McKinnon Body Therapy Center

(3 reviews)

0.4 mi

Wow. Amazing, healing, restorative massage therapy performed by Suzi. My husband and I have…read morecollectively had over 80 different masseuses from LA to Las Vegas to Tokyo (we both suffer from chronic back issues) and Suzi was by far the most versatile and talented masseuse we have ever come across. The room is quaint but nicely decorated, with sound bowls, a comfortable table, perfect temperature, very cozy. We live quite far from Berkeley but cannot wait to return for our next massage. Great food options nearby as well!!

I've had a lot of massages in the past, but I'd have to say, Suzi has been the best when it comes…read moreto deep tissue! With a recent back injury, I find myself needing a massage more often for pain relief. If you have deep achey muscle knots, I highly recommend giving her a try!

Head of our Elder Council, Frank Kawaikapuokalani K. Hewett

Waiting area

Suite 1

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National Holistic Institute - Massage School

3.5

(26 reviews)

2.1 mi

This is such a hidden gem that I don't even want to share. Since this does support the students I…read moreguess I will. This is actually a massage school. The perks to the public is that the students can practice their techniques on people like me. I'm a no frills chick and am always open to a good massage. Don't come here setting high expectations. Come with an open mind and know this is a teaching environment. These graduates soon become those professional masseuse. People always have to start somewhere! It is tough to get an appointment but when you do you won't regret it as you'll have a good relaxing time getting pampered. Parking is available which is always a plus.

*This review pertains to my time at NHI Emeryville as a core program student from October 2022 -…read moreJune 2023* The good: -Most of the instructors / staff here are excellent. -The instructors and students come from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, lending to a learning environment that offers varied perspectives. -You will learn the basics of the massage industry and how to be professional in the massage world. The bad: -Ridiculously expensive. The $16k 800 hour program will get you your CAMTC certification, which you need to practice in CA. However, you do NOT need 800 hours to certify, you only need 500! -Upper management does not care about students' experiences or health. So many of the following issues were brought up to the school, but it was clear that there is no real interest in listening to students. -Older staff are culturally insensitive, unwilling to adapt, and uneducated in recent societal developments. Racist comments and sexual jokes have been made multiple times by both instructors and upper management, with no apology. No education on gender, and thus students were constantly being misgendered by staff and other students; no education on trans or gender non-conforming individuals, which is such a disservice to those communities and their ability to receive bodywork in a safe space -Instructors are underpaid at $40-45k, coming out to around $20/hr (below the living wage for CA). They often work overtime and it is unclear if they are paid for that. This is probably why there was also such a huge turnover rate. Meanwhile, the owners of the school reside in multi-million dollar homes and have literally stated that they bought NHI as a business investment, seeing a lot of potential revenue from the high tuition -The curriculum is outdated and sparse in information. They withhold info as a way to sell the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy (ANMT) program which one can take after completing the core program. When a student asked a question about anything more specific than surface anatomy, we were told that we need to sign up for the ANMT program for the answer. -Severe lack of knowledge from the instructors in the Eastern segment. Many questions were met with "I don't know, I never actually learned about this myself." Luckily, I had a classmate who had studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and they were able to educate all of us. I learned more from my classmate than the instructors. -Clinic and externship are exploitative practices. Students perform massages for free while clients still have to pay the school. This practicum concept--performing work for free until one is licensed by an arbitrary powerful entity--exists in many fields, such as social work, medical practices, teaching, and therapy, and is based on an outdated and unjust model that conflates free labor with education. -Too many hours crammed into 8 months. I was lucky to get a week off for the end of December, but other groups don't receive any breaks throughout the entire program. The 8 hour clinic day is mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. -General disorganization. They constantly messed up our attendance hours; once, due to a clerical error, a classmate of mine was almost kicked out for not having enough clinic hours. ---Other classmates experience months of delay in approval of their externship sites, forcing them to make up hours later at their inconvenience. -Online classes were unengaging and made it very difficult to learn kinesiology (the study of movement). Many of my classmates struggled greatly because there was no in-person teaching of the different movements, muscles, and bones. After hearing my feedback, the parting words from the school to me were "We would love to educate you on why we do things the way we do." No signs of actually listening and making change. From what I've heard from others, McKinnon sounds like a great alternative. They don't try to sell you anything and you can sign up for the classes you're interested in, and are not required to complete 800 hours.

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The Breema Center

(3 reviews)

2.9 mi

The Breema Center is a breath of fresh air from modern life's, fast-paced chaos. Breema bodywork…read moreis the perfect tool to help me connect my body and mind. This teaching transcends the classroom and I brought it into my everyday life. When I am present, I have more harmony in my life.

This is a GREAT place for bodyworkers. Breema is a way to practice the art of being present via…read morebodywork. I took the intensive there last summer and liked it very much. As a bodyworker, this practice brought great depth to my practice, and I know that the presence-building practices certainly save my body from injury. They also have very economical ways to receive their style of bodywork. I strongly suggest checking it out. The philosophy is deep, and I recommend that you check it out to really feel the benefits.

Online Self-Breema classes are nurturing and grounding.

Online Self-Breema classes support flexibility and balance in body, mind, and feelings.

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Body-mind connection and increased harmony.

Chi Nei Tsang Institute

3.7

(9 reviews)

0.4 mi

Last October I attended the Fundamentals of TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang training retreat in Nevada city…read more I was looking forward to expanding my knowledge working with the energy of the internal organs and five elements. My experience with Gilles Marin was unsettling to say the least. It was definitely a far cry from anything transformative. Still processing what transpired and doing what I can to transmute the heaviness. The nightmare of what I had signed up for unraveled on the first day during hands on. Gilles's warm demeanor dissipated and he began raising his voice, berating students, and making condescending comments for not having the proper technique. This made it incredibly difficult to tune in. I felt a discordance to my core and was ready to cut ties however already had so much invested so decided to try and stick it out. The next day a migraine set in halfway into class and I ended up leaving early. On the third day I was feeling good and well rested. Sat out of the morning Chi Kung since it was too cold out and wanted to preserve my energy. During sunning was chastised for not facing the sun which I'm sensitive to. Then during practical was the odd one out without a partner. One of the leaders brought this to Gilles's attention which he completely shut down and claimed that I no longer could participate because I didn't know the technique albeit was fine with me watching from afar. He repeated himself and then scolded me like I was a child and demanded I sit down. I left immediately without responding to protect my sanity and peace. Gilles has since offered no explanation, apology, or refund and has tainted my desire to further my understanding of a beautiful healing practice due to his impatient callous way of teaching. How unethical to feel entitled to a students hard earned income that wasn't even given a fair chance to absorb and apply the material. How can one learn just by watching. Anyways time is precious so I'm closing this chapter unanswered. Nevertheless am grateful for the nuggets of truth collected along the way regardless of the dissonance that revealed itself.

These classes are so needed in the world right now. They are transformational, cleansing and…read morenourishing. As a practitioner or a client I have experienced deep and profound change in my life over my years of studying with the Chi Nei Tsang Institute. I highly recommend these magical classes

Guided audio meditations on CD and digital downloads

Guided meditation classes including Fusion of the 5 Elements, Space & Boundaries Chi Kung, Bone Breathing, Sunning Meditations and more.

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Chi Nei Tsang - abdominal chi kung massage

McKinnon Massage Clinic

So glad that the McKinnon clinic is back up and running! Affordable, professional, and truly…read morecaring, talented therapists! $50 for an hour massage?! How can you beat that?!

Loved my massage with Joyce great deep tissue work on the back and neck. Easy to find, convenient…read moreto park.

McKinnon Graduate Clinic Reopening w/ COVID safety protocol - NOV 2020

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Myofascial Release of Berkeley

(29 reviews)

2.9 mi

I came to myofascial release with Tim having suffered from over 15 years of stiffness and pain that…read morehad left countless chiropractors, doctors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists stumped. It was getting worse every year. I had limited mobility in my neck, pain when waiting up in the morning, and pain doing simple tasks like cleaning the house and tying my shoes. After the first session I already felt so much better. I've done 7 sessions and I feel 20 years younger. I cleaned the house this morning and didn't get the usual back pain. I can move without constant creaks and cracks, and just feel more aligned in general with my body. I highly recommend working with Tim. He really loves what he does. He's intent on finding the source of the pain and releasing and is extremely knowledgable and practiced in his art. It was game changing for me.

Tim is the best! I have tried many different modalities for…read moremy spinal cord injury and nothing helped with the pain. After my first session with Tim, I noticed that the mussles in my back were more relaxed. The second session addressed the pain in my hip. I was on pain medication and Lidocaine patches for the excruciating pain. I had lived with the pain for 2 years prior to finding Tim. After the third session, the pain was completely gone and has not reoccured (it has been 2+years). Tim worked on my neck and chest and I noticed that I was able to breathe more deeply and my vocal cords felt less constricted and my speech was clearer. As a quadriplegic suffering with chronic pain, Tim is a Godsend. I could go on with the accolades but suggest that you give Tim a try. It may take a few sessions but it is difficult to find a practioner with the expertise that Tim has

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Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences

(8 reviews)

4.7 mi

Great staff, receptionist, students, teachers,cost effective in price with community focus…read moretreatment.

Been going for a few years for treatment of various conditions. Staff is thorough. After…read moreconsultation, checking pulses, tongue color, third year students meet with an advisor (experienced acupuncturist) and together recommend treatment. Herbs are often suggested and both raw herbs to be cooked or powder options are available. Appointments usually last approximately 2 hrs. Only down side is that students graduate and one must find a new practitioner. I've been seeing Benson and am grateful for his wisdom and treatments.

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Nina Stavinga Massage Therapy

4.8

(17 reviews)

2.4 mi

Nina was very professional, friendly, and warm throughout the entire session. She quickly…read moreidentified the areas causing my pain and applied the right techniques to provide real relief. Her communication was clear and transparent, which made it easy to trust her from the start. As someone who works in healthcare, I appreciate the value of quality soft tissue work. I also work out 4-5 times a week, lift weights, box, and train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so my body takes a lot of wear and tear. Combined with the stress of work, regular massage has become an important part of my recovery, and Nina delivered exactly what I needed. Her pricing is fair, and the quality of care is excellent. If this resonates with you, I highly recommend booking a session with Nina. Take care!

I have been a client of Nina Stavinga for years and she is one of my favorites. The pressure she…read moreuses is just right and based on our brief conversation before she begins. When I leave I feel refreshed and ready to get back to tackling whatever was twisting me into a pretzel. That reminds me, I need to make another appointment to see her very soon.

Art of Touch

(17 reviews)

4.3 mi

I highly recommend going to Art of Touch. Karin was amazing! Attentive, a great listener and…read morecommunicator, working out tough tension spots in a way I didn't even, know was possible.

I have been getting massage by Karin for many years. As others have mentioned she is very intuitive…read moreand responsive to your body's needs. She is constantly growing her expertise and gives back to children in need. I love getting massage from her and wish I could go more! Definitely check her out if you need healing, restoration, and relaxation.

Ilka Fanni - Spirals of Life Doula Services

(14 reviews)

1.3 mi

My husband and I attended a private Spinning Babies parent class with Ilka, and we found the…read moresession so valuable! After the session was over, we stepped out for a short evening walk, and I was stunned at the difference I felt-- all of a sudden I was able to walk completely comfortably. I hadn't even realized that I had been starting to waddle a bit. The following night, we had our final session of a different childbirth class, and we kept referring back to the anatomy lesson Ilka had shared with us. The information she provided made a number of the concepts covered by the other instructor so clear, and I think they wouldn't have sunk in as well without having that background. I would heartily recommend this parent session to any soon-to-be parent-- Ilka's depth of knowledge, clarity of explanation, and kindness made it one of the most valuable pieces of education we have had.

What do you say about a person whose love and presence transcends words? Ilka is just that. She…read moreassisted the birth of my son and added so many layers of support that my son found it safe to shoot out of my body in under 1.5 hours! Unwavering in her calm, collected being, there's a steadiness to Ilka unrivaled by anyone I've ever met, frankly. In my experience of childbirth (I've had 2 babies, both at home. Ilka attended the second birth 9 months ago), safety isn't derived from statistics, formulas or algorithms. What you want and need is a birth worker who will go with you there, 100%, no holding back. And honestly I can't remember anyone doing anything when I birthed my son but I know Ilka was there. She kept it locked down tight just by being in the room. And not all birth workers create a container like that. It's a skill you don't know you need until you have it ...or don't have it as was the case with the birth of my first child. Thank you, Ilka. You're forever woven into the fabric of my family in this amazing human tapestry. We love you.

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Alma's Children Garden

4.6

(32 reviews)

2.4 mi

My child attended Miss Alma's in 2020. My descriptions may be outdated…read more - What's great: The dreamy backyard, breakfast included, sweet teachers, fun activities. - Not the best: Alma would only take payment by cash. No checks, no Venmo, no nothing. I had to go to the bank every month and withdraw and deliver nearly $2,000 cash, for which I received a handwritten receipt. Huge hassle, not very safe, and did not not feel professional. I hope this is no longer her policy. Overall, this was a good daycare for my child when she was a young toddler. I think Alma sends kids to attend preschool once they turn 3.

Our twins have been attending Alma's Children Garden since they were 2, and watching them grow and…read moredevelop over this past year has been amazing. As a working parent, finding a daycare that provides both a safe environment and genuine care for your children is everything - and Alma's delivers on both. The facilities are clean, secure, and well-maintained. But what really sets this place apart is how the caregivers truly nurture each child. I've watched my twins go from shy toddlers to confident 3-year-olds who wake up excited to go to "school." They've developed social skills, learned to share and communicate better, and come home singing new songs and showing us art projects they're proud of. What gives me peace of mind every day is knowing that when I drop them off, they're not just being watched - they're being cared for by people who genuinely want to see them grow. The staff remembers little things about each child and shares those moments with us at pickup. My daughter now counts to 20, and my son has become so much more expressive, and they are both come home each day smiling. We've had nothing but positive experiences here. The communication is great, the environment feels warm rather than institutional, and most importantly, my children are super happy. They actually get upset on weekends when they realize it's not a school day! If you're looking for quality childcare in Emeryville, I highly recommend Alma's Children Garden.

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Mechita Temescal Child Care & Preschool

(8 reviews)

3.1 mi

We couldn't be happier with Mechita Preschool! Both of our children (ages 3.5 and 1.5) attend, and…read morewe feel so lucky to have found such a special place. The staff are incredibly warm and attentive, and with a small cohort, every child gets so much individualized love and care. It's a play-based Spanish immersion program, and our kids are thriving in the fun, creative environment filled with art and local excursions. For working parents, it's a dream. The hours are great (8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.), they provide all the high-quality, nutritious food, and they are a massive help with potty training. Our kids are happy, learning, loved, and excited to go to school every day (3.5yo is often disappointed on the weekend when she finds out it's not a preschool day). We wholeheartedly recommend it to any family looking for a nurturing and supportive Spanish immersion preschool.

Mechita's provided a wonderful environment for our daughter! A very loving family that makes…read moreincredible homemade, healthy meals - and even got our daughter loving broccoli and kale. Full Spanish immersion, educational games, lots of music and dancing. They are absolute pros at potty training and have built a lovely community of families around the daycare. Highly recommend!

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Woolly Mammoth Child Care

(3 reviews)

0.7 mi

My son has been at Woolly Mammoth for almost four years now - first in Mayra's and then in Emilia's…read moreclassrooms. The school has become such a big part of our lives, I can't imagine what it would have been like without them. The teachers are just the right mix of warm and firm, enforcing rules and bringing in parents for discipline problems as needed. I've asked Mayra and Emilia both for parenting advice at different phases including timing on potty training, napping, and how to delicately handle Santa as a conversation topic. Recently when I went in for my son's fifth birthday, Emilia sat down on the playground and was bombarded with toddlers hugging her from every angle. This place is full of love. There seems always to be a special event happening, a new craft or plant coming home, and so many stories about friends and fun teachers. My son loves it and I will be sad to leave when he graduates later this summer.

Woolly Mammoth is one of Berkeley's best kept secrets. It's a small preschool in central Berkeley…read morethat was recommended to us via word of mouth. Our daughter LOVES her school. The co-directors Mayra and Emilia have been running the school with love since the 90's and they truly shower the children with warmth, love, and kindness. They hug the children and say "I love you." I feel so at ease knowing my daughter has a secure base of love and care when I'm not around. She even calls me Emilia on accident sometimes and it truly warms my heart. There is a great focus on social and emotional development and my daughter has learned so many great social skills including how to navigate conflict with peers. In addition, the teachers expose the kids to academics via engaging science lessons and fun activities. My daughter is already learning to write and recognize letters at age 3. She can spell her name! They have so many enrichment activities built into the schedule including Spanish class, music class, and dance class. My daughter looks forward to the monthly theme days such as silly sock day, superhero day, and Piñata day for Cinco De Mayo. Woolly Mammoth is a dream!

Outdoor painting

Music Wednesdays

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Happy Holi Celebration

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19 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Misch A.

13 years ago

I chose McKinnon after a thorough look at schools: I visited, talked to instructors, staff, and students, sat in on a class, assessed programs and costs of each. Though I live in SF, the longer commute was worth it over closer schools and two NHI campuses. Some of the reasons: - Personalized education. I can choose study tracks according to my interests and combine them toward certification levels. It's not a cookie-cutter education, yet it can be well rounded. And by enrolling in various classes of my choosing, I get lots of different classmates who bring different experiences and enrich my learning. - Class size. Max 12 typically, which is ideal. - Variety of modalities. Western, Asian, sports, energy work: you can explore a lot here and open yourself to surprises. And the general attitude is open-minded, more "here is a good way" than "this is THE WAY." - Excellent instructors. They are active, experienced practitioners as well as teachers, and that really makes a positive difference. I've been so inspired by so many. They care about the students, and they care about the profession. The team-teaching model is well organized, and if one instructor doesn't quite "sink in" a concept or technique for you, then the other one offers another opportunity. - Great students! McKinnon draws a wonderful variety of students: younger, older, newbies, pros, those training for a career and those exploring a personal interest. But everybody is there because they really want to be (contrast to another school which felt like vocational high school to me) and they enrich the learning experience and fun. - Good value. The staff are professional and warm (and are massage professionals too) with guidance and continuing support. The facility is modest, well equipped, and comfortable. I like knowing I'm not paying for an inflated recruiting, marketing, and admin budget. I'm approaching 500 hours and have taken the better part of all 3 tracks plus a few electives. Overall, it's been an experience beyond my expectations and I'm pleased to recommend McKinnon to thoughtful bodywork students. read more

Amanda B.

13 years ago

I passed by McKinnon several times and one day decided to go to the very informative orientation and was hooked. I signed up for Swedish the next day and saw one of the people in orientation had done the very same thing. The people make the place. It's inviting - a big house with unique rooms for each class, a student lounge, a kitchen and a wonderful garden to sit and enjoy lunch with your classmates. Bekah is one of those people that makes you feel like you are the only one in the room. She helps you through the paperwork, payment plans and purchase of books. She truly welcomes you and then you really don't want to study anywhere else. The teachers are amazing. They are beyond understanding and very knowledgeable in the field in which they teach. They are practicing bodyworkers and bring a real-time feel to the material. They dissect a lot of information and make it approachable and fun to learn. Linda is a phenomenal educator. She covers anatomy, which tends to be overwhelming in its vastness, and she makes it memorable by making games to play throughout the class. Somehow the information soaks in while you're laughing and learning. Each class builds on the others but you can take them in any order you wish or go into a linear program. There is always something to learn and someone to teach you a new way. Any spare time is filled with students jumping on tables to get and give massage and discuss what they learned that day. When you finish an eight hour class on a Friday night and you have to wrap up your massage in three minutes and the entire class whines.."Oh, already?..." because they want to keep going, you know you've found a place that epitomizes the depth and diversity of learning that is such a rare treat. read more

Cal M.

14 years ago

I was having muscle aches and needed massage therapy to ease the pain. I didn't have a regular therapist in the area, and didn't really find anyone I especially liked after looking online. I found McKinnon Institute on Yelp, and decided to give it a try. Since the clinic operates by a sliding scale, it's much more reasonably priced compared to massages I used to get at a gym or spa. I went in for my first massage in February, and did a quick intake -- telling the therapist which parts of my body needed work most. We decided on a moderate deep tissue massage, with added vibrational work. Throughout the massage, the therapist regularly checked in with me, confirming if the pressure is right. She was really professional and thoughtful. What impressed me was that she had an intuitive sense of soft tissue work, and it was just what my body needed. I had more "technical" deep tissue work done at a hard core sports facility in the city, where each tissue felt separated and knelt over. But that wasn't a particularly pleasant experience -- I felt like a iPad being refurbished. In contrast, the massage I got at McKinnon was a uplifting and satisfying. The therapist had the techniques down, and her intuitive healing touch worked magic on my body. I went back to McKinnon for a second massage on a different day (students/therapists staff the clinic on different days of the week). To my pleasant surprise, the second therapist was fantastic as well, and had her own unique style and emphasis. She was easy to talk to, and worked some knots out of my system. Overall, I was entirely impressed by the high quality of the students, and the level of consistency I got each time. read more

Simone C.

13 years ago

I'm currently enrolled as a student at McKinnon and am completely loving the experience. I find that the School itself has a warm welcoming down to earth energy about it. The teachers I've attended and am attending classes with have been and are knowledgeable and experienced as well as kind and sensitive. I appreciate that many of the teachers are very holistically oriented and open minded. I also love that it's strongly encouraged for students to develop their own unique approach as practitioners. I also think it's great that that they really prepare you well on many levels including encouraging developing a good business sense so that you'll feel more feel confident and prepared in that regard too when you begin practicing professionally. I also love the broad selection of classes to choose from, from Craniosacral to Thai massage. I would love to see Lomi Lomi massage & Ayurvedic massage offered here someday too but All in all I totally love McKinnon! read more

S C.

7 years ago

Five stars is not enough. I have been suffering from headaches and neck pain for years and seen multiple medical doctors specializing in pain management, physical therapists, chiropractors and acupuncturists and not a single one has treated me with the care and attention that Paul De Kroon had provided. His knowledge of anatomy and associated soft tissue pathology is immense. Paul's technique is gentle when needed and yet also pushes you to your limits to gain as much as possible from a session. He is constantly adjusting and rethinking his approach; tailoring it to your unique condition and even doing extra research when he discovers something less common. Paul always gives 110% and truly cares about his clients. He is kind, compassionate and nurturing, a deeply generous and beautiful soul. He is a healer and anyone would be lucky to have him as their therapist or teacher. I feel so grateful to have Paul's help and my headaches are finally improving! read more

Amanda F.

123

14 years ago

McKinnon is a wonderful place to learn. The instructors are experienced, super-nice, and well-versed. The atmosphere is very supportive. Plus, McKinnon offers a great program for students-- their program is modular, so students can choose their own course of study. It's not cookie-cutter. I went there already having gotten a four-year degree but my career has been built on the skills I learned at McKinnon. I earned all my hours here back in 2008-2009 in modalities that include Esalen certification, deep tissue, Reiki, pregnancy and infant massage, chair, craniosacral certification, human pathologies certification, and business classes, among others! I know I'll keep coming back to McKinnon for continuing education credits. People should check out the co-owner Selena's non-profit Health Touch, too. It helps teen moms in the east bay learn about the importance of appropriate, loving touch with their infants. Two thumbs way up for McKinnon. Love them! read more

Robyn S.

18 years ago

A big yes to everything Alex T. said. I did my first (400 or so) hours of training at McKinnon in Oakland, and I'm so grateful for the practical, grounded training I received there. Classes were easy to schedule, and offered in a format that made my education affordable. After nearly 10 years in the field, I have to say McKinnon graduates stand out from the rest. Their quality of touch tends to be more refined, their professional ethics and boundaries firmly established, and their command of the modalities they've studied is more solid. This is why, now that I'm not seeing new massage clients, I find that I'm referring exclusively to McKinnon grads. I didn't start with that bias (and would of course be open to any good practitioner), but after trying out several therapists, it was clear to me how well McKinnon teaches. read more

Janey K.

15 years ago

I am in the middle of my second class at McKinnon and I am in LOVE with this school. After looking into all comparable programs in the bay area I chose McKinnon because of the a-la-carte programming. This makes sans that every time you take a new modality you have the opportunity to work with different professors and different classmates. This kind of variety was absent in the school where I recieved my original training where I was working on the same bodies for months. Another great thing about McKinnon is that they keep their class sizes low. Both of my classes had four students in them. Four. The programming is well developed, the staff is knowledgeable and you can have all the specialized attention you need to really master the art of massage. I am a huge fan of this school. Five stars aren't enough. read more

Sarah O.

15 years ago

I am nearing the end of my first 100 hours of training at McKinnon. I have had nothing but positive experiences there. I would recommend it for anyone looking for an introduction to or continuation in studying bodywork. Some highlights include: - small class size with lots of individual attention - multiple teachers for a wide variety of experience and expertise - many days and times available for different schedules - lots of different modalities offered - incredibly calm and nurturing atmosphere I have also booked and received a massage from a graduate and professional massage therapist at McKinnon. It was a delightful experience. Finally, McKinnon's office manager Bekah is wonderful and has made every interaction and transaction easy. read more

Hamish T.

14 years ago

I am a student at McKinnon school of body therapy, studying my first 100 hrs Swedish Massage. This is a thoroughly professional organization where the teachers are a delight and the learning environment relaxed yet purposeful. An array of teaching skills brings variety and interest in a field that will bring a greatly diversified audience. It is obvious that all teachers have a vested interest in the school and the success of the school is also obvious in the impressive number of students always in the classes - though they keep class sizes small enough to be ,personal,. I'll be back next year to study Shiatsu and other modalities. read more

Ronald M.

15 years ago

After almost a year of dealing with a high stress job and a wife going through a difficult pregnancy, this place was a godsend. I went in thinking that there was no way that this could relieve the tension and stress in my back and shoulders, but they soon made a believer out of me. I had a most excellent masseuse named Wakanda who really took her time and hit every single area that I was holding stress in and took it all out. Afterwards my wife said that I had a sparkle in my eye which she hadn't seen in months. I will defiantly be going back and recommending this place to my friends. read more

Ronald C.

13 years ago

I recently moved to the bay area, and I was looking for a professional yet affordable clinic for massage. I found the McKinnon Body Therapy Center, which makes things affordable with their sliding scale--$40-60 an hour, depending on what you can pay. Even if you can only pay the $40, like me, they do not skimp on attention or care. If your back aches, you're stressed out, or need a pick me up--this is the place to go. read more

Allison M.

18 years ago

I can't say enough good things about McKinnon. The classes are interesting, the schedules are convenient, and Carl and Selena (the owners) are caring and flexible people who really support their students and want them to succeed. The atmosphere is totally professional and totally laid-back at the same time. My favorite thing about McKinnon is the awareness of bodywork as a healing art, not just meat tenderizing! read more

Heather S.

18 years ago

McKinnon is the best place to go if you want solid training in massage therapy and also want a great experience! The school is small and groovy. It feels like one big happy family, living and learning together. You can tailor your classes to what you're interested in. The staff and the teachers really care about the students and the community at large. Enjoy! read more

Alex L.

13 years ago

Wonderful. This 90 minute massage was exactly what I needed. My body felt good for a week after. Plus everyone is so kind and makes you feel very comfortable. The place is very clean and has the tranquil energy of a meditation center. The entire experience was healing to my body and spirit. I will certainly come back here in the future! read more

Dave R.

15 years ago

The Best!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really, forget the rest You will enjoy the love and compassion the this school emanates. It made me go back to school and work on my degree I loved learning so much. It really felt like a great home. I miss everyone dearly and wish them love and kindness. Stop by one of their open house nights Dave read more

Sydney G.

13 years ago

McKinnon Body Therapy Center is an amazing place! Their students have volunteered to come to the Women's Daytime Drop-In Center in Berkeley to give chair massages to the women of the center. This Center is so gracious and very educated about the body and massage! Thank you! read more

Rochelle G.

14 years ago

I love that I found McKinnon! I come all the way from Wyoming to tame classes here. The classes are small, the teachers are excellent & they allow you to take the classes you want to build your skills in a unique manner. read more

Michael M.

7 years ago

Reposted review at McKinnon Massage Clinic.

McKinnon Body Therapy Center - adultedu - Updated July 2026

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McKinnon Massage Clinic

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So glad that the McKinnon clinic is back up and running! Affordable, professional, and truly…read morecaring, talented therapists! $50 for an hour massage?! How can you beat that?!

Loved my massage with Joyce great deep tissue work on the back and neck. Easy to find, convenient…read moreto park.

Nourish Osteo and Wellness

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This is a review for Hyon Joo at Nourish Osteo. I've been seeing Hyon Joo at Nourish Osteo's…read moreSkyline Blvd location for several months, and I always leave her treatments feeling deeply relaxed. I have had chronic neck pain for years, and her subtle but powerful work has given me a lot of relief. Moreover, her observations about subtleties of my alignment have helped me notice postural imbalances, which is giving me the opportunity to learn to correct them. She is a kind and knowledgeable practitioner. I look forward to my next treatment.

I discovered Nourish Osteo 2 years ago when I was struggling to support my 7yo daughter with Dowb…read moreSyndrome who had "behavior" issues at school (think pinching, hair pulling). I was at my wits end until a friend suggested finding an osteopath. The experience has been a game changer! Kylie and her team are amazing! They are so attentive and attuned to their patients. After routine appointments for several months to support Abby's body's ability to help her regulate her she is on maintenance mode and visits every month or two. She loves to hop up on the table now and have Anthony do her "jellies". For myself, after observing all the benefits that she gained, I treated myself and find it so valuable for my emotional and physical well-being. Having had recent shoulder and foot injuries, I can attest to the value of these techniques for restoring my health. Although insurance won't reimburse, you can use your FSA dollars for reimbursement Don't hesitate! Book an appointment

Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences

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Great staff, receptionist, students, teachers,cost effective in price with community focus…read moretreatment.

Touch With Intention

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Jo at "Touch With Intention" is a unique bodyworker whose energy is unlike any practitioner I've…read moreexperienced. There is a deep, grounded calm in the sessions that makes it easy to feel safe and supported. My posture and neck mobility have definitely improved, and I look forward to upcoming intraoral work. This is not a typical massage -- to me, it is an opportunity for life-changing physical transformation. I experience Johanna as an artist, and their work to be high art, and I am infinitely grateful to have found this gentle, yet powerful healer.

Just floated out of my deluxe facial massage session. Everything was perfect from the moment I…read morewalked through the door - Pressure, the attention to detail, focus on tense muscles, checking in to make sure I was comfortable, and the great smelling and feeling products. It was just what I needed to start a holiday weekend. Highly recommend and looking forward to trying more services

Cary Skywalker - Interdimensional Body & Energy Therapist

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I've been getting bodywork for many decades. It's always been musculoskeletal in nature. Cary has…read morebeen introducing me to the value of energetic bodywork. As he says, "It's the source of..uh..everything." Excellent! Cary's work, especially his energetic/sound healing, is the real deal! -Dr. Matt Green, D.C. His chiropractic neighbor

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Sequoia Healing Clinic and Spa

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I would not recommend the place. Massage isn't great, the place isn't nice and the customer service…read moreis bad, plus my apple watch got stolen here.

Before went to Sequoia Healing Clinic, my right side middle finger very pain whenever I try to bent…read moreit. It can only be straight. After did 2 times Accupunture, now my middle finger pain got little bit better and can bent a little bit without feel very pain. Thank You!

Table 4 One

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I have been going to Table 4 One for many many years...decades! Shurrone is the absolute best! She…read moreis adaptable to your needs and is excellent with resolving kinks and issues. She is so knowledgeable about the body and how to provide relief. I can't recommend her enough.

Great massage Great price…read moreVery Professional Will definitely book another session in the future. Highly recommended.

Energy Matters Acupuncture & Qigong Oakland

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Gail Whang is an excellent teacher. I've had the privilege of her classes for about a year (part…read moreA,B) Qi Gong has given me tranquility, centeredness, and inner calm while at the same time improving balance and strength. Its so wonderful to have this tool to heal oneself

Marina Wellness

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What a wonderful place this is, I'm very impressed. Almost no wait, no price gauging. Other places…read moreI called were $130-$300 with long waits. Very clean and Miss Isabell was wonderful to interact with. We called ahead, and when I said ok I'm on my way, my daughter and I were welcomed with smiles and grace. Please don't change! This has been a fantastic experience. Even the physical itself was done with care. Thank you so much your tear is top tear!

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