I love praising good people behind their back and I'm going to do it here so get ready:…read more Tranzend is a woman of color owned and operated small business. A small biz that punches above its weight class and does it all with kindness. I struggled for YEARS not knowing what my diagnosis was and was in a deep struggle with my physical health and mental well being. No one understood me. Health care providers would misdiagnose me multiple times before I found the right fit and would often seek referrals from anyone I trusted to find a massage therapist who could be kind, attune to my diagnosis, and just a good human being. Janice didn't just change my life; she saved it. The work we did together on not just my physical being but my soul was something I can never thank her enough. My financial situation wasn't the greatest either but Janice would insist on making it work and I dare say she would do the same for any of her clients. I don't recollect how many years I would see Janice but it was a lot. Janice is a compassionate and empathetic massage therapist and she has a breadth and depth of expertise that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. If you're not seeing this woman, what are you doing with your life?

My husband found Janice and booked massages for us for our anniversary (we stayed in downtown…read moreSeattle for the occasion). We each had a 60 minute massage in her cozy little studio with the most beautiful rooftop view of the Sound. The massages were great (my introduction to cupping) and Janice is a lovely person. I get massage and other body work done regularly so I've experienced a wide variety of quality. I'm also not the easiest body to work on (very tight, problem spots). I would absolutely come back again. I can't comment about the value because I didn't pay the bill :-) Hubby said her prices were average, though. I'm not complaining about anything because I enjoyed myself and felt great afterward, but setting expectations so no one is disappointed. The massage studio is in a large professional building and shares hall space with other medical professionals. TrandZend is a single massage room, not a full spa experience. Because it's in a professional building, it's locked on weekends and Janice has to come down to let you in (didn't phase us since the sun was shining, but this could mean waiting outside for quite a while). Janice creates a warm, inviting experience, but take note if you're looking for something different. I debated between 4 and 5 stars because it isn't a full spa, etc. but I figure it's the quality of the massage that matters and that was definitely a 5 star experience.

I'm so happy to have found Amalia!! She is the best massage therapist I have ever had! I've been…read moreseeing Amalia for almost 2 years, and have tried out other therapists but none compare to Amalia. Graduate school and a lot of computer time has not been good for my neck and shoulders, but each visit to Amalia's has made my back healthy again! She maintains great pressure, and really gets at the areas where the muscles are tense and tight and where all of the knots are. I always walk out feeling like I have a longer neck and with no pain! Her treatments are relaxing but also therapeutic, and also the most effective treatments I've come across for my upper neck and shoulder pain. I've finally been able to get rid of the pain and tingling in the upper shoulders and neck because of Amalia's treatments. She also gives very helpful advice on further self-care exercises and stretches that are great for the tension areas. Amalia is also very personable and the massage sessions can be as chatty as you'd like or not--definitely not awkward! If you can get an appointment with Amalia, you are the luckiest person in the world!, her appointments fill up fast! She truly does wonders!! Her office is near many bus lines in Capitol Hill, and in a tranquil space.

I've been seeing Amalia for massage for 5 years now and she truly is one-of-a-kind. She goes above…read moreand beyond a basic relaxation massage to deeply heal and correct the body and bring everything back into balance. Her massages are simply magical.

Written by Deann Lawson My husband and I moved to the area…read morelast year and I began a new physically strenuous career. I'm a strong believer in the healing power of regular massage and with my new aches and pains I knew it was important to find a great massage therapist. I struck gold when I found Lauren. I've been getting regular massages with her for months now and she has helped me with many different issues. Lauren's massages are not only relaxing but extremely effective in relieving my aches and pains. I would highly recommend Lauren to everyone, whether you have a specific issue that needs addressing or are just in need of some major relaxation. She's the best!

Do yourself a HUGE favor and make your way onto Lauren's table! My session with her today was…read moreAmazing. I went in with some back pain and itband tightness. I left feeling relaxed and free in my body. Lauren was very attentive, intuitive and present. With strong, warm hands she always used the perfect amount of pressure. She offered complimentary essential oils for the massage and played wonderful music in a peaceful and beautiful setting. Her table is totally cushed out and is the comfiest this side of the Rockies! Afterwards she taught me some stretches that could help me out. I will definitely return and refer all of my clients to see her!

I'm very happy to have found Tara's practice!…read more Not only is she close to my home but the studio is clean and quiet, she has an online booking tool so you don't have to deal with a bunch of back and forth phone calls- I find that very helpful. The massage itself is wonderful, and Tara has a very intuitive sense of what level of conversation you find appropriate. The fully heated massage bed is a real treat for those of us who are always cold! I will be back regularly.

I got a massage from Tara recently, but it was at the Vital Energy Center in Capitol Hill instead…read moreof this location. I tend to keep a lot of tension in my back, so I try to get in for massages as much as possible. Tara was intuitive and seemed to work a lot with pressure points. The energy in the beginning of the massage felt calm but intense; kind of like forming the intention of creating the space as a healing space. For about 10-20 minutes I was in the "This is nice, but I'm not sure if this is the style for me" space. About halfway through my hour, however, I realized that I had gotten into the state where I'm possibly asleep but feel more like I'm just so relaxed that I'm conscious but only coherent every once in a while. That tends to mean that I am VERY relaxed, and... well... I kind of love that. My back felt wonderful when I left, and the only soreness I experienced was from where she had worked on my chest (and that's just because it's very tight and I don't think it's gotten enough attention in the past). Tara recommended a stretch that should help loosen that up. I felt like my way home was something of a spiritual experience. Every time I get a massage like this I start really looking forward to finally finishing my degree and having a decent income again!

Danielle is great. I've been getting massages from her regularly for a couple years now…read more I initially sought her out because she specializes in therapeutic massage. Through a few sessions, she was able to help relieve the tightness and soreness in my lower back and shoulders that had accumulated through years of weightlifting. Danielle's general deep tissue massages are top-notch as well, and she's a great conversationalist. I keep coming back because her deep tissue massages are so relaxing, and she's fun to talk to. If you're in the Ballard area and you're looking for a good massage, and you want to support a small business, I would highly recommend Smiling Owl Massage.

If I could give one star, I would. The massage I initially received was great, but after Danielle…read morecancelled an early AM appointment with less than 2 hours notice via email, things became really messy. I work with families and children intimately and I understand cancellations happen, and people become sick, but to cancel an AM appointment with under two hours notice without a call was not a great way to handle the situation. I was already getting ready and on my way to the appointment. Upon arriving I sat there thinking she was possibly late, then I called the number on the door because I figured that was the best option to figure out if the appointment still stood or not which. Then after back and forth email with Danielle she was upset that I had called the number on the door because it was for someone else. How was a client to know that? I waited for 40 minutes and left. When I arrived home I had seen on my desktop the reason I didn't get her email was because It was sent from her personal email instead of her business email which was the one email we had ever used prior. We sent some Emails back and fourth and because I had expressed how inconvenient it was for me she decided she didn't want to see me for my other appointment or reschedule. I had told her many times I understand these things happen and hope she will feel better and was kind, I just wanted her to know that a call for a two hour or less cancellation would be more ideal since clients are likely to be up and already getting ready to leave their homes. She then basically replies she doesn't want to see me as a client anymore while also being smart saying "in the age of smartphones" her email with 1.5 hours notice was appropriate. Especially when people are likely already on their way. Since I had bought 2 massages via Groupon I had asked if she would then work with me to help get a refund, she agreed and even wrote me an email saying she contacted them, and they would be reaching out to me within the day via phone. (Side note she also said she didn't want to see me because she only makes 17 dollars from her groupons, which i though was wildly inappropriate to tell a client.) When I didn't hear anything from them and emailed her back stating all I saw was that my account was flagged and had not received a call, her reply was so rude calling me challenged and whiny. I really don't know how someone would work in this industry and be so rude and able to personally jab at clients but I was completely taken aback by her unprofessionalism through-and-through. I would not recommend her place of business, as when things come up she cannot handle them appropriately, timely, or professionally and will attack you for it.

Sore back? Creaky joints? General sense of feeling adrift and scattered? Visit Caroline at Davoli…read moreMassage. Caroline is, by far, the best massage therapist to work on my battered body (I'm a full-time kickboxing instructor and a former bartender). I am a happy, regular client. I began visiting Caroline about 1.5 years ago. Through regular sessions with Caroline I learned how my body works and am able to take preventative measure to avoid chronic pain. Her skill in explaining anatomical issues and offering alternatives to common movements has allowed me to regain control of my body, fix my posture and start to work on improving my flat feet. Caroline works in a number of complementary disciplines, offering a full-range of massage therapy treatments (try the Ashiatsu Bar Massage, you will melt off the table). Her skill in identifying your body's issues and selecting the appropriate therapy is unmatched in my past experience with a half-dozen other massage therapists. Caroline has a complex understanding of mind/body health. She is incredibly intuitive, often identifying physical, mental or emotional issues before I've had time to process them. Her sessions are great for centering and grounding me. As a small-business owner, I operate on a high-volume of stress. My time at Davoli Massage allows me to unwind, reconnect with myself and refocus. The weekend following my appointment is always filled with peace and creativity. I can offer no higher recommendation.

I appreciate and am thankful for the support Caroline has provided during both IVF and pregnancy…read more She's done both Mayan Abdominal Massage with me and pregnancy massage. She has also given me great tips along the way for home care. I highly recommend her.

This woman knows what she is doing! Karen Smarter, of…read moreSmarter Massage, is about the best massage therapist I have come across in my many years of having massage. Before moving out of state last fall, I saw her for two years and I still pine for her massage to this day. She has had years of experience and uses many therapeutic modalities such as sports massage, cranio-sacral, deep tissue, etc. She applies the correct technique and I have never walked out of there feeling like I was pummeled instead of truly cared for. She also takes the time to teach her clients about what they can do for themselves at home. She was with me throughout my pregnancy and helped resolve many of the normal pregnancy related aches and pains that I had. My baby even knew her voice when we first visited her after he was born! She's a great person, very intuitive and even takes insurance if need be.

Karen Smarter is an incredible massage therapist. She always amazes me by knowing just what by…read morebody needs and then applies whichever massage technique will best met those needs at the time. One of the biggest bonuses for me has been a hugh reduction in migraine headaches. My husband is also a big fan. He had problems for years with his tailbone after a biking injury. One session with Karen and his pain was gone for good.

Naomi is expert on all styles of massage. She also has equipment for accessible massage for all…read morebodies. A custom harness built into the structural beams of the building all bodies of all sizes and abilities to enjoy all styles of healing and recreational massage. Let her know what your body needs and she can do it! Naomi will set the music, scent, and room temperature to your own preference. She is also an artist who has designed every detail of the massage room and the building for comfort and relaxation. Easy free street parking near the charming custom decorated Nepenthe Massage studio. Also easy access by bus stop at Nepenthe building. Easy to spot Naomi's building with its custom garden and picnic furniture in front. Ideally, call a few days in advance for best selection of massage times. It is so worth it for a massage from a practitioner of Naomi's empathy and decades of experience. I have experienced dozens of expert massage therapists and Naomi is the best, hands down.

I bought the $90 for $65 deal and asked to apply it to a two hour massage regularly priced at $110…read more She tells me I cannot, that the deal is for a 90 minute. It's a voucher for $90, which means I can use it however I want. So then she said I need to pay $40 on top of my voucher. So....I have to pay $105 for a normally $110 massage. Where's the deal? Buy something that looks like a $25 Deal and only save $5? That's ridiculous. I want my voucher money back.