I am a frequent recipient of body work of the past 6 years- I have a chronic illness and have tried chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, and finally found relief in osteopathic manipulative medicine. Marcus was recommended by my housemate. My depth of experience made me very selective with body workers, and Marcus is one of the best! My system is very sensitive, and can be easily triggered. I let Marcus know this at the beginning of the session, and, instead of displaying what I've come to expect as typical hesitance, Marcus dove right in, checking in with me regularly. The massage was long and thorough, and Marcus was very accommodating of my body's odd quirks. His space, which is in his apartment, it's sacred and calm, with candles and relaxing music. I loved the heated table! And the lotion was lovely-just a hint of lavender. Marcus has extensive knowledge and experience, and has developed unique, ingenious techniques to improve the experience. He's flexible with scheduling as well! But most revealing for me is this-I'm a talker and my brain is usually churning, but by the end of the massage I was so relaxed that I fell asleep! As I told Marcus, he should be very proud of himself. read more

I recently had a massage with Marcus (my sister had recommended him to me.) It was a very pleasant, relaxing experience. The space was clean and appealing, and the massage table has internal radiant heat - an extra treat. The room itself was deliciously warm and comfortable- a very pleasant place for massage. A small point, but I liked that the massage oil he used was unscented and neutral (I hate being subjected to strong incense or scented products.) Marcus did a mix of deep tissue work and a type of massage known as "zero balance", which was new to me. He was easy to talk to, and receptive to input and requests. It had been a very long time since I had a massage, but marcus made me feel completely at ease. When I left, I felt much more relaxed than I had been in a very long time. (in fact, I felt very sleepy :-) A lot of the tension and discomfort that I perpetually carry my body had evaporated, and I left feeling much better than I had when I arrived. read more

Yes yes yes yes yes!!! I'll be honest, I was a little unsure going to a male massage therapist in their home ( oh hey, hi how are ya, let me get naked and let you touch me) but I was in NEED and the answer is YES, yes that was a very good decision! I quit my job in the spring of 2016 and went on an 8 month bike tour covering a lot of distance, climbing and cursing up hills in sweaty summer heat, shivering and twiddling my toes up at 10,000 feet in the fall. Plus I carried a backpack. Ok, long story, point being I was TIRED and hurty and broke and have you ever spent so much time alone you don't know how to be with people anymore? Has it ever been so long since you've been touched by another human that the feeling of it actually makes you jump? Marcus and I talked on the phone first, he was a pleasant guy who talked mostly about a trip to an art museum in DC ( a sign of refinement) His space was comfortable; he was professional, respectful and a very skilled massage therapist. He trained at Esalen, he's learned from the best and practiced now for plenty of years, he is one of the best. So after I jumped out of my skin and came back into it, I was relieved and relaxed, fulfilled really, vibrant and new! He is an intuitive and open practitioners. You can feel cared for and nurtured and safe in his company; with the perfect combination of lightness and pressure. He goes beyond the normal call of duty. I believe he is a genuine person who just likes to see other people feel better. You won't get this in the 55 minute spa hour; a real connection can be fostered outside of a business profiting off our stress, pain and disconnection from one another. A massage like this is a gift of human kindness. We all do what we can in our own unique way to making this world a better place, I really believe Marcus does that. For this gal. Highly highly highly recommended people. Say yes. read more

This was one of the most relaxing massages I have ever received. The whole body Esalen-style massage felt great. Marcus has a very calm and positive energy. He checked in with me regarding injuries, trouble areas and pressure. I felt comfortable and blissed out through the entire 90 minutes. I highly recommend him when you need to take full body relaxation to the next level. read more

This was one of the most relaxing and intent filled massages I have ever received. Going beyond the normal spa setting with healthy energy and fresh air, Marcus truly delivers all he speaks about. Carefully taking his time to find out if there are any specific concerns or physical issues, he makes sure to do a comprehensive overview. Making the most of your time, he uses a soft comforting tone of voice, helpful to prepare you for what the next step in his massage will entail. Stretching out my limbs was a new technique I fully appreciated and I wish I would have asked him to use a little more pressure. It was an enjoyable experience. 5 stars all the way! You will be happy you made your way to his studio. read more

After years of wanting to play ice hockey, I recently took up the sport. I love it, but it has challenged my body using muscle combinations I have not used before. I was in NEED of a massage. I have been to more than a dozen therapists in the last 20 years, some better than others. Sadly, the best 2 I found have left the area. I took to online research, looking for a male therapist (since I have generally had better results with male therapists) and found Marcus. I met him at his home massage studio and found it warm and inviting. Marcus immediately put me at ease and made me laugh. He asked about my body and what I needed in terms of a massage. I had a 120 minute massage with him and felt like a new person at the end. The long, full body length strokes of the Esalen massage style worked wonders. He also used an organic lotion mixed with lavender and sweet basil, it smelled fantastic and really had a therapeutic effect on my muscles and mind. After the massage, he provided hot towels to clean up some of the excess lotion and shea butter he used during the massage. I have reached out to schedule another appointment and have already recommended him to friends. The whole experience was amazing. read more

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, I highly recommend Marcus for a deeply relaxing, unique and nurturing massage experience. He practices a yummy long flow style and incorporates stretches into the session. I find his presence extremely professional and warm. I am a CMT myself and I find his touch very healing, his pressure light to medium-firm and his skillful use of different techniques from Swedish to Esalen an excellent blend for sore muscles and an agitated nervous system. Sometimes I will get a great deep massage from other CMTs but my mind never seems to rest through the session - this is not the case with Marcus. As the receiver, you can tell that he is THERE with you and he is paying attention to your breathe and the way your body responds to his touch; this attentiveness can be hard to find in a spa or health club massage setting. To top off his skills, Marcus mixes his own oils and lotions using superior organic ingredients and essential oils. You will probably want to buy some from him after the session - they are so yummy! read more

This is a warning to women to not seek massages from unknown men in their "home" studios. How would you react to a massage "professional" who asks your "consent" to remove his shirt before your massage, once you are ready lying down? This is an obvious broach of accepted professional standards and puts women in an extremely vulnerable place. At best, it is a clueless move, but I would likely characterize it as his basic m.o. There are way too many other safe and professional massage choices to choose this one. I have difficulty believing that all of his reviews by women are legit. I just don't think any woman would be comfortable with such a request. No wonder he is adverse to the "sanitized" i.e. professional standards of a spa environment. There's no way he'd get away with this type of behavior. read more

I can hardly put into words the amazing massage I received from Marcus Monk. His techninques energy and positive attitude made this one of the best massages I ever experienced. His studio is impecably clean and the ambience parallels any spa treatment making you forget you are in an apartment. He is a truly skilled professional and your body will thank you now and later! #Shea4reel read more

I just got home from my first visit with Marcus; I say first because I am definitely booking with him again! Even though I arrived a little late due to public transit, Marcus was super understanding and sweet. He was totally accommodating, but didn't waste any time getting right to business. His space is very comfortable and creates a lovely cocoon of calm. He was super attentive and asked lots of important questions throughout the process. He made sure I didn't have any injuries or issues before we started, and while working he would check in to make sure I was okay. When I reacted(I'm a little ticklish) or mentioned a concern he was able to adjust without stopping the flow. His style was very balanced and even, and I was so relaxed and comfortable afterwards that I totally fell asleep! Aside from getting over the stress of moving, I wasn't looking for anything exceptional from this massage, but I feel like I just spent a day at the spa. Marcus has an amazing gift, and I definitely recommend him to everyone! read more

The best massage ever, relaxing way too yummie, clean and professional in a clean relaxing environment, very knowledgeable about body stress relief! read more

Such a wonderful experience, beautiful space and very kind masseuse. Like many people I am always running from place to place, working seemingly non stop, putting care for others above care for self I needed a moment of calm and healing. I found it though the healing hands of Marcus Monk. A 90 minute massage that was extremely relaxing and released all of the tension I was holding in my mind body and spirit. Thanks Marcus I'll be back soon!!! read more

Marcus is an amazing massage therapist! His knowledge of how the muscles relate in the body, strength, and techniques will have muscles relaxed better than any spa can! I have had massages all over the world from the Four Seasons to huts on the beaches on Asia and have never encountered a massage therapist with skill like this! His massage made my birthday unforgettable! read more

Marcus's in-home massage services are out of this world. He transformed my living room into a relaxing spa, complete with comfortable message table and relaxing music. He is trained to provide an Esalen massage (from the famous hot springs retreat in Big Sur) which is one of the most fluid and relaxing types of massages I've had to date. He ended with a 5 minute head and face massage that is, to quote, "the most delicious" bit of the session. Thanks! read more

For those of you seeking a high-quality massage from a professional (as opposed to massage parlors that advertise in lieu of something more shady), give Marcus a try. Here's why: 1) Marcus is very professional and very knowledgeable. His massage room is beautiful and peaceful, and he uses 100% vegetarian and all-natural lotions, as well as essential oils such as lavender and a few others (I didn't catch what they were). His table is heated, which is very nice in the wintertime. Even though he works out of his home, he has put considerable time into creating a sanctuary because it feels like a spa. 2) He's knowledgeable and well-versed in many techniques. When I asked him where he went to school, he said that he went to THREE different schools to perfect his technique and that he continually improves his education as time goes on. This guy knows his stuff! 3) He finds the knots and releases them, even if you don't know that they're there. When I went in, he asked me "Do you have any particular areas of aches and pains?" and I said "I don't know, just get everything!" Needless to say, he got out some pains that I didn't even know existed. 4) His sessions are very thorough. A lot of massage therapists just work the major muscles, but Marcus explained that we are 3-dimensional, and that he works the often forgotten smaller muscles which play an important part in the body's balancing system. 5) One of the best and most unique things about his session is that it doesn't hurt. A lot of massage therapists (myself included) sometimes have to dig into painful areas in order to get relief for our clients. Marcus has perfected a very gentle system of muscular release whereby you experience no pain. Basically I woke up after the session and was like "Where'd my aches go?" I was surprised because I felt relief without that after-massage soreness that you sometimes get. This man knows his stuff. After the session I felt energized and relaxed, had more energy and improved mental focus and clarity. The way that he makes it seem effortless is really part of the magic. I say, if you're going to get a massage, you're better off with this guy than some cheap massage therapist who doesn't know what they're doing. As somebody who has had a lot of massage, I can honestly tell you that quality is what counts! That's my two cents. read more

I have never experienced an Esalan message. It much more touch oriented than your typical Swedish massage with long strokes of pressure. The massage was relaxing, calming and healing. Marcus is a professional who is truly good and passionate in his craft. He intentionally breathes in such a way as to maximize or channel the healing. He goes the extra mile to make sure his client is comfortable by periodically checking in about the the pressure of his touch and adjusting the heated table as needed. He takes the time to ask questions before starting to understand his clients needs. The towels and blankets were clean; the room was comfortable and I would definately return for another session ! read more

I recently treated myself to a massage and heard about Marcus through a friend. His home is wonderfully clean, calm, and I enjoyed the music and heated table. His decor definitely put me in the mood for relaxation. I'm not super experienced with getting body work, but Marcus did a fabulous job telling me about his background in Esalen style massage and gave me a whole run down of his style and technique. He asked about which areas needed special attention, if I had any injuries, and got to work. I had never gotten a fully nude massage, and I felt like I was in very safe and capable hands with Marcus. He did an excellent job keeping me comfortable and draped, while being able to massage larger muscle groups of my body. The oils he used felt and smelled amazing. I really enjoyed his pressure, they way he checked in with me, and his thoroughness. read more

Because of Marcus' massage I have been more relaxed, focused, energized and happy!!!!! His extremely talented therapeutic massage helped me let go of some emotional baggage, heal some psychological wounds, and my whole body felt amazing afterwards. I felt truly cared for - which is not something that happens often via massage!!! (I've been getting massage for the past 16 years - and Marcus' massage was the best). He is exceptionally kind, intuitive, caring, professional and skilled at what he does!!! His environment is soothing and has a very positive energetic feel. He blended deep tissue, sport, Swedish and Esalen plus other healing modalities all in one and helped me feel amazing before, during and after the massage. I HIGHLY recommend getting massage by Marcus!!! read more

I would advise against woman coming here. It has taken me a long time to finally be able to write this review. Marcus asked for my "consent" to be able to inappropriately touch me during my massage. As stated earlier, this is a huge broach of professional standards and puts a woman in a very vulnerable place. I felt like he had been trying to warm me up little by little by "accidentally" crossing the boundary of my upper thigh to my private zone throughout the massage, and finally asked if he could touch it at the end of the massage. I realize that "happy ending massages" are a thing, but I am a 25 year old, 100 pound young looking girl who didn't feel like the supposed "happy ending" was for me. I was completely traumatized after the whole situation because I felt scared, vulnerable, and like I didn't have an option to say no since I was in his house. He seems like he is a good manipulator at using his massage skills to get a woman in a perfectly vulnerable and relaxed situation and then take advantage of them. I have a feeling he doesn't even have a real license number anymore and that's why he's practicing out of his house. read more

I found Marcus via Craigslist, and had a massage with him last Thursday night. It was great! He is a very perceptive and generous massage therapist. You can tell that he really wants to help you. He has a very good understanding of the musculature of the body. He also has all the accessories to make you comfortable--heated table, high quality massage oil and lotion, even hot towels to wipe the oils off with afterwards. He is Esalen-trained, which is also extremely commendable. We had no trouble communicating throughout the massage if I wanted lighter or deeper work. Highly recommended. read more

Minutes from downtown Oakland is a Zen space where you can receive a professional therapeutic massage at a truly reasonable rate. From the moment you takeoff your shoes and enter this private space til the time you leave, you're transported into a slower time period. The space is also filled with vibrant colors and soothing scents. One of the scents in particular is Shea butter, which therapist Marcus Monk will massage into your body, from head to toe, throughout the session. Before the session, he will ask you about injuries and concerns. Then, he places his hands on your body to transfer energy and follows it with a few minutes of dry kneeding. After the kneeding, he proceeds to apply Shea butter then he confidently extends long firm strokes into each area of your body. Before you know it, you're asleep and rested from a great 90 minute massage session. read more

Markus Monk gives a non-traditional massage that is completely relaxing! I was in a lot of pain and he just completely relaxed me with his gentle, loving touch. His place is easy to find, there is plenty of parking, and his place is artfully decorated. There are crystals that fill the place with healing energy, you can feel it right as you walk in the door. read more