I decided to try the Natural Healing Center (NHC) out for two reasons: it's down the street from me and I got an amazing deal from Groupon (speaking of Groupon, I was Grouponing earlier and saw that same Groupon for NHC is still available.) This particular Groupon is well worth it not only for the price, but also for the great customer service and the amazing massage you'll receive. I believe they offer sports, deep tissue, hot stone, and Swedish although I've only had deep tissue and hot stone; the masseur who treated me was a very pleasant young man named Sam and after using up my three Groupon massages I was so happy and relaxed, I decided to purchase more directly from NHC.
Additionally the NHC is in a great and easy to find area; it's also very convenient and surrounded by a lot of great shops so you can make a mini-day getting some organic fruits and veggies down the street, a few little trinkets and a soy-fruit blended in Porter Square, and then pamper yourself by having a stellar massage at the Natural Healing Center. It's right on Mass Ave so it's both T and bus accessible; if you take the bus it's extremely close to both the 83 and 77 stops and if you take the T, it's just a short walk from Porter Square so you couldn't make this place more convenient if you tried.
From the moment I first walked into NHC my experience was very pleasant and tranquil; the atmosphere was very quiet and peaceful, and I felt very much at ease. Moreover the center is extremely clean which to me is of the upmost importance; actually it's spotless and considering you're going to disrobe there and be massaged cleanliness is key. I'm an absolute rupophobe and can literally find dirt anywhere but could not find any here and trust me I looked; there wasn't any even in the bathroom (which by the way was also spotless and that's paramount.)
Furthermore every time I've come to the NHC, whether it was by Sam or by one of the other staff members, I was always greeted with a smile and treated kindly and respectfully. Additionally I've always been offered a bottled water which is not only polite but also good during and after a massage in case of lactic acid buildup.
To conclude, the massage rooms are very nice, clean, and radiate a nice ambiance; your masseuse or masseur will set the level of light to your preference however I prefer to keep it dimly lit so the rooms are always just right for me when I walk in. There are lovely candles burning adding to the delightful tone and the soft music and voice of your massage professional adds even more tranquility to your experience. You'll be given enough time alone to get as comfortable as you like and your professional will knock to check if you are ready for him or her to come in to treat you. As aforementioned I've only had Sam as my masseur and he's fantastic; I cannot say enough good things about how amazing his massages are especially with deep tissue. Moreover he's very good at taking direction so if a certain spot is giving you pain (i.e., you worked out a certain area too hard and it's bothering you,) show that area to him and he'll work it out; he's done it for me and has worked wonders.
It's worth at least buying the Groupon, going to NHC, and trying them out once. I can almost guarantee once you try you'll be addicted like myself; at the very least you at least get a phenomenal massage for a terrific price. If you love it as much as I do (and I think you will) they sell massages by the bundle (e.g., 5 at a time etc.,) which are extremely reasonably priced. read more