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Back to Center Bodywork and Coaching

4.9 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Cupping therapy in Oakland, California

Massage therapists · see all massage therapists that offer cupping

Verified cupping provider Fire cupping Massage cupping

Why Back to Center Bodywork and Coaching is listed — cupping is a treatment, not a Google category, so we only list a provider when there's real proof they offer it. Here's what we found: “also include modalities like neuromuscular therapy (i.e. trigger point therapy), MFR / myofascial release , and other therapeutic approaches including injury or recovery-oriented “sports massage”. Integrated Cupping Therapy…” source →

Booking your cupping session

  • Session price around $225 a session — confirm current pricing and whether cupping is standalone or added to a massage/acupuncture visit
  • Payment HSA/FSA cards accepted — verify coverage before your visit, since cupping is often billed under manual therapy or acupuncture
  • Online booking you can book online — check their site for the next available cupping appointment
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website backtocenterbodywork.com — book and see the full treatment menu

Hours

Monday 9:30 am–7 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am–7 pm
Wednesday 8 am–7 pm
Thursday 7 am–7 pm
Friday 8 am–7 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday 9:30 am–3 pm

Cupping is usually by appointment — these are the business's general hours, so book ahead rather than dropping in.

Cupping styles offered

The kinds of cupping mentioned on Back to Center Bodywork and Coaching's own site or in clients' reviews — not guessed from the Google category.

What clients say about the cupping here

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 51 Google reviews — kept to comments about the cupping and the provider's care, in their own words.

💆 effective pain & tension relief 6 mentions

“A couple years ago I started seeing Alex to address back pain/sciatica due to a herniated disc that eventually led to surgery.”

🧑‍⚕️ skilled, knowledgeable practitioner 17 mentions

“Alex is incredibly knowledgeable about the body/musculature and was able to draw on his past experiences with other clients to give me tons of useful information for an injury I was dealing with.”

🗣️ explains the process 5 mentions

“Alex is not only a great massage therapist, but he is also a good listener and communicator.”

🌿 gentle & comfortable 10 mentions

“About Back to Center: the rooms are always very clean and comfortable and there's a calm and friendly vibe throughout the center.”

🏃 great for athletes / recovery 3 mentions

“Jen McCluer is the best therapist I've ever had if you're in the market for a serious deep tissue, sports therapy, active release kind of thing.”

🧼 clean & hygienic space 6 mentions

“The studio itself is clean, has a great vibe without feeling too hippie dippy, and they've done a great job handling covid restrictions that helped me feel safe and secure while I got treated!”

From the reviews

Alex is THE BEST! He really knows what he's doing AND he listens! He's also super easy to communicate and schedule with. I get deep tissue to relaxing massages, depending on what my body and mind need. He often finds spots I wasn't even aware was hurting and gets them out.

★★★★★ — Jo, May 2021

This is a wonderful place to get a massage. The facilities are very clean with numerous health precautions in place and everyone I have seen here is professional and very skilled.

★★★★★ — Duffy, May 2021

Such a great experience at my first 90 minute massage. Alex is extremely effective at working on problem areas with just enough pressure without causing pain, which is exactly what I want with a deep tissue massage. I enjoyed the peaceful setting and the aromatherapy. Very clean and COVID safe.

★★★★★ — Caroline, May 2021

A friend of mine referred me to Alex a couple years ago because I’m a 51 year old guy who loves to play tennis, hike, cycle, and am always hurting somewhere. I had tried a few places in Oakland but hadn’t found someone who was good at approaching massage in a physical therapeutic way, and needed help with chronic…

★★★★★ — Warren, May 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews, filtered to comments about cupping and the provider's care. Read all 51 reviews →

What to expect from your first cupping session

New to cupping? Here's the short version. What happens: the practitioner places cups on the skin — most often the back, shoulders, or legs — and creates suction (with a pump, or briefly with a flame for fire cupping). Cups either stay put for a few minutes (dry cupping) or are glided over oiled skin (massage cupping). A session is usually 15–45 minutes, often added to a massage or acupuncture visit. The marks: cupping leaves round, bruise-like circles that are normal and usually fade in a few days to a couple of weeks — they're discoloration from the suction, not an injury, and shouldn't really hurt. What to wear: comfortable clothing that gives access to the area being treated. Afterward: drink water, keep the area warm, and skip intense sun or a hot sauna right after.

Cupping isn't for everyone — if you're on blood thinners, pregnant, or have a skin condition or bleeding disorder, check with your doctor first, and always tell your practitioner about health concerns before a session. This page is directory information, not medical advice.

Where to find Back to Center Bodywork and Coaching

154 Santa Clara Ave, Oakland, CA94610

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and client reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this business? Claim your listing — it's free.