Shivaloka Bodywork Brooklyn - Holistic Massage Therapy by appointment — Local services in New York

I ended up here in a desperate attempt to address a migraine that just wouldn't quit, and the incredible care, attention, and skill Chad puts into his work has convinced me I'll never need to go to another massage therapist again. It's also totally changed my understanding of the practice of massage. I've had many technically excellent deep tissue massages over the years to address muscle tension and tightness, which is a migraine trigger, but I've never had a massage that provides both technical excellence combined with a deep understanding of human biology and the workings of the nervous system. Chad's bodywork seamlessly combines the two.

For me, deep tissue has often been associated with intense discomfort bordering on outright pain, but I accepted it as a cost I had to pay for longer-term pain relief - until I went to Chad. Chad works to actually calm down the nervous system through a series of techniques (sound, aromatherapy, guided breathing, etc.) and to warm up the body properly for massage before really getting into the nuts and bolts. I was initially a bit skeptical, but after 3 excellent massages, I'm now a convert. Not only do I feel like I'm floating at the end of every massage, the massages themselves are much less painful than what I've been used to while still deep tissue. There's still the very good and relieving discomfort of getting tense knots and myofascial trigger points worked out, but it's just that - discomfort. I hadn't realized how crucial this "warming up" was to massage until now. I've also never had a massage involving proper deep tissue where I felt like I could fall asleep; I'm always incredibly alert because they've been painful - but I've caught myself at multiple points during a massage with Chad on the brink of drifting off.

All in all, Chad's holistic approach is really incredible - and it starts before the massage. E.g. we chitchat before and after in the waiting room area, which is cozy, and this builds rapport and familiarity, and also gives me a chance to share any issues or problems I'm having and debrief if I want after. During the massage, Chad lets the client lead if they want to chat, but also gently encourages quiet. This is excellent for someone like me who always feels pressure to chitchat during the massage with the therapist. When the massage is over, I never want to get off the table. If there were a 3-hour option, I'd take it.

Each time I've gone, it's been to address active migraines that were just barely being held back by meds, and I've walked away each time migraine-free and feeling enormous relief. I can't recommend this place enough. My sincere thanks to Chad for the all thought and professionalism he puts into his work, and the warmth and care he brings to his interactions...

TLDR; Great experience from booking to appointment end. Chad is an immaculate professional, and clearly passionate about his calling. Can't recommend highly enough!

Review: I've been having some trouble with my lower back lately, and I woke up one day with an unusual amount of pain. I decided to book a massage and googled therapists close to where I live in Bushwick/Ridgewood. Shivaloka came up as an option. I'm queer and the business is labeled as queer friendly, so I chose to message Chad and set up an appointment. He luckily had an opening same day, so I asked for a 60 minute massage. The booking process was very simple and streamlined through google.

When I arrived, I was immediately impressed by the effort Chad has invested into creating a peaceful space for clients. It is a small home studio, with beautiful wood trim, pleasant aromatherapy, and gorgeous artwork adorning the walls. Chad was attentive while listening to my concerns and offered helpful feedback regarding aftercare post massage. The massage itself was intense, but exactly what I asked for and not unexpected considering the state my lower back was in. After the massage, payment was simple and easy. I left with a few business cards, which I will post in photos.

Can't recommend highly enough. My back feels 1000x better and I left with a sense of calm optimism, ready to face whatever the next few weeks have in store for me.

I'm very grateful to have such an accomplished practicioner in my neighborhood! Very highly...

I genuinely don’t say this lightly: this was the best massage I have ever had. Chad is a truly gifted bodywork practitioner. From the moment I arrived, he created an experience that felt both deeply restorative and intuitively attuned to my body’s needs.

He listened intently to all of my concerns — and not just listened, but heard me. Every point I brought up was addressed through his expert bodywork. He seemed to anticipate exactly where my body needed attention and applied the perfect amount of pressure without me having to say a word. His ability to intuit pain points and deliver relief was nothing short of remarkable.

Beyond the massage itself, the environment Chad has created is beautiful and calming, with an energy that immediately put me at ease. It’s a space that feels safe, welcoming, and intentionally crafted.

We ended up chatting for quite a while, and I was struck by how grounded, warm, and present he is as a person. It wasn’t just a great massage — it was a healing experience, both physically and energetically.

If you’re looking for transformative bodywork from someone who truly cares and has mastered his craft,...