Orange County, especially in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, has no shortage of great massage…read moretherapists. At least, that's what I've found in the 7 years that I've lived in OC. However, this specific spot on Birch Street in Newport has had no fewer than three great therapists, including the original one I found, Samantha from Serenity Holistic, and Delilah from Knot All Bliss, both of whom previously had to go on maternity leave. But this review is about Sandra Ugarte of Synchrony Wellness, the newest therapist in this location as of June 2025. She offers a handful of noteworthy massage therapy options, from lymphatic to Reiki to post-op to neuromuscular. I chose the neuromuscular massage option, and it was one of the best massages I've ever had. For reference, I am someone who has always had neck, shoulder, and back pain since my high school days (I am now in my mid-30s). This is probably due to my lack of exercise and stretching. The pain in those areas has only flared up over time, and while I've seen doctors, it's usually massage therapists who relax me enough after an 8-hour day of work or a 40-hour week of computer work with likely bad posture. I've also recently had issues like cervical radiculopathy and thoracic outlet syndrome, which aren't helped by tight upper traps, scalene neck muscles, and likely also tight hips and low back. That small rant leads me to why Sandra is great. Generally, my favorite massage therapists I've tried tend to have a mix of the following: they do good medium to hard pressure with great technique, usually with elbows or fingers, offer cupping and gua sha if possible, and include things like aromatherapy or hot towels if they're not an extra charge. Sandra does an excellent combination of everything I've said I like in a therapist. While most massage therapists I've been to usually focus on maybe 10 overall spots on the body with as many issues as I have, I was surprised that Sandra worked on almost my entire body, from my neck to my pecs, upper back, shoulders, arms, lower back, hips, hamstrings, and even calves. As someone who loves cupping, I was pleasantly surprised to have all these spots covered. No surprise to me, a lot of areas were red, as I expect with someone with as much tension as me. If you don't like cupping, you can always request not to have it, but for me, if you can handle the cupping pressure, I think Sandra does a good job of not applying it too tightly. I think it's really good for releasing deep tension that a regular massage can't cover. In general, I can tell that Sandra has a medical massage therapy background because she always makes sure to let me know what part she's going to work on next, ensuring that the pressure is good and that she's covered all the spots I want addressed, all with a calm but sweet, nice personality. She also does gua sha, which is a light scraping technique to reduce fascia tightness. She didn't do this as much as the cupping, but she definitely did enough on spots that were helpful for me, like the IT bands for my tight lower back and hips, and my arms. After a couple of sessions, Sandra started to use vacuum cupping therapy because of my cervical radiculopathy, as she didn't want to hurt my nerves in the neck area while still using cupping, gua sha, and good pressure whenever needed. Overall, Orange County has no shortage of good to great massage therapists, but Sandra Ugarte is now in the running for my favorite in the county. She's very nice, offers a good variety of massage options, applies good pressure, and, most importantly, is very comprehensive, using a great mix of all the techniques I like from a massage therapist, including good pressure, cupping, gua sha, and even offering advice on doing self-gua sha at home. If you live in Orange County and have chronic pain or nerve-and muscle-related issues, I highly recommend seeing Sandra Ugarte at Synchrony Wellness.

I'm very satisfied with my service today with Sandra! I got a lympathic/sub muscular massage along…read morewith cupping where needed and everything was beyond perfect. It was my first time getting a lymphatic massage and I was in heaven. She is very knowledgeable and intuitive and knows where you are struggling. I highly recommend her and will be coming to see her hopefully more regularly.

I was recommended to Azure by three different friends, and now I understand why they spoke so…read morehighly of it. From the moment I arrived, PRISCILLA was incredibly kind and attentive. She took the time to learn about my history -- mind, body, and soul -- before beginning the session. It was truly a one of a kind Custom Clinical Massage that incorporated Reiki, Cupping, Deep tissue techniques, and so much more. The experience was seamless, intentional, and exceptionally restorative. She found areas I forgot to even mention, she is professionally in tune with the human anatomy. The energetic yet soothing playlist helped me relax completely and sink into a meditative state. This wasn't just a massage; it was a spiritual and healing experience on multiple levels. Priscilla's intuitive touch and holistic approach make her a true master healer. I left feeling renewed, balanced, and deeply at peace. Highly recommend & looking forward to my next appointment.

I am still feeling amazing from my massage. It was a gift and I had zero expectations. Let me tell…read moreyou this massage took away the pain my body has been feeling for months. Priscilla hit pressure points that affected places I didn't even realize were attached. I walked pain-free today and was shocked to do so. The location was easy the room relaxing and comfortable. This was my first but definitely not my last.

Linda R. Is exactly what you hope for when looking for your massage therapist: she is very…read moreorganized with appointments; her prices are reasonable; her facility is clean and calm; and most importantly Linda genuinely cares about your week-to-week health. She communicates well regarding your wants/needs, and I really appreciate that she uses the perfect pressure depending on the area (ie., she is more gentle with a sensitive area like a formerly torn rotator cuff vs. a more stubborn area like the muscles between the shoulder blades). After at least a half a dozen massages, I can wholeheartedly recommend Linda.

I've been coming here for over 10 years, and I can honestly say the quality of care is unmatched…read more Every massage I've had has been incredible. Linda is truly skilled in her practice and clearly cares deeply about your comfort and overall experience. Every detail feels intentional, and I always leave feeling completely relaxed and restored. This place remains a cornerstone of my wellness routine, and I always look forward to coming back.

Post Surgery w/ Lymphatic Drainage Angelica is so amazing…read more She's gentle and knowledgeable. I had high expectations coming into the appointment due to other reviews I've read about her, and she definitely delivers. I can't wait to come back for my next appointment.

The manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) treatment that I have received from Angelica has been life…read morechanging! I have had a tough 3 years navigating an overwhelming increase with debilitating chronic pain and chronic fatigue, while also recovering from two laparoscopies due to endometriosis and pelvic pain. I thought I had tried it all (supplements, acupuncture, pelvic floor and posture therapies, yoga, meditation, various exercise programs, etc). I was recommended to try lymphatic drainage massage, and after reading the amazing reviews for Angelz Spa, I thought I'd give it a try. First off, Angelica is an angel! She is so kind and patient, and truly educated me on what my lymphatic system is, why the lymphatic system can stop working effectively, and how to keep it healthy. She has a wealth of knowledge!! Angelica introduced me to compression garments and dry brushing and suggested a gentle walking routine. Like a good student, I followed my homework, and after the first couple of sessions I felt like a new person. Over the last two months of weekly sessions, I've truly had too many WINS to count. Here are the main ones: -My swelling is significantly reduced -I am more aware of my body, and what causes my swelling. I am able to avoid triggers and/or use my compression garments to control swelling -My WBC count is the highest it has ever been and in normal range for the first time! -I have not had the GI issues that I had prior to starting MLD (which I'm SO thankful for!) -While I can't say my chronic pain and fatigue are gone, they are significantly less debilitating and my flare-ups do not last as long and aren't as frequent Thank you, Angelica!! I have been able to get my life back in many ways. If you are struggling with fibromyalgia/chronic pain, fatigue, swelling, or immune issues and in southern California, book a session with Angelica! You won't regret it.

Tatum gave me the best prenatal massage! She is communicative, thoughtful and an expert massage…read moretherapist. She shared helpful tips to help me feel better beyond our massage. Thank you, Tatum!

Tatum was so kind and the whole experience felt like a reset for my soul. The vibes of her space…read morewere so relaxing and I felt like a new person after! I'll be coming back for sure! Thank you!!!

One of the first new businesses to try this year! Attended one of her workshops in OC and super…read morepleased with the outcome. + professional and approachable + super informative and engaging + helpful and positive I was in a workshop in creating a 2020 vision board. throughout the whole session, I was enjoying myself tapping into my creative side. Emiko was engaged with everyone there and even cracked a couple of jokes. the workshop was fun and went quick especially with friends around. Towards the end, she gifted us with some things to use at home, which was super thoughtful. On top of these workshops, I look forward to her other services, such as MASSSAGESSSS!

I have been to Emiko several time with different aches and pains and with fibromyalgia it is so…read morehard to find a person that can massage me and me not laying in bed the next day feeling like I was hit bit a car. But I did. She knows just the pressure and areas that relieve the stress and knots and with her CBD massages I feel so much better. She is a true professional. The environment she has set up is so welcoming and soothing. I truly do feel like it is a zen experience.

Seriously one of the best massages I've ever had. She not only does the massage (which is amazing…read moreand the only person who can do more firm that I like), but she dialed stretching as well which is really helpful. I've recommended her to everyone I know and will continue to come back, she's amazing!

Sara habla un poco de español!…read more Ella usa técnica cultural tailandés. Esto significa que usa una sábana para cubrirte y usa las manos, rodillas y pies para aplicar presión en los músculos para relajarte. Ella se da cuenta donde tienes más tensión, pero tú le puedes pedir que se enfoque en lo que gustes (apropiadamente claro). Siempre comienza con tu espalda. Sara usa buena presión intensa si lo deseas (personalmente me encanta) también puedes pedir que sea más ligera ya que también tiene experiencia con personas embarazadas y o sensibles. Usa la voz y dile si tienes alguna sensibilidad (no es adivina :) Ayuda a relajar los músculos y articulaciones de pies a cabeza sin combros adicional como en otros lugares. Te pedirá que respires profundo al estirar, especialmente esos músculos que necesitas más dedicación. Si alguna vez tienes tiempo para un masaje de 2 horas, te lo recomiendo, a ella le encanta su oficio, es profesional y muy amable. 100% la recomiendo. Que no te asuste el precio no te arrepentirás. Saldrás rejuvenecidx. Llámale cuando llegues a la hora de acuerdo para que te deje entrar a el edificio, su local está cerca de el baño. * Usa calzones/chonis que no te importe manchar con poco de aceite ya que es completamente normal que use aceite o loción para la mitad del masaje. Que no te de pena, es como Enfermera, tú puedes :)

The best massage I've ever had. Booking needs to be well done in advance but it's well worth it…read more You won't be disappointed.

My massage left me speechless! I have not been that relaxed in a very long time... Laurel has the…read moremagic touch, I seriously cannot recommend her enough. She really focused on my problem areas and offered some really great advice to heal faster. The room also smells so good and the ambiance is soothing. I can't wait for my next massage! Thank you Laurel