This place was begging to have an objective review. A fan of reflexology, I've been eyeing this place for several months as it is the closest reflexology massage store to my home. However, I was on the fence due to wildly varying reviews... two 5-star reviews give glowing praise--but are by unknown users with no other reviews.
On the flip side, the sole "Elite" review didn't actually even receive services at this establishment, instead calling it 'one of those cheap places' and referred to the older Asian man as 'creepy' (which, now having been to this place myself, I frankly find inappropriate and offensive. I don't know what he did during her brief walk into the store that would warrant such inflammatory degradation, and likely cost him business, but if it was nothing more than appearance and passing interaction, I would have at least liked to have seen more an explanation as to what was "creepy"... anything else is inexcusable.)
To contradict, I did not find anything in this place "cheap" or "creepy", certainly not the people. I went in on a Sunday morning--stealing away for a brief period from my toddler, husband, and a pile of housework to do. There were three people working, and older man and woman, and a young man. Both the woman and older man were with clients, and the younger man was able to take me straight away. While I was receiving my service, two or three additional people came in to request service--fairly busy in my book. I was glad I called ahead to check if there was availability.
If you've had foot reflexology before, you know almost exactly what to expect. Typically, among all places, they will place your feet in a tub of warm water. You'll be sitting in a chair (Heavenly Feet has you lay down on a massage table for a back rub first, before putting you in the chair for your foot soak etc--that's my favorite!). This isn't your average chair, but I will get to that in a minute.
While your feet soak, you'll probably have your arms, hands, and shoulders massaged. If you agree (or request), they'll do your face and/or scalp in the "reflexology" style too (pressure points). Then your feet are removed from the water, dried, and massaged. Be sure to communicate your pressure preference. I basically like to have the tar beat out of me in every massage, so I ask for deep pressure. These folks typically use at least moderate pressure to start, so just let them know if it hurts.
The foot massage will include the traditional "kneading" stuff, plus some weird stuff that I assume is related to reflexology... what it does (like making little X's on the tips of the toes) I have no idea, but I'm not complaining.
Feet done, your chair will magically transform... from a chair to a flat table, complete with hole for your face. Once you flip over, you'll get about 20 minutes of a fairly traditional back rub down (shiatsu style, with a sheet over your clothes).
This is what you should expect, with some variation, from any reflexology place. And this is pretty much what I found at this store. The massage was great, the young guy knew his stuff and got it all right.
If you like foot reflexology in general--have had one before and know what to expect, then I think you'll find this place comparable and generally par for the course.
Some constructive feedback, if the owners happen on here:
-I recommend using sheets or towels on the chairs, instead of the blankets. The blankets (while perhaps in an attempt to make it more cozy?) are actually scratchy and I'm not sure if they get changed out every time... therefore making some patrons nervous about cleanliness. (Note: there is a towel covering where your head rests.)
-Angle the chair while feet are in the tub. Laying flat on your back, while having your knees at a 90 degree angle, is actually pretty hard on your back. After about 20 minutes in that position, my lower back hurt. It likely makes it easier to massage your shoulders, face and scalp while on your back--but even a 10 or 20 degree slope would make it more comfortable.
Very (very very) long story story short... This place is good, for what it is. Not my favorite (that honor goes to Heavenly Feet, exclusively for their practice of starting with a back massage on a table). But I didn't find it cheap or creepy, just a typical "mom and pop" small business that provides a good service for a good price (my one hour session was $35, going rate it seems, plus $10 tip 'cuz that's how I roll :)
Don't listen to the other reviews (at least, those to date!), listen to me. It's a solid place, if you like reflexology and are east side, go check it out. read more
