I have been Yoko's client for more than 6 years, following her to her Berkeley, Oakland, and now Albany locations. She has the most intuitive and healing touch. Yoko clearly takes the time to listen to my requests, but the best part is she's is able to discern what I need without me having to tell her. Sometimes I have no idea how much work I need until she's already on it. As a fitness instructor, my job can be hard on my body, so maintenance is key. After Yoko's massages, I not only feel blissfully relaxed but I also know that she has worked out kinks in my muscles to achieve better alignment and overall body function. During both of my pregnancies, Yoko routinely gave me prenatal massages. I have been to prenatal massages by other practitioners that were acceptable/passable. However, Yoko applied the perfect amount of pressure in the exact right spots to make me melt. I saw her every 2-4 weeks at points during my pregnancies but wish I had boundless financial resources to see her even more frequently. Although pregnancy is physically challenging, I found the postpartum period to be even harder. Yoko helps with all the aches and pains associated with nursing, carrying your kids, etc. Scheduling appointments with Yoko is quick and easy. Yoko is an absolute gem! read more

When Jennifer, my long-time massage therapist moved away, she recommended Yoko. So, Yoko is a massage therapist's massage therapist! Yoko gives an excellent massage, with a healing touch. Her studio is lovely and relaxing. read more

What a great massage! I was having pain in my shoulder whenever I lifted my arm above my head. I told Yokohama and she concentrated on this area. I have much more mobility as a result. Clean, warm inviting room, and a very relaxing atmosphere. Thank you, Yoko! read more

I have been going to Yoko for over 5 years. She is an absolute fabulous masseuse. The best! She has a magic touch and innate knowledge of any problem areas. She is thoroughly professional using many techniques and is delightful to talk with. l feel like JELLO after a session with her :) Her immaculate, safe environment, clean and tasteful new studio is conveniently well located in Albany, with plenty of parking. She has changed the business name to Herb Clinique. I cannot recommend her highly enough - If you wish to have the best massage you've ever had, go promptly to Herb Clinique and see Yoko! read more

I have been seeing Yoko on and off since I first moved to Berkeley in 2009. She is kind, understanding, and a very gifted masseuse. She not only listens to what I tell her, but intuitively works on what she feels is going on in my body. She has helped me to manage chronic pain as well as enjoy deep relaxation when I'm stressed. She is wonderful! read more

Yoko is a skilled, compassionate and intuitive massage therapist who will always be able to give you a satisfying and healing treatment.

I saw Yoko for the first time was having a lot of pain and stiffness in my neck she was able to fit me right in she did exactly what I needed with the right amount of tension I'm glad to have met her and will return read more

I had an incredible massage with Yoko yesterday. She went deeply into all the tight places in my body and I was able to let go and become the most relaxed I have felt in many years. And I had the first sound sleep last night that I've had in a very long time. I highly recommend Yoko! read more

I wrote my first review 7 years ago! She still amazes me. Her professional massage takes you to another world. I really feel she revitalizes my body and soul. The studio is nicely appointed and spotlessly clean. Wonderful spa music in the background. Well located with plenty of parking. Yoko is a lovely and kind person to talk with. You'll feel so relaxed afterwards don't operate heavy machinery for a while. LOL. The best massage ever! read more

It is the most unique and special little massage studio, great location, easy access. Very intuitive therapist with magic touch. It was just an amazing experience overall! I recommended! read more

Yoko is a grounded, peaceful and talented massage therapist, a practitioner providing really great bodywork in a tranquil setting at a reasonable price. Yoko seems to be very comfortable with bodywork which makes for a pleasant and healing session. I must say that Yoko deserves the highest ratings and accolades for her amazing work. Thank you, Yoko! read more

I've been receiving massage treatments from Yoko for years. She is the best massage therapist I've been to and will continue to go to her for 90-minute treatments. Yoko is intuitive and knows the points of pain even when I forget to mention painful muscles and joints. Yoko is skilled, very professional and dedicated to her work! read more

I tried other massage places in the area (Zen Day Spa and Albany Professional SPA) and I felt they were 'pleasure' massages and all I was looking for was a good massage without the 'happy ending'. I found Petitzen Body Therapy on Yelp and read all the great reviews. I contacted Yoko and she scheduled me for a massage the next day. I thought that was amazing! When I arrived at my appointment and talked with Yoko about the issues I've been having and she was giving me advice on what I needed to do to relax my muscles and at home therapy. Yoko is amazing! And, if you're thinking about getting a massage, schedule an appointment with Yoko. read more

Yoko rocks! I've known her for over 5 years as a student, friend, and fellow bodyworker extraordinaire. I've had about 20 sessions from her and I look forward to them every time. She's intuitive and confident in her touch and you can tell she's really present with you. Yoko has a mix of tools to work with, from shiatsu and acupressure to lotions. Her space is comfortable, inviting and convenient. She plays great music and I'm always wondering, where she's getting her music because it puts me in a trance. Her space is warm and she makes an effort to keep you comfortable during the session. I'm happy to be writing this review as I'm a bodyworker myself, I teach this work, and I know how challenging it is to be a great massage therapist. Yoko does it with ease and I learn a lot about being an effective bodyworker from getting sessions from her. read more

Yoko has always been my go-to therapist when ever my back gets so painful and stiff because of my job. I usually book a 90-min session and that would be sufficient for Yoko to do her magic. She uses Shiatsu and deep tissue techniques to slowly relieve my "rocky" back then after 90 minutes my pain is totally gone and I feel like my back becomes like tofu. I highly recommend Petizen. read more

Formidable, encore et encore plus de massage. I've known Yoko since 2003. The first massage I still remember was the amazing chair massage at the Elephant Pharmacy ! SInce I am a chef, my poor body gets so tired after long day of work but getting regular massage from Yoko really helps me to relax. She is petite but has very strong hands and can do deep tissue massage which I need. I am usually sleeping at the end of each session ! read more

I've seen Yoko for years and she is incredible. She is very kind, professional, intuitive, and overall great at massage therapy. Easy to schedule, very clean studio, and easy to park near her office. read more

Yoko has hands of gold. I limp into her studio broken and battered after an 80 hour work week. I walk out a new man, fully restored to working condition. She has it all: strength, confidence, intuition, excellent communication skills, and most importantly, it feels so so good. You owe it to yourself to see her regularly. read more

Yoko is a great massage therapist who knows her stuff. I went to her for an Indian head massage and a massage of my calves where I've been having a lot of restlessness. Yoko did a great job. She relaxed the muscles and I felt better almost immediately. She also shared some good advice on what I can do to relieve the stress in my legs on my own. Will definitely be going back. read more

I am so extremely happy that I found Yoko. Being 7 months pregnant, and having done something very painful to my back, I had run out of options to try and manage the pain. Not only did she make me feel extremely comfortable, but she explained so much, and listened to me more than any of my doctors have. Walking to my car after, my eyes watered, because I felt relaxed and comfortable after days of horrendous pain. She really knows what's doing, and is extremely good as it. I could tell that she genuinely wanted to help me and make me feel better. And she certainly did. I am so grateful. read more

Yoko is truly gifted and I am so grateful that I found her. Her private studio is very inviting and comfortable. I started receiving message therapy from her twice a month for my overall well being, and it is one of the best things I have ever done. She is very professional and intuitive and I feel very comfortable and relaxed receiving body work from her. If you are looking for an experienced message therapist, Yoko is the best! read more

I've been coming here for the past few months. The venue is small but clean. Yoko is very professional and good at what she does. Her massage is relaxing for both my body and mind. Highly recommend this place! read more

I recently had an acupressure massage from Yoko at Petitzen. I've had a lot of massages, and it seems that the best body therapy services happen when there is a combination of professional, skillful technique combined with a caring and nurturing demeanor. Yoko does a fantastic job of combining these -- she really knows her stuff technically, but what really made me feel great about the massage was the way she seemed to genuinely care about my health and what was going on with me. Super good experience! read more

Yoko is an amazing massage therapist who listens carefully and intuitively understands what i need. I have a very stressful job and a session with Yoko seems to melt away all tension...I feel like a new person! I look forward to my next appointment with Yoko. read more

Yoko is the best massage therapist I've come across, by far. I have a physically and nervously taxing job and was experiencing backache and muscle pain that were quite crippling. Yoko's thorough knowledge of acupressure and her very professional and soulful approach provided immediate and lasting relief. I used to frequently go to one of the many 'foot massage' places that are common around the bay area, often with frustrating or even painful results. Take my advice and pay Yoko a visit, the cost is moderately more than those places but the results are worth every penny. Plus you'll love Yoko's personality and friendly smile. Thanks Yoko! read more

I was a cancer survivor when I met Yoko, now over 12 years ago. Post-cancer treatment, I was told I would have to wear a "sleeve" because of the edema condition on my arm, life-long. One of Yoko's many special skills is her ability to do lymph drainage massage therapy; she worked on my arm, taught me how to apply acupressure at specific points to help myself, and I have never needed the sleeve. That in itself is reason enough to continue with Yoko. However, I am unable to express adequately, the healing nature of Yoko's general massage therapy; her talent to discover the locus of a particular stress or strain and her ability to know precisely where to apply the energy and pressure to work my body through any pain. Yoko is nothing short of a miracle for me. read more

I had the pleasure of getting a 90 minute massage from Yoko a few months ago. At first, I was confused about how to enter her office because it is in a larger business courtyard. Once I found her office, it was nicely laid out and felt very peaceful. Yoko is very kind, and listened to what I said my body was feeling. Her actual massage was excellent. She definitely has strength, and found spots on my back that no other bodyworker has addressed. I walked out feeling very refreshed. I would recommend her to anyone who wants a deep, relaxing massage. read more

Yoko is an excellent and intuitive massage therapist, and also a kind and thoughtful person. I've had many massages from her over the past five years. I have gifted massages to friends, and have referred others who also enjoyed their sessions. Her rates are very fair for someone with her years of experience. read more

I hate writing reviews for places that I love because I fear they'll become so popular that I won't be able to book future appointments, but after going to Yoko today I had to write one. I've been searching for a good massage therapist in Berkeley and after going to a few different ones I am happy to say Yoko is by far the best. She listens to what you have to say and her pressure was PERFECT. The massage was relaxing but hit all the right spots. Moments after the massage you feel immense relief, especially if you suffer from back pain like I do. Thanks Yoko! read more

I really enjoyed this massage! Parking was a little tricky since there's not parking lot. The atmosphere for the massage was perfect! It smelled nice, the lighting was perfect, and the massage table had soft sheets and blankets. She was very kind and professional and I plan on coming back again. read more

Yoko is the best! Some therapists are intuitive; some are knowledgeable. Yoko is the best of both. I really appreciate the fact that she knows a lot about body mechanics and how pains and physical issues travel through the body. She's also very keenly aware about what's happening with your body. I found her touch very assuring, relaxing, and comforting. She really loves what she does and cares about her clients. She also knows a lot about supplements and TCM. I come home feeling great every time I see her. She'll be the go-to therapist for my whole family! read more

I have been going to Yoko for a message for close to ten years. She has saved me from chronic back pain, tense shoulders and stiff neck with her sensitive and intuitive manipulation. I have been mostly pain free all these years. Thanks to Yoko, I have discovered weekly message along with daily exercise as the best thing I can do for myself to feel physically and mentally sound in this stressful world! read more

Loved my massage with Yoko - will definitely be back!

Yoko is fabulous! I have had many sessions with her and have given a message with her as a gift to family and friends. I need gentle massage, and I fully trust her. She can adapt her style to what you need. She uses her years of experience and training plus her intuitive nature to provide a healing session. Give yourself a treat and let Yoko do her work. You will float away at the end. I studied message back in the day, and so I know the real deal when I see and feel it. read more

Yoko has extraordinary massage skills, innate talent, and a nurturing, healing soul. She is more than a massage therapist; she is a healer. I am fortunate to have received care from many excellent massage therapists over the years. It is based upon this prior experience that I can say that Yoko truly stands out. While she is petite, she towers over her peers. In my experience, her skill, caring and talent is unsurpassed. Her intutivie sense of what is ailing a person is somewhat uncanny. She finds problem areas intuitively, and modulates her pressure and technique perfectly. At the outset of a session, she sits down with you and really listens to your concerns, and finds out about your history. She remembers the concerns you express, and incorporates them into your session with laser focus. If you want her to concentrate on a particular area, she will do that. Plus, she is a delightful person on top of it all. (Pure gravy.) At the end of a session with her, you will feel relaxed, renewed and happy (except for the fact that the session has ended). I feel lucky to have found her, and at the risk of her becoming even more highly sought after and booked up, I offer my highest recommendation of Yoko (Petitzen). Yoko is, in a word, amazing. read more