About Mike

Mike Papciak is a master bodyworker who trained in the early 2000s primarily at the Institute of Conscious Bodywork in Corte Madera, California (now the Healus Center). Mike is state-certified by the California Massage Therapy Council, and a longstanding member of the national organization Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

Mike was born in Detroit, raised in Atlanta, and after some years in Arizona and Wyoming, arrived in California's Bay Area in 1992. He has worked as a bread baker, theater rigger, stunt double, mountain guide, writer/editor, counselor for the developmentally disabled, and as a project manager in technology and communications. Mike has been rock climbing for more than 40 years, including several years in the 1990s competing nationally as a sponsored pro. He has been a Zen practitioner since 2007. Mike lives with his family in Berkeley, California.

"It's awesomeness that I can't explain. Thank you, Mike!"

—Purna, parent, programmer

  
"After practicing your suggestions for a few weeks, I have found so much relief. Many muscles in my feet and ankles are waking up and getting stronger. Thanks so much for your consultation and treatment — it was literally the opposite of what my doctors recommended, and it has helped me avoid surgery."

—Amy, biochemist, climber, lifter

"Therapeutic and comprehensive! Mike understands that healing is a sum total of all the parts. His touch is deep yet gentle; therapeutic yet relaxing. He approaches his work with commitment and passion. It is with great confidence that I refer to Mike, and receive bodywork from him myself."

—Ann Honigman, D.C., M.P.H., co-founder, Westside Family Chiropractic

"Mike is a soft-tissue empath! Reading the quality of the body, he has the perfect touch to release deeply-seated tension and congestion. Following his care, I have enjoyed profound opening and improved health."

—Ada Lusardi, Yoga with Ada Lusardi 

"I've been to many bodyworkers and Mike is simply the best. He understands the strain we put on ourselves, and he knows how to make us feel good again. After suffering the worst injury of my climbing career and having surgery to repair my shoulder, Mike really helped bring my broken wing back to life. Sessions with Mike are an important part of my routine between climbing trips and expeditions."

—Ethan Pringle, legendary professional rock climber, Bay Area native

"Mike is a gifted healer, informed by knowledge and guided by intuition. Working firmly and precisely into deep layers of the body, he compassionately nudges us to lengthen and release. He has helped me heal from sciatica, whiplash, and SI joint dysfunction. Each session feels like a long exhale of relief. I walk away with ease, lightness, and peace, happy to be reminded of what it feels like to be pain-free."

—Poh Teng, Certified Yoga Therapist 

 
"Mike's bodywork addresses the whole person and is deep and effective, specific and intelligent. He knows exactly where tension and stress are being held. I am impressed by how present he is, session after session. Mike has worked on me a number of times, in particular helping me regain full range of motion and function following major knee surgery."

—Michael McFarland, master bodyworker and educator (retired); Senior Trainer for the Hellerwork  School of Structural Integration; Board Certified, International Association of Structural Integrators

"I started seeing Mike some years ago, as I was beginning my career as a professional cyclist. My work with Mike is essential preparation for key events. My performance always improves after our appointments. I am more mobile and flexible and I can put down more power on the pedals! His work kickstarts my recovery, allowing me to return to training quicker. Mike has also helped me get through several injuries. I have always appreciated how he advocates self-treatment, and his enthusiasm for teaching these techniques has made me realize their importance and motivated me to integrate self-treatment into my daily routine. Mike is a master of his trade."

—Beth Newell Hernandez, World Cup cycling medalist; Pan American Champion; two-time National Champion

"I've seen Mike many times and he's helped me tremendously with my own aches and pains. I trust him and highly recommend his bodywork to anybody."

—Michael Westgate, natural pain relief expert and owner of Westgate Therapy

"I'm thoroughly impressed. As a diverse recreational athlete and former collegiate track athlete, I know how important it is to take care of my body. Mike's touch is really special! He knows exactly the right depth and time to soften the tension. I swear that I run lighter and faster the day after our sessions. I often refer my chiropractic patients to Mike for his detailed bodywork, because I know he will nurture their bodies back to suppleness."

—Dr. Johanna Lelke, D.C., A.R.T.