Jennifer Roe-Duffy Massage

A freelance massage therapist, Jennifer Roe-Duffy was trained at San Diego's Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She specializes in deep tissue and Asian-style healing. With experience in Qi Gong, she applies these principles to her massage technique.

Scheduling can be a bit difficult, as she does her own bookings. It took us a while to get in touch with other after phone tag, and between both of our busy schedules, the appointment had to be booked a full week in advance.

The massage found all the crunchy spots in my muscles. She worked out a lot of tight areas, and I felt a lot of good muscular releases and loosened tendons. Her work style is deep, which is not as relaxing, but serves better to work through knots. She talked a lot more than I prefer. I tend to zone out and prefer silence.

The basic rate is $100 for an hour massage including travel to your location. If you want to book multiple or extended massages, she negotiates on the price. Overall, I would recommend her for deep tissue and injury work, but not for your typical relaxing Swedish massage.

She primarily does house calls, upon referral only. If you'd like a referral, please let me know.

Jennifer Roe-Duffy
619-517-9982

IPSB

International Professional School of Bodywork (IPSB) is a massage school located in Pacific Beach. As far as massage goes, it is one of the best values in San Diego. Value means you get good quality for a good price. At IPSB you can choose from either a student or professional masseuse, at a rate of either $45 or $60 for an hour massage.

There any extra amenities at IPSB; there's no spa, no hot tub, no shower, no facials. But you're also not paying for those things. Instead what you get is a good massage from either an experienced student or a full time professional.

They can accommodate massages at the last minute; they often have walk-in appointments available. If you schedule in advance you arrange several massage at the same time for you and friends. They have 10 rooms available.

The waiting room is nice, with classy-hippie decor: lots of fabric and crystal lamps. They have a small area with items for sale, but you aren't overwhelmed by the commercial aspect. They sell tasteful items, mostly massage oils and lotions, with a few imports and crystals.

For the most part, the staff is incredibly friendly. Occasionally there is one woman who works at the front desk who is not friendly or helpful, but I rarely see her. After your massage they have water and tea to hydrate with, and usually small cookies and packets of hot chocolate as well.

One note, and this applies pretty much everywhere, an hour massage doesn't always mean an hour massage. Some places are very clear that you are getting only a 50 minute massage and call it just that, but other places call it an hour and you still get only 50 minutes. At IPSB they call it an hour and it really varies; you will get bet ween 50 and 60 minutes. To maximize your chances of getting that full 60 minutes, be sure to arrive for your appointment 10-15 minutes ahead of time. If you're late you always lose that time (and again this applies anywhere).

IPSB
Massage Training Center
1414 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: 858-490-1154
Open Seven days a week.
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
A full hour massage
$45 to $ 60

School of Healing Arts - Massage in PB

The School of Healing Arts Massage School is located on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach. However, it is not to be confused with IPSB, which is also located on Garnet Avenue. The School of Healing Arts is in an upstairs office building.

A massage with a student practitioner is $39. However, I have to say that massage with the students here, in my experience, have been disappointing. They usually seem to want to talk to you and ask you all kinds of questions about you and your life. That's nice and all, but not during a massage. They also seem less sure of themselves than the students at IPSB, and less skilled.

So, if you are looking for a cheap massage, this school can offer it, but be warned that it still might not be worth it. However, if you do want to give them a chance, I can offer the same advice that I offer for any massage.

The secret is good communication; express your concerns before the session starts. Even during massage be sure to speak up if you would like lighter or harder pressure.

Some things to think about if you aren't familiar with massage:
Do you tend to get cold easily? Ask for a blanket.
Do you think you would like stretching during the massage? Yes or no, express this.
Are you stressed out?
Do you have sore muscles or joints?
Do you want your head massaged at the end?
Should the masseus avoid any areas, such as the stomach?

And, in this case: Let them know if you want to have massage without small talk!

School of Healing Arts
1001 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 581-9429
(858) 490-2560
(858) 581-9460

IPSB Massage in PB

The International Professional School of Body Work in Pacific Beach offers massage seven days a week. You can choose either a student ($45) or a professional ($60). You get a full hour of massage (not 50 minutes like most places).

The setting is relaxing and professional. You enter at the front desk, where the receptionist greets you; they are typically friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.

The students are fair to good in their massage skills. I can't remember a bad massage I've ever had at IPSB, but sometimes the students are just mediocre. However, the professionals offer consistently good massage, for just small difference in price.

There are no extra amenities, like shower or spa facilities, but they have necessities for a great massage. There is a lobby, which also sells some massage supplies and even some clothes and crystals and other items. There is also a lounge for discussion after the massage with your practitioner. They have water and tea and cookies.

The practitioners are trained in a variety of styles, and most can offer several different types of massage. The secret is good communication. If you tend to zone out during massage, as I do, then it is key to express your concerns before the session starts. Even during massage be sure to speak up if you would like lighter or harder pressure - even if it means pulling yourself out of a semi-conscious state. Improving the massage is worth waking up for a moment!

Some things to think about if you aren't familiar with massage:
Do you tend to get cold easily? Ask for a blanket.
Do you think you would like stretching during the massage? Yes or no, express this.
Are you stressed out?
Do you have sore muscles or joints?
Do you want your head massaged at the end?
Should the masseuse avoid any areas, such as the stomach?


IPSB Massage Training Center
1414 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: 858-490-1154
Open Seven days a week.
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
A full hour massage
$45 to $ 60

Bella Tosca Day Spa

Bella Tosca Day Spa is part of the Town and Country Hotel, located in the heart of Mission Valley, between Fashion Valley Mall and Interstate 8. Upon arrival, it looks like nothing special, but the facilities are quite nice once inside. The Town and Country is a San Diego classic hotel, and has been around since Mission Valley really was a valley, and on the edge of both town and country.

Bella Tosca offers a full service hair and nail salon, and a complete day spa. After check-in, you are given slippers and a robe, a nice amenity not provided at some day spas. The locker rooms are separate for men and women, and have a dry sauna and a large hot tub, as well as multiple showers and a well stocked counter area. One down side is that the indoor hot tub makes the rest of the facilities smell strongly of chlorine. You can also use the workout facilities and attend classes if they have any running (but these are rare).

All the facilities are included with a spa treatment (but not a salon treatment). The price for day use is very reasonable, at only $25. Treatments are averagely priced for spa services, at about $100 for an hour.

Town and Country is particular good for groups, as they can accommodate many people within an hour or two hour time range, sometime most spas can not do. Everyone can use the sauna and hot tub as they wait for the group to complete their treatments. Be sure to schedule ahead.


500 Hotel Circle
San Diego, CA 92108
866-91Relax (866-917-3529)
www.bellatosca.com

Aqua Gardens Day Spa

The number of day spas in San Diego is fairly high, and it is rising. San Diego is finally becoming a sophisticated city. This means good news for people who like to live life well, and enjoy fine things, like good restaurants and spas. And it also means that more people will be bale to afford these things as more good restaurants and spas move to this city.

Aqua Gardens is a little over a year old, near the corner of 4th and Washington Street in Hillcrest. They do not have a parking lot, only street parking, so arrive early to ensure you find a spot on time. They will make change inside if you need it.

They offer a number of specials, the majority of them exclusively for first time customers. You can call to see what they are currently offering. I am a big proponent of using first-time customers specials (or any special discount). This means you can try a new place without a risk of feeling like you lost the money if the atmosphere or treatment wasn’t right for you. If it is right for you, then you can make a conscious choice to continue to invest the money to go there and receive treatments as part of your wellness plan.

Aqua Gardens offers a wet and dry sauna, and a pool, all available free of charge when you receive a treatment. You can also pay a day use fee to use these facilities without receiving a treament, though it is rather highly priced, though other treatments are average.

The staff is very friendly, and the owner is often at the reception desk. He is very willing to accommodate requests and even changes at much later dates than many spas. They use Young Living Essential Oils, a very high grade of essential oils. The bathroom is well stocked with plenty of towels and products. But there is only one, and it is the only changing room, which can be problematic if many others at the spa at the same time, though because it is a very small location you will often find yourself there a lone or with only a couple others. It is in a remodeled house, which also adds to the charm. They offer you tea or water when you arrive and depart. Overall it is a pleasant experience, though for me nothing extraordinary.

UPDATE: Aqua Gardens is no longer in business.