Apotheca Skin Body Wellness

Elite '08

32

293

Trish P.

South San Francisco, CA

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!

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3

28

Amy O.

San Francisco, CA

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.

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6

53

Godot -.

San Francisco, CA

All the hype is true.  Yes, Kirsten really is that good, and has magic hands.  This is SO in line with my general no-frills skincare philosophy!  I am already groveling for my next appointment.

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4

22

Terence D.

Oakland, CA

My wife gave me a Gift Certificate and let me tell, one of the best gifts she's ever given me.  Sari rocks!

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0

5

CiCi C.

San Francisco, CA

Massages are my guilty pleasure. They're like a non-necessary thing that can be considered frivolous, but you need them just to stay sane. This place is good, though a bit expensive.

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100

161

mnypny B.

San Francisco, CA

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. The location is so close to my office that I'll think twice before quitting my job--wait, I've already thought of that a couple of times. But 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. I'll keep my crazy job nearby so I can schedule more sessions. And so will you!  : )

April 2008 update: I enjoyed massage and reiki with Kirsten 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 Kirsten (who will always remain my absolute fave), and I give him my highest recommendation. Hurry up and book your appointment with David before I do!  :D

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27

71

Miss K.

San Francisco, CA

eureka!  i've finally, long at last found my facial person.  no foof, just results.

here is my 5 stars.  this place is like crack!  though i suspect crack is more readily available....

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0

3

Annie Y.

San Francisco, CA

I am trying to be fair in my rating,  but just so you  yelpers know I did not get a chance to experience any of the services at Apotheca.

I had booked a facial with Kristen in January, for a March appointment. I was suppose to have that appointment today. I went, waited for about 35 minutes thinking I may have had the time wrong but was no showed.

I got home and there was a message on my phone from Kristen saying that she got half way to work and was feeling very bad so she canceled. She also said I would not be able to rebook with her.

I am trying not to be mad, because she is pregnant and these things happen but on the flip side:

- I took a half a day off work for this appointment
-It takes me almost an hour to get downtown (damn public transit)
-I am in desperate need of a facial and this was literally the only time I could squeeze one in
-I did wait for 35 minutes, adding that to the transit time I wasted about 2 1/2 hours for nothing.

I would love to give one star but I can't do that to a pregnant woman.

UPDATE: Kirstin contacted me a few time thought email and voicemail to apologize for what had happened and to give me a free treatment. I felt really weird getting something for free but I did it anyway.  Since I had scheduled another facial with someone else for later that week, I asked if I could get a back treatment instead. She was fine with that. I had never had a back treatment before so I don't have anything to compare it to. It was very nice and relaxing. Kristin has very good energy. She has since contact me to follow up with my experience. I would recommend Apotheca to others but have decided to stick with the other person I went to for facials.

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1

55

Sasha C.

Mill Valley, CA

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.

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0

3

Jen K.

Richmond, CA

It's not like she needs another 5 star review, but I must chime in to say that Kirsten is THE BEST.  Honestly, I've never had a better massage in my entire life.  I haven't been to any other therapists in her group, but I'm sure they're all great too!

As I said years ago, "You'll have the best night's sleep!"

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0

17

Lisa A.

San Francisco, CA

When I need a massage, I need it today or tomorrow. Apotheca is as amazing as everyone says, but it makes me sad that you have to wait 2-3 months for an appointment.  By the time the appt. happens, I may not even need a massage that day.
Is it possible to give a business 5 stars for being the best massage West of the Mississippi, but one star because of its popularity and therefore, inaccessibility??
They should reserve a few slots each week for patrons who call and beg in desperation for pain relief.  I would even pay extra! Please, Kirsten, please...

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6

12

Brinna B.

San Francisco, CA

Damn, Yelpers. You're not kidding! Kirsten really does live up to the hype. I had a sweet massage and facial after the Nike Women's Marathon this weekend and I swear I've felt like jello and looked smooth as a baby's hiney ever since. One thing: This is NOT the place to go if you want an all-day spa day with your girls. For one thing, there wouldn't be anywhere for you to sit. This place is small, strictly one customer at a time. The room is pleasant, warm, and inviting, and I very quickly forgot I was downtown within 5 minutes of laying down under Kirsten's wonderful hands. I made an appointment at Apotheca for next month but it's with one of the other massage therapists since she seems to be spoken for until the new year.

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Elite '08

15

228

Rox M.

San Leandro, CA

I made an appointment with Eri for a Reiki session.  Eri was very friendly, offered water, made me feel comfortable, and gave me information about what to expect.  The room is nice and cozy.  I wish I could take that room home, haha.  The session itself went by rather quickly, and I left feeling relaxed.  Before I left, Eri asked if I wanted to discuss the session, and even gave some tips on breathing and to drink plenty of water.  Overall, I was very satisfied.

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1

5

sasha p.

Oakland, CA

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

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1

51

Madhavi K.

San Francisco, CA

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!

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5

47

Helen B.

San Francisco, CA

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!

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10

19

Row M.

Walnut Creek, CA

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.

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Elite '08

19

188

Stacy J.

San Francisco, CA

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.

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Elite '08

147

317

Jessica P.

Oakland, CA

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!

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12

14

ajsk k.

San Francisco, CA

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

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1

2

Linda T.

San Francisco, CA

If there were more stars on here, I'd give Apotheca 10 stars!  I've been to a number of spas for massage treatments and this one by far is the most professional and friendly.  

Kirsten really knows what she's doing and has been able to "fix" my upper back which was racked with knots.  She takes time to listen to what your needs are and then works in the problem areas.  I also love the burrito wrap - probably one of the best parts of the massage!  Kirsten rocks!

Not sure why there are people who can't manage the online appointment booking.  It's the easiest online booking by far!  No more having to deal with annoying receptionists and going back and forth with answer machines.  This program allows me to view the appointments real time, especially if there is a cancellation.  If you can't book an appointment for a few weeks, it's not the online system, it's because they are booked up!  DUH!!!

If you are looking for terry robes, tea and cookies, etc go pay $200 at a spa.  If you want a place to go for the best massage ever without any of the unnecessary bullshit and at a very reasonable price, make an appointment at Apotheca - you won't regret it!

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0

4

Alva L.

Emeryville, CA

Kirsten is amazing! I have been having her massage for a few times now and I just can't wait to go again. She spends time to listen to where you feel tense in you body and works hard on your tense spots and knots. I like to feel a little sore the next day after my massage and Kirsten definitely gives me the good sore the next day.

The location is super convenient. It's downtown and close to bart, muni, and transbay terminal. I also like the fact that Kirsten's price already includes gratuity so it's clean and easy. Plus it feels good that I am giving the money directly to the masseuse instead of to some spa cashier. She has an online appointment system which is extremely convenient and you can schedule monthly sessions.

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0

8

J S.

San Francisco, CA

All of the 5 star reviews are right! Kristen is amazing. I have been in for a massage and a facial and plan to go back ASAP.   The prices are also great. I couldn't be happier that this place is right around the corner from my work. YES!

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3

27

Pirate M.

San Francisco, CA

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.

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Elite '08

28

114

Jess S.

Washington, DC

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.

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32

75

Patrick L.

San Francisco, CA

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.

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9

1

Amy B.

Oakland, CA

I signed up for YELP just to write this review!
Let me break it down for you all:
I had the facial from hell about 3 months ago. The details aren't worth discussing, but we'll just say i went from having good, normal skin (the kind that doesn't require anything but some soap and moisturizer) to looking like i was either 13 years old OR having an allergic reaction to just about everything.

After things simmered down a bit, I went to see Kirsten for a massage. I told her my sad story and she suggested she work on my skin instead.  She is magic! My skin has never felt so good.

Across the board, Kirsten and her team are wonderful, caring, and professional. Their prices are very fair and their services actually help you as opposed some of the fluff you get at spas.

not much else to say...go make an appointment!

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76

35

genevieve g.

San Francisco, CA

any law student will tell you that finals suck.  but to clarify just what a law student may mean by "suck" in this context, not only do finals suck in the "sweet christ there is no possible way i will finish all the cursed work, how will i even find time to eat or bathe?" sort of way - they also suck in the "wow, this is really soul crushing, i find myself crippled by feelings of incompetence, inefficacy, inadequacy, and panic.  and, who knew?  hovering in front of a book & computer all day with jaw and shoulders wrent like a seizing dog due to all this fear and loathing, i'm probably going to develop an ibuprofen dependency of some kind due to all the advil i've been popping to control the pain emanating from my now-hunchbacked body" sort of way.

enter eri cela.  eri first worked on me when i was recovering from fall semester finals.  my body and mind were still wrecked two weeks after finals were finished, and i limped into apotheca (then westwind) hoping to leave feeling even a just little bit better.  at the beginning of my appointment eri interviewed me extensively about my health, particular aches & pains, and about what i hoped to get out of my massage.  he checked in with me throughout the massage about my comfort and i felt very taken care of.   plus, the music was relaxing, yet appealed to my indie-type tastes.  sweet!

i left feeling so much better i almost didn't know what to do with myself.  no more hunchback.  no more residual feelings of fear and loathing.  i practically skipped home from apotheca's convenient downtown location in the hobart building.

i've been a regular client of eri ever since.  i attribute the relative sanity - and shockingly decent GPA - that i experienced during finals this may to my visit to apotheca the day before my constitutional law exam.  i left feeling clear headed and alert - the opposite of how i usually feel during exams.  i made a respectable showing on that exam, AND managed to remain free of an ibuprofen addiction.

in short, ERI RULES.  if he can make a law student crazed on the gin of finals feel human again, he can certainly ease your body-ills as well.  do yourself a favor and book an appointment (via apotheca's easy online system) with eri next time your weary body needs healing.

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Elite '08

299

907

maria d.

San Francisco, CA

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!

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10

18

Katie D.

San Francisco, CA

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!

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Elite '08

36

333

jen n.

Oakland, CA

My gf bought me a massage from Kirsten as part of my birthday present.  Kirsten is wonderful.  She is friendly and hospitable.  She welcomes you in to her home and makes you feel totally at ease.  Since it was my bday gift, she tacked on some extra time as a gift.  Score!  I ended up having a 100 minute massage, and every minute of it was superb.  If I were a cat I would have purred the whole time.

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Elite '08

472

418

Richard T.

San Francisco, CA

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.

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Jenn S.

San Francisco, CA

Read these reviews -- these Yelpers do not lie.  I don't know how I lived without Kristen.  My life will forever be divided into the time before Kristen and the time after.

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Jennifer C.

West Los Angeles, CA

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.

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Kim B.

Lafayette, CA

What can I say?  Of course I think she is the greatest!  She's my sister!  Very proud of you, Kirst!  Can't wait to see your studio!!  XOXO

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ruth k.

San Francisco, CA

I waited and waited and finally my appointment came up. It had been a bad and rainy night. And then I walked into their warm little space... and Im so grateful. Sari is wonderful, she really listens and  checks in, and just finds the tension spots like a little radar homing device. I'll be back, its just one of those presents you need to give your body sometimes.

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Dennis H.

Berkeley, CA

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.

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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.

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