Joyful Holistics

I wish I could review Joyful Holistics’s Mara more thoroughly, but seeing as how she never called me back to reschedule an appointment, I can’t say I’ve actually been to see her.
I had made an appointment for one of her requested days (tues/​thurs) and had to cancel when we spent a Monday night at the ER vet. I was impressed that I even thought to call her at all (things like calling my work and the like were at the top of my «to call» list, but I called her anyway to be courteous). I left her yet another voice mail (she’s never actually answered the phone, just returns calls) that I would not be coming and understood if she would not honor the voucher I’d purchased, although I would love it if she would seeing as how I was a little stressed out and could definitely have used it!
I called back the next afternoon to touch base and confirm whether or not I could still use the voucher or if she had a 24 hour cancellation policy. Still no answer and no returned call.
It’s been over a week and I haven’t heard a thing.
Way to do business…

I found Marla on
She was offering an ayurvedic head, neck and shoulder massage for like $ 35 for an hour.
She is located up in Lakeview. There is really easy street parking in the area, just be mindful of Cubs games. Probably wouldnt be as easy.
The ‘studio’ is located in an apartment complex. There were people cleaning it when I got there. It wasnt super relaxing because I could hear everything because there was just those bay-​like doors to close off the studio from everything outside.
Marla-​although super nice. I have a major pet peeve when it comes to time. My apptmt was for 1015AM. I received a call from her at about 955AM saying she was running late because of construction. Said she would be there right around 1015. Well, Marla didnt roll up until 1030. Then I felt like everything was rushed, etc.
Also, she had an apptmt after me so she shorted me 15 mins. However, she did say she would give me a free 15 mins next time. I just expect people to be there at least 15 mins before my apptmt. Not running 15 mins late. HUGE PET PEEVE!
Also, the studio is pretty simple. I just laid on the table with my clothes on. It wasnt very dark either. I didnt mind though, but if you are looking for amazing ambiance-​THIS IS NOT THE PLACE for you!
The actual massage was really fantastic. Hard pressure in all of the right places. The only thing was, I wished I would have gotten my full time, the first time!
Also, Marla gave me some great tips for re-​energizing myself throughout the day. I really appreciated that.
So it was a pretty decent deal, all things considering. I would go back and plan on it.

I recently met with Marla Shuman, owner of Joyful Holistics for a Vitality Session, regarding some physical and spiritual issues that I had been experiencing. Marla is a very warm and intuitive person and it wasn’t long after we began talking that she was zeroing in on the issues at hand whether it was related to my insomnia or areas in which my nutrition was woefully deficient. She helped me to understand that not only does proper nutrition relate to physical health it also is crucial in allowing a person to feel more spiritually grounded. She is extremely knowledgable and easily conveys information on the benefits of a variety of modalities and treatments ranging on everything from herbs to supplements, to meditation to bodywork. Never before have I met with a practitioner who was able to approach issues with so many «tools» in her bag. I left my appointment excited about trying the different solutions that she had recommended for me. I would highly recommend her!