may find these stretches helpful from my fav 
physical therapists on YouTube: 

https://youtu.be/Vpl2Ujd9ZG8   “5 seated exercises you should do if you sit a 
lot” 

Thank you all for another wonderful year! Please take care of yourselves as best 
as you can. 

Peace and love, 

Mary 

P.S. Remember that more info is available at my web page: maryshealinghands.com
Attachments areaPreview YouTube video 5 Seated Exercises You Should Do If You Sit A Lot5 Seated Exercises You Should Do If You Sit A Lot

Delightful December Greetings from Mary’s Healing Hands

Mary's Healing Hands, LLC Posted on by  

Dear Friends,

Hope this greeting finds you all taking good care of yourselves during this
hectic season! Do your best to keep yourself sane and not overdoing anything.
It’s so tempting to get a little carried away this time of year, but remember,
everything in moderation. Your body and soul will thank you for it 😊

As some of you may know, I’ve been taking classes in aromatherapy. And as I
learn, I am incorporating different oils into my massages for therapeutic
benefits such as pain relief or uplifting your spirits. If you haven’t seen me
in awhile, please ask me about them, perhaps you’d like to try one with your
massage. There is no additional charge.

My gift certificate special continues through New Year’s Day. Individual
certificates and packages are available, please call me to arrange pick up, put
in the mail or put on account. Massage A Month Club members may always purchase
certificates at your discount year round. Otherwise, prices are:
1/30 min massage for $35
3/30 min massage for $90
1/60 min massage for $70
3/60 min massage for $180
1/90 min massage for $100
3/90 min massage for $270

Here’s this month’s stretch video, try it, you might like it:

https://youtu.be/HOSq52v9x5w

Best wishes to you all for a warm, wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy
New Year!

Peace and love,

Mary

Please check out my website for more info: maryshealinghands.com

Sunny November Greetings from Mary’s Healing Hands

Mary's Healing Hands, LLC Posted on by  

Hello friends,

Where did autumn go? This biting wind makes me want to hibernate already! More
likely, it’s just me feeling my age…And we adopted another dog, Jax, the exact
opposite  of Coco. He’s almost a year old and 11 lbs. of happiness that looks
like a black and white mop. Life is certainly more entertaining here these days!

No time to schedule an hour’s massage? Try this month’s special, a 20 minute
chair massage & a lavender paraffin hand wax for $25. Give your hands a
delicious hot hand wax treatment with lavender essential oil, while you enjoy a
20 minute chair massage to loosen tight neck, shoulder and back muscles.
Schedule an appointment on your way home from work or on a Sunday afternoon as
part of your self care regimen. Gift certificates available too, makes a great
stocking stuffer!

Speaking of holiday shopping, I’m offering these massage gift packages at a
Massage A Month Club prices:
* 3/30 minute massages for $90
* 3/60 minute for $180
* 3/90 minute for $270

Individual massage gift certificates are available as well:
1/30 minute massage for $35
1/60 minute massage for $70
1/90 minute massage for $100

We have entered the “Holiday Zone”, so please take extra care of yourself with
this mini review:

* Stay well hydrated
* Get enough rest
* Stretch often
* Make healthy food choices often

And speaking of stretching, here’s my fav Bob and Brad video
(physicaltherapyvideo) from YouTube with some quick easy stretches to help
yourself::

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNjY5ssua-4       5 Exercises for Hip Pain

Keep well my friends! November appointments are booking up fast, so please don’t delay in scheduling.

Peace and love,

Mary

October Greetings

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Hello Friends,

Finally, my favorite time of the year, maybe it’s the cider donuts and the
Honeycrisp apples, (notice which I listed first). It’s a great time to enjoy
your local farmers market and treat yourself!

To assist you in a smooth transition into fall, this month’s special is a
delightful package- a 30 minute massage, a detoxing foot soak and a hot paraffin
hand wax for $55.  Massage A Month members get the special for $50! A great
way to take care of yourself literally from head to toe. As always, gift certificates are also
available for this package.

And just in time for early bird shoppers, a gift certificate special
that will run through the end of the year: 3/30 minute massages for $90, 3/60 minute
massages for $180 or 3/90 minute massages for $270.  Gift certificates may be
mailed, picked up or put on account, whatever works best for you.  Please know
that I accept cash, check or PayPal.

Chair yoga with Black Bird Yoga this month is as follows:

Thursdays at 10 am – Waterford Community/Senior Center – $4 per person, open to the public, beginners welcome

Bad news- Christine’s class schedule has been filling up, so as of October 1st, she will no
longer be teaching classes at the Halfmoon Senior Center. Good news -please feel free to
join her at the Waterford class which is open to the public.

We are still looking for a larger location for evening classes. It would be so
nice to make use of the Waterford Community Center…maybe some day the Town
will make a decision :/

Peace and love,

Mary

P.S. If you ever want more information about my practice, please check out my
website at http://maryshealinghands.com

P.P.S.The last thing I want to do is annoy you with newsletters that you don’t
want, please let me know if you’d rather not receive them!