May Appreciation Days

Welcome back Healing Handers!  Trying out a new term for our little community here, do you like it? 😊

Today, we wanted to fill you in on several holidays going on in May.  They include: Teacher Appreciation Day (5/7), Nurses Day (5/6), Memorial Day (5/27), and of course…MOTHER’S DAY (5/12)! 

I’m kind of sensing a theme here.  I think we can agree that all four of the aforementioned professions are demanding, to say the least.  All involve having a tremendous impact on the lives of others.  Nurses care for our bodies, teachers care for our minds, and mothers and vets, well, they’re superheroes.  Can we just take a moment to appreciate all that they do?

To all the mothers, nurses, teachers, and vets out there (especially mothers who are also nurses, teachers, and vets), we appreciate all that you do!  This month is for you.

Now, you could go the traditional route and get your favorite nurse/teacher/mother/vet the usual flowers and chocolate…or you could do something a little more outside the box, something that will not only benefit their health, but relax them as well!  Yes, I’m talking about gifting them a massage.  

At Healing Hands, we offer 60/75/90-minute customized gift certificates.  This month, show the special women in your life just how much you care (as they have probably shown you time and time again).

Gifting a massage is a great gift because it’s not only useful, it’s also a gift that can be used on their own time.  For busy mothers, teachers, and nurses, this can be crucial.  Plus, evidence shows that useful, practical gifts are actually seen as more desirable by receivers.  And what’s more useful than a relaxing massage?

Click here to order a gift certificate online and remember, our certs are as customizable as our massages!  Below is a basic sample but all you have to do is contact us and we will send you a printable cert with any name, sentiment, or occasion.

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Guide to Gifting Massage

When you’re relaxing on a massage table, it’s easy to see massage as a gift.  Whether you’re there to reduce pain, to ease anxiety, to help you recover from the physical and mental stresses of work, athletic training, parenting, or just being alive, massage is a moment of freedom in an occasionally crushing world.

If you’re thinking of sharing the gift of massage with someone else for a special occasion or “just because,” you are almost certainly doing so from a place of love and generosity.

Obviously, I’m a big fan of giving massage as a gift!  But there are some things to keep in mind when offering this kind of present:

How to (successfully!) give the gift of massage

Think about the best way to deliver your gift.  Gift certificates are the easiest way to give a massage as a gift, as it allows the individual to schedule on their own (either by calling or going online).  Scheduling on their behalf can sometimes work as well, although this can require additional strategic planning.

Look for genuine excitement.  When you mention massage, are they enthusiastic about the idea?  What you are looking for is, “Oh my gosh, that sounds amazing!” as opposed to a polite, “Yeah sure, I guess I would go if it were free.”  If you can elicit a more excited response by offering new socks, go with the socks.  But many people are thrilled by the idea of getting a professional massage as a gift.

Talk with your massage therapist.  Are they accepting new clients right now?  Do they allow people to purchase massages as a gift?  Do they offer the kind of massage this person needs or wants?  For example, at Healing Hands we offer relaxing massages with aromatherapy and/or Himalayan salt stones as well as deep tissue massages with stretching and heat.  But if you’re looking to give a massage as a gift to someone who wants to experience modalities we don’t offer (such as shiatsu or craniosacral work), we wouldn’t be the best fit.

Consider and remove obstacles.  Unlike a nice sweater or a juicy novel, there can be a few barriers to someone enjoying even a gifted massage.  These include:

●     Transportation and accessibility.  Will you need to help them get to their massage?

●     Childcare and other caregiving responsibilities.  Will they be more likely to accept the gift if it’s accompanied by an offer to babysit?

●     Tips, parking, and other expenses.  At Healing Hands we say “gratuities are never expected but always appreciated.”  If you wish to include this in your gift, we will note it at the bottom of our customized gift certificates.  As far as parking goes, you can let the recipient know that we validate their valet fees so there is no cost to drop off their vehicle when they come for their session.

●     Anxiety.  Receiving a massage for the first time can be intimidating.  Going together or talking about what to expect can be useful.

And finally, don’t forget the most important gift recipient: yourself.  You can’t pour from an empty cup!  Rest matters.  Peace of mind matters.  Sometimes, one of the best gifts you can offer others is to take a moment away from the chaotic world, so that YOU can be a better spouse, parent, colleague, neighbor, or friend.  Sometimes self-care can feel like a strangely radical or indulgent act, but it’s a vital one.  When we are around people who know to care for themselves before running themselves ragged, it’s a better environment for everyone.

To give the gift of massage, please visit this page and you will be directed to a secure PayPal link where you can enter the information of yourself and the recipient.  Additional customization available upon request.

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