At Serenity Zen, a full body massage covers your back, shoulders, neck, arms and legs, in a private room, at the pressure that suits you. A 60-minute session covers all of it without rushing, and 90 minutes leaves time to stay longer where you're tightest. You stay draped with a sheet the whole time, and only the area being worked on is uncovered.
How the hour unfolds
Each body massage here opens with a slow press through the sheet and works the back first, then moves into long, connected strokes with oil over the whole body.
It's tailored to your perfect pressure, anywhere from light Swedish to deep tissue, and both cost the same. Your therapist checks in early and keeps checking in, so the hour stays right for you from start to finish.
What to wear, and how you're draped
You undress to your comfort level while your therapist is out of the room, and most guests keep their underwear on. Then you lie on the table under a sheet and a blanket. Your therapist uncovers only the area being worked on, the back, an arm or a leg, and covers it again before moving on. When the massage ends, your therapist steps out first so you can dress at your own pace.
60 or 90 minutes
Sixty minutes covers the whole body at a steady pace. Ninety minutes still covers the whole body and gives your therapist more time on the places that hold the most tension, which suits deep work on both the back and the legs. Our post on how long a massage should be goes into the choice in more detail.
When you'd rather focus on a few areas
A full body massage spreads the time across the whole body. If one part of you needs most of the attention, the Target style lets you choose up to three areas, such as your neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back or calves, and the whole session goes to those areas. You can also add a Scalp Massage, slow work across the scalp at medium firmness.
If you want your feet included
If tired feet are part of why you're booking, the Combination gives them time of their own. It's a foot massage that flows into a body massage in one visit, and a 60-minute Combination is 30 minutes on the feet and 30 on the body. The foot massage begins with a warm mineral soak before your therapist works the reflex points of your feet and lower legs.
From Dr. Nick, DAOM L.Ac.
I've come to see massage as a bridge, and the body is where it starts. In a full body massage, your therapist has time for all of you, from your back and shoulders down to your legs, so you don't have to decide which part deserves the attention. Years of Chan practice and teaching meditation keep bringing me back to that kind of care: unhurried, and given to the whole person.
Common questions
Is a full body massage the same as a body massage?
Yes. On our menu it's called a body massage, and it covers the whole body unless you choose the Target style for a few areas.
Can I change the pressure partway through?
Yes. Your therapist checks in as the massage goes, so the pressure stays tailored to you the whole way through.
What if I have an injury or a medical condition?
Check with your doctor first. Then we would love to see you. When you arrive, tell the front desk and your therapist about it before you start.
Where does it happen?
A body massage booked on its own happens in a private room at either studio.
Book your massage
Serenity Zen has studios in West Covina and Diamond Bar. Every massage is given by one of our CAMTC-certified therapists. Open daily, 10 AM to 9 PM.