Welcome

I offer massage that is therapeutic for tension and pain, relaxing, and tailored to your needs. Based in Glasgow, my practice is queer and trans-friendly, non-judgemental and trauma-aware.

I also offer guided somatic practice online.

CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR MASSAGE BOOKINGS (except events). Please subscribe to emails for updates. ♡

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Massage FAQs

  • I’ll ask you during a short consultation on arrival about what brings you along, how you’re feeling, how you're using your body day-to-day, and any relevant history of illness or injuries. We then decide together on a plan for the session. I ask clients to wear pants for massage. I’ll check in with you during treatment about pressure, temperature, and how it feels. We can pause anytime.

  • You can tell me about your health conditions when you book, or you can use the contact form below. You can also tell me if you have any other access requirements; for example, if you prefer silence over music or to not have any scents in the room.

  • Diploma in Swedish Massage, Western School of Massage (2019)

    Hands Free Massage, KnotStressed Training (2021)

    Pregnancy Massage, Glasgow School of Massage (2022)

    Indian Head Massage, Scottish School of Beauty (2022)

    Integrated Thai Yoga Massage Stretches, Glasgow School of Massage (2023)

    Myofascial Release, School of Holistic Therapy (2023)

    Oncology Massage, Glasgow School of Massage (2025)

    Somatic Trauma Therapy, School of Holistic Therapy (2026)

    I am a member of the Scottish Manual Therapists Organisation and insured by Balens.

  • I wear an FFP2 mask for sessions. My most recent vaccination was in September 2025.

  • Sliding scale pricing means that you decide how much you can afford to pay. People with disposable income paying the upper end of scale means that people on a lower income can pay the bottom end of the scale and I still make enough to live on. There is no expectation to pay the same amount every time. Check out these prompts from SQIFF to help decide how much to pay.

  • I am pausing sale of vouchers while I find a new permanent space.

  • Any vouchers that expired from August 2025 onwards will be redeemable when I return from hiatus.

  • Yes, I am trained in pregnancy massage (and insured to work with you in the second and third trimester) and oncology massage. Please let me know when booking if either of these applies to you so I can allow extra time for our consultation or get in touch for more information in advance.

  • I welcome feedback from clients in person or over email, whether constructive or positive. It helps me stay accountable as a solo business. You can also leave a review which I may use as a testimonial on my website later.

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Testimonials

  • Definitely recommend. Went in knowing I carried a lot of tension in my body but wasn’t exactly sure on all the areas to focus on. River led the session for me as requested and gave me plenty of opportunity to advocate for myself before and throughout. Felt safe and comfortable the whole time.

  • “I had my first massage almost a year ago and now go back for monthly massages. They are fantastic at making you feel comfortable and safe and providing a space where you can advocate for your body and have some time to relax.”

  • “I always feel really taken care of with the consultation before and even when I’ve not been in a long time they remember my history. I hold a lot of tension all over my body and always leave feeling so relaxed and pain-free. It’s a queer friendly space too and it feels really safe and joyful.”

  • “Going for a massage with River is always such a soothing and relaxing experience. River really makes you feel comfortable and creates a lovely environment, I would (and have) recommend to anyone looking for a massage!”

  • “I’ve been going to River for almost 2 years now. Their space is warm and welcoming, and the initial questions are enough to ensure that they can get to work quickly where my body needs it most. Over my many sessions I always leave feeling incredibly relaxed, far less tense and just generally lovely (and a little sleepy!”

  • “Welcoming, caring and inclusive. Can’t wait to visit again.”

  • “Had a great experience. River made me feel very comfortable. I felt super relaxed and the massage helped relieve some tension in my back as I spend a lot of time at desks. Big recommend!”

  • “River makes me feel super comfortable and pays attention to whatever my body needs each time, tailoring their techniques to my requests. I have been going to River for several years, and every time I leave elated, relaxed and loose. Could not recommend them more!”

  • “This was my first time ever having a massage and River made me feel so comfortable, emotionally and physically! They asked about my reason for booking and if there were any areas I wanted to focus on. They tailored the massage to suit those needs and I’ve come away feeling much lighter.”

  • “River is such a conscientious, attuned, and soothing massage therapist. Would absolutely recommend for a queer-friendly massage.”

  • “I feel able to speak openly about what I want from each session and they adapt each massage depending on what my body needs on the day. They check in throughout about pressure or temperature to make sure I’m as comfortable as possible. I come away from my massage feeling revived and a lot less stressed.”

a picture of River, a white person with short brown curly hair and a purple jumper, stands smiling in front of some green bushes with two pink roses to their left

ABOUT ME

I'm River MacAskill, and I have been massaging since 2019.

As a teenager, I enjoyed offering massage to friends, and in my early twenties, I began to understand the importance of including body-based wisdom and practices in the processes of self-discovery, trauma recovery and generally learning how to look after myself that I was growing through. Formerly trading as Cool Amber Massage, I have trained in many methods, and have amassed a breadth of knowledge through shared learning with clients over the years. At work, I try to explain things in plain language and be honest about my capabilities.

I feel strongly about demystifying bodywork for those who feel alienated by the mainstream wellness industry. I strive to create a practice where no one feels like they have to apologise for their body: queer, fat-positive, sex worker-friendly, non-shaming and non-judgemental. I mostly end up working with trans people with chronic pain, however I love to meet all types of clients, and am available for paid work at events.

Recently I have undertaken formal training in somatics after many years of personal practice and group work. When it comes to stress-related tension and pain patterns, this modality has potential to offer foundational shifts where massage offers temporary relief. I am excited to see how this unfolds.

Outside of bodywork, I am a writer from Inverness-shire who lives in Dennistoun, Glasgow. I usually have a handful of creative and political projects on the go. I love lounging around outside.