frequently asked questions

Unlike other bodywork centers or spas, which perform a pre-planned bodywork sequence that stays the same for each client, I provide a custom designed massage for each and every session. I take extra care to really focus on areas of tension and pain. This is a clinical massage, meaning that I will address specific areas that hold deep-rooted tension, with the goal of achieving long-term relief. I always aim to make the massage as relaxing as possible, but we will mainly aim to approach your threshold of pain in order to release as much tension as possible. If you are looking for a light pressure, generally relaxing massage, I am happy to do so, but I prefer to work more deeply. I also incorporate some energy work into each session, which strengthens the effects of the bodywork. Your time is valuable, and I always want to make sure you are getting effective work done.

We price our sessions to be more accessible than typical Bay Area rates, where a 60 minute massage can cost $140 or more. We do this to ensure that our work is within reach for those who are lower income.

Leyla offers sliding scale across their sessions — a 60 minute bodywork session is $90–$150, 90 minutes is $120–$190, and 120 minutes is $170–$250. Shorter sessions such as cupping and assisted stretching start at $35.

Whitney is not currently able to take new sliding scale clients for massage; those sessions are at fixed prices, starting at $140 for 60 minutes. Their reiki sessions are still sliding scale, at $66–$111 for 60 minutes and $99–$144 for 90 minutes.

We ask that you pay an amount that is a “stretch” but not a hardship. If you can afford to pay the highest tier (or higher), we greatly appreciate your donation. It allows us to continue to provide affordable bodywork for our community. You can always reach out to us if you’re unsure of where you fall on the sliding scale. We will never ask you to prove your income, and we will never refuse a client for paying below the sliding scale suggestion. You don’t have to pay the same amount each time if you’re a return client.

Gua sha is a Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment method in which a smooth-edged instrument (gua sha tool) is used to scrape with long or short strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissues, increasing blood flow to those areas and releasing to the exterior. In our session, gua sha will be applied following some manual massage therapy, and will be used for the desired area (common areas include back, neck, shoulders, arms, and legs). Gua sha can be used for musculoskeletal pain relief, headaches and migraines, adhesions, or to ease connection of obstructed musculofascial lines of the body, and help to promote a return to your body’s harmony.

Gua sha contraindications

• Blood thinners
• Bleeding disorders (leukemia, anemia, thrombosis, etc)
• Broken, sun burnt, or ulcerated skin
• Local edema or directly on large blood vessels
• Malignant tumors
• Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases
• Acute trauma to the body (fractures, muscular injury, etc)

Some aftercare considerations

Because gua sha is an opening treatment method, meaning it opens the pores and vessels to bring up and release internal accumulations, it is good practice to keep treatment areas covered and dry for the next day or so. It is recommended that you do not shower, go swimming, and cover up.

Whitney's home is not wheelchair accessible — there are 2 flights of stairs leading to the massage space.

We accept card, cash, and most forms of e-payment (Venmo, Zelle, and Cashapp).

Your massage will be done at my home, where I reside with my partner. During our session, we will have complete privacy. You may hear some signs of life from other rooms, but no one will ever enter the room in which we are working together.

When you arrive, I will greet you at the door and we will spend 5-10 minutes settling into the space and speaking about the session. I usually burn some palo santo in between clients to cleanse the space energetically. I will always email or text you beforehand to make sure it is OK to burn the palo santo, in case you have sensitivities. There will be hot herbal tea available, and soft instrumental music playing.

After we have agreed on a plan for the session, I will ask you to dress down to your comfort level and position yourself on the table. The table warmer will be on, and you can let me know if you need it to be warmer or cooler. If you choose to remove your clothing, I will work on you with organic jojoba oil, or lotion if you prefer. With your permission, I may also use an organic coconut and shea butter CBD cream on areas needing extra relief. If you choose to leave your clothes on, I ask that you wear something made of soft natural fibers such as cotton.

When there are 10 minutes remaining in our session, I will check in to see if there are any areas that are calling for attention before we end. Afterwards, you may relax on the table for as long as you would like. We will then reconvene and speak briefly about the session before I walk you to the door. I will take payment at the end of each session.