Mellow Massage — Local services in San Diego

I have never left a review before but for this I have to and I’m sorry but it’s going to be long! A friend of mine got me a gift certificate for mellow message after going through some hard times and knowing I really needed to relax. When I went to use it I didn’t look up any of the massage therapists or reviews, I just went for whoever had availability that worked with my schedule that day (which is not normal for me I am alittle ocd) but OMG was I so lucky and happy with who I ended up with. I booked my massage with Alfredo and he was amazing!!!

From the start when he took me back to the room he asked me if I was experiencing pain anywhere or had something specific I wanted to work on that day. I told him firstly, im a long time busy hairdresser in pb so im standing with my arms up all day and always have back and shoulder pain. To add to that, and not to trauma dump on him, but my dad had recently died and to cope, I’ve just thrown myself into work even more doing like 60/65 hour weeks for the last few months just trying to keep my mind busy and get through it. So basically everything hurt and I was on a burn out. You know how normally when you bring up death to a stranger or even just certain people you can be met with discomfort or weird pity? It can just get weird. But he looked at me with such understanding and comfort, took my hand and said that’s all I need to know. I don’t know how to explain it but with his energy I just felt at ease and safe. Normally with massages as well I’ll tell them from the start what level of pressure I want and give direction but again, something about his energy told me to just go with it and I swear it was the best massage I’ve ever had. It was so artistic and beautifully done. Everything was done with such pressure but fluidity and there was such purpose to every single thing he did. Because I went with a gift cert I wasn’t sure if i was getting a full body or what exactly it’d be, I never asked either. He did my neck, back, shoulders, arms, hands and head but had done these pressure points as wells that I didn’t know what they were but gave a HUGE release. And I know this is going to sound crazy, but I swear as he was doing the massage it was like something was getting pulled out of me. At the end he let me know he was done, and he asked me how it was. I told him how incredible it was. He then told me he hoped I wasn’t disappointed, that I did have the full body included but that he does reiki as well and when he started massaging me he realized how much trauma I was holding on to and made the decision to focus on those points to really try and help work some of that out. 1. I did not mind at all! 2. I was shocked because I realized that’s what that feeling was of something being pulled out of me as he was massaging me! I’ve always wanted to try reiki and honestly after the massage and secret reiki I felt so much lighter, like I could stand taller and like this weight I’ve been carrying just felt lighter that much easier to carry. On top of all of that, he went 20 min over my time and did not charge me extra because “he could feel how badly I needed this”. Alfredo was incredible at his job but on top of everything, so caring and kind. I was so impressed I asked him for business cards I could take to my salon because with how he treated me and how talented he was, I knew as soon as I start telling my staff and clientele about him they’re all going to become a super fan and client of his too! 20/10 stars!! (Side note everyone has noticed how much lighter I seem since as well!) Thank you Alfredo and get ready for all the people Jessica from PaperDoll is going to send you and I can’t wait...

I booked a lymphatic drainage massage expecting a professional, full-body treatment that would actually do something. lymphatic drainage massage is supposed to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and detoxify the body. When done correctly, it should focus on major lymphatic areas, including the stomach, torso, arms, and face.

What did I get? Nothing even close to that.

First, the session was supposed to be 50 minutes, but it was cut short—rushed, sloppy, and completely ineffective. The therapist kept insisting, “An expert knows this is the correct way,” which honestly felt like an excuse for not actually doing anything. They didn’t even cover the entire stomach, torso, or major lymphatic areas—just lightly touched the face and called it a day.

And let’s talk about the so-called face lymphatic drainage—it was literally just touching my face with no real technique, no proper movements, and definitely no noticeable results. There was no use of tools (no gua sha, no rollers, no suction cups—nothing) and no visible difference whatsoever. No before-and-after pictures, probably because they knew there wouldn’t be any change.

And the face massage ? Equally terrible. Rushed, ineffective, and completely pointless. My skin didn’t feel hydrated, refreshed, or glowing—it felt like I just wasted my time sitting there.

Honestly, I would definitely like a refund because this was a total waste of money. If you’re considering this place, save yourself the disappointment and go...

I went here to get a massage. The online booking process is easy. Just as other people mentioned, I got a call 2 hours before my appt to join their monthly membership and I declined as I have never been here before. I was about 15 mins early for my appt. Parking is a designated lot out front but is primarily 30 min only so I had to street park as my massage was longer than 30 mins. I walked in and the overall look of the place is beautiful but they do not have a receptionist. I was greeted a few minutes after arriving by another masseuse. She checked me in. Once it was time to be called back, my masseuse seemed frazzled setting things up once we were in the room. The room was nothing special; just a table, small table for your clothes, and some dimmable lights. The massage was less than great. The masseuse did ask me about problem areas but then did not address them in any way during the massage. I felt like I was being beat with her hands but when she was using the hot stones it was comfortable (which is the massage I booked). Pressure was inconsistent. Her nails were also so long that they were constantly digging into me. 24 hrs later, I have more discomfort than when I went in. At the end of the appt, since they have no receptionist, it is awkward to check out because you are tipping the masseuse right in front of them. Price was fair for what I got. I don't think I'll be going back here. Very weird experience; I'd rather pay the extra money to go to...