Carsten
San Francisco, CA
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Rates
Sessions start at $175 for 60 minutes in studio. A 90-minute session is $250, and 120 minutes is $300—below the San Francisco average of $154 for a standard hour.
| Duration | At studio | At your location |
|---|---|---|
| 60 min Popular | $175 | Ask |
| 90 min | $250 | Ask |
| 120 min | $300 | Ask |
- Longer sessions available.
Accepted Payments
Discounts
About
Over 20 years of working with people's bodies has taught me what really matters: slowing down, paying attention, and letting the body tell you what it needs. I've spent two decades learning how to listen that way. I trained in Thai Yoga Massage at the DeonThai School in Los Angeles, and that education fundamentally changed how I understand movement and energy flow. It showed me that massage isn't just about releasing muscle tension—it's about helping someone reconnect with their whole self.
My studio is tucked away in the Laurel Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, with free street parking right outside. When you come in, we'll start something you might not expect: a standing process where I work both sides of your body at once. It feels unusual at first, but clients tell me it's when they really feel the shift happening—the tightness in their hips letting go, their shoulders dropping, their body remembering what ease feels like.
After that, we move into a full-body massage on the table. I blend whatever techniques will serve you best: shiatsu, reflexology, Thai work, acupressure, trigger point release. I'm also trained in CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki, and conscious breathwork. Some clients book a Mind, Body, Heart opening session, which layers in toning and crystal work to balance the chakras and clear blocked energy. Others come back for Life Path Guidance, where we look at your birth path and Saturn Cycle, touching on health, money, career, and relationships.
I welcome all people, especially LGBTQ clients. What matters to me is that you feel safe and genuinely cared for. I'm here to answer any questions you have.
Techniques
Testimonials
Your bodywork raises the bar for massage and healing. The pain and stiffness I came in with are gone, and I've had steady energy and mental clarity for the past three days. The energy work was incredibly effective, and the life path guidance was exactly what I needed. Our next session can't come soon enough.
I'd never had a yoga massage before, but it was remarkable. The standing portion at the beginning centers you and really brings you into your body. You stay an active participant while still being deeply relaxed, and then you get the comfort of lying down for the rest. I wasn't a yoga person, but the simple moves Carsten taught me take just a few minutes and deliver real benefits. I'd go again without hesitation.
My pain went from a 9.5 down to nearly zero. My head is so much clearer and I can actually take a deep breath and just relax again—I'd almost forgotten what that felt like. The energy work combined with your insights and guidance helped me release so much stress. I'm counting down to our next appointment.
This was healing in a way I'd never experienced before. The standing portion released tension in my lower back, and now I'm standing taller with so much more freedom in my hips. I have no pain or clicking when I walk. The long strokes, the focus on energy flow, the attention to my whole body from back to front—it all left me feeling deeply relaxed and free. I'll definitely return.
The description intrigued me, so I scheduled a 90-minute session and was genuinely surprised by how much I got out of it. Carsten has an intuitive sense of how the body holds energy and how it flows. I've dealt with chronic lower back and shoulder pain for years, and I walked out completely pain-free. He also taught me a simple breathing and stretching routine to keep that healing energy moving. Four days later, I'm still pain-free and hopeful this sticks.
I'm so grateful I found you. Days after the massage, I'm still feeling totally rejuvenated. You're a real healer with magic hands. I wasn't expecting the energy work with the crystals and toning, but it was truly holistic. Now I really understand what that word means. I'll be back soon.
I'm still floating and deeply relaxed three days after our session. During the standing process, I could feel my body adjusting and releasing held tension. I feel so much more grounded and connected, and I'm moving with much more freedom. It was a truly unique experience and I'll absolutely be back.
Thanks for squeezing me in on short notice. I'm so glad I found you. That bodywork was incredibly powerful for me. I really appreciate it.
Thank you for getting me back into my body. I got so much more than expected. The full-body massage was one of the best I've ever had, and the energy work elevated it to a whole new level. It was genuinely a mind, body, and spirit experience—stress, anxiety, and pain just dissolved. Can't wait for next time I'm in town.
Your technique is so unique and healing. I was floating when we finished and feel so much more at home in my body. The pain and stiffness in my lower back, legs, shoulders, and neck have vanished. I'm breathing more deeply and feeling calm yet energized. You're a genuine healer, and I'm grateful.
After booking based on your post, I wanted something different and more holistic. That standing portion seemed odd initially, but once I relaxed into it, I felt my body letting go—especially the tightness in my hips and shoulders melting away. You gave me exactly what my body was asking for. I'm already looking forward to my next appointment.
A powerful bodywork session and so much more. I felt rejuvenated for days afterward, much more flexible and just generally good. Spending so much time in airports Wednesday and Thursday would normally drain me, but I still felt clear-headed and grounded. Thanks so much, and I can't wait to do this again.
My first massage with Carsten was wonderful. The space felt safe for a true body and spiritual experience. He explained everything beforehand and even gave me daily homework. I'm definitely coming back. As a triathlete, I found this really beneficial for my training.
So much more than just a massage. The spiritual guidance and energy balancing made me feel like a new person.
That was such an amazing bodywork session. I'm not just relaxed—I feel more grounded and open. Your care really shows.
Three days after our massage, I'm still feeling the benefits. The simple stretches you showed me during the standing process have become part of my morning routine and my lower back stays pain-free. The life path guidance clarified so much about where I am right now and eased a lot of anxiety. Your magic touch and thoughtful guidance mean everything to me.
Hemasseur's Take
Clients consistently report that Carsten's standing massage process creates immediate, noticeable release of chronic tension—especially in the lower back, hips, and shoulders—with relief lasting days after their session. Beyond physical relief, his combination of bodywork, energy work, and life path guidance creates a comprehensive healing experience that leaves people feeling grounded, mentally clearer, and emotionally lighter. Many return specifically because the simple stretches and breathing practices he teaches help sustain the benefits long-term.
Education
May - Nov. 2008
Thai Yoga Massage Certificate
DeonThai School, Los Angeles, CA
Location
Euclid Ave & Iris Ave, San Francisco
Hours
10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. today
Details
In-Studio Amenities
Additional Services
FAQ
What makes Carsten's massage technique different?
Carsten starts each session with a unique standing process where he works both sides of your body simultaneously, helping release tension and reset muscle memory before moving into a full-body table massage. This combined approach, blended with shiatsu, reflexology, Thai yoga massage, and acupressure, is designed to address the whole person—body, energy, and spirit.
Does Carsten offer mobile massage in San Francisco?
Yes, Carsten offers both in-studio sessions at his Laurel Heights location and mobile massage services throughout San Francisco. Mobile appointments bring the same full-service bodywork to your home or preferred location.
What is a Mind, Body, Heart opening session?
A Mind, Body, Heart opening session combines full-body massage with energy balancing, including toning and crystal work to clear blocked energy and balance the chakras. Clients report leaving feeling deeply centered, grounded, and emotionally clear.
How much does a 90-minute massage cost in San Francisco?
A 90-minute session with Carsten costs $250 in studio. This includes his signature standing process and full-body massage tailored to your needs.
Can Carsten help with chronic pain like lower back or shoulder pain?
Many clients report lasting relief from chronic lower back and shoulder pain after sessions with Carsten. His approach combines deep bodywork with energy work and often includes simple stretches and breathing practices you can do at home to maintain the healing.
Does Carsten offer Life Path Guidance?
Yes, Carsten offers Life Path Guidance sessions that explore your birth path and aspects of your Saturn Cycle, including how they relate to your health, money, career, and relationships. This service is often added to or combined with bodywork sessions.
What is Carsten's training and experience?
Carsten brings over 20 years of massage therapy experience. He is trained in Thai Yoga Massage through the DeonThai School in Los Angeles, and also trained in CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki, reflexology, shiatsu, acupressure, trigger point work, and conscious breathwork.
Is there free parking at Carsten's studio in San Francisco?
Yes, free street parking is available at Carsten's in-home studio in the Laurel Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.
From the Hemasseur Team
Carsten is a massage therapist in San Francisco, California with over 20 years of hands-on experience. He trained in Thai Yoga Massage at the DeonThai School in Los Angeles and is skilled in shiatsu, reflexology, acupressure, CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki, conscious breathwork, and trigger point release. His signature approach begins with a standing process that works both sides of the body simultaneously, releasing deep tension before transitioning to a full-body table massage. Carsten also offers specialized sessions combining energy work with crystal balancing and Life Path Guidance. He welcomes all clients, with particular openness to LGBTQ individuals. His Laurel Heights studio offers free street parking and a private, calm environment. Carsten is ideal for anyone seeking relief from chronic pain, deeper energetic clearing, or a massage experience that addresses body, mind, and spirit together.
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