A Piece of Peace

Background: I wanted to wait until I’d had more than one experience to review so I could give a clear perspective.
My first trip was with a gift certificate, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Most of my experiences up to this point with massage were with either incredibly light to no touch such as Reiki and Rosen, or the polar opposite in physical force such as Swedish and Thai massage.
Celine was very clear when we first sat down to discuss that she covered a range of possibilities within that spectrum, and was attentive to my initial discussion about my previous experiences. I value energy work as much as deep tissue work, and see value in the range of healing practices, and Celine has a skill set that covers the gamut.
My initial session was a 60 minute integrated massage, and it went smoothly and left me invigorated and more physically aware. Exploring alternative approaches to working on things such as the strain of my IT band, and her careful attention when working through the energy in my head and shoulders left me wishing I had added another 30 minutes.
In the second session with Celine, I did go for the 90 minute integrated massage, and was grateful. We explored breath work and the impact on the IT band was even more noticeable.
Of note, as with any intricate and unique set of processes such as massage and energy work, remember to communicate clearly with your practitioner. They may work some variety of magic, but are not (typically) clairvoyant. Having an open dialog with Celine throughout the process was key to finding myself more open and having a natural sense of progress both during and after the appointment.
I have had sessions with other practitioners in other venues where I come out disappointed, only to realize that I wasn’t adding my own value to the situation by communicating when something wasn’t working or was going against my needs or comfort zone.
What makes this practice, and specifically the appointments with Celine beneficial for me include several aspects.
General attitude: her levels of exuberance, sensitivity, and care are astronomically high, and this is very, very valuable when working with such a vulnerable space as the human body.
Bedside manner: she is open with her intent, and shares valuable technique details to both ease the process and also open up opportunities for exploration in ways that may be beneficial and not previously attempted.
Skills with the human body: she is gentle to forceful with smooth transitions and very little unexpected action. She’s incredibly fluid with her actions when she gets into a groove.
Post massage care: Her instructions and guidance for recovery are key (even if I sometimes outright disobeyed them, because coffee) and I would advise you to pay attention. She knows the impact of her work.
If you’re seeking careful and thoughtful work, and aren’t afraid to open up to techniques you may not be familiar with, Celine will provide with care and compassion. I would recommend her even for a straightforward relaxing massage.

I loved my massage with Lauren. As the mother of a toddler and a full-​time teacher, my body gets pushed to its maximum limits. I was so in need of a deep-​tissue massage to help me relax, and Lauren gave me exactly that. We chatted before the massage and I shared what I wanted from the massage. She listened, and responded, to every word. I felt a million times better after and I will definitely be going back.
The entire experience was wonderful from beginning to end — the feel of the waiting room was soothing, the massage room was clean, quiet, and warm, and I felt right at ease. I highly, highly recommend Lauren.

Lauren’s massage was so relaxing and peaceful. I walked out super blissed out. Thank you Lauren!

Yes, it’s pricey, but I have a «massage fund» (I put all my dollar bills in a box and when it comes to $ 100, I treat myself). BUT, for an EXCELLENT massage, $ 85 is quite alright with me if the therapist doesn’t mind a $ 15 tip (admittedly, I tipped more as it *is* Christmas). I’m hesitant to name the therapist, LAUREN DAVIDSON, because I’m selfish and I want her all to myself, but I will spread the love!
Lauren is truly gifted. I met her when she was a massage therapist at my yoga studio and she had to move when they moved due to space constrictions, and I always regretted not having a session with her. However, the yoga studio owner raved about her massage so I trotted off to Noe Valley for my 5 PM appointment.
First off, the place is quiet and relaxing. Some massage places get noisy (can’t avoid it in the city), but this place was calming and roomy.
Lauren sat down with me and went over all my aches and pains, injuries, if I had any allergies (can she use essential oils?), if I hated being touched anywhere (e.g. face, head), asked what I wanted, and made suggestions — Aromatherapy? Yup! Hot stones? Okay! Deep pressure? You bet! She got the pressure *just* right, and pulled out all the stops with the aromatherapy, hot stones, some Thai and Swedish moves… All I could think about (other than ohmygodiamsorelaxedoooohmmm) was I had to start putting $ 5 bills in my «massage fund» so I can go more often.
I slept 11 hours that night.

I had an amazing massage with Katy. She was very sensitive to the areas I forewarned her about throughout the entire massage. The aromatherapy was a wonderful addition and definitely helped slip me into a really wonderful light sleep for a good portion of the experience. This isn’t your traditional day spa, but definitely a great way to relax and decompress. I left feeling totally rejuvenated and ready to come home to a very active toddler.

I’m disappointed. My body felt the same way as when I went it, my wallet seemed emptier, and I felt sad. I requested a Swedish massage to get the knots out of my back. I got more pressure point action than I would ever want in a lifetime. I want massaging. You need to work at knots to get them out. The pressure point thing just seemed like they’re taking two fingers and pressing it into your back, holding it there for a minute, and repeating that all the way up your back. Waste. Of. My. Massage. Time. I wanted to enjoy this massage. It’s so close. The massage was $ 85, but I wouldn’t even pay the typical $ 1/​min price for this one. I went on a Sunday. Sorry Kit. I also didn’t find it relaxing. The handling of the hot stones created too much noise. Like carrying armfuls of rocks then just letting them drop to the ground over and over. Im being generous with two stars because she was very nice and I was able to get an appointment within a couple hours of calling. I’m glad I at least tried them out, but know not to go back.

There were a few things that made my experience negative and why I wouldn’t see Margaret again. I scheduled a 90 minute massage. During my pre-​massage conversation, I told her I was looking for a swedish massage but with a bit more pressure. She mentioned that she’d do some pressure point stuff, and I thought that’d be fine. As she got started, she asked me when I had my last massage and it didn’t seem like it was to know what shape my body was in. When I answered «6 months ago» she said «oh this will be a treat» as in this isn’t a regular thing. I didn’t think much of it, I was treating myself after all!
Anyhow, she started on my neck and spent too much time on it in my opinion, and I was pretty much ok for the first 5 minutes in, then she just kept going… I think it lasted 40 minutes which was overkill and uncomfortable. Yes, I should have said something, but you have to understand that it’s uncomfortable for the person receiving a massage to tell the masseuse how to do her job. She also sat on the bed as she was working on my back and neck. There was hardly any pressure on my back as a result since she was using her fingers and not her body weight to really get in there. Actually, for those 40 minutes on my neck, she was sitting on a stool. Again, I let that go because it was late in the day. Now that I’m home and rested, I realized that that’s very unprofessional at every level. Also, I can get more pressure on my quads/​calves with my foam roller at home.
What really turned me off was near the end how she made a remark about her next client, something like «he doesn’t come often, not a regular» and made a face, but then followed up by saying «it’s just a neck thing» and that got me thinking… is that’s what she’s thinking of me? I just didn’t find her very genuine.
I’m paying quite a bit of money for a massage here and would expect to be treated with the same level of professionalism whether I’m a frequent client or not.

I have had several massages during my pregnancy, and I feel like my other massage therapists were scared to use too much pressure on a pregnant lady. You know who really NEEDS deep pressure? A pregnant lady. Ki totally gets that and has used amazing trigger point therapy on my hips/​butt, which are major preg lady problem areas. The only relief I have gotten from general hip discomfort is after a massage with her. Couldn’t recommend Ki highly enough.

Loved my massage with Ki. She was a great listener and really tailored the massage to fit my needs. I loved the relaxing atmosphere. I really appreciate that they send you an email reminder for your appointment. Overall, I wonderful experience.

Great massage– deep tissue but also relaxing, nice place, etc. I saw Margaret 2x.

I highly recommend Bridget for a prenatal massage. She has been amazing throughout my whole pregnancy. She can feel exactly where I am experiencing pain (and it changes each week of my pregnancy). She will work with all of your needs. I plan on going to her after I deliver and will continue to do so as I have never meet another massage therapist as good as Bridget.

Bridget was great! I wish my appointment could’ve been longer. I love the fact that I got an acupuncturist & a massage therapist in one. Great place. :)

Mediocre (at best) massage at first-​world prices.

For my birthday this year, I decided to treat myself to a 60 minute massage. I had my eye on A Piece of Peace for some time now based on their close proximity to my home (I can walk there!) and the stellar reviews here on Unilocal.After reading all of the bio’s on their website, I realized that I would probably have a great massage by anyone who practiced there and decided to base my choice on whoever was available on my birthday.
I waited until 2 days before my birthday to make an appointment and that was a mistake. You can book your appointment online with your chosen therapist and see their calendar of availability which is extremely convenient. Based on what I saw, it is probably a good idea to make an appointment a couple weeks in advance if you are particular about making sure you get in at your desired day and time. I was really lucky that Gonzalo had one opening available for me.
There are 3 available free add-​ons: Reflexology, Hot Stones, and Aromatherapy. I chose Reflexology and Aromatherapy. My birthday was stressing me out and I went with the «Calming» scented oil which was spectacular.
My massage was amazing and lived up to my expectations and more. Gonzalo’s expertise with Reflexology blew my mind. I am glad to say that this was one of the best massages I have ever received and I would gladly go back to Gonzalo. At the end, I was completely relaxed and full of positive energy, the best way I can imagine to start off my birthday. Thanks, Gonzalo! I hope to celebrate my birthday with a massage at A Piece of Peace every year from now on, but for 90 or 120 minutes instead of 60 just so I can luxuriate for as long as possible. Time went by way too quickly!

For my birthday gift, my husband got me a gift certificate here. I made an appointment with Margaret who gave me a fantastic 90 minute pre-​natal massage. She let me choose the music and helped me with some achy parts. I was a little sore for a few days, but that’s my fault since I thought I could take the stronger pressure. At the time it seemed fine, but I guess I need a little less pressure which Margaret would have gladly accommodated.
The space is in a vicotorian in the Noe Valley so not your typical massage space, but it was comfortable, clean, and quiet.

The quality and talent of its masseuses makes A Piece of Peace special. I’ve had several 90 minute massages here (3 from Bridget and 1 from Nikki) which have all been excellent. If you’re looking for a super fancy spa experience with all of the facility amenities, this isn’t the place for you. But look no further if you want a healing, therapeutic massage that is guaranteed to make you feel better.
I can’t stress enough how knowledgeable these folks are at their craft. My dear husband kindly insisted that I go see Bridget for a prenatal massage at 25 weeks, because I had horrible rib pain and a very sore mid-​back and shoulders. (The kind of constant miserable pregnancy pain that makes you short of breath, uncomfortable in every position, and keeps you from sleeping.) I expected that the massage would help, but thanks to Bridget’s amazing skills it provided total and complete relief! She figured out that my baby had wedged an appendage under my right ribs and then gently convinced him to shift. I am so grateful to feel better and not have to spend the next 3 months in agony — thank you, Bridget!!!
5 happy holistic stars!

I’ve only experienced a few full-​body massages, but the one I received a few hours ago was certainly the best. My right shoulder blade (which is prone to knots) was extremely tense from a recent trip. After a week of long journeys on public transit and concrete, toting a heavy SLR tucked inside my purse, my shoulder muscles were very unhappy.
I was treated by a warm lady named Sandy, who nimbly worked the pain out of my body and deftly uncovered knots I didn’t realize I had. She used soothing lavender aromatherapy, and had a calming demeanor throughout. The environment was extremely comforting — my massage table was heated from within, the cloths felt soft and well-​made, and the room was pleasantly decorated in crimson and chestnut tones.
I do consider getting a massage a luxury, and will only get them once or twice a year, but when I book my next massage, it will be with Sandy.

A quick shout out for Bridget — amazing. She really works through the kinks and knows how to find key pressure points. I’m feeling relaxed and happy days after the appt. I think she is new to the area which is prob why I could get an appt with her but I’m guessing her schedule will start to fill up soon.
One last tip: we took advantage of APofP’s in home massage
worth it if it’s hard to get out of the house or you want to make things super easy on yourself.

In an effort to de-​stress, I made an appointment today (same day) at A Piece of Peace. Easy, online, takes credit cards. A good start.
The building is in a beautiful residential area, and I was nicely greeted in the waiting area and relaxed while I filled out some papers.
Sandy, my masseuse, was absolutely wonderful. She was kind, attentive and, best of all, good! I left the massage feeling absolutely wonderful.
The prices ($ 120 for 90 minutes) are a bit on the pricey side, but it’s worth every penny.
I’ll be back there soon.

I’ve been seeing Jacquie a lot this year, so I wanted to add some love to my review and share the word. Jacquie’s skilled technique and understanding of energy centers make her one of the best massage therapists I’ve ever met. When your body is feeling run down from kicking a cold, working long hours, or surviving an emotional wallop, a visit with Jacquie will totally set you right again. Plus she’s just the sweetest person, and so fun to talk with.
I also love that this practice is tucked away on a residential street in Noe Valley, but a skip away from the cafes and stores on 24^th Street should you need them. That’s important, because after an hour on the massage table, you don’t want to step out into city chaos if you can help it.
Plus, I should note the studio space is really guy-​friendly, in that it’s pleasantly simple and not intimidatingly fancy.
Highly, highly recommended.