A couple of months ago, my friend, who is a massage therapist, took a workshop on Thai massage. Luckily, she wanted to test out her techniques on someone, and luckily, I happened to be nearby. Holy cow. My muscles didn't know what hit them. After that brief introduction to Thai massage, I decided I wanted to try out the real deal. So my search led me to Yelp, which led me to Mark Bonus. First of all, his name. How cool is his name? When you meet him in real life, you immediately begin to question your lifestyle and wonder how can you become more like Mark. He is zen. He is peaceful. He is calm. I adore his aura. Then, there is the massage. It's soothing and therapeutic. I felt like a giant blob that Mark was molding and putting back together. I never want to get up from the mat after he is done. So, the first time I visited, I opted for the 60 minute Thai massage. It is not enough time. On my subsequent trips, I've booked 90 minute sessions, which gives him more time to focus on my problem areas. I believe most Thai massage therapists generally recommend at least 90 minutes, so keep that in mind if you decide to book, which I highly, highly, suggest you do. Your body will thank you. read more

First, I get regular massages (try for every other month or more) and I get regular body work so I can tell a good one from a bad one. Second, get the thai to table massage for 2 hours. Its the best of both worlds and it was incredible. Third, $1/minute is incredibly reasonable and I would have paid more than that for this massage. Now onto the review... To call Bonus a magician would be to insult his knowledge, body awareness intelligence, touch, and craft that he clearly has mastered. Its been 2 weeks since my massage and I'm tempted to get on a plane back to Austin just so that I can see him. I spent 2.5 hours with this man and not only did I love his home, love the sacred space he created for massage, and have a great time getting to know him, I left knowing more about my body. I also left walking straighter and taller than ever before. He's incredibly attentive to parts of your body that are tight, for me it was my hips. Which he stretched and massaged in every which way and they felt better for days. This wasn't just a massage, it was a lesson in body mechanics. I learned about pain/tightness usually occurring on diagonals (sore left shoulder, tight right hip, etc.). He massaged the front part of my shoulder, my pecs, which most people forget/don't work on. Most of us spend our life hunched forward in some way - at a computer, hunched back, etc., so its incredibly important to massage a muscle and joint from the front and back. I kinda knew this, but Bonus cemented it. He also taught me a killer massage for the front of my hip flexors, which almost made me want to puke, but I felt like I got new hips. There's nothing to think about. This man is amazing, so go get a massage from him. Oh and sassy miss waxy, his lovely partner, is pretty rad too so take care of that if you need. Hopefully I'll be back in Austin soon or I'll clone Bonus and bring him to SF. Side note: I'm not sure if anyone reading this is nervous about a male masseuse, but let me assure you, you have nothing to worry about. First, Bonus is just a good, kind gentle soul and you see that the minute you meet him. 2, Sassy Miss Waxy and he run their business out of their home and it rocks. And 3, if you're uncomfortable, get a thai massage where you can wear yoga clothes and it will be incredible. read more

I look forward to revising this review once I'm actually able to get ahold of someone. There is no contact info other than a phone number and the mailbox has been full each time I've tried to call. He has no website with an email and no messaging function on Yelp, leaving me with no option but to try again later one more time - or of course, find another provider. I am leaving this review in the hopes that the situation will be resolved and I can then update it. I think it's best that any service provider is available to potential clients! read more

I truly consider Bonus to be my Healer. He is a gentle spirit, offering healing, comfort, and protection. His personalized consultation allowed me to verbalize what I wanted out of our session. Our communication reached far beyond what I was asking for from a massage. With understanding, sympathy, and exploration, I was relieved, energized, and calmed by the body work and conversation. The experience was like no other massage or therapy I have ever received. I look forward to every session with Bonus. For anyone hesitant about getting a massage from someone they may not know, Bonus will instantly befriend you and take care of you in a way that you will feel trust, which will allow you to open up the channels to induce healing and strengthening that will occur physically, emotionally, mentally.... PS: Sassy Miss Waxy is located in the same retro-chic home-studio - she offers painless/comfortable sugar waxing and great company! read more

Dancers! This is the massage therapist for you. Stop looking around or asking friends for recommendations. Bonus is the man you need in your life. Quit going to class or rehearsing with that nagging tight spot(s) and make an appointment now. P.S. This is my first YELP review. Thought I would hold out for only the best. read more

Mark is absolutely awesome! I've had great Thai massages in the Bay Area, & Mark matches those ten-fold, he's truly gifted at what he does. He was recommended highly by several persons I know & their praise was well justified. Mark's extremely aware & very intuitive. I too studied bodywork & Mark's knowledge on providing me w/a very thorough session on the issues I needed help with, was brilliant. I recommend him to everyone I know now too :) read more

Mark Bonus of 8 Limbs Thai massage is one of the best massage therapists I've ever met. First of all, I came to him in a state of emergency with an excruciating pain in my right shoulder. Mark is very professional, he took his time to investigate exactly where the pain resides and what might have caused it & what the best plan of action would be for healing my right shoulder. And that's all before he even invited me into the treatment room. His treatment room is really beautifully designed, with soothing colors, serene music and a very comfortable Thai Massage mat. Marks compassion and knowledge of human anatomy came across in every stretch and stroke he'd do. He is also very intuitive about what does your body need most for the healing. So he doesn't go with a pre-meditated agenda for the session, he actually goes with the flow following his intuition and feedback from the client (me). Mark Bonus is a true healer and very skilled and talented Thai massage therapist. I've had 3 sessions with him within one week and let me tell you that he saved my shoulder from pain killers and maybe even a surgery. I will be back for more sessions with Mark and I highly recommend him if you want to experience a Thai massage session that's not only relaxing but truly healing to your body and mind. read more

I had the pleasure of several sessions with Mark Bonus, and I must say he's probably the best masseur that has ever touched me! And I must say, I've had many... His technique is rooted, he knows the body and knows how to put it right side up. Of course, thai massage is pretty intense (but really, deep down, isn't that what we all want? Now get that elbow in there please...) but the way is goes about it is so compassionate and caring that I never felt "alone" in the intensity. He is a 100% there, mind, body, heart and soul. Each session has gotten me pretty high, just so feeling great in my body. Plus, he is such a good person! He is a super sweet and strong, funny and present, loving and passionate man. I recommend him to anybody who wants to heal pain and/or welcome peace. read more

Hands down the best, most therapeutic massage I've ever received. The best way I can think to describe Bonus and his massage is that I'm a convert. I can't stop telling people about my experience (even when they don't care, and/or are clearly starting to think I'm a gushing weirdo), and I wish I could fly all the people I love down to Austin for a massage so that they can experience it too. If you happen to live in Austin, you're a lucky bastard and I'm jealous you can go to Bonus whenever you want. Go now, and go as often as you can. Think of it as a major investment in your health. If you're visiting - put this at the top of your list. Seriously. If you do nothing else, go get a massage from this man. Your body won't even remember that you were on a plane. Bonus has an instinctive touch, and works with your body to provide relief and healing that lasts long after the massage is over. read more

To be honest, this review is completely biased because Mr. Bonus is my brother from another mother. But regardless, I don't think there are enough stars up here to give to this man. I've dedicated a good portion of my short time alive to the healing arts, and I can honestly say that this man is truly gifted, not only in healing touch but in life. I've witnessed his evolution in bodywork and can say that how he shows up as a student, friend, teacher, and artist in life reflects in the love that he puts into healing work. Openness, curiosity, compassion, sensitivity, skill, artistry, and a contagious laughter, love, and appreciation for others and life. These are trusted hands that I'd recommend any of my closest family and friends to. Yeah, he's that good. read more

I had really bad sciatica in my hip due to pregnancy, and am a dancer, and Mark was able to clear up the pain in a single session. This form of deep tissue massage really releases muscular tension and dramatically increased my mobility within 2 days after the session. I highly recommend Mark. read more

My husband planned a trip to Austin for my birthday back in April and I figured I would treat myself to a massage. It did not take long to come across the website for 8 Limbs Massage and these reviews. Always a bit skeptical, the reviews sounded too good to be true, but I called for an appointment anyway. After all, it also says a lot for so many people to take the time to post a good review, right?! Mark Bonus called me back right away and penciled me in for that weekend. I mentioned to my husband that I would get a massage at a very "Austin-y" business and not some corporate venue in a shopping mall. I was excited! The location was quick to find and easy to get there. When I arrived, I was greeted by Fiona and she welcomed me as if I was a long time friend dropping by for a visit. Mark then invited me to sit and chat with him for a while.. I immediately felt so comfortable and he really took the time to listen to all my problem areas (which were many!). It was obvious that his knowledge was extensive and the way he walked me through the many concepts of both massage techniques really articulated his passion for what he does. The massage itself was truly an experience. I cannot really put into words how amazing and helpful it was and would just encourage you to skim through the other reviews because I agree with them 100%. It is spiritual and healing and just so beneficial both mentally and physically. To say that it's been two months and I can still feel the benefits. It truly stays with you and his recommendations on different stretches also help a ton. Needless to say, I will be back the first chance I get for the combination Thai and table massage. read more

Mark Bonus of 8 limbs Thai massage is the ultimate definition of healer.

Mark is a gifted healer. I've been through two rounds of physical therapy for injuries/accidents, regular massage, and acupuncture, and I wholeheartedly recommend Mark to all my friends. As a cyclist, he thoroughly understands the lower body and puts me into the deepest state of relaxation, all after I feel like I've finished a full work out! I appreciate his presence and connection, attention to breath, and just overall loving kindness. I recently had him work on my neck on a table which was great too. I think his gift is thai massage though, I'm always excited to hop back down to the floor! I was one of Mark's very first clients in Austin several years ago, and I can personally attest to how much his skill has improved. He's definitely answering a calling, and if you are so compelled to give thai massage a try, do it! It's all about communication and connection and the act of serving others, don't forget that and help him help you! read more

Tried calling several times but no answer. Left a message. I couldn't even get a call back to make an appointment. I don't think this business is even real. Either that or it exists on alternate plane of reality. read more

Bonus is the BEST!!! I had wanted to try Thai massage for some time having tried so many other techniques to reduce chronic back and body pain before, but never made the time to hunt down a source. Luckily, Sassy Miss Waxy insisted I try 8 Limbs -- I am so thankful for her recommendation! I don't know where to start. Bonus is so calm and comforting even before the massage starts. He has a soothing and wise demeanor and seems to know what I need even when I can't articulate it at all. Bonus is just as strong physically as mentally which is a necessity for me. My body is jacked from years of Muay Thai, freestyle BMX, and general endurance activities, but Bonus has already loosened up my neck and upper back after a few sessions. I like a firm strong massage so that I feel like it is "working," but I can tell this massage is working without having to make any painful faces. That's about it. I am not really great at this, but I want the world to know how amazing Bonus and his massage skills are so do yourself a favor! read more

I have had several wonderful massages from Mark. He has a great intuitive nature, he really listens and his massages are very thorough. If I could I would see him once a week. read more