Seijun Yanagida

At risk of letting out what is possibly the best-​kept secret in Bay Area CMT’s, I can’t leave Seijun unreviewed.
Here’s the thing. I’m not some sort of massage expert, though I have had at least my fair share of massages. Everyone likes different styles. Different strokes and all that.
That said, I feel confident saying that Seijun Yanagida is the best dang CMT (for chair massage) in the area. I can’t comment on his table massage, but it would make sense if it were similarly fantastic.
I had brain surgery about 4 months ago (
). It left my neck stiff and painful, which has been causing prolonged headaches and difficulty sleeping. Chair massage is particularly good if you’re having issues with your shoulders, neck and/​or upper back. It’s great for those of us who are busy because there’s very little planning or commitment involved.
Anyway I went to many different chair massage providers after my surgery. Many of them do a lot of pressure point stuff with their thumbs and elbows. I found that I didn’t care much for this technique – it was either painful or just kinda ho-​hum at best. Siejun doesn’t really do much of the pressure point stuff. I’m not sure exactly what style he practices, but whatever it is, it’s awesome. He’s great at achieving and maintaining *just* the right amount of pressure. Your back, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands all get some attention. But it’s more than just his techniques and pressure. He projects a caring, calming aura that really comes through somehow.
For awhile I was getting a massage from him every weekend. The rates are reasonable enough that regular visits aren’t out of the question (in fact, chair massage anywhere else is about 50% more per minute).
Some people may not enjoy the atmosphere — you’re kinda sitting in the massage chair that has been placed just somewhat haphazardly in the pharmacy. It’s not a particularly spacious pharmacy so you always feel vaguely like you might be in someone’s way, blocking access to some products. While it’s not optimal in my opinion, it’s easy to deal with, especially when you’re getting a top-​notch massage.
Anyway, do yourself a favor and go see him. You work hard, you deserve it.

(Originally reviewed in 2009, but Unilocal put Last Name first – see also Yanagida Seijun, or Elephant Pharmacy, or Ahh Massage):
I’ve been spoiled. After getting chair massages from Seijun, I don’t bother going to anyone else. He works at Pharmaca on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He is a very empathic, talented healer. When I recommend him by word-​of-​mouth I usually say that 10 minutes with Seijun is often better than an hour on the table with someone else. I guess I’ve had a lot of mediocre and even some bad (esp. chair) massages (one woman who worked for the same company was so rough with me that she dislocated a neck vertebra!). But I always feel really good, usually tingly, sleepy, and relaxed after getting up out of his massage chair. But during busy times, esp. Saturday, there is often a wait, so it’s not a great idea to put it last on your errands list!

My new 2 hour commute on the weekends has produced the most intense, knotted shoulders that even a skilled Navy crewman would fail to undo. Fortunately for me, I live right next to the Pharmaca in Oakland (right next to Trader Joes) in Rockridge. A quick stroll down the street will lead me to the most amazing gracious masseuse that ever lived.
Inside the calm of what might be just another Bay area pharmacy, is a highly skilled masseuse who is really great at targeting those sources of bodily tension. While seemingly mild mannered, Seijun is also extremely knowledgeable about self care outside of your time with him .
Plus, your time in his magic green chair costs a mere $ 1 a minute and is on a first come first serve basis right there in the pharmacy. Want something more tranquil? He is also available for individual sessions which I have also had the privilege of receiving (also amazing).
Seijun has an emphasis in asian body work, specializing in shiatsu, tui na and traditional thai massage.
Definitely stop by the Rockridge Pharmaca during his hours on:
Friday 2pm-​6pm
Saturday 2pm-​6pm
Sunday 2pm-​6pm
After all, why not be good to yourself? You deserve it :)