Massage

What massage should I choose?
Not sure which massage is right for you? That's ok. We are happy to listen to your issues and suggest something for you. We can even mix and match massage techniques to best address your issues. Just pick any selection with the amount of time you'd like to spend, and use that as a placeholder to book your session. Upon your arrival, we'll have a quick chat about what you are experiencing, and create something that's right for you.

I'm sensitive to strong scents. Are the products you use scented?
Unless a client requests it, we use an unscented, hypoallergenic, organic-certified massage lotion. (An obvious exception is Essential Oil massage, where a key component of the massage is scented oil.) There are no scented items, like candles, in the room - just a whole lot of relaxation!

How often should I get a massage?
This depends upon your condition, and your goals for massage. Here are some general guidelines.

Manage Stress. Are you using massage to manage stress, or just to treat yourself? Are you going through a particularly stressful period of life? You might start at 1 or 2 times a month. Then, note how many stress symptoms you feel between sessions, and adjust accordingly.
Resolve A Pain Issue. Are you using massage to resolve an acute (short term) pain issue? We recommend 2 sessions a week so that each session can build upon the previous one. This dramatically improves client outcomes, and allows us to address painful problems in a shorter timeframe. (Source: Massage Therapy Journal, "Treatment Planning and Client Education" by Dr. Joe Muscolino.)
Manage A Chronic Condition. Are you using massage to lessen the effects of a chronic (long term) pain issue? We recommend starting with 1 or 2 sessions a month, depending upon the severity of your symptoms. Then, adjust the frequency depending upon how you feel between sessions.

Can massage help my specific condition?
Massage has scientifically-proven effects for many kinds of muscular issues, has significant impacts for things like depression and headaches, and is a great way to manage stress. Please email us about your specific condition, and to see how massage might help you.

One caveat: If you haven't been in before, the answer we can provide at this stage is pretty general. Every person we see has a unique mix of issues - and therefore, a unique response to massage. Because of this, we can't always predict your outcomes with certainty, or know how many sessions it might take to get you to where you want to be. On your first visit, we will get a medical history, do assessments, and hands-on work. Over your first couple of sessions, we will monitor the impacts of massage for you, and make adjustments accordingly. All of these things will help us give more specific, informed answers that are relevant to your exact situation.

I'm feeling sore after my massage. Did something go wrong? What can I do about it?
Sometimes people are sore for a day or two after their massage, or in rare cases, they may even feel worse for a short period of adjustment. Typically the soreness fades in 1 to 2 days, and they'll find that their issue is improved. Icing the sore area can reduce the symptoms and their duration. Be sure to tell your massage therapist about this issue at your next session. It's something we can take into consideration as we work with you to create your treatment plan. And if the level of soreness has you thinking twice about massage therapy, then consider asking for a lighter-pressure massage.

Online Booking

I’m a new client. Why can’t I book online?

If you are new client and would like to make an appointment, please text 510-604-2005.

As of April 2026, the online booking provider stopped allowing new clients to book online. (Well, they’ll allow it, if all new clients are counted as referrals they made to us, and we are charged exorbitant fees for them, regardless of source.) Frustratingly, new clients are shown a message to call the business (the worst and slowest way to reach us), and this message is not something we are allowed to edit. We are searching for an alternative booking system, but the current one has good functionality otherwise, and it’s a huge task to move platforms. And all providers are participating in similar declines of customer experience - so we’ll probably have to accept that this is where the market is. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Why isn't the day/time I want available?
If you aren't being offered your preferred day/time, there may be a few different reasons.

We may be fully booked for that day. High demand appointments (weeknights, and around holidays like Mother's Day) tend to fill more quickly than other times, often 1-2 weeks in advance. To inquire about cancellations, please text 510-604-2005.
Is your preferred day today? Online booking accepts appointments a minimum of 12 hours in advance, and so depending upon the time of day you are checking, it may not show you same-day availability. To inquire about same-day availability, please text 510-604-2005.

If there's a particular day and time that you want, like a massage on your birthday, we recommend scheduling as far in advance as you can.

I'm having trouble logging in to online booking.
Wait a few minutes and try again. On very rare occasions, the system is temporarily down for a few minutes. The online booking provider usually corrects the issue quickly. If the issue doesn’t resolve quickly, you can also text 510-604-2005 for assistance with creating your appointment.

Are you a new client? As of April 2026, the online booking provider no longer allows new clients to create an account. Please text 510-604-2005 instead.

Are you a returning client, but it’s been a very long time? The massage studio switched to a new online booking system in May 2016. If the last time you made an appointment was before then, you'll need to create a new account. Return to online booking, and simply follow the instructions to create a new account.

Forgot your password? Go here and select "Forgot Your Password?" to reset it. Once it's reset, return to online booking.

I used my email to book an appointment for someone else; now online booking says I can’t use that email again for myself.
The online booking system requires one unique identifier for each client, and that’s your email. Emails cannot be shared among clients, even if you’re a couple who typically shares an email or a parent booking for a child. Once you have used an email address, it cannot be used again. Please use an alternate email address to make your own appointment and make a note of it for future appointments. (Sorry for any inconvenience!) Return to online booking here.

I want to schedule a massage more than a month in advance, but can't select those dates.
The online booking system allows you to book no more than one month in advance. Once you book it, we honor your appointment, with only a very few exceptions, like illness or emergencies. That means we commit to our working hours a month in advance - and committing farther out can be tricky. To inquire about dates more than a month in advance, either email us or inquire in person after your next massage appointment.

I can't find a code on my gift certificate. How do I redeem it?
Your gift certificate is perfectly valid, and we want you to redeem it! At the start of 2016, we switched to a new gift certificate and online booking system. The new system allows you to redeem your gift certificate right when you make your appointment. Pretty neat, huh? However, if you have a gift certificate issued before Jan 2016, your gift certificate does not have a code. You can still use online booking, and simply hand over your gift certificate in person, at the time of your appointment. Here’s how: when you get to the Payment Options step in online booking, instead of selecting “Gift Certificate”, instead select, “Pay In Person.” We will happily accept your gift certificate as payment, in person, at the time of your appointment. Return to online booking here.

How do I cancel my appointment?

Please note that full fees are due for cancellations and changes made with less than 24 hours' advance notice.

New clients: Please text 510-604-2005.

Existing clients: If it's more than 24 hours before your appointment, you can cancel online. Log in, go to Appointments> Upcoming Appointments. Select Reschedule or Cancel. If it's less than 24 hours before your appointment (or if you have trouble doing so online), email or text 510-604-2005.

Payment

Do you accept credit cards, or Venmo?
Yes. We accept all major credit cards, and Venmo.

Do you bill directly to insurance, an accident claim, or work on lien?
For clients working with insurance companies or legal proceedings, we can provide receipts with the required medical codes for massage, and case notes, so that you can be reimbursed. Payment will be due at the time of your massage. Important: Please let us know before your first appointment! Due to the extra thought and detail needed for this type of case notes, we can only take a few of these cases at a time. We want to do a great job, so you have the best chance of getting fully reimbursed! Book your massage.

Can I use my FSA or HSA (Flexible Spending or Health Savings Account) to pay for massage?
Your Flexible Spending and Health Savings plans allow for reimbursement of many items and services that are necessary for overall health and well-being. Massage therapy is, more often than not, one of the items covered by most FSA and HSA providers. Check with your provider to see if you can get your massage therapy reimbursed. And be sure to make good use of the money in your FSA and HSA accounts by scheduling your next massage. We are here to make you feel better!

How do I pre-pay for someone else's appointment?
For maximum flexibility, buy them a gift certificate. They can come in anytime they like.

Know exactly when they want to come in for their massage, or just want to book the appointment for them? Text 510-604-2005 - we can get them on the schedule, and invoice you for payment.

I can't find a code on my gift certificate. How do I redeem it?
Your gift certificate is perfectly valid, and we want you to redeem it! At the start of 2016, we switched to a new gift certificate and online booking system. The new system allows you to redeem your gift certificate right when you make your appointment. Pretty neat, huh? However, if you have a gift certificate issued before Jan 2016, your gift certificate does not have a code. You can still use online booking, and simply hand over your gift certificate in person, at the time of your appointment. Here’s how: when you get to the Payment Options step in online booking, instead of selecting “Gift Certificate”, instead select, “Pay In Person.” We will happily accept your gift certificate as payment, in person, at the time of your appointment. Return to online booking here.

GENERAL

What are your hours?
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 12 noon - 7pm. (The last 55 minute session of the day starts at 6pm. The last 85 minute session starts at 5:30pm.)

Of course, bookings from other clients affects actual availability. See the online schedule for current availability.

Where are you located?
The massage studio is at 326 Santa Clara Avenue, Unit A, Oakland CA. See a map, and learn more about our location here.

How much do you charge for a massage?
See all massage options and rates here.