National Holistic Institute – Massage Clinic

Great place to get a good massage for a reasonable price. The facility is not the greatest, but the staff is. The school really could spend some money on massage tables. My massage, as well as my sister’s, was on the floor. It was comfortable enough, but I just think the school is not doing it’s students or it’s clients a service not providing massage tables. Still, it was great especially for the money spent.

I came here for the first time last night, and was quite pleased! I got a high quality massage for $ 30, which is hard to beat.
My student massage therapist was Chelsea and she did a great job — she regularly checked in about the pressure and provided the right level of communication throughout the massage. She also did a good job of offering feedback on issue areas (e.g. places where she found knots) at the end of the massage.
You should be aware that all the massage «rooms» are separated by curtains (kind of like an ER), so you can hear others talking in the adjoining «rooms.» The therapists and clients all spoke softly and sparingly, so it didn’t bother me. The lights were dimmed and there was relaxing, soft «spa music» playing, so the overall ambiance is pleasant.
The front desk staff is very polite and welcoming.
No tipping is allowed, which makes things simple.
Also, I was able to get a same-​day appointment, which was nice.
You should be aware that the clinic is not in the nicest part of town, so be vigilant.
Overall, a great find! I wish I had known about this place earlier, and intend to come back!

Came here for a massage by a student.
For being only $ 35, I really enjoyed my 50 minute massage. She was good and it felt professional. I really just came for a rub down and to get out some knots, so didn’t mind that the atmosphere was not terribly ambient.
My complaints: It is in a sketch-​ish area of town, and at one point I could hear some weird yelling from a likely-​crackhead outside. The massages all take place in one, large room separate with curtains (kind of like an ER). Due to this, you can here everything anyone else says. This wasn’t a big issue for me, except for the fact that one woman kept talking to her therapist throughout her massage. I understand some people do this during massages, but I found it rather rude and disruptive in a setting where you know everyone else can hear you. I would urge NHI to implement a no talking rule unless to adjust massage technique or alert the therapist of problem areas.

Generally has been a good experience but had a horrible experience today. I’m waiting and waiting for my name to be called. Almost everyone’s name is called. I exchange looks with the other gal waiting. Commiserate. Five minutes PAST scheduled time of massage.
Her name is called.
It’s now almost ten minutes past the schedules start time. Someone comes out and calls another name. Not mine. I’m the only one in the waiting room.
Now. Instead of a relaxing experience. I am stressed and annoyed. Very.

Parking? If you’re lucky you can find some in the streets.
The area is nice. Its also a big seedy. Depends when the crazy people are out or drunk.
$ 35 dollars and $ 30 for people over 55. Massage is whatever the class is currently studying. Shiatsu or Swedish. Not Thai (no happy endings done here) Its a 50 minute massage. I suggest you go to the website and read their policies. If you’re late, they still end on the time it was supposed to be over. so it could be less than 50minutes.
You cannot tip anyone. Keeping it professional. One thing I can tell you is… if you want a good full body massage… shade in the parts of your body on the form… so they’ll cover it in the massage. If you only mark your legs, you’re only gonna get your legs massaged. So, color in the neck, the back, the hamstrings and feet. Arms… whatever. Whatever you think they can cover in 50 minutes.
They also have 100 minute massages for a senior citizen that’s 60 dollars really good deal. 70 for everyone else.
All body types are welcome.

My two experiences here have been great. A very affordable place with skilled students. No, your massage isn’t going to be perfect as these are students, but it’s going to be darn good. The students are also very receptive to and welcome feedback during your massage. Staff and students are friendly and the appointment system is easy to navigate and use. Today I got an EXCELLENT massage from Jesse. He’s going to be a very talented masseuse! $ 35 for a 50 minute massage, no tipping allowed. It’s just what I need after a long work week.

Everyone knows it’s difficult to find a good massage place in the bay area. The best people work freelance and the rest take up short term gigs at spas around the city. If you want the best bang for your buck, easy scheduling and the chance to discover a really amazing massage specialist early in their career, NHI is the place to go. I’m never disappointed. Be sure to get there early to fill out your paperwork, and be really vocal about what you need done.

Excellent quality massage for next to nothing! Very high standard for trainees. A great experience from the moment I walked in. I’ll be back!

An excellent place for an inexpensive massage. Convenienty located on Market & Gough. Easy online booking. Very professional and relaxing. Highlu recommend giving it a try. Always best to book a few days in advance though.

Highly recommend! Friendly, courteous reception, and comfortable atmosphere. The price is well worth it. One time I went in and because there were not a lot of clients I was pleasantly surprised when I learned I would be getting a four-​handed massage. Type of massage will depend on what particular area of study the students are in at that time.

Yesterday was my first experience here and it was so fulfilling that I made an appt for the following month. I hope to make this a monthly habit.
The reception upon checking in was very friendly and welcoming which set the tone for me. Since the place doesn’t necessarily have a «homey» feel to it (think free-​clinic chic) this greeting warmed up the atmosphere. The institute is kept very clean and quiet.
My student, Cherisse, was fantastic. Her Shiatsu massage was spot on and targeted the areas that needed special attention with care. I wanted so much to tip her for her thoroughness and relaxing touch.
My husband also came with me for his massage and echoed similar sentiments regarding his student.
Our massages were well worth more than $ 35 on this visit!

I have been going to the massage clinic for over three years and have always had wonderful experences!
The students vary in ability and how much pressure they can give, but i always walk away relaxed!
If you really need a lot of work you can book two sessions in a row
Try it!

For $ 30, you can’t beat this offering. Just know that you don’t have an option regarding the type of massage you will receive — it depends on what the students are studying that day. Clean, friendly.

I have recieved both Swedish and Shiatsu massage from the students at National Holistic Institute, and am always happy with my experience here! With so many pricey spa treatments out there, it is really nice to have this resource in our city.
I usually pay $ 30 for a 50-​min. massage. A student will greet you and talk about what areas you’d like him or her to focus on. The clinic room is simple, clean, and straightforward — individual spaces separated by nice curtains and with calming music in the background. An instructor is on hand if you have any questions or concerns.
If you want a high-​end spa experience, there are plenty of places to go in SF… and if you are looking for a down-​to-​earth, relaxing, budget-​friendly massage — go see the students at NHI!

Great for the price!

For the amount of money that I paid, and for the amount of time that the massage lasted– this place is well wroth it. You specifically point out on a sheet of paper where your problem areas are, the student asked if I prefer to just focus on those areas or get a full body massage, and they communicate well with you throughout your massage.
My student applied great pressure, gave me a full body massage but targeted my problem areas, and she gave me great advice when it was over. I highly recommend going here if you want a quick fix to something relaxing.
Because there are no doors or separate rooms and only a curtain that separates you from everyone else in the place, you should be comfortable that somebody else might see you undress!

I really would not recommend this place because of the risk of injury to your body. I came here three times, each time has been Shiatsu. The first one was ok, the student kind of knew what he was doing. The second student definitely did not know what he was doing (he put his feet on me and literally just shook my body). The third student applied pressure on the wrong spots on my spine and my back now hurts.
I’m at a loss of what to say. If you come here, its a «hit-​or-​miss» experience because a) you’ll definitely get Shiatsu, and b) you’ll be randomly paired with a student who hasn’t completed his or her training yet. I’ve come at different times and at different days and the staff always tells me that its «random» between Shiatsu and Swedish. Nope, its always Shiatsu. I would really think that this school would only allow advanced students to participate, but its clear from my experience that some students only have a few months training before doing this clinic. NHI should require students to complete their training, and then do the clinic to practice their techniques they’ve already mastered.
In short, pay the extra money and head to a professional CMT. The risk of injury to your body isn’t worth the $ 70 or so dollars you saved.

Hey for what this place is– I left a happy camper! My usual spot for Zen was booked for the entire weekend and I have turbo kick/​gym pain that I needed to get rid of and I remembered a friend of mine is going to school here and my boss has been here before. There was an open slot for me on a Saturday. I can appreciate the fact there was a process. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends. I wasn’t expecting the world, and I don’t think people should complain if you’re throwing down $ 35.
You can’t pick your masseuse, and what type but if you’ve had different types of massages there shouldn’t be any problems. Overall, if you have some time check it out… don’t be late or miss your appointment either! I think it’s a win win because you’re also supporting a person’s experience and you’re getting a massage at a value!

This review has absolutely no correlation as to whether I would go back again. I definitely would. The massage itself, was great! I had Gary for a Swedish Massage — great communication, very professional, wonderful pressure. I’m extremely ticklish and he worked really well around that!
The actual place — as you’ve read, you already know not to expect candles and all that hoohah, so we’re not worried about that. I didn’t mind the simple curtains, the music, the lack of «ambiance.» What I did mind was the loud machine running in the background. It would go off, then start up again and sort of shake the building (maybe it was just me). Not conducive to relaxation.
Like I said, I would definitely go again, hopefully the machine wont be on.

had shiatsu massage from laura this afternoon… very good massage. pressure was great… you could tell that laura is passionate about giving her clients the best massage…
Communication was very good. I am hearing impaired and laura took the time to speak to me in a way that i could understand.
NHI is always a good deal…