Karin Wertheim: Certified Massage Practitioner

I was born and raised in the Midwest, and lived several places in the Midwest and then Washington DC before settling in the Bay Area in 1999.   Shortly thereafter, I trained at the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts, and doing bodywork gave me a new way to love people – with my hands.  I’ve been doing it ever since.

I am a happy and optimistic person who has space for all kinds of feelings.  My life is joyful and sustainable. I get energized by swimming, and regular yoga keeps me flexible and chilled out. I love people, and I absolutely love relaxing, de-stressing and pampering them by giving them compassionate, nurturing bodywork.

Scheduling

I’ve found, in my 15+ years of practice, that there are two kinds of people who are seeking massages:

There are the people who schedule in advance because it’s their birthday, or they’re planning to run a marathon, they feel stressed and want to relax, or they just want to do something nice for themselves.

Then there are the folks who wake up and their shoulder/neck/leg hurts and they need a massage RIGHT NOW. I don’t have specific hours or days that I work or don’t work, but I try to keep a few hours each day free for those “I slept wrong and now my shoulder/neck/leg hurts and I need a massage TODAY.”

I have a smartphone, so emailing me and calling me are basically the same thing – do whichever one is more comfortable for you – and I will do my best to fit you in when it works for you. Advance notice is more likely to get you the time slot you want, but please do call and ask for same-day appointments, as I am occasionally available for those.

My work hours are 9am to 7pm, 7 days a week.

Location

My studio is located an easy three-block walk from Ashby Bart. There is abundant street and bike parking available. Please note that there are 11 steps up to my apartment, and there is a railing.

Once we confirm your appointment time, I will send you my address in a confirmation email message.

Credentials

Holistic Massage Therapist program – The World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts, 1999. California Certified Massage Practitioner #31158

Your Session

Each session I do is unique, tailored to the needs of the person on the table at that particular moment in time. When I chat with you before your session, I’ll often ask the following questions: “What has you seeking bodywork at this particular time?” “Are there any parts of your body that are painful, uncomfortable, or just wanting attention right now?”  “When was your last professional massage?” “The information you give me verbally, as well as what your body tells me when I put my hands on you, helps shape your session.

Emotional Release

My massage table is a safe haven for your body *and* your heart. Sometimes people want compassionate touch in the form of bodywork because they are lonely, sad, or under stress. Whatever the case is for you, know that any emotional release you have on my table – giggling, tears, words – is welcome in my space, and will stay there.