The most wonderful massage session I've had in a longtime with Tanya Masterson who just came back from Thailand in deepening her masseuse technique in Thai Yoga Massage. Lately I've been having painful lowbackpain again, Tanya Masterson helped me greatly in relieving the pain away. Not only was she able to relieve most of the pain right after the session, she also gave me a full #blissful body massage that helped me relax my whole body down into the ground and calm my exhausted mind from working long hours hopping through deadlines, that when I got home I had the longest nap ever for 6 hours straight! Thank you so much Tanya! You have such gifted healing hands that are able to pinpoint the source of the pain & heal it in a therapeutic way! I highly recommend this therapeutic masseuse friend of mine for her stroke are broad that reaches a wide surface of your body like a deep wave of soothing pressure of delight and yet her fingers are so detailed that are able to find all the knots in your body and release them through her acupressure healing touch. read more

I've been seeing Mai since 2012 at Hyde St Wellness/Zazen and I'm beyond thrilled she has her own space now. I started out by getting the Island Style massage which has her walking/massaging along my back and back of my legs. Now I get a blend of Island Style and Thai massage which incorporates some stretching as well. I do a lot of strength training so it's important to stay loose but a foam roller can only do so much. I usually go to Mai with a area in mind I want Mai to work on but she always manages to find knots I didn't know I had in other areas! Whether you're an athlete or not, I highly encourage you to see Mai as a way to recover and relax! read more

I have been going to Mai for the past year. I had back surgery a few years ago and I have found Mai has a very effective way of massaging my lower back. Unlike other massages where I feel good for a few hours, with Mai's massage the therapeutic effect lasts for days. Just as another reviewer wrote, Mai has an intuitive sense. Her fingers just seem to know what areas need the most attention. Even though Mai is petite, she is able to deliver a very sensitive yet powerful massage. She told me that she is one of the view people in the world who, at the age of 17, learned from a massage master in Asia a technique called "Island Massage". Using this technique, Mai is able to use her feet and body weight to perform a massage that is difficult to describe. i have never experienced this style of massage elsewhere. Once you try an Island Massage, there is no going back! read more

When I first moved to Nob Hill about two years ago, I needed to find a new massage therapist in the area to help with my neck and shoulder muscle tension. I'm absolutely blessed and so glad I found Mai when I did!! I've been to countless massage therapists in SF and none have ever been close to the therapy that Mai has been able to perform for my muscle tension. Mai is very caring and attentive to her clients and knows exactly how to incorporate different massage techniques that suit your needs. I've always had terrible neck and shoulder muscle aches and since I've been going to Mai, they've definitely been so much better. Now that she's moved her practice to Steiner, I've definitely followed her! Mai is so humble with her practice, but she is absolutely the best masseuse in San Francisco. Definitely give Mai and her practice a try if you've been searching for an amazing massage therapist! You will absolutely feel relaxed and at ease after just one session. I'm so grateful to have Mai around. Highly, HIGHLY recommend her! read more

Mai has a great touch and is a pleasure to know. She is funny and sweet. I have had several treatments from her over the past two years. Make this your regular neighborhood, professional massage location. Right next to Trader Joes. Mai is pronounced like My. read more

The best massage I've had in my life. Mai is a well-trained therapist with the unique ability to make you feel comfortable from day one. Her hands are magic; she soothed the many knots in my back (thank you, corporate America) over a single 90 minute session. Mai also has the ability to read one's body pretty easily: She could tell, while I was fully dressed, where I held my stress. (Maybe I should consider looser clothing.) Mai then placed extra emphasis exactly where I needed it. The next day, I felt like a new man. In fact, over the course of 3 sessions, I've increased my range of motion and improved my sleep. Mai offers a wide of array of massages. So far, I've done the deep tissue and traditional thai massage. The deep tissue was top-notch: Mai is very strong--don't let her size fool you--and really went deep, as I requested. (One time, I almost screamed.) However, my favorite massage is the traditional thai. Try it and you'll see why. I've had others massages at the spas in the city, such as Burke, and at some less fancy places. Mai's massage is far superior to any of them. Her technique and sincerity separates her from those competitors. Give it a shot. You will thank me later. read more

I have been getting massages for many years on a frequent basis, including at some of the top resorts in the world, at specialized centers such as Esalen and Harbin Hot Springs, and consider myself a connoisseur. I have been going to Mai for about 2 years now. So how does Mai compare? She is simply the best. Period. She has an uncanny 6th sense to find just the right pressure, locate the knots, address ones needs, and her empathetic transmission is outstanding. I find her massages deeply relaxing, fulfilling, and a sense of connection that I have rarely experienced. read more

Mai is the absolute BEST!!! Every massage is different based on what I need. She'll start of with deep tissue and then switch it up to Swedish, Thai, etc. on different areas depending on what she senses my body needs. I walk out feeling amazing every time I see her! read more

Phenomenal massage. I went in the first time because of horrible back pain that was not allowing me to even move my arm up. Mai is awesome, friendly and super professional. Highly recommend her. read more

I have been seeing Mai for years (starting at the old Hyde Street Wellness and then Zazen location). I was so happy that she was able to start her own place. She is warm and friendly and does many types of massage extremely well. I would recommend her to anyone in need of a massage. read more

I have probably had close to 1,000 massages in my life, but I am not kidding when I say that Mai beats them all -- hands down. Her intuitive touch, mastery of several distinctive massage styles both East and West, and the care and concern she shows her clients is extremely rare. Her studio is set up for Thai massage, but she also does Swedish, Shiatsu, etc., and she is comfortable walking on your body, using elbows, heel of the hand, whatever it takes. Fabulous stretching too with the Thai massage style. She activy participates in the bodywork experience with her clients and is not afraid to make recommendations about which kind of message will work best given the shape one's body is in (mine was a train wreck), and she is right on the money in my experience. I would recommend Mai to anyone who is serious about having the best massage money can buy -- I mean, it's going to cost you either way, why not have someone who will transform your body. The only downside to Mai? Once you've had her, there's no going back. She just sets the bar too high. Call Mai and schedule an appointment. Do it now. read more

Mai is a genuinely kind person and an excellent massage therapist. I was lucky enough to have received deep tissue massages from her when she worked at Zazen and followed her to her new business. She's created a very nice calming studio (which you will find after passing through a hair salon in front). Mai takes great care to make certain you have a good, restorative experience, and she has the skills, intuition, and strength(!) to make that happen. read more

Mai is by far the best massage therapist I have ever seen. I have been getting a massage from Mai for the past three years because she does such a great job. She has the ability to find those areas that need the most attention and then apply just the right amount of pressure to provide the relief. The fact that she is skilled in so many techniques allows her to adapt to meet any need. This little gal is a gem. read more

I have been seeing Mai since 2012 for regular massages and have followed her to her new practice, a well furnished and decorated space in the back of a hair salon conveniently located next to Trader Joe's parking lot. I chiefly see Mai for her Thai massage and Thai deep tissue massage but Mai performs a range of massage styles including western Swedish and deep tissue massages and is always able to readily adjust her technique depending on my needs. She is always attentive and has a remarkable memory, remembering my trouble spots without instruction. She is strong and gentle at the same time and is able to apply firm restorative pressure without causing pain as well as help me achieve deep stretches that go a long way. I always leave my treatment sessions feeling healthier and more relaxed. Mai has a warm, kind personality that puts you at ease. She is also clearly hard-working, takes great pride in her profession, and applies herself with passion, which I am sure will help her achieve success in life. While I am grateful for Mai's talent and healing touch, it also is gratifying to know that my fees are going to a person with an inspirational life story who will put it to good use. read more

Mai is a very personable young lady who goes out of her way to make you feel very welcome and comfortable. She'll make you feel like you've been friends forever from her sweetness in her attitude, her aura that spreads all around her studio, and in the energy and enthusiasm of her bodywork. Although Mai has several modalities in her repertoire, her Island Massage specialty got me hooked which is a rare and wonderful treat to experience. It's a mixture of Swedish, deep tissue and Thai. It seems similar to any Thai massage that mixes western and eastern massage. But once the therapist steps on your back, the similarity ends there. The typical therapist will walk on the back with a towel or cloth in-between. And don't get me wrong, I love getting that type of massage. But with Mai, there will be no towel between her feet and you. She will use her feet as an extension of her hands and it will feel like her hands got larger and her arms got wider which will encompass more area in your back. With her weight on your back, the pressure is much more intense in such large area and amazingly even and uniform as she glides around from side to side and top to bottom. And as I have been told, she was taught from a master and it take years of practice to get this done right and perfectly executed. Her devotion to this practice has benefited for us all that will make you feel invigorated and relaxed; it's a fascinating experience that you have to try. Additionally, she will work on your glutes which should be incorporated in all massages but it is not too often done with many massage therapist. If your butt is on the seat for too many hours, this butt massage will be such a tension reliever. After discovering Mai with her specialty massage and her wonderful persona, there's no need to look for another therapist. read more

I had a massage with Tanya last week and it was amazing. Tanya took the time to listen to why I was there, focus on addressing my tight legs and shoulders and offering me suggests and even some yoga positions to help keep me in better shape. It was awesome. read more

I love the massages Mai gives. She is very professional and she knows how to heal you, wherever the pain is. She does an amazing job. I would totally recommend her to anyone. read more

Excellent massage from Mai in a comfortable studio. Great location.

Mai is so wonderful- I immediately felt comfortable with her and I really appreciated how she took the time to explain her methods and find out where my sore points were. I always leave feeling super relaxed and taken care of! Highly recommend her if you are ever in the Lower pac heights area. read more

Mai is a terrific massage therapist. She has such an amazing energy and very strong hands. She always heals whatever I need and is always so warm and welcoming too. read more

I have been going to Mai for two years now about once every 6-8 weeks. I get a Thai massage or occasionally a MaiThai (swedish on the back and thai on the legs). I won't go anywhere else as long as she is in San Francisco. She is very talented and will focus on whatever is bothering me (sometimes spending 30 minutes on a single spot if needed). To seal the deal, she is an incredibly sweet person. Getting a massage with her makes me feel like I am visiting a close friend. Loving her new spot and the decorations of her new room. One tip: it's located within the salon so it can be a bit tricky to fine. read more

Mai and Melyssa are incredible. I'd had a few messages before going to MaiThai, but I never really enjoyed them or felt the benefits. Not so with Mai and Melyssa. They not only give the most relaxing messages, but they are strong! I feel great for days afterward. I would highly recommend booking your next message at MaiThai and see for yourself. read more

Mai is one of the best massage therapists I have ever come across. Big statement I know, but I can not recommend her highly enough. I have been going to her for over a year and the thing I appreciate the most about each session is that each massage feels customized for what I need at the time. She manages to find those knots and tights spots I didn't even know I had and as a result, the massage is truly therapeutic in every sense of the word. Do yourself a favor. Go and see Mai. You can thank me later. read more

Mai has a real gift and touch. She gives the best massages I've ever had, and I was married to a masseuse!

I've been going to Mai for about 2 years now. On top of being a good masseuse she is also extremely friendly and easy to talk to. I've been to many masseuses good and bad, and the thing that sets Mai apart is how comfortable she can make people. read more

Mai was born to be a body worker. She has a sixth sense that I can feel in her impressive acuity when it comes to responding exactly to the focus, pressure, intensity and attention needed for whatever part she's working on. I am so happy to have found her. The space is small yet thoughtful, clean and zen. You can tell this is her work of heart! I leave every appointment feeling the magic she imparts. Girl's got mad skill! read more

Excellent! I was trying to book a same day appointment from the East Coast before I got on a flight. I wrote an email knowing they were still closed and hoping for the best when I landed, but they called me back right away! Melissa fit me in the afternoon and it was wonderful. I had a ton of tension in my neck and back from lots of travel, but I'm feeling much better now. read more

I've been going to Mai for the past year. I was looking for someone who knew Thai massage and was lucky enough to find her near downtown SF. She's been great! As some other reviewers mentioned, she's very intuitive when working with you, and I love the combination of the Swedish & Thai massage she's put together. She's got amazing energy and does wonderful work. read more

Just had a wonderful massage with Tanya. She really concentrated on the areas that needed special attention and I already feel much better. The place is nice and clean. The ease of appointment was great. I liked how Tanya listened to me and my body and customized my massage to fit the need. Will come back for sure! read more

Awesome. Skilled massage professionals and customized service. Lovely

Mai is a great massage therapist and a wonderful person. I got a massage with Mai a few times already, and every-time she leaves me feeling healthy and energetic for weeks. Will be coming back. read more