Therapeutic massage
Regain Your Quality of Life
- Receive targeted treatment resulting in lasting relief
- Enhance your health maintenace routine
- No cookie cutter sessions
Therapeutic massage
Regain Your Quality of Life
- Receive targeted treatment resulting in lasting relief
- Enhance your health maintenace routine
- No cookie cutter sessions
Serving the Kensington neighborhood for over 20+ years
Located at 4183 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Zen Sanctuary
Serving the Kensington neighborhood for over 20+ years
Located at 4183 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Zen Sanctuary
Therapeutic massage
Regain Your Quality of Life
- Receive targeted treatment resulting in lasting relief
- Enhance your health maintenace routine
- No cookie cutter sessions
Therapeutic massage
Regain Your Quality of Life
- Receive targeted treatment resulting in lasting relief
- Enhance your health maintenace routine
- No cookie cutter sessions
Serving the Kensington neighborhood for over 20+ years
Located at 4183 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Zen Sanctuary
Serving the Kensington neighborhood for over 20+ years
Located at 4183 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Zen Sanctuary
Targeted Massage
Tailored to You
Personalized massage provides a solution to get past persistent stress build-up and chronic pain. A skilled practitioner understands what to target to alleviate acute and nagging pain, such as back pain, neck pain, or other areas you specify.
Each session is a co-created experience with open communication that allows for an effiecient and effective treatment, leading to longer-lasting results and better overall health.
Targeted Massage
Tailored to You
Personalized massage provides a solution to get past persistent stress build-up and chronic pain. A skilled practitioner understands what to target to alleviate acute and nagging pain, such as back pain, neck pain, or other areas you specify.
Each session is a co-created experience with open communication that allows for an effiecient and effective treatment, leading to longer-lasting results and better overall health.
Targeted Massage
Tailored to You
Personalized massage provides a solution to get past persistent stress build-up and chronic pain. A skilled practitioner understands what to target to alleviate acute and nagging pain, such as back pain, neck pain, or other areas you specify.
Each session is a co-created experience with open communication that allows for an effiecient and effective treatment, leading to longer-lasting results and better overall health.
Who We Help
Chronic Low Back Pain Relief
Sarah* had been used to living an active and athletic lifestyle. She recently gave birth to her second child, and found it had taken a massive toll on her body, leaving her with chronic low back pain and taking away her mobility.
She spent months trying physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medications to help her end the debilitating lower back pain, but nothing fully worked or lasted more than a few hours. The pain continued to keep her from the running and other activities she loves.
When her chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary, she decided to try Zen Sanctuary's massage, instead of the standard Thai or Swedish massage she had found elsewhere.
After a month, much to her happy surprise, Sarah was running again.
Chronic Low Back Pain Relief
Sarah* had been used to living an active and athletic lifestyle. She recently gave birth to her second child, and found it had taken a massive toll on her body, leaving her with chronic low back pain and taking away her mobility.
She spent months trying physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medications to help her end the debilitating lower back pain, but nothing fully worked or lasted more than a few hours. The pain continued to keep her from the running and other activities she loves.
When her chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary, she decided to try Zen Sanctuary's massage, instead of the standard Thai or Swedish massage she had found elsewhere.
After a month, much to her happy surprise, Sarah was running again.
When her chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary, she decided to try Zen Sanctuary's massage, instead of the standard Thai or Swedish massage she had found elsewhere.
After a month, much to her happy surprise, Sarah was running again.
Recover After a Car Accident
While receiving physical therapy to help her deal with traumatic injury from a car accident, Mary's* PT recommended massage from Zen Sanctuary as an adjunct therapy to aid in her recovery. Mary's sessions at Zen treated targeted areas of her body and helped her regain her mobility. Mary continues to come to Zen for help maintaining her gains and enjoying life to the fullest.
Chronic Low Back Pain Relief
While receiving physical therapy to help her deal with traumatic injury from a car accident, Mary's* PT recommended massage from Zen Sanctuary as an adjunct therapy to aid in her recovery. Mary's sessions at Zen treated targeted areas of her body and helped her regain her mobility. Mary continues to come to Zen for help maintaining her gains and enjoying life to the fullest.
Chiropractors Recommend Zen
Connie* now treats Zen as her go-to recommendation for recovery from any road accidents.
Connie's chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary to her after months of chiropractic care following a car accident. With her treatments at Zen, Connie felt she had found the final piece in her recovery. She has since come to Zen for two accident recovery treatment plans on different occasions and recommends Zen to anyone needing medical-grade massage and trauma recovery.
Chiropractors Recommend Zen
Connie* now treats Zen as her go-to recommendation for recovery from any road accidents.
Connie's chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary to her after months of chiropractic care following a car accident. With her treatments at Zen, Connie felt she had found the final piece in her recovery. She has since come to Zen for two accident recovery treatment plans on different occasions and recommends Zen to anyone needing medical-grade massage and trauma recovery.
Chiropractors Recommend Zen
Connie* now treats Zen as her go-to recommendation for recovery from any road accidents.
Connie's chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary to her after months of chiropractic care following a car accident. With her treatments at Zen, Connie felt she had found the final piece in her recovery. She has since come to Zen for two accident recovery treatment plans on different occasions and recommends Zen to anyone needing medical-grade massage and trauma recovery.
Degenerative Disorder Management
Becca* has been managing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which affects the connective tissues in the body and weakens the joints, since she was a teenager.
When the stress of her career combines with the real toll of her disability, Becca turns to Zen Sanctuary. Bernie helps curate a space for her that keeps her feeling understood, seen and respected.
In Becca’s own words “Zen Sanctuary is an important part of her healthcare routine”.
Degenerative Disorder Management
Becca* has been managing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which affects the connective tissues in the body and weakens the joints, since she was a teenager.
When the stress of her career combines with the real toll of her disability, Becca turns to Zen Sanctuary. Bernie helps curate a space for her that keeps her feeling understood, seen and respected.
In Becca’s own words “Zen Sanctuary is an important part of her healthcare routine”.
Degenerative Disorder Management
Becca* has been managing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which affects the connective tissues in the body and weakens the joints, since she was a teenager.
When the stress of her career combines with the real toll of her disability, Becca turns to Zen Sanctuary. Bernie helps curate a space for her that keeps her feeling understood, seen and respected.
In Becca’s own words “Zen Sanctuary is an important part of her healthcare routine”.
Massage is Health Maintenance
Kate* was in a major car accident which left her body broken and wheelchair bound. She suffered a lot of upper body pain, and was very fragile in general. She was referred to Zen Santuary by someone who had a similar experience and was helped by us to get their life back on track.
Kate began working with David while still wheelchair bound. The bodywork that she received was calibrated to her existing condition, and aided her all the way from wheelchair, to walker; to cane; to moving with ease once again and breathing deeply with no pain.
Kate cites Zen Sanctuary as being instrumental to her recovery and getting her mobility and her life back.
She finds the environment peaceful, soothing, and calming, and she now she gives Zen Sanctuary gift cards to people on special occasions like birthdays, because she swears by it.
Massage is Health Maintenance
Kate* was in a major car accident which left her body broken and wheelchair bound. She suffered a lot of upper body pain, and was very fragile in general. She was referred to Zen Santuary by someone who had a similar experience and was helped by us to get their life back on track.
Kate began working with David while still wheelchair bound. The bodywork that she received was calibrated to her existing condition, and aided her all the way from wheelchair, to walker; to cane; to moving with ease once again and breathing deeply with no pain.
Kate cites Zen Sanctuary as being instrumental to her recovery and getting her mobility and her life back.
She finds the environment peaceful, soothing, and calming, and she now she gives Zen Sanctuary gift cards to people on special occasions like birthdays, because she swears by it.
Massage is Health Maintenance
Kate* was in a major car accident which left her body broken and wheelchair bound. She suffered a lot of upper body pain, and was very fragile in general. She was referred to Zen Santuary by someone who had a similar experience and was helped by us to get their life back on track.
Kate began working with David while still wheelchair bound. The bodywork that she received was calibrated to her existing condition, and aided her all the way from wheelchair, to walker; to cane; to moving with ease once again and breathing deeply with no pain.
Kate cites Zen Sanctuary as being instrumental to her recovery and getting her mobility and her life back.
She finds the environment peaceful, soothing, and calming, and she now she gives Zen Sanctuary gift cards to people on special occasions like birthdays, because she swears by it.
When her chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary, she decided to try Zen Sanctuary's massage, instead of the standard Thai or Swedish massage she had found elsewhere.
After a month, much to her happy surprise, Sarah was running again.
Who We Help
Chronic Low Back Pain Relief
Chronic Low Back Pain Relief
Sarah* had been used to living an active and athletic lifestyle. She recently gave birth to her second child, and found it had taken a massive toll on her body, leaving her with chronic low back pain and taking away her mobility.
She spent months trying physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medications to help her end the debilitating lower back pain, but nothing fully worked or lasted more than a few hours. The pain continued to keep her from the running and other activities she loves.
When her chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary, she decided to try Zen Sanctuary's massage, instead of the standard Thai or Swedish massage she had found elsewhere.
After a month, much to her happy surprise, Sarah was running again.
Chronic Low Back Pain Relief
While receiving physical therapy to help her deal with traumatic injury from a car accident, Mary's* PT recommended massage from Zen Sanctuary as an adjunct therapy to aid in her recovery. Mary's sessions at Zen treated targeted areas of her body and helped her regain her mobility. Mary continues to come to Zen for help maintaining her gains and enjoying life to the fullest.
Chiropractors Recommend Zen
Connie* now treats Zen as her go-to recommendation for recovery from any road accidents.
Connie's chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary to her after months of chiropractic care following a car accident. With her treatments at Zen, Connie felt she had found the final piece in her recovery. She has since come to Zen for two accident recovery treatment plans on different occasions and recommends Zen to anyone needing medical-grade massage and trauma recovery.
Chiropractors Recommend Zen
Connie* now treats Zen as her go-to recommendation for recovery from any road accidents.
Connie's chiropractor recommended Zen Sanctuary to her after months of chiropractic care following a car accident. With her treatments at Zen, Connie felt she had found the final piece in her recovery. She has since come to Zen for two accident recovery treatment plans on different occasions and recommends Zen to anyone needing medical-grade massage and trauma recovery.
Degenerative Disorder Management
Becca* has been managing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which affects the connective tissues in the body and weakens the joints, since she was a teenager.
When the stress of her career combines with the real toll of her disability, Becca turns to Zen Sanctuary. Bernie helps curate a space for her that keeps her feeling understood, seen and respected.
In Becca’s own words “Zen Sanctuary is an important part of her healthcare routine”.
Degenerative Disorder Management
Becca* has been managing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which affects the connective tissues in the body and weakens the joints, since she was a teenager.
When the stress of her career combines with the real toll of her disability, Becca turns to Zen Sanctuary. Bernie helps curate a space for her that keeps her feeling understood, seen and respected.
In Becca’s own words “Zen Sanctuary is an important part of her healthcare routine”.
Massage is Health Maintenance
Kate* was in a major car accident which left her body broken and wheelchair bound. She suffered a lot of upper body pain, and was very fragile in general. She was referred to Zen Santuary by someone who had a similar experience and was helped by us to get their life back on track.
Kate began working with David while still wheelchair bound. The bodywork that she received was calibrated to her existing condition, and aided her all the way from wheelchair, to walker; to cane; to moving with ease once again and breathing deeply with no pain.
Kate cites Zen Sanctuary as being instrumental to her recovery and getting her mobility and her life back.
She finds the environment peaceful, soothing, and calming, and she now she gives Zen Sanctuary gift cards to people on special occasions like birthdays, because she swears by it.
Massage is Health Maintenance
Kate* was in a major car accident which left her body broken and wheelchair bound. She suffered a lot of upper body pain, and was very fragile in general. She was referred to Zen Santuary by someone who had a similar experience and was helped by us to get their life back on track.
Kate began working with David while still wheelchair bound. The bodywork that she received was calibrated to her existing condition, and aided her all the way from wheelchair, to walker; to cane; to moving with ease once again and breathing deeply with no pain.
Kate cites Zen Sanctuary as being instrumental to her recovery and getting her mobility and her life back.
She finds the environment peaceful, soothing, and calming, and she now she gives Zen Sanctuary gift cards to people on special occasions like birthdays, because she swears by it.
When a pleasant massage
isn't quite enough
A session can often feel good in the moment, while the tension you notice at work, during exercise or at home are still left weighing on you. If the massage doesn’t focus on what matters to you, it may leave you wondering what to book next.
We start by listening to your concerns and preferences, then adapt our approach to how you feel that day. You will discuss the areas you’d like to focus on and what feels comfortable before the session begins.
Care that focuses on your priorities
Your needs may change from one visit to the next. We take time to hear what has changed, revisit your preferences and shape each session around your current concerns.
Whether you’re making space for bodywork as part of self-care or hoping to feel more comfortable in daily activities, the focus stays on an attentive experience.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all routines.
When a pleasant massage
isn't quite enough
A session can often feel good in the moment, while the tension you notice at work, during exercise or at home are still left weighing on you. If the massage doesn’t focus on what matters to you, it may leave you wondering what to book next.
We start by listening to your concerns and preferences, then adapt our approach to how you feel that day. You will discuss the areas you’d like to focus on and what feels comfortable before the session begins.
Care that focuses on your priorities
Your needs may change from one visit to the next. We take time to hear what has changed, revisit your preferences and shape each session around your current concerns.
Whether you’re making space for bodywork as part of self-care or hoping to feel more comfortable in daily activities, the focus stays on an attentive experience.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all routines.
When a pleasant massage
isn't quite enough
A session can often feel good in the moment, while the tension you notice at work, during exercise or at home are still left weighing on you. If the massage doesn’t focus on what matters to you, it may leave you wondering what to book next.
We start by listening to your concerns and preferences, then adapt our approach to how you feel that day. You will discuss the areas you’d like to focus on and what feels comfortable before the session begins.
Care that focuses on your priorities
Your needs may change from one visit to the next. We take time to hear what has changed, revisit your preferences and shape each session around your current concerns.
Whether you’re making space for bodywork as part of self-care or hoping to feel more comfortable in daily activities, the focus stays on an attentive experience.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all routines.
How it works?
How it works?
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from a regular massage?
What issues do you usually help with?
Acute muscular pain like "muscle guarding" after traumatic events like a car accident or child birth for example. It can also be helpful to slow the progression of degenerative muscular disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Is this only for injuries?
No. Muscular stress does not only accumulate from injuries, certain ergonomic environments and long lasting chronic pain are also well managed with therapeutic massage.
It's also useful for sports recovery.
How often should I come in?
Weekly sessions are what we have found to be ideal. For when time or budget are a factor,
we have established these rebooking frequency guidelines:
Book weekly - when the reason for seeking treatment is affecting your daily life. Work, sleep, walking, driving, or taking care of your children are basic factor of most people's lives. If your condition holds you back from or is worsened by any of these factors, you need immediate care.
Book every 2-3 weeks - when your condition doesn't hold you back from whatever you consider the basic factors of daily life, but it does impede on the extra things that bring you joy, like hobbies and sports.
Book every 4 weeks - when you feel in good condition and you want to stay that way! Nothing is holding you back but you want to stay on top of addressing the little stresses of life before they accumulate and start creating a noticable problem.
We recommend monthly sessions as a minimum for everyone,
but honestly, weekly is ideal!
Will it hurt?
Here we are the experts but you are the final word on all treatments. Should it hurt? No.
In an effective therapeutic massage we target troubled areas, which can cause varied levels of intensity. Let your therapist know beforehand and during the session what level of intensity you are comfortable with.
If the intensity you experience begins to elevate to anything you would call "pain", we want to back off. Pushing for results is great but not at the expense of adding new trauma. When you experience pain, you begin resisting by doing things like flexing your muscles and holding our breath. At that point we want to get back to a level where our work can be recieved.
Can this still feel relaxing?
Absolutely! During your intake process with your therapist, make it clear if this a a priority for you. We draw on a wide variety of techniques which can be soothing and relaxing to your nervous system, while sneaking in the ones targeting trouble spots.
What should I expect when I arrive?
We currently work by appointment only and do not have a receptionist on site, so when the staff are all in session the doors to the studio are locked. If this is the case, we have a bench for waiting just outside the front door. We suggest just arriving 5 minutes before your appointment time.
Inside we offer filtered water, organic teas, and beautiful ambiance to enjoy while you fill out your intake form in the lobby.
Your therapist will then bring you into the treatment room to go over your intake form and the two of you will come up with a plan for the session.
When the therapist steps out, you will then dissrobe to your comfort level and get on the table, underneath the top sheet. We will only uncover the areas we will work on during the session. We take great care to honor your modesty.
Unlike other spas:
Here our hour sessions are a full 60 min.
Here the clock starts when the treatment begins.
Here is where you want to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from a regular massage?
What issues do you usually help with?
Acute muscular pain like "muscle guarding" after traumatic events like a car accident or child birth for example. It can also be helpful to slow the progression of degenerative muscular disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Is this only for injuries?
No. Muscular stress does not only accumulate from injuries, certain ergonomic environments and long lasting chronic pain are also well managed with therapeutic massage.
It's also useful for sports recovery.
How often should I come in?
Weekly sessions are what we have found to be ideal. For when time or budget are a factor,
we have established these rebooking frequency guidelines:
Book weekly - when the reason for seeking treatment is affecting your daily life. Work, sleep, walking, driving, or taking care of your children are basic factor of most people's lives. If your condition holds you back from or is worsened by any of these factors, you need immediate care.
Book every 2-3 weeks - when your condition doesn't hold you back from whatever you consider the basic factors of daily life, but it does impede on the extra things that bring you joy, like hobbies and sports.
Book every 4 weeks - when you feel in good condition and you want to stay that way! Nothing is holding you back but you want to stay on top of addressing the little stresses of life before they accumulate and start creating a noticable problem.
We recommend monthly sessions as a minimum for everyone,
but honestly, weekly is ideal!
Will it hurt?
Here we are the experts but you are the final word on all treatments. Should it hurt? No.
In an effective therapeutic massage we target troubled areas, which can cause varied levels of intensity. Let your therapist know beforehand and during the session what level of intensity you are comfortable with.
If the intensity you experience begins to elevate to anything you would call "pain", we want to back off. Pushing for results is great but not at the expense of adding new trauma. When you experience pain, you begin resisting by doing things like flexing your muscles and holding our breath. At that point we want to get back to a level where our work can be recieved.
Can this still feel relaxing?
Absolutely! During your intake process with your therapist, make it clear if this a a priority for you. We draw on a wide variety of techniques which can be soothing and relaxing to your nervous system, while sneaking in the ones targeting trouble spots.
What should I expect when I arrive?
We currently work by appointment only and do not have a receptionist on site, so when the staff are all in session the doors to the studio are locked. If this is the case, we have a bench for waiting just outside the front door. We suggest just arriving 5 minutes before your appointment time.
Inside we offer filtered water, organic teas, and beautiful ambiance to enjoy while you fill out your intake form in the lobby.
Your therapist will then bring you into the treatment room to go over your intake form and the two of you will come up with a plan for the session.
When the therapist steps out, you will then dissrobe to your comfort level and get on the table, underneath the top sheet. We will only uncover the areas we will work on during the session. We take great care to honor your modesty.
Unlike other spas:
Here our hour sessions are a full 60 min.
Here the clock starts when the treatment begins.
Here is where you want to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from a regular massage?
What issues do you usually help with?
Acute muscular pain like "muscle guarding" after traumatic events like a car accident or child birth for example. It can also be helpful to slow the progression of degenerative muscular disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Is this only for injuries?
No. Muscular stress does not only accumulate from injuries, certain ergonomic environments and long lasting chronic pain are also well managed with therapeutic massage.
It's also useful for sports recovery.
How often should I come in?
Weekly sessions are what we have found to be ideal. For when time or budget are a factor,
we have established these rebooking frequency guidelines:
Book weekly - when the reason for seeking treatment is affecting your daily life. Work, sleep, walking, driving, or taking care of your children are basic factor of most people's lives. If your condition holds you back from or is worsened by any of these factors, you need immediate care.
Book every 2-3 weeks - when your condition doesn't hold you back from whatever you consider the basic factors of daily life, but it does impede on the extra things that bring you joy, like hobbies and sports.
Book every 4 weeks - when you feel in good condition and you want to stay that way! Nothing is holding you back but you want to stay on top of addressing the little stresses of life before they accumulate and start creating a noticable problem.
We recommend monthly sessions as a minimum for everyone,
but honestly, weekly is ideal!
Will it hurt?
Here we are the experts but you are the final word on all treatments. Should it hurt? No.
In an effective therapeutic massage we target troubled areas, which can cause varied levels of intensity. Let your therapist know beforehand and during the session what level of intensity you are comfortable with.
If the intensity you experience begins to elevate to anything you would call "pain", we want to back off. Pushing for results is great but not at the expense of adding new trauma. When you experience pain, you begin resisting by doing things like flexing your muscles and holding our breath. At that point we want to get back to a level where our work can be recieved.
Can this still feel relaxing?
Absolutely! During your intake process with your therapist, make it clear if this a a priority for you. We draw on a wide variety of techniques which can be soothing and relaxing to your nervous system, while sneaking in the ones targeting trouble spots.
What should I expect when I arrive?
We currently work by appointment only and do not have a receptionist on site, so when the staff are all in session the doors to the studio are locked. If this is the case, we have a bench for waiting just outside the front door. We suggest just arriving 5 minutes before your appointment time.
Inside we offer filtered water, organic teas, and beautiful ambiance to enjoy while you fill out your intake form in the lobby.
Your therapist will then bring you into the treatment room to go over your intake form and the two of you will come up with a plan for the session.
When the therapist steps out, you will then dissrobe to your comfort level and get on the table, underneath the top sheet. We will only uncover the areas we will work on during the session. We take great care to honor your modesty.
Unlike other spas:
Here our hour sessions are a full 60 min.
Here the clock starts when the treatment begins.
Here is where you want to be.
