Michael is incredibly knowledgeable and his gentle demeanor is a plus. He is in my mind not just a masseuse, but a healer - good for the body and soul. Carol. read more

As a graphic designer who works for 8+ hours a day at a desk, Michael's work as been instrumental in warding of my shoulder and neck pain. Several of my colleagues recommended deep tissue massage, but I usually find them incredibly rough and painful. The Bowen technique that Michael practices is painless, and uses short breaks between each area. I like these pauses because they stop me from getting overstimulated. One other plus is that the Bowen technique can be performed through clothing, so if you shy (like myself) you don't have to undress for a session. If you looking for effective yet painless massage, I recommend Micheal at SomaticTouch. read more

I got a groupon for a Bowen pain release massage. Overall, it was a very odd experience. I didn't mind the "different" technique, though I prefer a firm touch. What I didn't like, however, was the nonstop and repetitive chatter that went on throughout the entire experience. He also left the room 4-5 times and was making tea, and messing about in the kitchen, which was distracting and unprofessional. I also thought his massage space was unkempt. He was pushy about setting up subsequent appointments, even though I did not indicate an interest in having one. Still, he called me several times afterwards to "confirm" an appointment we had not booked. I'm intrigued by Bowen massage and would like to try another practitioner. read more

Michael is one of my favorite people. His calm demeanor and peaceful home in Berkeley are the perfect complement to the healing and reenergizing work he does. I have been going to him for almost 4 years for Bowen therapy on my back and to realign my muscles. I always leave on a high that lasts anything up to a couple of weeks. I suffer from a subluxation of a lower back disc, and every few months the discomfort/pain gets too unmanageable, and I visit Michael. His gentle touch and soft words of positivity are the best tonic I know of in the Bay Area. read more

If you are expecting an impersonal massage in a resort hotel type of environment, you will be in for a surprise. From his workspace to his offerings, Michael provides an almost shamanic feel and is a seasoned healing artist. He is someone you hire to go deeply with you into your journey of healing and growth. I walk out of my sessions feeling a new sense of relief and joy in my body, as well as a rewarding sense that I went the extra mile towards working on being my highest expression in this world. read more

From his reassuring reminder call the evening before to the massage the whole experience I felt very cared for. I asked for a traditional massage with oil and also got some bowen somatic touch techique. His space in a Berkeley cottage is filled with some of his artwork and you can tell he is very sensitive to energy of life. For me, this was transmitted in his touch. I do like a medium touch and he checked in with me as to my wishes and needs. His meditation background was integrated into his approach and groundedness of style. read more

Michael was amazing! He's very warm and personable and I could instantly tell just how passionate he is about his work. I felt like I was in a much needed therapy session, as he made a point to sit down with me beforehand to learn more about me as a person, and identify potential stresses. He emphasized the mind/body connection, and provided me with tips for how I can achieve overall balance and happiness in life. He works out of his home, and I must say that it had a very comfortable feel to it. The massage was excellent, and he used the perfect amount of pressure to address my problem areas. read more

Horrible. Awkward and very uncomfortable situation. Not a massage. He touches then you lay there and then he repeats it. The pictures on website show massage but he did not do any massage. read more

I first found Michael in the yellow pages way back in the olden days (about 1997) before the Internet really exploded. I had a bad neck injury after a rogue wave took me head first straight down into the ocean floor. I had tried a few other body workers and treatment modalities with no success but Michael's Bowen Therapy method was very successful and the injury resolved itself quickly. It's hard to believe 16 years of body work (and life) has passed since then but I have relied on Michael's expertise over all these years to address any body ailments that have come my way. I have always been a very active athlete and Michael has had a unique feel for how to treat different injuries either through Bowen, more traditional massage or with a mixture of techniques. For me, Michael has become more than a body worker. He is a fantastic life coach and he expands 'therapist' beyond the body to mind and spirit. He is a wise man, a gifted body worker, a good friend and beautiful person through and through. read more

My pain history in short; initial shoulder/neck injury 3 years ago and pain on and off since then particularly if I overdo it in a workout. The last couple months the pain has been "on" and I was searching for alternative ways to address it. I had already been to my acupuncturist and chiropractor to no avail :( I heard about Bowen therapy through a trusted gym source. And after a little research I decided to try a session with Michael. Now I definitely believe in a balance of western and alternative medicine. Ultimately, you have to listen to your body and decide if what you're doing is working or not working and then adjust accordingly. So I attended my first session and I'll admit I was a little uncertain about the whole thing but I did my best to maintain an open mind. And you know what...I was pleasantly surprised. I had 4 sessions total; my shoulder/ neck pain is gone. Also, I've had a sliding sensation (not painful, just notable) that occurs in my knee when I walk up hills...gone! I don't think this is the magic cure-all or anything. My shoulder/neck is not 100%; it's still a little stiff and tender. I have since seen a physical therapist as well. Here's what I think Bowen is helpful with (and acupuncture as well); I think these alternative treatments jump-start the body's natural ability to heal. And how well you heal depends on the overall state of your body and lifestyle. Here's what I like specifically about Michael. I found him to be highly insightful. He explains the mind-body connection really well and offers neutral, knowledgeable observations of what is possibly going on with your body. In my case, he was spot on and in some ways, I think the increased awareness of my own mind, body, and lifestyle I achieved through our dialogue was just as important as the actual Bowen therapy. Thank you Michael :) read more

I purchased a Groupon for a deep tissue massage and ended up getting a guy watching me take a nap -the most odd experience ever. He actually practices some healing technique that involves meditation apparently but the Groupon clearly offers a deep tissue massage. I am incredibly disappointed I spent any money on this. Also, it should be disclosed that this is a residential business, so you are literally in a converted garage of some sort. The table you lay on (I refuse to call it a massage table) is next to camping equipment! He definitely uses aromatherapy but doesn't ask about allergies at all, which is a huge mistake. And for someone claiming to heal people, he doesn't ask about specific medical conditions or have you fill out any paperwork. This place is a disaster waiting to happen. read more

Michael is fabulous! I was gifted a massage from him as a graduation present and was surprised to not only receive a wonderful deep tissue massage but experience his Bowen Pain Release technique as well. I walked out of his beautiful space feeling uplifted and relaxed, and far more balanced than when I walked in. Though I've only been once, I plan to return, and he seems excited to not only make your body feel better, but to help aid in a deeper, interpersonal transformation through targeting how we exist in our bodies daily. Such a gem! read more

The top reasons why Michael is a great bodyworker: 1) He has FANTASTIC massage hands. Large, strong, yet soft. 2) He has great technique. He knows the human body well and incorporates his knowledge with your requests to give your body exactly what it needs to heal and release stress. 3) He is dynamic. He provides deep tissue and Bowen as well as relaxation techniques. 4) He listens. He tailors his sessions to what you ask for. Overall, I've had fantastic healing and relaxation with Michael and feel amazing after every singe one of our sessions. In reading some of the negative reviews, I would guess these people didn't ask for exactly what they want. Bowen is an amazing technique that for me has helped more with aches and pains. It is also much less physical touch than deep tissue massage. So when I have a session with Michael, I listen to what my body wants and ask exactly for that and Michael always goes above and beyond. Treat yourself to this experience! read more

Michael advertises deep tissue massage. Maybe I missed something, but his Bowen/Harrison work is not deep tissue. I was gravely disappointed in my "massage" if you can call it that. He lightly touched various body parts and then would "let it cook" for 5 minutes. All told he probably "massaged" me for 5-6 minutes out of the hour I saw him. His office is in the back of his home (which is fine), but just be forewarned. It's not a professional building setting. Michael seems like a genuine person, who believes in his offering. I'm not a hater of people and Michael offers peaceful words of wisdom, which I can appreciate. But I didn't come to see him for that. As a person, I suspect Michael is a kind and gentle being. As a masseuse, at least from my one and only experience - I would suggest you go elsewhere. I wish I could tell you something different, but I was just terribly disappointed in his offering of a "massage". read more

Michael is a first rate massage therapist with lots of experience. He is well trained in various types of massage and is a kind-hearted gentleman as well. I always feel much better after a session with him. Highly recommended! read more

Michael Harrison is an extrordinary body worker, whose knowledge of the body and in depth education, makes him very reliable, especially in dealing with patients with physical pain. I have, many times, gone to him for back problems or leg sprains and found that his attention to the injury was exact and in the days following, healing. I would highly recommend him. read more

I have been visiting Michael for several years now and his Bowen method (as well as the more usual massage styles) have been wonderful in relieving my chronic pain. He is friendly, skillful, and always ready with a few words of wisdom. Highly recommended! read more