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Apotheca Skin Body Wellness
Rating Details »
Categories: Massage, Skin Care, Acupuncture
Neighborhood: Financial District582 Market St
Suite 612
(between 2nd St & Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 573-9077
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
88 reviews for Apotheca Skin Body Wellness
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
1/20/2009
10/20/2009
9/26/2009
7/29/2009
10/18/2009
Updated - 3/11/2009
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Updated - 12/17/2008
11/23/2007
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
Seriously amazing.
I had never had a massage before visiting Apotheca, but I think that it will become very easy for me to be addicted.
Before we started, Eri sat with me so we could discuss my needs for this massage and for future therapy. He noticed that I'm a sloucher, so he worked on the muscles that needed to be loosened to prevent that.
After 70 minutes, I was so relaxed and almost melted into the table. Sooooooo gooooooood. Helped my back much more than the chiropractor...
My first experience with Apotheca was buying my then-boyfriend a gift certificate for the Champissage head massage. He hates massages, but he always liked a good head scratch. He loved Kirsten & if he wasn't a broke student he would have taken up massage w/her regularly. I figured if she can earn the trust of someone who can't stand being touched, she & her troupe are worth a shot. SO glad Yelp pointed me their way.
I've now had massages from Kirsten, Sari, & Eri. They are all incredibly friendly and competent. I've always preferred to have female doctors and massage therapists, but I couldn't get Kirsten or Sari one time so I went for Eri. He is fantastic! I've seen him many times now, and I could not recommend him enough. He can really dig into spots between shoulder blades that other masseuses have shied away from. Of course he never uses more pressure than you can handle, so if you're into the light massages, he is your man as well.
I honestly don't think spending a couple minutes in the hallway (don't go upstairs if you're really early, get some See's Candy) is any more awkward than sitting in a waiting room with a snooty receptionist & a bunch of other clients, so their set-up doesn't bother me at all.
It was my first massage @ Apotheca, received pregnancy massage gift certificate from sister who read all the yelp reviews. Its definitely a different kind of location as its in the Hobart building with offices and you walk into a massage room, with a very nice comfortable setup. Only had difficulty finding parking and ended up parking at the Crocker Galleria garage (closes @ 7 PM, only a block away).
Kelly sat down with me first to discuss how far along I am, any injury history, my trouble spots, etc. I felt comfortable and told her where I wanted her to focus; also during the massage to tell her stuff I forgot to mention. She used 2 additional pillows one for me to hug and another for between my knees/ankles. She did everything I wanted; got all the knots out of my trouble spots that are very hard to reach and left me feeling very relaxed.
I would highly recommend Kelly for a pregnancy massage. It would be an ideal place if I still worked downtown SF for a massage after work and get on BART right after.
I just had my first EVER facial with Kirsten. It was amazing!!
Kirsten is so nice that I thought I knew her for a while?!?!?!
I loved it so much I told my husband to get one too!!! and I think he will?! LOL
She is very honest that even told me I don't have to get facial month cuz so far my skin condition is ok. so you can tell that she is not money-minded!
one thing you have to keep in mind is WHEN THEY SAY DON'T BE EARLY, IT MEANS DON'T BE EARLY!
there is no waiting room so you have to wait on the hallway! so don't be early!!!!!
I was looking for an esthetician who I could see regularly and would be able to help improve my skin quality. It was important to me to find someone who would get to know my skin and educate me on holistic ways to improve it (congestion is my main problem). I've now been working with Kirsten for several months, and am so glad that I found her. She's awesome and truly cares about the health of my skin.
I highly recommend working with Kirsten. She's busy...so you'll find that your appointments become sacred, and book in advance!
I'm feeling obligated to re-review Apotheca because I think my previous review doesn't do it justice.
This is an amazing practice at which to get both massages and facial treatments (both of which, thankfully, I've had many). Not only is Kirsten incredibly helpful and patient, she does everything she can to make you feel comfortable and provide peaceful relaxing services. I wouldn't get a massage anywhere else. All the 5 star reviews are warranted. I never feel rushed. I get such targeted personalized treatments here, that sometimes I forget that Kirsten has other clients.
And lastly, but very importantly, I love that Apotheca supports good causes! The generosity that flows from this practice is unique and so appreciated.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/21/2007
This is a lovely place to get a massage.
Kirsten is wonderful. I think she was more in touch with… Read more »
WOW! Kirsten gave me the best facial I've ever had. She's so sweet and genuinely concerned about your skin, and she makes sure that you're very comfortable throughout the entire time. Kirsten is an expert in massage as well, and her facial/neck/shoulder massages ARE TO DIE FOR! She seriously like massaged me for the longest time. She also gave me a lip balm as a gift when I commented on how good it tasted when she applied it on my lips.
You must, must get a facial here. You will not regret it. It's also REALLY AFFORDABLE! YAY! I love you Kirsten!
A few days ago I found myself in severe pain, my neck and shoulder were so stiff that lifting my arm above my head required more effort than I could handle. After running to yelp, I called and set an appointment for a massage. I set an early appointment only to find I couldn't get out of work, so I called to reschedule and they were completely accommodating. Today (day after) - I am able to lift my arms above my head = no pain and I feel more relaxed in every way.
- There is no waiting room, so expect to wait in the hall if you are early
+ It is not a spa with frills
+ The room is small, simple, calm and relaxing
+ Eri is awesome - he takes the time to explain everything and listened to me and my needs/expectations
+ The price is very reasonable
+ Quality of service exceeded the massages I have gotten at other spas
This is a place you go when you want to take care of yourself not pamper yourself.
Just had my first appointment (of many, I predict) with Kim at the Downtown location which is very conveniently located in the Hobart Building at Market & Montgomery. This is not a foufy spa operation; it is a tiny, quiet space for serious bodywork. Kim knows all different modalities and takes an integrative approach. If you're looking for someone who knows trigger points, this is the therapist to see. My shoulders and hips need a ton of work and in a matter of a short 40 minutes, she had my concrete muscles down to the consistency of crunchy peanut butter. She's so full of knowledge and insight and offers lots of advice for "muscle management".
Like I wrote, this is not a foufy spa with lots of oils and pan flute music. This is serious bodywork that can be somewhat painful in the execution but the moment I sat up I felt completely different, aligned, and with much better posture. As pricing goes, I wish it could be a little less expensive so I could go weekly for the rest of my life, but you get what you pay for and I feel I got a great value. Honestly, this is the type of work that should be covered by medical insurance, it's that effective!
I've only had a facial with Tess, who was awesome. She's friendly and answered all my questions about what she was doing to my face and what she was putting on my face -- it was my first facial ever in 24 years (loooong overdue) and I didn't feel like she was annoyed by my a hundred and one questions. The extractions didn't hurt either. I thought they would because that's what everyone says but the pain level was only as bad as a brow wax.
Although I did get a complimentary brow wax, too. It was maybe 75% of the pain I experience at my usual place. Tess said it had to do with the wax they use... I don't really remember because I was more focused on the "I just got waxed? Really?" sensation.
Anyway, my face was nice and clean after and soft like kitten fur.
I already have another appointment with Tess, so I'm definitely going back. My fiance goes to her too for facials and backcials (that's what we call back treatments, hehe). He likes her a lot; he definitely appreciates that no one makes him feel weird/embarrassed for being a guy getting facials and having lots of congestion.
As for Kirsten, I haven't had the chance to get a facial from her since she was completely booked up to her pregnancy leave when I found Apotheca on Yelp. But she's always really friendly in her appointment reminder emails. I wouldn't mind getting a facial from her at some point.
Pretty good stuff.
However, something worth noting: I booked a 90-minute custom facial on-line. I thought that meant the facial was going to be 90 minutes, but actually the facial was more like an hour, as half an hour was spent on the facialist asking me about my skin care routine. All in all, that's fine, but in comparing prices and services, I thought I was paying for 90 minutes of facial pampering. So that's something to keep in mind when you show up to your appointment, try to keep the Q&A session to a minimum as that counts towards your time.
Tess (the facialist) is a very nice lady, I shared a lot of laughs with her and learned a lot from her about skin care. Also, the extractions didn't hurt, but that kind of made me wonder if my skin was getting thoroughly cleaned. The last facial I had made me scream bloody murder, so I asked Tess why it didn't hurt when she did it. She said it's because you don't necessarily have to dig that hard to extract grime/ congestion from your pores. If that is true, I am going to find my old facialist and smack her.
One thing I really liked was the products they used on me. I'm a beauty junkie and I know my way around a C.O. Bigelow/ Long's Drugs/ Sephora/ whatever. I have never seen the Tu'El (or 2 El) products they carry there. The product line is based in Oakland is made locally from good ingredients. I bought the peel cream (extra fine exfoliant) and it's brilliant. I also bought a citrus scented cleansing product. I was excited to bring them home and introduce them to my happy family of products :)
But yeah, I thought Apotheca was on the more inexpensive side of the spa world. But $115 for 60 minutes of facial and 30 minutes of skin care Q&A. I don't know if other spas are like this and actually intend for your 90 minute appointment to include Q&A/ etc. but that's one thing I wish I fully understood when I booked my appointment, because $115 for 60 minutes is actually very pricey.
It's my birthday and I should be off making myself look presentable since as of today, I can no longer rock the "barely legal" thing and have to start looking like a grownup, but I just HAD to come on Yelp and tell ya'll how fucking amazing Miss Kirsten is. Let me tell you why, in handy list format:
1) Online ordering & payment. Huge points for me because I am a nerd and like to conduct everything on the computer. I hate calling places and leaving messages and I hate confirmation calls because I don't answer the phone. Just email me. I was able to pick my appt time, get handy confirmation emails from Kirsten and a reminder email two days before. Love it. Her rates are also really reasonable, the 100 dollar for 100 minutes is perfect and worth every penny.
2)Not a spa - it feels so much better to give your cash to the actual practitioner instead of some silly spa. Also, no bitchy receptionist to deal with or pushing of products. I appreciate Kirsten's no-tip policy - your payment covers it all!
3) The massage itself was amazing, I opted for the 100 minute treatment and I swear I felt like it was 30 minutes. This is not always the case with massages, there is nothing less relaxing than just laying there and wishing it was over. Kirsten is very talented - I told her I had office monkey disease and she went to town on my knotty shoulders and busted up hands. I asked for pressure (I hate pussyfoot massages) and I got it. I loved the foot reflexology and the "burrito" treatment on my back was just what that tired thing needed. The best thing was that she really listened to what I told her I wanted/needed and delivered. I hate going to massages where I tell the therapist to please focus on my neck and shoulders and then they just totally ignore what I said. Not so here.
4)Her home studio is very well done. The music isn't overpowering or cheesy. There aren't any aniamls, it doesn't smell like weed or patchouli and it' s set up so that you don't feel like you are invading her personal space. The location is great and you can go shopping in Hayes afterwards!
5) Finally, Kirsten is super nice and has a very soothing presence. She doesn't talk about hippie bullshit and about "energies" and "chi". Since it was my birthday, she was nice enough to give me a small cake from Citizen Cake. A massage and baked goods!? It doesn't get any better than this.
So, go to Kirsten. It's worth it. I know I'll be going back!
OK, people--when you're right, you're right! And you were oh-so-right this time! I've been to Apotheca three times now and have felt horribly guilty for not yelping about it already. MUCH too relaxed to bring my hands to the keyboard, much less return to work afterwards (though I have tried). But it's all good. Kirstin is truly wonderful and very deserving of the praise she has received. Clearly, she enjoys her work, is excellent at assessing what is needed and delivers. If you've had the good fortune of an Apotheca experience, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Life is just that much nicer.
April 2008 update: I enjoyed massage and reiki with Kirstin many times during 2007, and must give her credit for helping to get me through a particularly rough time in my life. A few months later, I'm working elsewhere, she's got a little one on the way, but I still like to get my neck and shoulders worked on from time to time. David Lesseps is a wonderful alternative to the ever-gifted Kirstin (who will always remain my absolute fave), and I give him my highest recommendation.
As part of new Patrick 2007, I decided to get a massage for the first time. I don't have much else to compare it to but it was a damn good massage. I tend carry a lot of stress in my shoulders and upper back and it had been gnawing away at me for the last few months. I think it's all the shrugging I do.
Clueless art student: Hey, how do I print?
Me: (shrugs) Uh, did you send it to the right printer?
Yet another clueless art student: Why isn't the mouse moving?
Me: (shrugs) It's not plugged in.
Repeat the above 20 times a day for a year straight and well, that's a lot of shrugging.
I ended up at their location in the Hobart Building (conveniently above the Montgomery Bart) after an intense few days at MacWorld (stress-o-rama) not really knowing what to expect. But Sari explained everything to me and I felt comfortable throughout the entire experience. I don't remember much else because I was in a totally different space in those 100 minutes. They really listen to you here (I asked for more pressure around my neck and shoulders and I sure got it).
If I could afford it, I'd go every week.
Kirsten is a goddess. She made me feel sooooooooooo nice! Her full-body massage (with the comfy massage table covered in sheets and the hot towels at the end) was literally a spiritual experience. I walked out with a huge smile on my face and a sense of complete peace and happiness ...
Absolutely amazing experience - you owe it to yourself to be massaged by Kirsten.
Thank you thank you thank you!
I rarely treat myself to massages....EVER. After a stressful few months, emotionally and physically, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and spend my hard earned dough on something that was good FOR me--not my usual vices of hard whiskey, chicken wings and shoes when I'm depressed.
I found Apotheca convenient bc it was right by my work and BART. Who needs to get all undone and unwound and then have the Journey of Natty Gan to get back home, right?
I made my appointment with Eri. I really like Apotheca's approach. It's in a small office building on Market, no frills. This isn't a day spa, it's nothing fancy, there's no uppity overly tan desk clerk to push beauty products on you. It's you, in a room, with your masseuse, so don't be shy.
I had filled out a survey online before coming in to help with the focal points of my massage and what I wanted to get out of it. (you can also pay ahead of time online, how lovely!) When I arrived to the room, Eri and I sat down and talked about my history, what was bothering me, what his personal approach was and what we wanted to focus on. This really made me feel good.
The room was quiet and relaxing, and Eri put me at ease. It wasn't just a "take off your pants and I'll grind my elbows into your back til you bruise" type place. The 70 minutes seemed like a lifetime and the approach he used was beneficial to my problem areas. He was also very vocal and asking me what I liked and didn't.
I also learned a bit about massage, and how certain techniques work better with certain ailments or approaches. What's better than that? Enlightenment and loose shoulders, all in the same day.
The client/masseuse relationship is something they like to build on and give great personal attention.
I'll definitely go back!
Why, why, why am I at work right now? Why...? You guys... No seriously, you guys, I just got back from a massage at West Wind all but five minutes ago, and let me tell you...
I feel the more relaxed i have ever felt in my entire life. Am I awake? Yes, yes I am awake... My body, however, is completely at rest.
Kirsten is amazing at what she does, and she's a very nice person. I felt comfortable from the moment I got there. So yeah, I'm sorry to cut this short, but I'm a little dazed right now (in the most wonderful way ever.) I think I'm gonna go home soon and sleep until Friday.
Note to Self: Rich,Next time, schedule massage at the end of the workday.
My partner and I went to Kirsten a couple months ago and are most certainly going to return on a monthly basis. Kirstens pad is very comfortable and her attention to making it a pleasurable experience hath no rival. Heated table+heated towels+Kirstens hands kneading my back like dough=a collage of time and money well spent. For those who require a more aggressive approach (deep tissue, strong hands), I can vouch for her effectiveness.
To top it off, she gave my partner and I a dessert from Citizen Cake as an anniversary gift--on our first visit. See what I mean about attentive to your experience??
This all goes into my Remember To Treat Yourself Better list/pile/reminder thing. I used to go to a small massage place in Berkeley near my house - after I moved to the city, I lost heart and stopped going.
After a while, I noticed I was stressed WAY more often. And really tense. It's not comfortable trying to sleep on a cramped neck/back/shoulder area. So I finally decided to do something about it and combed yelp for a decent/fairly affordable massage place that wasn't super pervy.
Here's where Apotheca comes in.
After I saw Eri, I felt much better than I had in months. Eri went over my likes and dislikes and really worked with me so that I could get the most out of my session. I had gone in for back and neck pain and felt So much better afterwards, I almost konked out on the way home. It was the first time in a while that my shoulders were below my ears(!) and stayed there.
Definitely would go back.
The past couple of months have been busy and stressful for me. My body was paying for it over time as I was having aches and pains. After reading all the wonderful reviews on Yelp, I decided to schedule a 70-minute massage.
Eri worked out every knot and ache in my back , neck and shoulders. It was so good ,I dosed off during the 70 minutes.. He would check in to see if I was doing okay and that the pressure was just right.
I walked out of the massage feeling better than I have in weeks. It was like I was back to my old self again!! Thank You Eri!
Amazing human being, amazing massage therapist.
I have not receive a massage from her in a few years, (we live 400 miles apart), but once you've had one you never forget.
You have not experienced massage the way that it was meant to be enjoyed until you've met Kirsten.
UPDATE (7.9.06)
I thought that after a year, I owed it to the Yelp community to write another update. I still really can't say enough great things about Kirsten's practice. While I don't patronize her services nearly as I much as I could or should, I always leave feeling uplifted, relaxed and in good spirits. I know there are a ton of great massage therapists in The City, but none that I've found that have quite the same intangible quality as Kirsten. I haven't been to the other therapists, but as a longtime patron of West Wind and now Apotheca, I would give them the highest rating I could possibly muster-68,145 stars. Yes. That's correct, 68,145 stars.
UPDATE (8.1.06)
Ok, third time's a charm. Best massage ever. I was in a daze for two hours afterwards and I still feel great today. Ahhhh...
UPDATE (6.1.06):
Can I add a bonus star? Round 2 was just as good and reaffirms why everyone should stop patronizing these pretentious spas and go see someone that will treat ya right.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
While I have limited experience in the world of massages and spas, I've had enough to know the good and bad. I went to Kirsten last week, and she is hands-down AMAZING. I went on my lunch break for a 100 minute appointment, which she didn't hesitate to let go into overtime. I didn't care, I'd rather get a message for 2 hours than go back to work.
She really is very attentive and responsive to your needs and desires. She is thorough and really wants to make sure that you leave feeling relaxed and pain-free. Everything from the e-mail questions to the mini-interview to the follow-up questions make you feel that she genuinely cares about her clients well-being. Its a great feeling and I'll be happy to say I'll be going back at least once a month.
Verdict: Pretty good.
My stressed out, pre-wedding skin needs lots of help these days. Went in for a facial with Tess, and she was overall pretty good. She was bit tentative with what she was doing, and I only saw minor positive results afterwards. Tess is super nice though, so it was a positive experience, just not the greatest facial. My guess is Tess just needs more experience, especially with problem skin.
My favorite massage downtown! I've had massages from Kirsten, Eri & Sari and love them all. They're the nicest, sweetest people you'll meet and I generally want to shower them with baked goods and lollipops and unicorns and good feelings for all the good work they do.
(Unicorns are not an acceptable form of payment, however; bring cash or check.) (Kirsten did gift me with a little cake at my 1st appt a way long time ago. Baked goods are an acceptable form of gifts to me!)
I love the convenience of online booking, love the location on Market St. I guess if I had to make a choice, I'd choose Kirsten, though Sari is excellent as well. Eri is good if you have a specific problem to work out.
Edit, April 2008. Time for a much-needed update!
We welcome all you fabulous Yelpers to our humble little space on Market and 2nd Streets. Since forming Apotheca as private practice (then called West Wind) back in 2001, I have been joined by an amazing crew of therapists. We offer high quality Swedish and deep tissue massage, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu, holistic skincare and chair massage that is perfect for a lunch hour getaway.
Right now so many great changes are happening. I am currently out on maternity leave and I love that I can share the work of my excellent colleagues (Eri Cela, David Lesseps, Tess Lush and Kim Pon) with you and as I have sincerely enjoyed their work as a client myself.
Speaking for myself personally (because what is Yelp for if not that, after all?) I am so grateful to all of you wonderful Yelpers out there who have supported us and allowed us to deliver the work we love doing. I sincerely appreciate your referrals, your kind words, your constructive criticisms and your presence on my table.
To learn more about our practice please visit our web site at: http://www.apothecasf.com and our blog at http://www.apothecasf....
Original review from 2006:
This is my practice and I want to give a heads-up that I now have an additional location, right at Montgomery BART:
The Hobart Building
582 Market St, #215
San Francisco, CA 94104
UPDATE: November 2007
OH MY GOD. AGAIN--this woman has amazing hands. Kirsten is a truly gifted masseuse. I just had a 70 minute massage with her and she worked on my shoulders and arms (currently which have been going through physical therapy for an RSI). She works wonders and it helps SOOOO much to have someone give you a massage who is intuitively perceptive of your comfort at all times.
UPDATE: January 2007
I gave my boyfriend a GC for a birthday massage--yes! when it's that good, you'll spread the love. He had a 70 minute appointment with Eri, one of Kirsten's new partners. My sweetie, a total massage newbie, was very relaxed afterward and totally pleased that someone was able to work out the huge bundle of knots in his mid-back (trust me, I tried! didn't work so well).
And I just booked an appointment for a 50 minute Reiki session with Eri for myself!
ORIGINAL: August 2006
I got a two hour massage certificate from my boyfriend for my birthday. It was GREAT. Kirsten gave me the most personable, caring, and attentive massage I've ever had. She was also very flexible with her schedule for me when we had to change our massage time. She makes you feel welcome in her own home and allows you the chance to finely tune your personal massage experience. I highly recommend her for a massage if you need to wind down and relax.
This place rocked my world! Sari gave me probably the best massage I've ever had. Why? Because, unlike the experiences I've had in a lot more "upscale" day spa kind of places, she actually listened when I said I wanted a lot of focus on my neck, shoulders and upper back. She worked my knots and tightness real good (and I think the stubborness of my knots impressed her a little bit). I felt as light as a feather and stretch and rotate my head and neck without tightness for the first time in forever. Not for those who want fluffy robes, pretty decor, pay through your nose hoity-toity establishments. The one room operation is just right for those who value substance over frills. I'm definitely going back as soon as I can.
Also, the online appt system is awesome!
All i can say is, 'finally!' A place with very skilled staff and none of the frilly 'sandals and terry robe' kind of BS. I had 3 sessions so far with Eri for my lower back/sciatica pain, and it's been fantastic.
Eri's very well trained and experienced in therapeutic massage techniques and had a fantastic approach. He focused on the important areas and left out the other areas until I could schedule a longer appointment. Honestly, I don't need anyone massaging my scalp if my back is in pain.
Well done Apotheca, I'll be back for sure. Nice location, good prices, and the best part: Online booking with reminders!
-sasha
I have been searching High and Low for a good masseuse, and a good esthetician, ever since I moved out here over a year ago. I have found both in Kirsten! following the advice of other yelpers, I booked a 100 min massage as well as a facial.
apotheca is located in the hearbst building, a beautiful old building on market st downtown. just don't forget to sign in, or the old guy manning the front desk will, I swear, run you down. walking down the hall, it's lined by a bunch of offices, which is slightly weird, but once you get into the room, it's like you're somewhere else. there's been an effort to make the room soft and comfortable, with a nook to sit in separated from the business end (the table) by a folding screen. it's no fancy spa with steam sauna in one room and meditation room in the other. then again, it's no fancy spa prices, either.
the massage -- was awesome. possibly one of the best I've ever had. kirsten sat down with me beforehand and discussed my expectations for the massage and facial, in detail. she has an amazingly intuitive touch -- she knew where the knots were, knew how to work them, and knew to move on/ease up before the pain (so good!) really kicked in... I tell ya, she looks deceptively small but she manages firm pressure like a 300 pound linebacker.
the facial -- also awesome. my pet peeve is being abandoned for paperwork while some pasty mask oozes off of my face. not here! I don't think kirsten stopped massaging my face the entire time. I looked like a 5 year old little girl for the next week! my skin sooo smooooth...
the best part is that I feel that she really customizes the experience to my needs/wants... if I wanted some pansy-ass feather touch massage and manzilla extractions, I'm sure she could have delivered. I will definitely be back.
UPDATE - 6/28/2007:
FINALLY met the tremendous Ms. Kirsten on Tuesday night when I enjoyed (although that word really doesn't do justice) a most incredible facial. Again, people: run, don't walk, to Apotheca!
UPDATE - 3/18/2007:
Second visit today, and it was even better than I'd remembered. So good, in fact, that near the end of the 100-minute massage, I fell asleep, awakened only by my raucous snoring which probably shook the entire building. Run, DON'T WALK, to West Wind! Appointments with Eri and the others are incredibly easy to make online.
(Original follows)
I FINALLY had a massage here yesterday and cannot even begin to tell you how amazing it was.
So I won't even try.
Book your appointment today, without delay! Eri was/is incredible.
Ok, Kirsten. You're officially ON THE LIST.
(The list of things I absolutely *must* take with me to DC when I move.)
No arguing. Pack your bags.
Kirsten actually deserves more than a 5-star rating. I've only gotten one massage from her so far (I've been too busy and out of town to go back to her, but I will be seeing her soon), but it was the best massage i've ever received. And you can tell that she doesn't do this just for the $$... she does it because she is passionate about it and believe in what she does. Something that you don't often find in many massage therapists. I can't wait to get another massage from her... plus i wanna try her facials.
p.s. when I say she is the best, take my word for it. I've been to countless day spas in SF, LA, and OC.
********* EDIT********
Yes, they've changed their appointment scheduler and it's much easier to use. And I have to confess that I actually think it was my own fault. I didn't realize that kirsten's schedule gets booked two months in advance. I just thought the online booking system was broken.. who gets booked 2 months ahead of time!??! well, kirsten does... and it's fully justified. So, now I know better and I book my massages months in advance.
I just tried her facials and it was fabulous. natural products and amazing facial massage... and foot massage... i actually kept dozing on and off...
and OH, everyone should purchase their package deal.. it's like pay for 4 massages and you get one free.. it's GREAT deal.. 20% off.
****** EDIT 11/15/07******
I couldn't get an apptmt with Kirsten, so I grudgingly made an apptmt with Eri - and I almost even canceled it the day before. However, I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly impressed with Eri! He has really strong hands and he will really work your body. His style isn't typical, in a sense that he incorporates a lot of stretching and moving your limbs. I am a ball of knots and he managed to magically turn me into a jello in 100 minutes. Thank goodness I didn't cancel!
I cannot pick who's better between Kirsten and Eri because they are both so amazing and have very different styles. Their price is beyond reasonable and worth every penny. I am considering cutting back on food and shopping so that I can get massages more often! haha
This was the most personalized massage I've ever had. I've never had a massage that started with a Q&A session and it was wonderful to know that my treatment was going to be truly personalized for me. She did a wonderful job from head to toe, concentrating on all the parts that were most tense. She knew just which spots to hit and I left feeling wonderfully refreshed... just as a massage should be.
Her practice is in her home, so don't be alarmed when you walk up the dark steps. The treatment room is peaceful and professional and will do just the trick for wiping away your worries. I also recommend you use the eye mask she offers. The sensory deprivation really helped make the session even more satisfying.
I went to Apotheca based on all the Yelp reviews I read. I've never had a facial but heard great things about them...and I must agree after having experienced an Apotheca facial.
Before I arrived at the building, I was hit with a bout of dyslexia and stupidly looked for the WRONG address...making me a few minutes late, sweaty, and little tense. I got there and Kirsten was understanding, calming, and very welcoming.
We did a little consultation about my goals for my skincare visit, my current facial routine, etc. Then we got started. It is soooo nice having someone massaging your face as they apply some hydrating and nourishing products. She let me know that I may be over doing it a bit with the salicylic acids (in every step of my skin regime) and recommended using an oil-free (salicylic free) moisturizer. She was absolutely right. I now only use one salicylic product and it's only been a week and my skin looks fabulous. She knows her stuff and has made a devotee of me!
Hopefully my skin will keep responding positively to the change and stay blemish-free at least until my October nuptials.
Sari is an excellent massage therapist. She focuses her energy on the areas of the body that need it the most. As a tech worker and guitarist, my forearms are under constant stress from all the computer use -- Sari does a great job of focusing on my arms, and making them feel renewed.
I look forward to my next massage with her.
Kirsten is so talented at what she does. She clearly enjoys her work, and it shows.
We spent over 10 minutes discussing what I wanted out of the massage, any relevant health issues, things I like in a massage, things I don't like. Kirsten excels in versatility, and will tailor the massage to your preferences. I've never seen a massage therapist that was so concerned about my well-being.
Throughout the 70 minute massage, Kirsten checked in with me to make sure I was comfortable and that the pressure was optimal. She has a very healing touch and the energy of the massage was quite healing. We spent a long time on my shoulder that has caused me a great deal of pain over the past several years -- it's been almost a week and it hasn't bothered me at all.
I can't wait to go back for my next massage! The best part is that Kirsten is so sweet and caring. The idea is to cultivate a relationship with a client, rather than an anonymous one-time bodywork experience. I'm hooked :)
Update July 25 07: My first skin appointment with the incredible Kirsten Q and I'm addicted like a moth to crack. Mixing metaphors? Whatever. I've never had a facial that comes even close to what I experienced tonight. Maybe the vanilla mask has made me delirious but I look 10 years younger. The cool towels were an unusual treat and the delicious oil and herbal facial massage was beyond stellar. I bought the five package and some simple goodies for home use. I can't wait to return next month. My skin and shoulders never had it so good! Cliche but true: Run, don't walk, people. Run, don't walk.
Original:
My 100 minute massage with Sari was money well spent. She is a true professional who is much stronger than I would have expected by looking at her. I've had a lot of massage, everything from excellent to pretty awful, and Sari was up there with the best.
I went to this place for a nice wellness message and came out refreshed and energized after a long week of work. A friend of mine referred me to this place (along with a nice gift certificate) and I am pretty impressed with this place. Basically a small one room, the decoration was pretty pleasant with a zen-like atmosphere. The message therapist, Eri, took care of me and did an amazing job. Highly recommend this place if you want a soothing atmosphere and a no-nonsense massaging experience. Well worth your money
Still 5 stars... still fantastic care while not being pushy IN THE SLIGHTEST. Yes, a bit of time is spent at each appointment just talking about what's going on, stress levels, any other new things going on that could impact the ol' epidermis, etc. But I have never felt that the time got taken out of my actual appointment time... not with Kirsten!
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2/11/2008
All the hype is true. Yes, Kirsten really is that good, and has magic hands. This is SO in line… Read more »
I *heart* Kirsten for making me pretty with her magic lotions and potions. She's a fantastic esthetician and keeps me at ease throughout my facial sessions (even through extractions). Though her studio is located on Market Street, she's transformed the space into a warm and cozy sanctuary. Unlike some of the other estheticians I've visited in San Francisco, Kirsten is not pushy on product purchases and will even make recommendations for less expensive alternative products.
**UPDATE 5/3/2008**
Just had two facials with Apotheca's newest addition Ms. Tess Lush and I must say it was very pleasant. Tess is very meticulous with extractions and checked in to see how I was holding up. I will be starting a series of peels with Tess and we did a trial this week where she fanned my face to ease the tingling sensation. How sweet! I also had an eyebrow clean up and asked that she use tweezers instead of wax, a request in which she happily complied. By the way--she's good with brows!
