4 Oakland Bodyworkers Waveform Loves
If you have a physical job or are looking for bodyworker recommendations in the Bay Area, read on! And if you aren’t local the Bay Area, this overview could be helpful in exploring body awareness – you may realize you are craving certain kinds of body care and didn’t know what you needed to pamper yourself and create a sustainable workflow for yourself. Read on to learn more about my go-tos for personal training / self defense, skincare, acupuncture and massage!
Fun fact: the majority of these practitioners are queer and/or trans, and all approach client care with trauma-aware, intersectional perspectives.
Kewesi Simon of KES Fitness
Mobility, self defense and body awareness
I started seeing Kewesi for weekly self-defense training after I was assaulted two blocks from my home. I wasn’t hurt badly and was very lucky that the mugger was, well, the worst mugger of all time, but I experienced a rude awakening: I was completely unprepared when it came to self-defense and feeling confident in my own strength and situational awareness.
I spent over a year learning Muay Thai with Kewesi at KES Fitness – and I got way more than a self-defense education! In addition to Muay Thai and general self-defense, Kewesi specializes in Tui Na, a style of Chinese massage, and helping folks with their mobility. Working with Kewesi has been a deep education in body awareness, how my body works, understanding my pain and taking responsibility for my mobility. Check out his studio in West Oakland and get in touch!
To learn more about common mobility issues for potters / people with very physical jobs, check out this awesome resource from a dope potter at Old Forge Creations!
De La Derma
Destressing rituals, skincare and confidence
I treated myself to my first ever facial in 2022 when De la Derma (aka Noelle) and I connected over Instagram and agreed to do a trade for a pottery class. I ran out of face wash three weeks before and … hadn’t washed my face in a while. That accurately depicted my level of skincare at the time: zero. Working in the studio around clay and continuing to mask is hard on my skin. Having some education as to how to how to care for myself, as well as dreamy, yummy, textural tools I could apply to my face as if it were a material to care for, just like clay, has resulted in a much happier, relaxed, rejuvenated face (and spirit)! We can carry a lot of tension in our facial muscles (and neck) – a facial is a great way to get some tender loving care and learn how to melt that tension away. Noelle taught me some basics, explained different products to me, gave me some personalized tips and sent me on my way.
Healing Fire Acupuncture
Acupuncture & cupping, chronic pain / injury
Dr. Lauren Parish at Healing Fire Acupuncture is a talented, empathetic practitioner! I go to them for my forearms, hands, shoulder pain and hips/lower back. They are curious about your lifestyle and the story behind your body. Sessions with them feel like a good balance of rest and work in the sense that it takes intention and patience to attend to painful, stressed areas of the body. They specialize in trans/queer healthcare and create a trauma-aware space. Highly recommend!
Wildheart Bodywork
Deep tissue massage, trauma release
Clear your schedule and drink a gallon of water! Gracia at Wildheart Bodywork is an incredible bodyworker with an intense commitment to their clients. They hold space for you, creating a container where you are cared for. Their massages can be as deep as you want – they are a great communicator and tailor the session to you. I usually sleep like a rock that night and feel in a daze of relaxation for a few days. Learn more about Gracia’s practice in this early episode of my podcast Material Feels, or book a session with them!
