I've seen Joy for cranialsacral massage for the last few years and she is absolutely wonderful. She always has appointments (make them online!), when you walk in, she is kind and overflowing with positive, calm energy, she is incredibly intuitive (she seems to know what I need better than I do!) and her pricing is incredibly fair. I suffer from a lot of TMJ issues and usually, my pain is gone for several days after a 75-minute visit with her. Parking isn't great, but it's Hillcrest, so that should be expected. Bottom line: she is amazing at what she does. read more

Now I have been to more than 10 massages places all over the country/world. Joy is hands down the best!!! I am just sad I moved away from san diego and cannot go to her anymore. I was very fatigued and had aches from working too much and her hands were magical. I felt refreshed afterward. Recommending her to everyone living in SD. read more

Joy joy joy....wish the massage would have never ended. I've had my share of massages, some from places that charged $300 plus per hour back in my Vegas days. Joy is hands down amazing. Tied for the best masseuse I've ever had, the other person was in Vegas. I will recommend her to all my friends. Pays attention to exactly what you tell her you need and her pressure is exactly what you ask for. read more

Joy is outstanding. She has helped me work through constant migraines/headaches with Cranial Sacral and massage therapy. I drive all the way from Aliso Viejo, CA to San Diego for her because she is the best. She is an expert in her field and has provided the best care I could ask for at every treatment. read more

Joy Athens---a gift from God... Does it get any better than that? No. 'Nuff said. I whole heartedly echo all of her wonderful attributes stated by my fellow Yelpers.;) Go, and thank all of us. You'll add this one to your blessings! read more

I found a LivingSocial deal for a one-hour full-body massage at Chrysalis Healing Arts and Joy gave me the best massage I've ever had, no doubt about it. I really like that she is an RN, too...extra credibility :) She was radiant and welcoming, and had a very rhythmic, soothing touch. I asked for medium pressure, but she is clearly very strong if you need a tougher massage. It was perfect for me and I WILL be back. Thanks, Joy! read more

What bliss! My sister, mother and I all 3 received massages from Joy, and we are now Joy-ful plus! From her personal warmth, to her soothing aromatherapy oils to her unmatched massage skills, Joy is a gem! I found myself able to relax deeply, in mind, body and spirit on Joy's table, while receiving the benefit of her multiple bodywork modalities (Cranio-Sacral, Polarity, etc). My neck hasn't felt this loose and groovy in quite a while, and my legs (which I have underwarmed up and underwarmed down when dancing) are feeling happier than they have in a long time. I'm booking with Joy whenever I visit San Diego!!!! read more

In a word ... MAGICAL People, people, people, north county, south county, costal wherever you reside you are doing yourself a disservice if you are NOT TOUCHED once by these hands. And NO I AM NOT A PAID ADVERTISER OR REVIEWER. I am happy to say I am a repeat client and have been remiss in updating my reviews of my experience during my massage(s) / visits to 'Chrysalis Healing Arts'. Suffice it to say, each time I visit Joy Athan's, I am transcended to another level and this people is no BS. I literally have to peel myself off of the massage table. Give this service from 'Chrysalis Healing Arts' as a gift to yourself, a family member or loved one. They will love you back "I Guarantee It" or they are pulse less . I am a firm believer in when Exceptionally Wonderful service is afforded me be it by "Taste, Touch, Sight, Sound or Smell" I have got to ring the bell. This is my five cents as I ring the bell. Enjoy the hands of "Joy" and feel the MAGIC! read more

I should have written this review years ago - Joy is amazing! I've always enjoyed my sessions with Joy, and feels she takes special care to give attention where I most need it. In my most recent visit, I told Joy about pains I was having in my hips (for a couple months now) that started after wearing ill-fitting shoes for a couple weeks. I can't believe that the pain is gone! A definite 5-star. read more

Joy has incredible kindness and knowledge. I feel really spoiled with her massages. I highly recommend her treatments. Lisa read more

If you want a fabulous massage without paying chi-chi spa prices, go see Joy! She's the absolute best. It had been a couple of months since my last massage due to foot surgery, so I treated myself to a 90 minute massage this morning. She is located in the Eye of Buddha store on Park in University Heights. Limited parking so give yourself a few extra minutes to park. Highly recommend! Booking my next massage right now! read more

I loved my massage! I have an hour massage with wonderful essential oils and an Indian scalp massage. My neck, back and shoulders feel amazing! Joy is very friendly and I felt relaxed immediately! I liked her location, the room was very, very soundproof and I just heard the faintest relaxing music in the background. She is a nurse and a massage therapist... She really knows her stuff! I will be seeing her monthly! read more

Love Love Love!!! Joy has an amazing set of hands. I have had both a massage and cranial sacral therapy which were both amazing. I was so relaxed that I fell in and out of sleep several different times. Joy is very personable and has wonderful energy which is so important to me. It is always a pleasure when I go see her and I am looking forward to many other massages! read more

Excellent in every way! I had my first one-hour massage from Joy over the weekend. Cannot say enough about the massage, Joy's professionalism and an experience I am still feeling benefits from two days later! If they only had 10 stars...thanks, Joy! read more

I was so grateful Joy was able to get me in next day as I was on vacation and my back was so strained I could barely walk. Her healing touch and compassionate attention was such a blessing! I came back the following day (she squeezed me in knowing it was a crisis) and I feel so much better. I bought a gift certificate for both cousins that live in the area and I can't wait for them to receive the blessing of her touch! I can't wait to come back to San Diego to get another massage! Thank you Joy you're a dear heart! read more

Absolutely wonderful! Best massage I've ever had! Joy was amazing! I will definitely be coming back in the future and referring my friends! The scalp massage was the best thing ever! I highly recommend Joy! read more

I was looking for a massage through Living Social deals and read Joy's special. I checked the reviews out on Yelp and given all of the 5 stars she received, it made my decision easy. I visited her on March 12th and I was completely impressed and felt amazing afterwards. Magic hands and compassion for her clients is a great mix. I could barely form words after the massage, I was so relaxed. I just made another appointment with her. I can't imagine going anywhere else. read more

Joy is an amazing massage therapist. She uses essential oils to enhance the experience. Last time I saw Joy she did her magic on my neck and shoulders. Oh my goodness, wonderful! I highly recommend Joy, she is the best in her field. read more

Joy is a wonderfully gifted massage therapist, and is incredibly willing to accommodate you in terms of timing and cost. Her massages are beyond relaxing! I always look forward to treating myself to a massage by Joy. read more

A friend recommended Joy and I'm happy he did. I've seen Joy for cranial sacral and massage and absolutely love her energy and touch! I always feel great after each session. Her use of essential oils definitely enhances my experience. If I could, I'd go see Joy every day! read more

I had an aromatherapy massage with Joy yesterday. It was so wonderful. I didn't tell her where I hold tension, I just let her work and she found all of those spots on her own. Joy's hands read my body like braille, I've never had a massage like that before. There was no set agenda, it seemed she responded to me personally. I appreciated Joy's professionalism; she didn't talk to me during treatment, she just let me enjoy it. The space is not posh or luxurious, it actually feels clinical, but there is a calming, relaxing energy as soon as you walk in the door. If you really want bodyWORK done by someone experienced, don't go anywhere else. read more

Joy hands are absolutely amazing. She knows just what my body needs. Her massage s reach much deeper than just the physical body. I also love how Joy uses essential oils with the massage. I not only come out feeling refreshed but I smell good too! The space Joy creates is very welcoming and comfortable. I have found my body work home! read more

This was THE best massage I have ever had! Her touch is truly a gift!I left feeling stress free and healed,Mentally I felt cleansed.I will definitely return to her!An incredible experience!!!! read more

If I could bring her home with me, I would. What a great therapist, she know just where to concentrate. And her craniosacral work is fantastic. Felt refreshed for days! read more

Very very nice massage. Joy is so kind. She makes you feel very comfortable and you can tell she has pride in her work. She worked on my areas of concern and made me so relaxed. Would love to return for another. read more

Joy's massage was just the right thing for me after a grueling year and a half of cancer treatment. She had the perfect light touch for my aching body and the right pressure for the knots. I really appreciate how she is considerate of my body temperature and has a heating pad. I could fall asleep to her soothing scalp and shoulder massages! So glad to have found her! read more

I highly recommend getting a massage from Joy! This morning I went to her for the first time and I will definitely be returning! She was very personable, professional, and did an excellent job. read more

Wow. Joy is an excellent massage therapist. Hands down the most thorough massage I have ever had. Not only is she highly skilled, knowledgeable and professional but to top off it, she's the nicest person! I highly recommend Joy!! Also, you can make online appointments- so easy!! Just pick your timeframe and she'll be waiting for you with a warm smile :) read more

Her craniosacral manipulations worked powerfully. I have gone to her twice in the last month. After the first visit, my already healthy blood pressure lessened by ten more points in both parts! Warm and personable, Joy has an infectious optimism about the client's prospects for healing. As for ordinary massages, she adjusts the forcefulness according to your preference. read more