Asian bodywork place on 7th and 16th...

I don't know about this specific place, but I just assumed the "$15 for 15 minutes" places were all "happy ending" joints.

I go to Spring Thyme for acupuncture. they also do massage.

Never occurred to me that place would be anything but a straightforward cheap-o massage joint.

redmenace wrote: I don't know about this specific place, but I just assumed the "$15 for 15 minutes" places were all "happy ending" joints.

I go to Spring Thyme for acupuncture. they also do massage.

As a rule the $15 for $15 minute massage joints are legit. Completely no frills but a serious, legit massage. I know these sorts of joints are popular in Hong Kong - where I assume because of long work days and those crazy hills, people of all stripes get regular cheap body and foot massages. The ones I've been to in NY look exactly like their HK counterparts. No funny business at all.

I'm pretty sure that it's a typical Chinese massage place. I've been to a couple in Manhattan (no happy ending for me, there are no private rooms in most of these places anyway, separated by curtains or low ceilings).

If I recall, that place used to be a "Bodega" and, although I never noticed it then has a really cool tin ceiling according to my daughter.

I just spoke with my super who said his wife went there and found it quite painful she came home with numerous bruise marks and pains in her joints.

I wonder if they used an iron (':D')

In general I have found the Chinatown places too heavy handed.. The massage was less that pain-free and yes by the next morning there were bruises and I felt crappy. If the OP does try this place...make sure they speak enough English to understand.. "Lighten up!"

Chinese places often do Tui Na (sp?) massages. They are deep and can hurt. It's not for everybody and you shouldn't do it if you are feeling exceptionally run down or weak

YankeeFan wrote: I tried them once. They’re okay but nothing special. But definitely better than that Spring Time place. The best place I’ve been to is on Court st right by the F trains Bergen st stop.

I've never had massage at Spring Thyme; only acupuncture.

Which place on Court Street? There are quite a few there, which was one of the reasons I made the assumption. Is it the place above the japanese restaurant? Real estate is expensive there, and I am always curious how they stay in business if they are indeed legit.

These places are like "jiffy lube" quick massage-no funny stuff joints. A dime a dozen in nyc. Qi Jong. Cheap and rough. No love here, no new age talk, no formalities. If you like a strong massage, this will serve as a great stress relief. However, if you find the banging on the calves (as they do at pedicure places) distracting and unnecessary; don't go. They do massage by rote...although a part of me wonders...if we really believe in acupuncture and chi and energy paths and all that, then shouldn't they (Chinese?) be authorities on it? And shouldn't I trust they've studies energy meridians and all that? Why does it feel like the posters are just up for my comfort; but they don't even know what a metatarsal is?
I hate all the drama of "nice" spa massage places; but I really wish there was a quickie alternative. This ain't it.

massages are overrated.

for stress.... belvedere+seltzer+lime FTW!

The Chipster wrote: These places are like "jiffy lube" quick massage-no funny stuff joints. A dime a dozen in nyc. Qi Jong. Cheap and rough..

Just an FYI....Qi jong is the exercise and breathing that you see people do in the park....looks like thai chi a bit.

Tui Na is the hands-on massage

First of all, massages shouldn't hurt or leave bruises. Shiatsu is supposed to be energy work not digging thumbs into you. Deep massages need to be worked out slowly. $15 for 15 min could be legit but beware for establishments advertising "body work".

Last thought, NYS requires all people who perform massage to be licensed by NYS. This license needs to be displayed in the room the massage is being done. Any person performing massage for money who is not licensed can be arrested and fined.

Sorry I was so long winded but I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and I hate these places that ruin the field of Massage's reputation. This place could be legit, I don't know of it.

bullyboy, I guess I was replying to a few people without clearly seperating them. Superjonbot mentioned Shiatsu. Veets and Hamilton mentioned bruises. I am glad that you had a great experience. All I was saying is to be leary of places that advertise "bodywork" and make sure they are licensed. The reputation of legit massage is ruined by these happy-ending places, which I am pleased to hear the place you went to is not.

Thanks, calm head. I went back and read the middle of the thread. It had been a while since those posts and I had resurrected the thread so I assumed you were responding to what I wrote today.

I respect and appreciate the skill and knowledge of a trained and experienced massage professional (oh boy, do I). As I've said, I've had lots of massages -- some were good, some were not, some were perfection.

The place on the corner is fine. The language barrier could pose a problem if the pressure were too intense, I can see that. But in a pinch, it may suit your purpose.

(I had in fact tried to schedule a session with someone you'd probably consider more reputable, but she was unavailable for more than a week. The next day, my muscles walked me right into that corner joint...)

Be well.

Flexichick wrote: Calm Head - cupping is just one of the methods that can leave bruises or hurt. A pro will ask during the massage if the feeling is comfortable. I'm not opposed to tui na (which can hurt) massage, cupping, etc. if done by the right person.

Nobody said bruises or is talking about ruining reputation, etc.

there is also a "pinching" technique in traditional chinese medical massage that can hurt & leave marks but the results are remarkable!