Zara Maria Zimbardo, CMT

Zara Zimbardo is by far one of the BEST, MOST SKILLED hands on body workers in the Bay Area. I have had massages most of my life and have some unique pain issues so have to be careful who I let work on me. As an ovarian cancer survivor who struggles with chronic pain and adhesion disorder Zara was recommended to me due to her knowledge and practice of Chi Nei Tsang (Chinese Abdominal Massage). From the first session I knew I could end my search because I finally found the right practitioner. Zara doesn’t only do a «massage» she does so much more. She is such a lovely calming force, has such gifted healing energy and her intuition is spot on. Whenever I see her, I never want her massages to end. Zara has also helped educate me and work with me to really address my particular issues. Her skills are superior are an essential part of my healing and continued well being.
One of the things I also love about Zara is she is always continuing her learning of her craft, constantly updating her skills and learning new ones. She is well versed and well practiced and you would be lucky to get an appointment with her.

I’ve always felt like the words «body worker» or «massage therapist» don’t do Zara justice. The work she does is incomparably more therapeutic than others who use these titles. This is both from year extensive experience in multiple modalities, as well as the deep listening she brings to each session. She truly sees me and my muscles and knows exactly what is needed to bring release and create the conditions for my own healing.

full disclosure: i like excellent massages and it’s one of the things I try to treat myself to on a regular basis.
That alone may bias me towards Zara, who is one of the best massage therapists I’ve ever been too. Zara is a very skilled therapist, and she makes her knowledge accessible by both easily explaining what (and why) she’s doing, while also really listening to your needs so she can craft a session (or better yet, a set of sessions) for your specific needs. She’s also really well connected in the Bay Area community of body workers, and if she thinks that something specific about your needs can be better met by others, she won’t hesitate to refer you to someone else.
I see Zara regularly. As an active person who runs, bikes and generally depends on my body to do a lot of heavy lifting, I love feeling so refreshed, happy and connected to my body after a session with her.

As a busy working mom juggling an active toddler, demanding doggie, hubby AND a business I relish my 90 minutes massages with Zara twice a month. They are essential to my well-​being régime and sanity! I look forward to every session and come away feeling peaceful, in touch, and connected to my best self.
Like another reviewer mentioned, Zara is very present and creates a safe cocoon with her presence that really allows me to let go and to release any stress I’m holding onto. Not only is the physical aspect of her massage right on with her depth and technique, the energetic healing aspect that she incorporates creates a rich soulfully juicy depth to each session. I feel seen and nurtured on all levels– physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I walk away with not only that yummy feeling of just gotten a satisfying massage to my muscles, but my soul is lighter and more vibrant as well.
I love referring my clients to her as everyone I have thanks me profusely after they have a session with her.
Bonus– she does prenatal and postnatal massage (I am pregnant now, and it is heaven to get massages while you’re preggo)! Let your pregnant friends know!
If you are looking for some extra-​special self-​care, try Zara– you will be so grateful you did!

I have had massages all my life, even as a kid since my mother was a massage therapist herself, but I can honestly say that Zara gives some of the best massages there are. She has a way of being powerful, strong and gentle at the same time. She has magical hands and a beautiful energy. Throughout the massage, you can feel her dedication to your well being as she truly enjoys her art and the wellness it procures. My Mother was recently visiting from Europe and I treated her to an hour with Zara; she was blown away by the quality of the massage and a bit sorry that she felt so good and drifted to sleep… because she did not want to miss any of it!
If you need to de-​stress, fully relax and indulge in a wonderful massage, then Zara is your girl!

as a massage therapist myself, I am VERY picky. but i would highly recommend zara to anyone. she is attentive, intuitive, sensitive and strong. she has such a warm, thoughtful approach to her work and you will truly feel cared for in her presence. her slow, soothing pace allows your tight muscles to shut off and then… dissolve. forget about holding on to that stress on her table!
the combination of expert deep tissue and trigger point work with a calming, meditative energy will leave you restored, happy… and delightfully mushy :)

I love sending people to Zara. Everyone is so so happy with her massages… every time. I feel so confident sending my patients to her it is great.
Zara will also do home visits which is GREAT for Postpartum moms.
Thank you Zara!

Having participated in organized sports throughout my life, I have experienced much body work to keep me mobile and lessen injury downtime.
Zara is one of the very few massage therapists that does excellent deep tissue along with a finely tuned intuitive sense for pressure and areas of need.
Her energy is calming and mindful, and I have never been left with a sense of the work being unfinished.
If you need a massage, or want to try it for the first time, definitely give Zara a call.

Zara has worked on my body for almost 15 years. Her collection of studies about the bodies organs, connectivity, health related support has been remarkable in my own growing and sense of my body. Her internal balance and strength is so reflective in her depth of work. She has supported me in my dance and sports injuries in my 30’s to Chemo and radiation in my 40’s; always exhibiting great skill and confidence no matter my state. Zara was the only person I could trust to work on me during a year of treatment and her empathy, touch and compassion and understanding of my bodies inflammation and changes from treatment was massive.
Her hands and energy delivers grounding journeys. I appreciate the research she does into the creams she utilizes and how safe they are. She is deeply intuitive, respectful, holds great boundaries and listens to what is going on and will make suggestions on how to work through the issues, never afraid to take on challenges, always checking in along the way. If I let her, she will lead me on guided journey to encourage the releases needed. Her music choices carry you on a journey all on their own, fully relaxing all the senses. Her depth of self study in Chinese medicine and other related modalities has influenced the way I engage with my bodily cycles. I am always in awe how easily she lifts and carries her table up my narrow stairs. Zara is a bright light and always a delight when she arrives for an appointment.

I’ve been receiving massage for the past 15 years and I can easily say that Zara is among the very best massage therapists I have had the pleasure of receiving bodywork from. I have seen her for general tune ups, focused pain from injuries, stress relief during tough times and I have consistently been very, very pleased with how remarkably better I feel when I peel myself off of her luxurious massage table. No doubt, I’ll bee seeing her for years to come.

I receive routine relaxation and therapeutic massages from Zara and have for the past four years, both in Oakland and in my home in the North Bay. I would not even consider seeing anyone else. She has amazing technique and skill and is compassionate, patient and kind. Zara has the talent and ability to help my body, mind and spirit completely relax. Not only do her massages provide deep relaxation, but they also help me manage my long-​term back and neck issues. I could not give Zara a more glowing recommendation.

Zara is a gifted massage therapist! I have worked with her for years and always feel relaxed and recharged after seeing her.
She works with graceful intuition and highly intentional support. For stress relief or overall recalibration and balancing, Zara’s powerful work is a gift of genuine and deep healing. Highly recommended!

Zara is one of my all-​time favorite massage therapists! She really pays attention to my body when she works with me, and has a way of being patient and tuning in that I really appreciate.

Zara is the best! I haven’t had anyone as in-​tune with my body and what it needs that is as good as she. I’d recommend her to anyone!

Zara is an excellent massage therapist with many years of experience. She integrates a variety of styles depending on the specific needs of the client– from deep tissue to relaxing swedish to internal organ massage (chi nei tsang).
I’ve seen her for a few years and always leave feeling better — relaxed & happier in my body.
I’ve seen her in the East Bay but believe that she works in San Francisco as well.