Rivka Mason

I contacted Rivka after reading good reviews on Unilocal and I was so happy I did! I had arrived in the Bay Area from London tired and jet lagged and with shoulder/​neck tension, lower back problems and fluid retention in the legs from the long haul flight.
I rang Rivka early on a Saturday and she was able to see me that day for a 90 minute massage. If you can’t reach her on her landline 510 653‑5317 she is happy for you to ring her cell on 510 502‑6450 and she is quite flexible with times. Her fee for 90 minutes is $ 110, which is well worth it.
The massage was deep, with her Thai/​shiatsu technique and the way she moves the body a lot to stretch and loosen blockages. She uses her feet to massage which is quite a powerful way of working the pressure points used in the Eastern traditions. It can be painful but I have come to recognise this pain as beneficial although I am sure she would adjust her pressure if you found it too strong as she is very open and easy to communicate with. The way she works with the whole body and energy flows means that although my body took a day or so to really have the massage ‘settle’ there was no soreness as I have had previously from some ‘deep tissue’ or ‘sports’ massages.
I regularly have Thai massage from Thai masseuses in London and Rivka’s massage was every bit as good. The 90 minutes flew by and I could have had more! I will definitely book her again on my next trip to the Bay Area.

Rivka is ice cream on a hot day, sunshine after rain, and gets out more kinks than the Folsom Street Fair.
I went to Rivka after hurting my neck/​upper back area pretty bad– to the point where I couldn’t turn my neck without it hurting. I was desperate to find a good massage– and Rivka was able to fit me in the same day I needed!
Admittedly, I am one of those people that has trouble warming up to doctors/​manicursits/​etc. but with Rivka I had no problem. First off, the massage is done with clothes on– so you aren’t by accidentally flashing body parts you would rather not. I immediately felt comfortable in her home. Her presence is relaxing and makes you feel safe. She has an air about her that lets you know she knows what she’s doing.
Now, I have never had a traditional Thai foot massage, but I was open to the idea. After some lackluster experiences in the past year, I figured it would be good to try something new. and.
HOLY CRACKERS (to borrow a phrase from a friend)!
I am glad I did. Magical feet is right. Contrary to what I originally thought, I was not weirded out by the foot technique at all– if anything it felt superior to any hand massage I have ever gotten. Rivka does an excellent job of reading your body. She has a knack of loosening muscles and finding problem areas you didn’t even know existed. Furthermore, she truly gives you a full body massage. There is no muscle left unturned.
After 90 luscious minutes, I felt relaxed, educated, and more in tune with my body. My neck felt significantly better (she also gave me a recommendation for Arnica that has come to be super handy).I have already tried to get my friends to go visit!
So, if you are looking for a massage and are a little more open than the average bear – check out Rivka. I promise you you won’t regret it.