The Reflex Symmetry method that Abel developed is unlike any other type of massage I've ever experienced. It incorporates several different bodywork modalities in a wonderfully healing way. He has much knowledge about how to heal various parts of the body, and sometimes the release of tension and pain happens right while he's doing the massage. I highly recommend his work! read more

Able is a genius! I've had different practitioners over the last 20 years of receiving body work use the methodologies that Abel uses. But no one has used all of them in combination to address chronic pain as effectively as Able. His unique approach combines true reflexology, with a before and after sensation grounding so that you can tell how much your muscles release after his intervention. This approach is unlike any traditional Swedish or shiatsu massage you may have received before and it is honestly more effective. I highly recommend working with Able. read more

Wow.. in just 60 minutes with Abel, I feel like a completely different person. It's clear that Abel is committed to his craft and an expert at what he does. I loved how eager he was to educate me about my body and how he was able to show me, in the moment, how working on one part of my body totally affects another part of my body that I would have never realized. Abel's work is a Game Changer for sure.. honestly, truly! Thank you Abel! I will definitely be reaching out to schedule more time with you. read more

This was my first time working with a reflexologist and Abel was incredible! I do a lot of physical work and was experiencing a tremendous amount of lower back pain. Normally, I would practice yoga and use restorative poses to ease my pain, but this time around they didn't go away easily and I didn't understand my symptoms. So I asked a friend for a recommendation, and he referred me to Abel. We started off with a consultation and afterwards he really understood where the source of my pain was coming from. It turns out the shoes I wore and my sleeping posture was imbalanced! Abel really took his time to explain his holistic approach and during the treatment educated me about the deep mind body connection between my subconscious and conscious body. At the end, I felt so much better after my visit and have been sleeping soundly since! I highly recommend Abel to anyone who needs a great healer, he's very professional and highly receptive to your needs as a client! read more

Abel is MAGICAL! I was expecting a good massage, possibly even great, but Abel delivers a truly unique wonderful experience by combining shiatsu, reflexology and acupressure. I was by turns energized and deeply relaxed depending on the issue he worked on. If I lived in this area, I would see Abel regularly because just one session has helped me immensely! You will not regret having Abel as your provider! read more

Great different approach to managing injuries and relieving pain. Very therapeutic, and now I feel relief.

Abel truly is a gift, and a gifted healer. If I could, I would take back all of the massages I've had in my life and channel that into bodywork with Abel. His method is unlike anyone else I've ever worked with and is effective!! He listened to my concerns and through a combination of massage, stretching and deep breathing helped me feel completely transformed. I feel taller, more limber, lighter, and much more comfortable in my body. Thank you Abel! read more

I was suffering from a intense pain in my right foot, so much that it was almost impossible to walk. Made an appointment with Abel, and he was able to see me that same day. As he was working on me, he explained what he was doing, and why. Afterwards, my foot felt much better, but the real improvement came the following day, as I was able to walk without pain again. Abel also taught me preventative measures, so I can be pro-active, and since then, life is so much more enjoyable. Thank you Abel, for your great service!! Chuck read more

Tried Abel's reflexology once so far. It is highly effective. My vision because very clear a few days after (totally unexpected as my vision got blurry a few months prior) and I felt the chi in my body flowed better after. But he is right - it's not the feel good type of massage. Worth it though. read more

This review is long overdue!! Abel is an amazing body worker. I came to him with chronic neck and shoulder pain and incredibly, within the course of the first session he was able to shift the pain out of my body. I remained pain-free for three weeks. He's a miracle worker of sorts and I try to see him at least once a month to keep my body in top condition. (Yes to Self care!) Before seeing Abel I had been getting chiropractic adjustments weekly and the treatment would help with the relief but seem to only last for up to two days. The bodywork Abel does is unlike any other I have received. The stretching he did felt like my body was having a yoga session and the massage portion was like a mix of trigger point/ deep tissue/acupressure/and ancient healing wisdom! It was holistic, grounded, energizing, and relieving. Abel presses exactly in a sore area in my feet where they are not properly landing, or other sore spots on my body and thus shows me how my body is creating imbalance and corresponding exactly to my pain. It's taking me time but slowly I am changing my posture as a result of our working together. He works from his little hippie Berkeley cottage home and from what I understand he also does house calls too. This bodywork is for those who have had many a massage and want real pain relief. read more

Abel's energy and good nature are a back seat to a very interesting technique to healing. I've done a lot of various massage but so far I love the bodywork and different approach than standard. I'm looking for long term results and a simple cheap rub down feels good for the moment , but his bring more lasting results. Abel is a cool cat and love his vibe and how much passion he has for his craft! read more

Abel is a magician. He came up with his own massage method and he really should be teaching it to therapists around the world. I did a 90 minute session with him and I've never felt better. My chronic neck, back and hip pain is gone. I finally slept a full 8 hours. His technique is unorthodox but damn does it work! I'll be hiring him again and highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for solutions to their body pain. read more

This is not a traditional massage. It's not a warm, cosy, quiet and soothing environment. It's not a digging into the muscle massage with warm aromatherapy oils. That said the outcome is amazing. The reflexology and body alignment is pain free and the loosening of muscles amazing. It's a great investment read more

amazing bodywork, very effective and lasting! Interesting approach with good results and personable attention! Thankks Abel for your gifts!

You wonder how some one can have 30+ 5 star reviews, but it's possible. Abel saved me. I had the worst neck pain, I didn't know what to do. My friend was raving about his technique, that I didn't even bother reading his Yelp reviews. She was right. He is good. He changed me. I now feel more connected to my body, and will continue to see him for maintenance. Thanks Abel! read more

Life changing massage by Abel. Let me just tell you- this man is a healer & has magic hands. I would like to say thank you for a much needed massage and for helping my body feel so much better from all the pain I was carrying around! read more

Abel brought me to healing in a completely different way with his Reflex Symmetry Bodywork. My left hand was partially disabled due to a dislocation injury over a year ago, compounded by a fall on pavement a few weeks ago. I thought my pain and disability were permanent. After just one session my hand has at least 50% better strength and 75% pain reduction. I also had pain in my left foot from a workout injury almost 4 months ago. This injury is at least 90% better after just one session. Abel is a healer with proven abilities. He brings amazing intuition, sensitivity and empathy to his sessions. I would call his results from just one session close to miraculous. I will definitely return for additional therapy, and recommend to all who are open to receiving his unique gifts. read more

I experience terrible chronic pain, pelvic floor issues, peripheral neuropathy, and insomnia (because of the pain). I have been trying for two years to get help through conventional Western medicine, and also acupuncture and Chinese medicine, but it's been a long and frustrating journey, and sometimes I just can't take it any more. COVID has made it all worse. In a moment of desperation (and finally being fully vaccinated), I thought that maybe some type of bodywork could give me some relief. I found Abel on Yelp, and gave him a call. Well, I now think that the hand of the Divine must have been guiding my choice, because he is the real deal: kind, trust-inspiring, very intuitive, very in touch with how things in the body are interconnected. I knew that with the types of problems I was having, no one was going to "cure" me in one or two sessions, but Abel does customized treatment packages, which made sense to me. We have had three sessions so far, and I actually had an entirely pain free day this week! I had almost forgotten what that felt like.... Many bodywork practitioners have a "one size fits all"approach, and just put your body through their program. But Abel is nothing like this--every thing he does is based on what he feels your body telling him, and his instincts are always spot on. He has developed his own unique methods over his years of experience, and they really work. I feel very blessed to have found him. read more

I was really impressed by Abel's work, it was different than other massages I've gotten, but much better! He was not just focusing on the "problem areas" but other areas he knows will help. Definitely give him a try! read more

This was a spiritual experience and I reconnec d with my body. Abel looks at the whole body and treats the person. It is different than any massage I've had. I feel so much better. He came to my home and it was perfect. Thank you! read more

If you want an unconventional and healing massage, this is the place to be! Abel has worked on my body for the last four years, his knowledge, wisdom and technique are awesome! If I want relief from pain this is the place I go. He can even identify my problem before I utter a word. If I let him know that my body is out of whack in one location, he works another part of my body. This is astounding, because most therapist will work the area of soreness and I end up with more pain in that area than before, and takes days before the discomfort goes away. Not with Abel! There is only total bliss and relief! Sonja read more

I was so impressed - Abel really knows his stuff! He's an intuitive healer. Knows how to loosen knots in your neck by massaging your shin bone, for example. I would strongly recommend him for anyone but particularly someone struggling with pain. Definitely will book again! read more

I was HIGHLY skeptical when the massage started. His style is very different than any massage I've ever had before AND he is highly effective. I have hip issues due to a small tear and also the way my hips are structured. Typically I deal with a low grade amount of pain unless my massage therapist puts in hours. Within the massage session the pain in my hips left. My gluteal muscles relax and I went to bed with zero pain. If you have pain come to Abel. He will make everything right. read more

Abel is awesome. I work in computers, and have my share of injuries from sports, manual jobs, and various other mistreatments. I discovered him one day randomly while at the chiropractor and resolved to talk to him about the pain in my hands, ready to try something new. On the first session I felt many times better already, and over the next 6 weeks began a course with him that has left me feeling rejuvenated to this day. I've since moved out of the Bay Area, but each time I come down I will book an appointment with Abel. He is the difference between someone who gives a person a massage so they feel good for the moment, and one who uses their craft to help people live better over extended periods. Thanks! read more

Wish I could give more than 5 stars. Discovered Abel randomly when looking for a masseuse to help with what felt like sciatic pain a week before a half-marathon. He is so much more than a masseuse - he's a healer who has an intuitive approach to bringing balance to your body, relieving pain, and he's great with communicating what and why he's doing what he does. I left my massage session pain free and will definitely go back again. Truly unlike any other massage treatment I've ever had. read more

Abel is a very gifted bodyworker who inspires your body to release tension and receive his rechanneling of energy. The massage felt very restorative and really worked to release stale built-up stress and tension jammed into my joints. He works very intuitively, I have had two massages so far, and each one was a little different, but both felt "complete" in ways that many massages don't. Abel is the real deal and having him come to my home really makes it easy. read more

Abel is pretty amazing. I've had many massages, but his is really special - a real massage TREATMENT. Healing and enlightening, worth every penny. All of the tension I had is gone after his 90-min session, and I just feel really really good. Thank you, Abel! Definitely scheduling another session at some point soon. read more

I had the pleasure of having a reflexology massage by Able before presenting at an event and was extremely impressed. As a developer, I spend most of my days and evenings sitting and standing in front of screens, usually hunched over. This has lead to massive pressure and pain in my lower back, shoulders, and neck. When we first started the massage, even touching my back without pressure made me jump, using his acupressure Able was able to work through the pain and pressure I experienced, relieving the pain and tension without me experiencing pain in the process. I was so impressed, at the end I felt I stood taller, was able to stretch out easily, and was far less stressed. I would definitely go back to Able and continue to see him and would recommend you try his amazing technique as well. read more

Abel brings you back to life! Most of us are out of whack from past trauma and daily stress. Abel has the unique ability of Knowing how to heal the body. He's got it down to an exact science, and his techniques are like no other. I have seen Abel multiple times and recently made my picky boyfriend a believer. Abel is so incredibly intuitive which makes his massage work! I don't know how many times I have left other therapists dissatisfied. With Abel I feel young again, free again, whole again, in tune. His knowledge is so vast that I am confident he can help heal pretty much Any client. He is better than the best, he IS IT! read more

I have had Extreme shoulder pain for some years now. Arthritis, Bursitis, and Job related injuries. Last year around Christmas time I fell from about 3 ft off the ground on to my shoulder.My other arm was full,and I landed with my arm behind me,I was approx. 205lbs... It has taken a good 6 to 8 months to start to feel normal again, with pain and discomfort sleeping at night and a lot of Ibuprofen. I had ONE treatment with Able, lasting a little more than an Hour, he took his time and I could actually feel relief within minutes of the session. That was 2 months ago, and although we both agree, that I need ant least one or two more sessions, I MUST STATE that I am feeling 80% better in my shoulder now than ever before!!!!!! Thank you Sir. You are a true healer.I will see you soon Read less read more

Folks I have to admit, I was skeptical going into this. I hadn't had a massage like this before but someone recommended Abel and I had a pretty bad golf related lower back injury where my hip was totally out of wack, I couldn't even stand up straight. I reached out to Abel and he said he could help so we booked two sessions. I was a little desperate here because I had a work trip comping up shortly which I would actually be golfing but with my hip the way it was there was no way I was going to be able to swing a club. I went to my two sessions and I kid you not my hip/lower back was totally fixed. Don't think twice, If you had a golf related injury like I did, book Abel, believe in the process, you will not regret it. read more

I was getting ready to go on a trip with lots of sight seeing and walking. Able gave me a massage that 'fixed' my problem areas. Best, and most productive, massage ever. I will be returning for more sessions. By the way, I am 77. Thanks, Abel! read more

5 stars indeed! Abel is very caring about his practice. My first massage was a full body acupressure massage, which was very nice. After some conversation, Abel adjusted his method for my 2nd massage to accommodate my specific needs. He stayed more focused on the areas that really needed attention, and always responded well to my requests and questions, which made the work feel very therapeutic. His authentic personal knowledge of the human body, great personalized recommendations, unique but flexible method, sincere effort to *heal*, and amazing follow up with his clients - really earns him the 5 star review. read more

Abel is truly gifted and intuitive in his craft. My wife and I have both felt the lasting results of the work he does. Most massages are relaxing in the moment, but you tense up in all the same areas hours later. After Abel's reflexology massage, you feel lighter and your movements feel more fluid. I was a bit hesitant at first about reflexology, but Abel really knows what he's doing. Best massage I've ever had. read more

Abel is an intuitive body worker who has created a style very much his own. He understands that it takes some getting to know someone, some humor, some pressure, some heart, and some exploration to kickstart your body's own healing. And he's got strong hands . I had one 2-hour session (the "breakthrough") and intend to go back for one or more shorter sessions. Check out Abel! There's no one else quite like him and I'm glad I found him. read more

Just had my first session. Not like any other treatment I have had. Abel is on a different level..

Leaving my beloved massage therapist behind was incredibly painful (literally) when I relocated to SF. Two years and at least 7 massage therapists (and possibly two dozen unsatisfying deep tissue massages) later, I finally found Abel. He uses an unconventional approach (which was apparently what I was looking for!), working intuitively and holistically with your body to identify areas of resistance, and connects with nerves points and tissue to relieve tension. The end result is a feeling of energy, release and balance and the ability to reconnect with one's body and what's going on inside it. His technique is truly healing, well beyond the massage itself. After several months of working with Abel, I can't imagine going back to a regular deep tissue massage, or to anyone else. Can't recommend highly enough, especially if you have any kind of chronic pain and feel like you need a new approach to bodywork. read more

Abel combines reflexology, massage, bodywork and much more. Someone who has taken the time to get training in so many different disciplines offers a superior treatment; I was able to feel the difference immediately. Most importantly, Able has a gift for helping people that simply can not be taught. I will definitely be back. read more

Give Abel a call if you're in pain. I could not move my neck to the left before my massage. But after my massage with Abel, I feel like a new person. I've had all different types of massage but this is one of the best therapeutic massage ever. My body is going to need a few tune ups and I'm excited I've found Abel!! read more

As a family medicine doctor, I have a hard time trying to explain to colleagues and friends on the therapeutic effects of the type of massage treatments that Abel offers. I just had to let go of trying to understand why it works and I've been going back for several years. It is unique, powerful, and has a way of simultaneously improving your mood and cause tension to melt away, by focusing on areas aside from the area of tenderness or pain. I would recommend it to anyone who is feeling at loss with pain, needing a little more grounding, and wanting a more lasting treatment that goes beyond the actual massage. read more