Ash
Berkeley, CA
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Rates
Sessions start at $180 for 60 minutes in-studio and $220 for 60 minutes mobile. Extended sessions range from $220 to $280 depending on length and location, keeping rates below the Berkeley average of $166 for studio work.
| Duration | At studio | At your location |
|---|---|---|
| 60 min Popular | $180 | $220 |
| 75 min | $220 | $250 |
| 90 min | $260 | $280 |
- Amounts listed are base rates only. Actual rates vary based on distance travelled, services provided, etc.
Accepted Payments
Discounts
About
Training at McKinnon Institute in Oakland from 2017 to 2019 taught me what integrative orthopedic massage actually means — not a single technique, but a conversation between my hands and your body's needs. That foundation has grown into something richer over thirteen years of practice: a blend of deep tissue work, neuromuscular release, myofascial cupping, structural integration, shiatsu, and Feldenkrais that lets me meet you where you are.
I work in-studio in Berkeley and travel to clients throughout the Bay Area within a 25-mile radius. Whether you're carrying chronic tension from years of desk work, recovering from an injury, or just overwhelmed by stress, I listen carefully to what your body is telling me. I check in during the session — asking about pressure, about areas of discomfort, about what feels right. My goal is never to impose a treatment plan but to help you find freedom and ease in your body.
I'm particularly drawn to working with the LGBTQIA community and welcome anyone who feels safer disclosing their needs and history with me. Beyond massage, I also offer Aguahara — a form of aquatic bodywork in a heated pool in Oakland that many clients find deeply moving and clarifying. I practice Somatic Experiencing Trauma Counseling as well, and I can offer meditation coaching and nutrition consulting if that would serve you.
If you're interested in working together, reach out with a brief description of what brought you here and any injuries or conditions I should know about. I'm here for you.
Techniques
Testimonials
Beyond excellent table work, Ash offers aquatic bodywork that's entirely unique to my experience. It feels like stepping into something almost mystical — it reaches deeply into what needs releasing on every level. The experience helped me understand what I need to let go of physically and emotionally. You really have to experience it yourself to grasp what it is.
As a manual therapist with over a decade of practice, I've received many forms of bodywork, and Ash's work stands apart from anything I've encountered. Having your body moved through water rather than pressed against a surface creates a singular and transformative sensation, guided masterfully by Ash. When I surrendered into it, I felt almost like a water being, like a dolphin. Moving underwater with subtle yet safe guidance from Ash shifted my relationship with breath in ways other bodywork never has. Receiving the work at night beneath stars and redwoods was deeply grounding. This is rare work from a rare and gifted therapist. Don't let the opportunity pass.
Ash is simply the best. His technique is outstanding, and he has a remarkable talent for focusing on the muscles most needing care. What truly sets him apart is his enormous heart and open spirit — you feel genuinely held and supported. Each session leaves me feeling healed in body and mind, as if he's supporting my life in a way that's difficult to put into words. His aquatic bodywork is even more powerful. It's like a mystical experience that touches what most needs releasing within you — almost like a journey without substances. You have to try it to understand. Work with this gifted therapist in either modality, and I promise you'll find yourself deeply healed and satisfied. It certainly won't be your last visit.
Five stars without question — one of the finest massages I've ever received. I'm very selective about bodywork and rarely feel at ease being touched, yet Ash was exceptional from the beginning. His approach was intuitive and respectful, completely aligned with the best massage experiences I've had. He asked what my body was expressing, checked in about tension and discomfort, and truly heard me. His touch was both healing and grounded, delivering exactly the right amount of pressure without me needing to constantly adjust. Ash created a space where I could actually relax, which doesn't happen easily for me. This easily ranks in my top three massages ever. The only problem is I want to recommend him to everyone, but also want to keep him all to myself so I can actually get an appointment.
I've been receiving sessions from Ash for the past year, and from day one I recognized something special about him. He has an intuitive gift for locating the places in the body that truly need attention. While he'll work where you direct him, the deepest sessions come from letting him discover what calls for care. He's skilled across multiple disciplines including cupping and aquatic work. His sessions touch me spiritually and emotionally on layers I didn't expect. He brings both intelligence and kindness, and you can feel his genuine pride in his life and work. That comes through in every session.
Hemasseur's Take
Clients consistently describe Ash's work as exceptionally intuitive and skilled, with an unusual ability to locate areas of tension and apply precisely the right amount of pressure. Beyond traditional massage, his aquatic bodywork in heated water is frequently cited as a transformative, almost meditative experience that helps people release physical and emotional holding patterns. What distinguishes Ash most in testimonials is his presence and attentiveness — his willingness to listen, check in throughout the session, and create a space where clients feel genuinely safe and cared for.
Education
Jan. 2017 - Jan. 2019
Integrative Orthopedic Massage
Mckinnon, Oakland, CA
Location
University ave & San Pablo ave, Berkeley
Mobile within 25 mi
Hours
| M: | 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tu: | 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| W: | 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| Th: | 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| F: | 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. |
| Sa: | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Su: | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
Details
In-Studio Amenities
Additional Services
Mobile Extras
FAQ
How much does deep tissue massage cost in Berkeley with Ash?
A 60-minute deep tissue session in-studio costs $180, or $220 for a mobile appointment. Longer sessions run $220–$260 in-studio and $250–$280 mobile, depending on duration.
Does Ash offer mobile massage in Berkeley?
Yes, Ash travels to clients throughout Berkeley and surrounding areas within a 25-mile radius. Mobile sessions include candles, a massage table, and music, with rates starting at $220 for 60 minutes.
What techniques does Ash use?
Ash draws from deep tissue, myofascial release, Rolfing, shiatsu, Swedish, Thai, Feldenkrais, and neuromuscular work, along with myofascial cupping and structural integration. He also offers Aguahara, an aquatic bodywork practice in a heated Oakland pool.
Does Ash work with trauma or stress-related tension?
Yes. In addition to massage, Ash offers Somatic Experiencing Trauma Counseling sessions and is experienced in supporting clients managing stress, injury recovery, and embodiment work.
What are Ash's hours in Berkeley?
Ash is available Monday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Does Ash offer discounts?
Discounts are available for students and birthdays. Contact Ash directly to discuss your specific situation.
Is there a shower at Ash's Berkeley studio?
Yes. The studio includes a private restroom with shower, as well as free parking, candles, tea, water, and soft music.
What payment methods does Ash accept?
Ash accepts cash, Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Google Wallet.
From the Hemasseur Team
Ash is a massage therapist in Berkeley, California, with 13 years of experience rooted in a two-year integrative orthopedic massage certification from McKinnon Institute in Oakland. His practice weaves together deep tissue, myofascial cupping, Rolfing, structural integration, shiatsu, Feldenkrais, and neuromuscular work — each technique selected based on what your body needs in the moment. He works both in-studio in Berkeley and mobile throughout the Bay Area within a 25-mile radius.
Beyond traditional massage, Ash offers Aguahara, an aquatic bodywork practice in a heated Oakland pool, as well as Somatic Experiencing Trauma Counseling and consultation in meditation and nutrition. He is particularly experienced working with the LGBTQIA community and with clients managing chronic tension, injury recovery, stress, and embodiment work. His approach emphasizes attentiveness and listening — checking in during sessions, respecting boundaries, and helping clients find freedom and levity in their bodies.
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