LMT Mandie Gleason, here with her Schnauzer Frances, has opened a Los Alamos practice. Courtesy photo
By BONNIE J. GORDON
Los Alamos Daily Post
bjgodon@ladailypost.com
Licensed Massage Therapist Mandie Gleason and her family have a long history in Santa Fe, the Rio Grande Valley and Los Alamos.
Her great-grandfather was the stone mason who built the stone fireplace in Fuller Lodge and did many additional building projects on the Hill.
Six generations of her family have lived in the family compound her great-grandfather built in Santa Fe on Artist Road, and some still do.
She recently moved back to Santa Fe from Colorado to take a job at Ten Thousand Waves. When Gleason was laid off because of COVID-19, she decided to return to private practice. She is now expanding her practice to Los Alamos.
“I learned Japanese spa and therapy techniques such as Ashi Anma and Yasuragi, at Ten Thousand Waves,” Gleason said. “Although the Covid pandemic caused the end of my employment, I am so grateful to have trained and practiced with world renowned master therapists.”
Gleason chose Los Alamos Chiropractic Center to house her Los Alamos practice. She sees clients by appointment Mondays and Fridays.
“I have a lot of support from the other therapists at the Center,” Gleason said. “The owners have an excellent reputation and I like to be close to other people in clinical practice. It’s a great office. It has everything I need. Everyone has been so welcoming.”
Another reason Gleason enjoys working at the Center is the emphasis on safety.
“We follow protocols very similar to a medical office,” she said. “We ask a list of COVID related questions and everyone has to wear a mask at all times.”
One unique service Gleason offers is home visits.
“It’s more comfortable for people in their own homes,” she said. “It’s part of the nurturing aspect of what I do. People need nurturing, especially now. Many older people crave touch.”
Originally, Gleason thought she wanted to be a nurse, but while in school, she discovered it wasn’t the right path for her. She wanted to stay in the medical field and moved to working the front office at a clinic. While she was there, someone mentioned massage therapy to her as a possible career.
“Massage is much more gentle and calm,” she said. “It’s much more my speed.”
Gleason graduated from a rigorous program at Santa Fe School of Healing Arts in 2004. She’d found her path.
“I loved going to school,” she said. “I loved the human contact, and not just on the physical level. I like to look at people as whole beings … I enjoy creating practical solutions for pain and stress reduction through therapeutic massage and restorative yoga. I utilize techniques like trigger point therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, vacuum cupping, aromatherapy and CBD massage.”
Gleason has created a line of self-care products including professional massage crème and salves that are infused with CBD (cannabidiol) derived from organic hemp.
“I combined my passion for alchemy with a true desire to help and heal my clients,” Gleason said. “I have developed luscious recipes that can refresh, renew and heal the skin while keeping with the notion that anything you put on your skin should be something you wouldn’t mind putting in your mouth.”
Call or text Gleason at 505.231.0984 to schedule an appointment. She is in Los Alamos Monday or Friday and can see clients either at Los Alamos Chiropractic Center or in their home.
Gleason is ready to help Los Alamos clients relax, renew and rehabilitate.