Why choose Rachel?…read more Massage therapy should be a holistic experience that benefits both the mind and body. While massage helps promote relaxation and the release of endorphins, that experience can be diminished if the therapist appears disengaged or unhappy in their work. Whether you prefer conversation or silence, feeling comfortable and cared for is essential. Rachel consistently provides that experience through her warm personality, professionalism, intelligence, and genuine care for her clients. I specifically asked her to address my chronic shoulder pain, and she was able to identify and work on the muscles that were triggering my symptoms. The treatment was targeted, effective, and left me feeling significantly better. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I understand the importance of patient experience and quality care. It's easy to see why people appreciate Rachel's work ethic and the positive environment she creates. Good vibes overall. Thank you, Rachel!

Long story short, Rachel is a great massage therapist. She creates a relaxing space just by her way…read moreand aura alone, and is attentive to client details. After a single visit, on coming back a month later, she somehow remembered a lot about me - that I practice brazilian jiujitsu, do regular soft tissue work at home, that I have family and business in Orange County. We chatted for at most 10 total minutes during my first visit. It's exactly this type of continuity that I was looking for in finding a massage therapist to go to more regularly. Berkeley has a few great Thai massage places but therapists rarely speak English and they never seem to honor the specific therapist you book. I was looking for someone who will retain information on what I like and what my muscles need, and Rachel is exactly that kind of massage therapist.

I had a massage with Matt a couple years ago which was very uncomfortable. I waited to give a…read morereview because I didn't think it was worth revisiting but I see others had similar issues so I wanted to add my warning. I went in for a migraine and asked to just have massage on my neck, Jaw and head- so I left my bra on. He commented on my bra strap (which was not a unique strap) and then went on to tell me the kinda of bras his girlfriend likes. I had said I had a migraine and wanted quiet and he talked the whole time and I was very uncomfortable he was describing his girlfriend's bra tastes. It was also weird because the office is so isolated - it felt creepy and vulnerable when he spoke inappropriately. I would never go back.

Matthew is a magician and I highly recommend him. It's amazing to have my pain reduced in such a…read moretangible way. It's not going to be a gentle relaxing massage, but this sports massage will be worth the temporary discomfort to have the underlying issues worked through. He's also really good at distracting me while he's doing all the fixing. All of my gratitude for the work he does. Kind, caring, observant, funny, and honest about what's happening with my body, this business lives up to the name Feeling Better. Thank you for everything.

Before I'd reached the end of my first massage with Jennifer Michels, I knew I needed to book…read moreanother. She is talented and enthusiastic, balancing body knowledge with a soothing touch. She's also really fun to chat with. Jenn has a clear passion for the body and you will definitely feel it in her work on yours. I particularly enjoy her use of heat therapy on me: to release tension in my shoulders and upper back she uses steaming hot towels that seem to make my muscles melt. It's such a relaxing and wonderful experience. Jenn's been performing massage at Moonshadow for 13 years, and I can see why - the little studio in the back of the salon is such a sweet space. It seems perfectly suited to her and is a great place for a getaway (if only a 60 minute one). If you're looking for a spot of self care, book an hour with Jennifer Michels.

Jennifer is AMAZING. I've only had the pleasure of a massage from her 1x and it's enough for me to…read morepraise her. She really did a number on my back but in a good way! I walked out a bit sore, as expected, but after a few days I could really tell a difference. I am a loyal patron of Moonshadow Salon (where Jen works) and every time I get my hair done, my fiancé gets a massage from Jen. She always eases his tense muscles and knots. Her prices are reasonable - $45 for 30 mins and $70 for 60 mins. If you're looking for a masseuse who truly knows her craft then look no further. We live 30 mins from the salon and it's worth the drive.

Good experience with Bella! She has strong hands and knows all the ins and outs of all the little…read moremuscles. She even does the "walking on your back" technique. I really enjoyed the massage. Friendly folks at the front desk, too. Clean facility, not too fancy, but good value. I'd go back again.

Came to do a couple Swedish 60 minute massage. It was a great experience!! Felt super relaxing and…read morecomfortable. It was clean inside which I value a lot. When you walk in, you take off your shoes and check in (we had a reservation). We filled out a form and circled areas of our body where we want special attention. However, during the massage I did not feel any special attention to the area I chose. There was a nice little tea/snack station and they had a bathroom but it was pretty small. We will definitely come again and speak up about the areas we wanted special attention to! :)

I was lucky to find this place, not knowing much about the local massage parlors. I have arthritis…read morein my hip and knee. A month ago I could hardly walk with the leg stiffness and pain. I am supposed to have the hip replaced in October. I decided to try a massage just to see if it would help me walk better. I went in for an hour massage and was lucky enough to get Lina. She concentrated on the knee and hip, as requested, but did the full body massage so I was totally relaxed. When she was finished my leg felt 100% better and my limp was almost gone. The results were amazing, so good I booked 90 minutes a week later. Once again, Lina did her magic and my hip and knee pain continued to decrease. My limp getting better and the aches at night diminishing. Today was my 4th time with Lina, this time 2 hours. I am walking without a limp and considering canceling the hip replacement surgery. Lina is a true professional. If you need/want a truly great massage do your self a favor and book 60-90 minutes with Lina. You'll be glad you did.

Wonderful Spa is truly a hidden gem! This is a place that provides exceptional service. I came here…read moreafter experiencing back pain. I saw Mei. Throughout the whole massage, Mei was very considerate of my pain. She is very knowledgeable and explained how the pain came to be and how I can help alleviate it. She applied very strong pressure in the moments that I needed and just enough for moments of relaxation. I can say that I never had such a perfectly relaxing but effective massage for pain. I felt better immediately after the massage and even better and more relaxed the days following it. I will definitely be coming back to Wonderful Spa and bring my friends and family with me!

I'll tell you about my experience in this massage parlor and it's not pleasant at all. First, it…read moredoesn't have any hygiene, apart from that when he began to massage me, I felt that he climbed on the stretcher and with his feet he began to do it to me and they were very rough And as he did it dryly his feet burned in my back I just wanted it to finish quickly to come to my house and give me a bath that felt disgusting

It's not a good massage, the place is not clean and the lady doesn't use cream or oil or anything,…read moreterrible service, I don't recommend it at all.

The best spa in the east bay! I love this oasis. Every single person who works here, radiates joy,…read morecomfort, and kindness. They are exceptional with their hiring and services. I've been going here for a couple years and can easily say it has been a transformative and essential addition to my life. They practice outstanding hospitality which fills the space with the most calm and welcoming energy. There is wonderful decor and great services with so much attention to detail. I love their sauna and contrast therapy. The tea, the incense, the plush towels, comfy robes, and intentionality are so welcome it creates a real sense of belonging and care. Go get yourself some serenity.

Disclosure prices before the service starts! I feel like I…read morewas miss informed and ended paying for something I thought was already paid for, very unhappy with my 2nd visit.

I left loving touch healing spa feeling rejuvenated and the stiffness in my neck has greatly…read moreimproved. Thanks a bunch Liz.

I visited Liz 3 months ago for the first time and never stopped going here since…read more She is very caring and has an amazing intuition. I rarely leave a review publicly but this one deserves a SO. Spa looks amazing, not only that you can do a massage, but you can get a haircut, blowdry, makeup and have a glass of champagne. Liz is certified reiki master, so let her do her thing. I am serious. Get a massage, tell your preferences but relax and let her take care of you. I am sure you'll feel renewed like I do every time I leave a massage room. I feel lighter and I don't have a brain fog. Once you build trust with Liz, I highly suggest reiki + massage. She has calming and healing energy

The masseur was good at massage but it was cold outside and it was cold in the room so I was a…read morelittle uncomfortable. I want to feel cozy when I get a massage. This place was no frills. Very bare bones but for the price, it's worth it. I had knots I needed to work out and I felt better afterwards. They used complimentary hot stones too but the stones were too hot. The hot towels were a nice touch. If you see them on Groupon, just call and ask for the same price. They'll give it to you and won't have to give Groupon a cut.

DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS. Hidden gem, for sure. I asked to focus on upper back pain and he delivered…read more Slowly builds up the pressure you need and adjusts well to your requests and responses. Hot stones were included and that was lovely. Very simple set up with soft spa-theme music playing in the background, and it has a warming bed with soft covers. What this place lacks in aesthetic makes up twice as much in technique. I'm coming back as a regular! Right on the corner of Shattuck and Ashby, this spot shares the building with a tattoo shop called Magnetic Arts. There's no signage, so just look for 2106. Cash preferred, but he has Venmo! He does ask for a tip at the end, and this may likely be due to how affordable the service is. Really nice guy!

Nina was very professional, friendly, and warm throughout the entire session. She quickly…read moreidentified the areas causing my pain and applied the right techniques to provide real relief. Her communication was clear and transparent, which made it easy to trust her from the start. As someone who works in healthcare, I appreciate the value of quality soft tissue work. I also work out 4-5 times a week, lift weights, box, and train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so my body takes a lot of wear and tear. Combined with the stress of work, regular massage has become an important part of my recovery, and Nina delivered exactly what I needed. Her pricing is fair, and the quality of care is excellent. If this resonates with you, I highly recommend booking a session with Nina. Take care!

I have been a client of Nina Stavinga for years and she is one of my favorites. The pressure she…read moreuses is just right and based on our brief conversation before she begins. When I leave I feel refreshed and ready to get back to tackling whatever was twisting me into a pretzel. That reminds me, I need to make another appointment to see her very soon.