Karma Raines, CMT

Absolutely wonderful prenatal massage! She was timely, professional and the massage far exceeded my expectations. She listened to my needs and came up with the best approach to resolve them. I love her little cottage studio and I will look forward to going back.

As a picky bodyworker myself, I can honestly say that Karma is truly gifted with the quality of touch & ability to listen to my body. There were times I felt transported to a magical, spacious realm where my breathing felt unrestricted and deep. If you are suffering from jaw or neck pain, Karma can work wonders… I feel so incredibly nurtured and relaxed after my sessions with Karma. I definitely recommend her wholeheartedly!

When traditional massage and physical therapy failed me, Karma helped me. I had extreme nerve pain and could barely move or lift my arms. After my first session, my range of motion increased exponentially — I was able to do my own dishes, hold a pencil, and other daily activities I was unable to perform prior to the first session. After a few months of weekly sessions, my nerve pain has almost completely subsided. If not for Karma I’d still be getting experimental treatments from PT and I’d be unable to type this review.
Craniosacral is very different from other therapies — cerebrospinal fluid has been described as the third circulation, after the blood and lymphatic systems. Karma is extremely gifted at this delicate treatment and I highly recommend her.

I feel so fortunate to have received body work from Karma. Her Craniosacral Therapy is so incredibly relaxing and deep I often feel like a changed person when I get up off the table. Besides feeling much more relaxed and a reduction or elimination in pain, I also have been experiencing my body healing more quickly, I am thinking more clearly and my energy is better. I am looking forward to more sessions!

It’s important for me to share my opinions of karma and her reflexology practice with others because her reflexology work was able to heal my extremely swollen ankles and feet (i was limping) in a short amount of time. i had gone to other alternative medicine health practitioners (3 different ones) and the 3 doctors Before her. none of them were able to do anything for my feet to permanently have the swelling go away. The doctors even suggested I get my feet drained of the fluid. scary.
In 3 sessions with karma my feet weren’t swollen anymore. The swelling was gone! It was pretty amazing.
I even got a $ 2600 dollar bill from the 3 doctors. Appointments that had no impact on my feet.
Karma’s temperament is very soothing and she has a wealth of information regarding the functions of the body.
If you have tried out other practices to heal your body and its not working, I highly recommend trying Karma’s reflexology sessions.

I had a very pleasant 1-​hour massage with Karma today. She was very attentive, really listen to me, and kindly focused on the areas where I had some pain. She went a little overtime, which I appreciated, and gave me some helpful advice on streching exercises to do.
A very happy experience.

I came to Karma seeking help in the treatment of chronic headaches. After many sessions, together with a regimen of exercise, swimming, and walking, to my great relief my headaches have lessened significantly.
Karma is the consummate professional. At the onset, unfamiliar as I was with massage, she took pains to make me comfortable with the process. I learned that massage is not a «one size fits all» situation. She is familiar with many different types of therapy, utilizing her years of training and experience to fit the needs of each client. It is evident that she puts a lot of physical and mental energy into each session. I have never felt that she «tunes out».
Massage is a personal and intimate experience, so it is important to have the right match. Although I have not had a massage with any other therapist, it is difficult to imagine anyone more skilled than Karma. I highly recommend her with a score of 10 on a scale of 5!

I’ve only seen Karma once so far, but it was a great experience. I have chronic neck and shoulder pain and the hour long massage with her was deep enough to relieve the tension but gentle enough that the whole experience was comfortable and relaxing. You can tell she’s gifted pro!

I went and saw Karma this week and it was my first massage in a while since having a baby. She was fantastic. She really helped with my back pain and it was very relaxing. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a great massage.

I had my first massage with Karma earlier this monthl. I’d been wanting to get a massage for ages, and was happy when I met Karma and she was up to the challenge. The hour long massage was deep, but I came out of it feeling calm and ready to relax for the rest of my weekend. I was impressed by the pressure she could apply, and appreciated how she balanced it with a soft and steady of touch. She has a wonderful professional and kind energy. I’m only in the area for a short while, but if I was staying in the area longer, I’d go back to her! Treat yourself!

I had suffered a concussion with continued dizzyness & nausea. Within a few treatments my symptoms were gone! My description of craniosacral therapy with Karma is as if we were deep in meditation together and we were both witnessing my healing. Truly intuitive yet solid healing art. Karma’s got the stuff!

I’ve had several reflexology sessions with Karma, and if feels wonderful! Karma is completely present with my feet and my whole self throughout the session. Her gentle touch is soothing, and she responds to all requests («ooh, a little more there») with dedication and skill. My feet feel wonderful afterwards, and I am so much more connected to my body. The whole day goes better following a reflexology treatment with Karma. This is an excellent way to be good to yourself, and especially for those who may not want (for whatever reason) massage on the whole body. Our feet are little microcosms of our whole bodies and they carry us around all day long. Give your feet some love with Karma!

5 Stars! I’ve had both energy work and deep tissue massage with Karma. She has a skilled and healing touch either way you want to schedule your treatment. Don’t let her petite frame fool you, she has mastered the art of using her pointy parts to thoroughly and expertly seek out and release areas of pain and discomfort related to deep seated tension, scar tissue, etc. Her «quiet» work; the cranio-​sacaral and energy work techniques are also quite affective in relieving soreness as well as being a very relaxing and enjoyable massage experience. I will be back to see her and would fully recommend her.

Karma gives 100% and is intuitive & skilled. What more could you ask for in a body worker? Oh, her sweetness, she radiates joy and calm. Treat yourself, you will be glad you did and certainly be back for more.

Karma is definitely a gifted healer and a sweet person to boot! I’ve been getting regular prenatal chiropractic at Acorn Wellness (where Karma does massage) with Elon Bartlett (another gifted healer) and decided once my maternity leave started to get a massage as well. Am I glad I did! Not only did I reach that blissful midway point of deep relaxation between sleep and wakefulness, but was comforted by Karma’s calm and positive manner and her strong, wise hands. Being small, a lot of times massage therapists tend to treat me ‘gently’, but Karma gave me all the pressure that I needed to soothe this third-​trimester mama and relax me completely!
I only wish I’d gone to her earlier in my pregnancy — I’ve had one other prenatal massage therapist who was good but Karma is great!

magic fingers this one uses,
relief and comfort without the bruises,
visit her for top notch care,
much wisdom, healing, and joy to share…

An appreciative haiku:
Karma Raines Massage —
Rejuvenating. Healing.
Oh, I feel so good.
Some massage therapists go through the motions, and others have healing touch. Karma is not only gifted, but she continuously learns new techniques to take things to a new level. I’ve had many massages from her since the fall of ’09, and see no reason to stop.
With locations in both Oakland and Berkeley, you’d be wise to start. Indubitably.