Spa Wellness: Earthbody Spa in San Francisco

A San Francisco spa owner aims to transform the world, one ritual at a time.

Earthbody SpaEarthbody Spa

Earthbody Spa


With a mission of no less than “to heal every person on the planet,” Denmo Ibrahim takes wellness seriously. At Earthbody, her holistic refuge in San Francisco’s trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood, Ibrahim lets guests know, even before they arrive, that they’re in for a transformative experience. Booking questions aren’t of the “Where does it hurt?” variety, but rather, “What do you want to feel like afterward?” “What are you looking for?” and “What do you want to balance?” Once clients come through the door, the spa’s soothing décor sets the scene for transformation, while veteran staff proffer a welcome tray bearing an herbal elixir, lemongrass refreshment cloth, bamboo towels, Himalayan salt crystals and eco-friendly candles. (A post-session tea service provides a rejuvenation booster before clients head back outside.)

Earthbody’s quintessential offerings are its rituals. Informed by ayurvedic philosophies, these signature packages were developed by Ibrahim as prescriptions for wellness. “What ‘ritual’ really means is a series of actions performed with intent,” she says. “Here we use a very different language. We encourage a different way to experience bodywork.” Such healing journeys last up to two and a half hours, and Ibrahim switches them up throughout the year in accordance with the ancient healing practice of seasonally inspired health care. Spring’s pranayama, for example, is designed to awaken the body’s chi, boost emotional well-being and gently detox away winter by incorporating asana massage, yogic breathing, jute brushing, sea salt exfoliation and a natural “facelift” featuring warm and cool bamboo towels, guided breathing, marma pressure-point work and an organic facial balm.

Earthbody Sacred Skincare is another facet of Ibrahim’s thriving business. Early in her career, the practitioner’s commitment to organic purity had her mixing products for each client while in session. However, when they asked to buy items for home use, she couldn’t supply them. The study of alchemy led Ibrahim to develop a line she now retails to other spas. “It was never my intention to create more space here or to open other Earthbodys,” she says. “But what I do want to do is teach other spas what I’ve learned.”

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