Reintroducing Hot Stone Massage and More

We have acquired a new hot stone equipment with Elo Stones, giving us a more controlled and easier to clean version of hot stone equipment than the traditional water bath version with basalt stones.

Hot stone massage helps relax the muscles by warming them with the heated stones, both placed on the body and used as massage tools while moving along the body. This not only is this very relaxing, but also makes deeper tissue work easier and more effective just solely manual massage.

We offer following hot stone massage durations and rates:

• 60 Minute Hot Stone Massage: $135

• 90 Minute Hot Stone Massage: $180

• 120 Minute Hot Stone Massage: $225

If you would like to change any previously scheduled massages to a hot stone massage, please feel free to reach out to us. Feel free to also schedule one yourself as well through our website.

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Client Referral Program

Always remember that our Client Referral Program is a great way to get access to free massage time. Per person you send our way, after they have received a massage, we put a 30 minute massage credit on your account. So, if you refer three people to us, you can get a 90 minute massage for free. This does not apply to any massages paid for via Gift Certificates.

We hope you have a fantastic day and to hear from you soon.

Hours of Operations Change

Hello everyone,

Starting October 1, my hours of operation will change from a Wednesday through Sunday schedule to a Tuesday through Saturday schedule. If you currently have an appointment scheduled for a Sunday after October 1st, I will reach out to you shortly to reschedule it. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.

James

COVID-19 Policies (As of 7/1/2023)

1-2 Days Prior to Your Appointment, you will receive a request to update your medical intake form, which now has some COVID-19 and Vaccination specific questions. This is REQUIRED to be filled out before you arrive for your appointment. If not, we will need to reschedule your appointment and be charged a 50% cancellation fee. 

***IF YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED, boosted (IF ELIGIBLE), and it’s been at least two weeks since your Booster shot ***

(I will need a photo of your vaccination card to keep on file)

***IF YOU ARE eligible, You are required to be FULLY VACCINATED for monkeypox as well ***

When you arrive:

• At this point, masks are OPTIONAL

During the session:

• The massage will proceed as normal.

After the session:

• Once you are redressed, we will handle payment and rescheduling. I prefer that we use contactless payment, but can take a credit card or cash. This can include Google Pay, Apple Pay, Tap to Pay Credit Cards, Venmo, Facebook, or Paypal. Scheduling a future appointment will proceed as normal. 

• Once I am back in my massage space, I will proceed to wipe down any surface that my clients come into contact with to prepare for the next session. 

• Within 14 days of your appointment, If you start to experience any of the COVID-19 symptoms, I ask that you inform me ASAP. I will be monitoring myself for any symptoms, but I need to know any possible disease vectors. If I start showing any symptoms, I will inform all of my clients for the previous two weeks. 

If any of these steps are not acceptable to you, please let me know and we can cancel your appointment until we are a stage of the COVID-19 situation where they will no longer be necessary. I hope you are well and to see you soon for your next massage. 

Mask Requirement Update 6/12/2023

Hi everyone,

I have been thinking about this for quite a while. I have made the decision to make masks optional for massages and in person yoga lessons starting on June 12th. I may still wear a mask, but you will no longer be required to. If you choose to wear a mask, you can still have it off while face down with the massage hammock in place in the head rest. You may also keep your mask on both face down and up. It is up to your comfort level.

HOWEVER, if you are feeling sick at all, please contact me so we can reschedule your massage.

I am still requiring that all of my clients be fully vaccinated for COVID with one booster and if you are eligible, be fully vaccinated for Monkeypox.

I hope you are well,

James

We're moving....scheduling systems anyway

As some of you may know, I am switching massage scheduling systems from MassageBook to ClinicSense.

This does not change my rates for my services at all. This will be a better system for us to use going forward.

I will be manually scheduling previously scheduled massages in the new system in the next few days. Please fill out the intake forms once you receive them as soon as possible.

Be let me know if you have any questions.

Monkeypox Information

ATTENTION ALL CLIENTS. If you believe you have or have been exposed to Monkeypox, please contact your doctor to get tested and let me know so we can reschedule your massage.

According to the CDC:

Symptoms of monkeypox can include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches and backache

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Chills

• Exhaustion

• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. This process can take several weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
  
  Monkeypox is rare and does not spread easily between people without close contact. The threat of monkeypox to the general U.S. population remains LOW. - www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html

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The following information was forwarded to me by a client from their doctor:

Just wanted to give you an update on the monkeypox vaccine, and where to get it! The CDPH is pushing it out to more venues….

Studies looking at the Jynneos vaccine show it generates a strong antibody response within 2 weeks that lasts up to 2 years. So even though it's recommended to get 2 doses four weeks apart, having one dose should give really good protection very quickly. I think a lot of places will be trying to push out one dose to as many people as possible, and then wait until there's much more supply before getting people the second dose. So don't despair if you can't get a second dose right away! Here's an article about that: Click Here

They're still trying to prioritize the people with the highest risk: those who have been directly exposed, those who have multiple or anonymous sex partners, those who have intimate contact at social/sex venues, or those who trade money, goods, or services for sex. 

Here are a few options to look into:

Howard Brown Health Center: 773-388-1600

Project Wish/UIC: 312-355-0743; you can also fill out this online questionnaire and someone will contact you https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9G3LAcBlLVYT3kq

Rush: 888-352-7874

NorthStar Medical Center: 773-296-2400

Additionally, I have seen walk-in vaccine events (first come, first served) posted on social media, but please verify on social media:

TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network), 5537 N. Broadway: every Monday starting July 18, from 2pm to 5:30pm.

July 22: Touché (6412 N Clark), starts at 9pm

July 22: Club Escape (1530 E 75th St), 9pm- midnight

July 26: Steamworks Baths (3246 N Halsted), 5pm-8pm

July 27: Cell Block (3702 N Halsted), 2pm-7pm

July 28: Hydrate (3458 N Halsted), 2pm-7pm

July 29: Bassline (2239 S Michigan), 10pm-2am

August 2: Steamworks Baths (3246 N Halsted), 5pm-8pm

August 6: Cellblock (3702 N Halsted), noon-6pm

August 6: Howard Brown on Halsted, noon-6pm

August 7: Cellblock (3702 N Halsted), noon-6pm

August 7: Howard Brown on Halsted, noon-6pm

Expect lines at all these venues, so go early and bring something to do!

 Keep an eye on this site, which is a non-comprehensive list compiled from the Internet: Click Here

 If you have any questions, [contact your doctor]. If you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox (flu-like symptoms including sore throat or cough or spots on your body, especially in/around the mouth, genitals, or rectum), please [let your doctor know], right away.

 Be safe!

Mask Requirement Update

I am monitoring requirements by state and city regulations. However, given how long and closely I am in contact with my clients, I am going to be a little more cautious than local guidelines. I am aware that the local mask mandate has been dropped and we have all enjoyed some more freedom with it. However, as indicated below, case numbers are on the rise again. As such, I have decided that so long as case numbers are above 1000 new cases per day, I will require masks be worn during massages and yoga lessons.

I sincerly hope that cases come back down soon and I will be able to drop my mask requirement once again. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Common Cold and Ailments

Hey everyone. I have a request for all of you. If you have a cold of any sort on the day of your massage (or sick with anything), please message me so we can reschedule. I know COVID is what is on everybody's mind nowadays when talking about being sick, but according to the NHS: "The common cold is infectious from a few days before your symptoms appear until all of the symptoms are gone. Most people will be infectious for around 2 weeks. Symptoms are usually worse during the first 2 to 3 days, and this is when you're most likely to spread the virus." (NHS Info)

While the common cold is no where near as severe as COVID, it is better for everyone that we reschedule to a point when you are no longer sick. This is to protect me; to prevent me from spreading it to my family, other clients, and friends; and just to protect everyone in general.

I hope you are having an amazing day.

Updates on Mask Mandate, Massage Rates, Gift Cards, and Twitter

Mask Mandate Update

As you may be aware, the mask mandate in Chicago is being lifted after Feb 28. As such, I will also be dropping my mask requirement. If a client would prefer the session be masked, this is absolutely acceptable and always an option.

However, even with the mask mandate being lifted, I am still requiring all clients be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

With the removal of the mask mandate, I will start offering my full service menu again, including Thai Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Heated Oil sessions, and Aromatherapy.

Massage Rate Increase

For a variety of reasons, starting April 1, 2022, I am raising my rates. Table massage will increase from $80/hour to $90/hour; Thai Massage will increase from $90/hour to $100/hour; and Private Yoga Lessons will increase from $50/hour to $60/hour.

For full details, Click here.

Gift Certificates

Until March 31, 2022, my rates remain the same. Until then, you purchase gift certificates at the CURRENT RATE. These will still apply to massages after April 1st. You can purchase them either at the end of a massage or on your own through MassageBook.

Twitter

I have started a Twitter page to help alert clients when I have specials and openings. I plan on posting about available times and cancelations for the upcoming week. Feel free to follow my page and turn on notifications to look out for upcoming availability when looking for a massage or yoga lesson.

2022 Service Menu

Bodywork

Rates listed below start 04/01/2022.

Rates: (Regular Rate/Advance*/Advance and Pre-Booked**)

Enjoy our relaxing and therapeutic table massage, starting at

$90/hour

This includes a mixture of Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, basic craniosacral, reflexology, lymphatic drainage.

• 60 Minutes ($90/$85/$80)

• 90 Minutes ($135/$127.50/$120)

• 120 Minutes ($180/$170/$160)

Warm and relax your muscles with our

Hot Stone Massage

Let us ease your tension away with heated basalt stones. This relaxes the muscles making the deeper tissue work easier and more effective.

• 90 Minute ($180/$170/$160)

• 120 Minute ($225/$212.50/$200)

Want to try something a little different? Try our

Thai Massage

This form of massage is done on a padded mat on the floor, performed over clothing, and incorporates yogic stretching, compressions, breathing techniques, traction, and trigger point therapy. We also incorporate burning Nag Champa incense when appropriate.

• 60 minute ($100/$95/$90)

• 90 minute ($150/$142/$135)

• 120 minute ($200/$190/$180)

Add Ons

Heated Oil: $10 We offer use of a combination of heated coconut oil and hot wet towels to provide deeper relaxation and a smoother tactile experience.

Diffused Aromatherapy: $5 We perform our Aromatherapy by using a cold steam diffuser and fan to circulate the aromatherapy in the room throughout the session.

Discounts

Client Referral Program: If you refer anyone to us, we want to thank you and give you a gift of a 30 minute coupon.

Birthday Discount: If you schedule a massage during the 15 days before or the 15 days after your birthday, you will receive a free 30 minute discount on one massage.

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Yoga

In addition to massage, we also offer private yoga lessons.

Styles of yoga taught: Power Vinyasa Flow. Vinyasa is the act of linking one breath to one movement. A moving mediation. As such, in these classes, we will focus a lot on breathing and moving through the poses in a linking flow.

Benefits of yoga: "Learn more about the physical and mental benefits of starting a regular yoga practice, and how it can help you cultivate greater strength, flexibility, awareness, and inner peace" - Yoga Alliance

Private Yoga Lesson

A hour session where we guide you through a personalized yoga flow, working your areas of focus. We will also provide you with lots of hands on assists, guiding you more accurately into the postures.

One person: $60
Two People: $80
Three People: $100

Virtual Private Yoga Lesson

Not able to come to us? Try a virtual lesson over Zoom or Skype. A hour session where we guide you through a personalized yoga flow, working your areas of focus. We will provide as much verbal assists as possible to guide you into proper alignment.

One person: $50
Two People: $70
Three People: $90

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*Advanced Scheduling: Massage appointment is scheduled at least one week in advance.
**Prebook Scheduling: Massage appointment is scheduled before client leaves from previous appointment.

Please note that we follow a 24 hour cancellation policy. This means, that if you wish to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please contact us with a minimum of 24 hours notice. A same day cancellation will incur a 50% cancellation fee and a no call, no show will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

Covid Booster Requirement

Hey there everybody. It has come to my attention that Omicron is now the dominant variant of COVID-19 and that it is even more infectious than the Delta variant. After considering this, starting January 1st, I will require all clients not only be vaccinated, but also have gotten the booster, assuming they qualify for it. This is to protect you, myself, my other clients, family, friends, etc. If you have a session scheduled before two weeks after your booster shot, please let me know so we can reschedule your appointment.

After you have received your booster, we can update your vaccine information in my system. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.

I hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday season.

Chicago Mask Mandate

Hello everyone! In case you were unaware, Chicago has issued a Mask Mandate for all indoor activities. "The move by the city comes as average daily COVID cases top 470. The indoor mask mandate will be in place until that figure dips below 400 and stays there for a week or two." - abc7chicago

Following the Chicago Mask Mandate and in an excess of caution, I have decided to require masks for all massages and in person yoga lessons until the mandate is lifted. Hopefully this will not be for very long, but this is about keeping everyone safe. If you have a previously scheduled massage and would prefer to reschedule, please feel free to reach out to me.

Also, if you are experiencing any covid related symptoms or have a known exposure, please message me about rescheduling ASAP.

I hope you are well,
James

Good News!!! Reopening May 1st

I am delighted to say that after receiving my second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, I will be fully vaccinated and reopening my doors on May 1st!

Please note that my online scheduling will not allow scheduling of massages until May 1st, only to prevent any massages scheduled accidentally before May 1st. If you would like to go ahead and set up a 60 or 90 minute Table Massage or a 60 minute In-Person Private Yoga Lesson, please either email me at james@cummingswellnes.com or text me at 812.266.0787

I am happy to schedule Table Massages and In-Person Private Yoga Lessons for those who are and are not fully vaccinated. I am taking precautions to keep everyone as safe as I can and keep everyone comfortable. For the time being, I will still not be offering Thai Massage, Hot Stone Massages, Heated Oil Massages, or Aromatherapy options. Hopefully we can get back to those soon. For more information of all the changes I have made to help keep everyone safe, please click the button below.

Please remember that I have a Client Referral Program. Per person you send my way, after they receive a massage, I will add a 30 minute credit to your account. For example, if you send me three new clients, you can earn a complimentary 90 minute massage.

I hope to see you again soon! Stay safe and stay healthy.
.

COVID-19 Information

Phase 3.5

Hey there, 

As you might be aware, starting Friday, due to rising case numbers Chicago is rolling back to essentially Phase 3.5. While technically, I am allowed to massage in Phase 3, I am not comfortable massaging during it. In an effort to protect my clients, my family, and myself, I am rescheduling massage clients from July 29 to Aug 23 to give us a decent chance to determine the direction of case numbers with the new restrictions. I will reach out to each client individually to reschedule their massage to a later date. However, if you would be interested in converting your massage during this time to a Online Private Yoga Lesson to continue your self care, please let me know. Each yoga lesson is tailored to you, your body, and it's capabilities. It doesn't matter if you've never touched a yoga mat or if you practice everyday. I am happy to help further your self care practices. An hour online yoga lesson is $40. This is done via a variety of available video chat programs, including Zoom, Skype, and Facebook Messenger. Let me know if you have any questions.

I hope you are safe and healthy,
James

COVID-19 Policies

As you may already know, I have made various changes to make my business as “COVID Safe” as I can to reopen on May 1st, 2021. This includes the following:

Until further notice, I will not be providing Thai Massage, Heated Oil Massage, or Aromatherapy Sessions. 

1-2 Days Prior to Your Appointment, you will receive a request to update your medical intake form, which now has some COVID-19 and Vaccination specific questions. This is REQUIRED to be filled out before you arrive for your appointment. If not, we will need to reschedule your appointment and be charged a 50% cancellation fee. 

***IF YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED, boosted (IF ELIGIBLE), and it’s been at least two weeks since your Booster shot ***

(I will need a photo of your vaccination card to keep on file)

When you arrive:

• MASKS ARE REQUIRED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 

• To prevent any cross contamination, I ask that you bring your own water bottle. 

• Please message me when you are getting close to my place via text, Facebook, etc. To protect myself, my family, and my other clients, I am having my clients come in and out of the back of my condo. See the video below for instructions on how to get to the back of my building. 

• I will meet you at our back gate. There, I will take your temperature via a contactless IR thermometer. Assuming you are not running a fever, we will be able to continue with the session. I ask that you allow me to open all doors to help prevent any cross contamination. 

• If at any point, you do need to use the bathroom, I will walk you to our bathroom, opening any doors on the way there. I will have a stack of towels so you can use one and then put it in the hamper to then be washed. 

• Once in the massage space, I will have you disrobe and use hand sanitizer. I now have a new chair and plastic bin for your personal items that I can easily sanitize between each client. 

During the session:

• The massage will proceed as normal.

After the session:

• Once you are redressed, we will handle payment and rescheduling. For the time being, I ask that we use contactless payment only. This can include Google Pay, Apple Pay, Tap to Pay Credit Cards, Venmo, Facebook, or Paypal. Scheduling a future appointment will proceed as normal. 

• Once payment and potential rescheduling are complete, I will walk you out to the back gate. 

• Once I am back in my massage space, I will proceed to wipe down any surface that my clients come into contact with to prepare for the next session. 

• Within 14 days of your appointment, If you start to experience any of the COVID-19 symptoms, I ask that you inform me ASAP. I will be monitoring myself for any symptoms, but I need to know any possible disease vectors. If I start showing any symptoms, I will inform all of my clients for the previous two weeks. 

If any of these steps are not acceptable to you, please let me know and we can cancel your appointment until we are a stage of the COVID-19 situation where they will no longer be necessary. I hope you are well and to see you soon for your next massage. 

Yoga Livestream Classes

I am continuing to do yoga lessons at noon CST on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the month of June. If you are interested, please click the button below and check out the schedule.

Reopening July 1

As some of you may already be aware, Mayor Lightfoot has set Chicago to move to Phase 3 on June 3, which does include Spas and massage therapists being able to reopen. However, I do not yet have the equipment necessary to truly have my space as COVID safe as I need it to be to reopen. There are a variety of changes that will need to be made to make to not only protect myself and my family, but to also protect all of you, my clients. Thus, I have made the decision to wait until July 1st to reopen my massage practice. I will send out an email soon describing new policies, procedures, and my updated list of services. 

In the meantime, I am still offering online private yoga lessons for $30. If this is something that interests you, please reach out to me and we can set up a session. 

I hope you are safe and healthy. 

Digital Yoga Classes and Digital Private Yoga Lessons

Due to COVID-19, we are currently only offering Digital Yoga Classes and Digital Private Yoga Lessons.

Our Digital Yoga Classes are posted as events on our Facebook Page with a suggested donation of $10. Info posted to the events.

Our Digital Private Yoga Lessons are a one-on-one lesson where we tailor an hour yoga sequence to you and your body’s flexibility, strength, and endurance. These can be done via Facebook Video Call, Skype, Google Hangouts, etc. Whichever is better for you. These lessons are $30 for the hour lesson.

Best Yoga Mats of 2019 by Consumer Advocate

Hey everyone! Consumer Advocate has put together this really awesome guide on different yoga mat brands. For more info, click the button below.

Service Menu

Bodywork

Rates: (Regular Rate/Advance*/Advance and Pre-Booked**)

Enjoy our relaxing and therapeutic table massage, starting at

$80/hour

This includes a mixture of Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, basic craniosacral, reflexology, lymphatic drainage.

• 60 Minutes ($80/$75/$70)

• 90 Minutes ($120/$112.50/$105)

• 120 Minutes ($160/$150/$140)

Warm and relax your muscles with our

Hot Stone Massage

Let us ease your tension away with heated basalt stones. This relaxes the muscles making the deeper tissue work easier and more effective.

• 90 Minute ($160/$150/$140)

• 120 Minute ($200/$187.50/$175)

Want to try something a little different? Try our

Thai Massage

This form of massage is done on a padded mat on the floor, performed over clothing, and incorporates yogic stretching, compressions, breathing techniques, traction, and trigger point therapy. We also incorporate burning Nag Champa incense when appropriate.

• 60 minute ($90/$85/$80)

• 90 minute ($135/$127.50/$120)

• 120 minute ($180/$170/$160)

Add Ons

Heated Oil: $10 We offer use of a combination of heated coconut oil and hot wet towels to provide deeper relaxation and a smoother tactile experience.

Diffused Aromatherapy: $5 We perform our Aromatherapy by using a cold steam diffuser and fan to circulate the aromatherapy in the room throughout the session.

Discounts

Client Referral Program: If you refer anyone to us, we want to thank you and give you a gift of a 30 minute coupon.

Birthday Discount: If you schedule a massage during the 15 days before or the 15 days after your birthday, you will receive a free 30 minute discount on one massage.

---

Yoga

In addition to massage, we also offer private yoga lessons.

Styles of yoga taught: Power Vinyasa Flow. Vinyasa is the act of linking one breath to one movement. A moving mediation. As such, in these classes, we will focus a lot on breathing and moving through the poses in a linking flow.

Benefits of yoga: "Learn more about the physical and mental benefits of starting a regular yoga practice, and how it can help you cultivate greater strength, flexibility, awareness, and inner peace" - Yoga Alliance

Private Yoga Lesson

A hour session where we guide you through a personalized yoga flow, working your areas of focus. We will also provide you with lots of hands on assists, guiding you more accurately into the postures.

One person: $50
Two People: $70
Three People: $90

Private Yoga Class

A Private Yoga Class is when there are four or more students. Students must be able to host class or arrange for a suitable location.

Four person or more: $100.

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*Advanced Scheduling: Massage appointment is scheduled at least one week in advance.
**Prebook Scheduling: Massage appointment is scheduled before client leaves from previous appointment.

Please note that we follow a 24 hour cancellation policy. This means, that if you wish to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please contact us with a minimum of 24 hours notice. A same day cancellation will incur a 50% cancellation fee and a no call, no show will incur a 100% cancellation fee.