Whenever I come to UWS and have time I love coming here. No frills as others have stated but always better than any fancy massage I've received elsewhere. They do an excellent job at finding those places that need extra work. read more

I went back for a full-body massage, after two days of limping around DC in the rain, wearing a boot on my right foot with a decidedly higher heel than the walking boot. I was completely unbalanced, which messed up my right knee and hip. Owwww. So I returned, and Richard worked out the knots and imbalance. I made sure that he knew not to touch my broken left foot, and kept the compression sock on. A painful, expert, and extremely effective massage. I can't say that it was enjoyable, because it wasn't. But it WORKED. I walked out of there feeling renewed. Or balanced. This is serious bodywork from expert and well-trained practitioners, at great prices. Which means that you can give a bigger tip :) They do charge a fee if you use a credit card. read more

Left feeling super relaxed. Everyone was nice and my massage was awesome. I felt comfortable and taken care of. Space was nice and calming.

Me and my husband had a full body massage here and we loved it! Will visit again soon read more

Been going here for massages since 2021. No frills, reasonable prices, very intense massages that are good if you do sports frequently like I do. Really grateful to find them in the very overpriced UWS so I can get regular treatments. read more

No frills but absolutely will go back. $55 for an hour and we'll worth it! Know that it's a large room where tables are just separated by curtains, but the get the job done. They are very flex on accommodating your needs and your schedule!! read more

Original Chinese Bodywork - It's above Dark Bullet! - Massage Near Me - New York, New York

Going in I was told that you take your clothes off, leaving your bottoms on. Im a young woman and usually most massage parlor's would partnered me with another woman, in my experience but this time I was partnered with a male masseuse. At first I wasn't bothered until during my massage the masseuse drew my panties down and start caressing my buttocks, this was such an uncomfortable experience. When leaving after I paid I was harassed to leave a large tip amount , I would like to input that TIPS ARE OUT OF COURTESY! The lady up front would look at the receipt and imply "he needs more," the masseuse then comes out and says "was I not good enough?" It was such a horrible experience! I WANT ALL MY MONEY BACK read more

I had sciatica for a week and decided to give a try to this place . Walked in without an appointment. Was greeted cordially and directed to a simple clean room. I am really deep tissue especially hamstrings, hips and quads due to biking, hiking and walking . Julian gave me what I could say the best massage in a year! No oils, no nonsense, really deep and straight into the muscles and yes, he also used his hands / thumbs which these days it is hard to find (mainly elbows or forearm's which leave your muscles in pain with little true release) I was pleased , sciatica is gone . Highly recommend. read more

After yet another strenuous day of eating, watching Wimbledon and washing the dog, your tender morsel (c'est moi) had to get a rub-a-dub. Doing me ain't easy. We kicked a few tires on the internet and found this little gem on the upper west side. Price was very reasonable (especially considering that we're in NYC) - $55 for an hour (think we were quoted $85 for 90 minutes). The facility was clean, quiet and very pleasant. The woman that hooked a brother up had wicked strong hands...so strong, in fact, that I lost track of time and the massage was over before I knew it. She hit mad pressure points and broke me down. I'll be heading back there again real soon...lord knows that this life of leisure is stressful. Enough said - have fun shooting off firecrackers. I'm already booking my next appointment! Holla! read more

I have been visiting this location for 5+ years. It is very clean & the massage treatments are excellent! Soji screens are the partitions between treatment areas, the music is unobtrusive, yet calming. It is upstairs on W 72nd Street, so, you may hear Street activity. read more

After 5 years going to Shirley , I finally went to someone else because as usual my phone was dead and I couldn't call ahead. Linda was AMAZING. Very deep and a slightly more intense style than Shirley--also more movement and less static work (acupressure). VERY good work on my ankles and those are more difficult areas to massage well than, say, a trapezius. If someone doesn't know how to deal with basic, large muscle groups, you're in trouble. I was dazzled. Did 45 minutes not 60 but Shirley doesn't work on Wednesdays so if I'm ever in need Wed , I will see her. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. read more

I want to preface my review of Chinese Bodywork Herbal Reflexology with some background: I have a type of autoimmune arthritis (spondyloarthritis) that affects all of the anatomical attachment points in my body (ligament-bone, tendon-muscle, cartilages, organ attachments, fascia, etc, etc) which causes me a lot of pain, stiffness and soreness. I also have a 3-year-old to keep up with and a giant backpack I frequently use to store upwards of 30 lbs of groceries on a biweekly basis. I have spent thousands of dollars on massages since my early teens and have been to many high-end parlors (Elizabeth Arden Red Door/Golden Door, Elements, Exhale, etc). The massage I got here today is easily in my top 3 all-time massages and is the cheapest by long shot. I had a 45 minute massage with Arvin and asked him to pay special attention to my neck/back/shoulders. I thank him that he also spent sufficient time on my other areas so my body felt well-balanced. His pressure was firm but not painful, and he hit most of my muscle trigger points on the dot. I've had many massages where the masseuse misses the trigger by a hair, leaving me frustrated and more tense than before the massage. This was not the case with Arvin! In fact, his aim was so precise and his pressure so right-on that I could feel my anterior organs getting massaged from the back without a trace of pain or discomfort. My condition often causes me to get rib spasms, and I felt all of that threatening tension "click" away under his practiced hand. I also appreciate the attention Arvin spent on my buttocks/hips. Even at the most high-end spas I find the masseuses are intimidated to "go there". So not the case here! I was very comfortable with Arvin's professionalism; however, I will say that when I entered the salon there was a creepy guy there who stared me down, gawking behind him at me at the front desk as he passed through the curtains to the back where the tables are. That was unnerving, but not really the fault of the salon. For most of my life I've been pining for the at-least-bi-monthly massages my body needs but which I could never afford. This is no longer this case. I will certainly be back here on a regular basis! Edit: I've been coming here once or twice a month for over a year now and am happy to say the quality of massages has been consistently amazing! I think just about everyone who works here has given me a massage. I love that I can walk in and ask for an hour and know A. Someone will take me right away and B. No matter who takes me I am guaranteed a phenomenal experience. All of the masseuses have their own style, which I happen to appreciate. The things they all have in common are: -They all start the massage with a warmed body-size towel draped over the back, which I appreciate as I can sometimes be too sensitive to direct skin contact at the start of a massage. The warm towel and rub down first really helps me get relaxed. -They all seem to first "listen" to my body with their hands. They have an ability to quickly pick out my tense/sore areas and know exactly what to do to calm the area first and then work out the problem, though how they address it differs between masseuses. They never linger too long in one area, but still manage to relax the muscles and bring back the circulation. -They all pay close attention to when I flinch or tense up. Many masseuses elsewhere will continue to massage the area, I guess hoping to desensitize it by applying more sensation. This makes me cringe. Here they seem to know immediately when they need to do that, and more importantly, they know when not to, and when the area needs to be indirectly stimulated by first bringing in circulation from surrounding large muscle groups to relax the target area, for instance. -They pay attention to joints and small muscles as much as they do the larger muscles. This helps me feel more balanced -My FAVORITE thing about this massage parlor (as I've mentioned above) is that they all spend ample time massaging glutes and the surrounding pelvic muscles. Our glutes do *so much* for our bodies and can get overworked and sore. So many masseuses ignore the area and I don't know why! There is a technique and tact to massaging glutes, and these guys are truly pros! As far as their differences go, some massage mostly with fingertips, other with palms, some massage deeply and stimulate deep muscles directly, others focus on coaxing out the soreness in deeper muscles by using techniques that stimulate them indirectly. They all use their forearms and elbows to good effect. I had one literally kneel on my back and use her knees! Haha love these guys! They're all so friendly and super appreciative of a good tip :) The parlor is also sufficiently warm even in the winter time. I haven't had any other issues with gawkers or privacy issues. It's a very relaxing atmosphere, in general. Give this parlor a try. You *will not* be disappointed! read more

OK, I'm going to let you in on my secret little place. Forget spa massages. They suck. Save the spa experience for a steam or a sauna and a luxurious facial scrub or something. At Chinese Bodywork, for a mere $55, you can get an hour long massage by someone who has a true knowledge of the musculature, acupressure and reflexology points on the body. You get a very skilled deep tissue massage that really addresses the tensions that have been knotting up over time. I once came in here with a repetitive stress injury in my wrist. My masseuse, David, went right to work on a particular point in my shoulder, which sent "electric shocks" down my arm, after which I noted a vast improvement. I've also gone in without telling the practitioner anything and he was able to find exactly where the problem areas were on his own. The massage tends to be strong. If this bothers you, you can, of course, ask them to use less pressure, but in my opinion, the best results come from a deeper massage. Word of warning: this is strictly no-frills. There is only a hospital-type partition screen between you and the other tables, so you can hear what is going on in the room. You can also hear some street noise, and sometimes your practitioner needs to answer the phone during your massage. I never really found any of this to be a big deal, as I become relaxed as warm putty here, there is very soothing music playing in the background, and I'm perfectly willing to put up with an occasional phone call to get the most skilled massage I've found yet. David and Arvin are the best of the best, however I have found that all of the practitioners here are very skilled. read more

Holy cow! I was in a great deal of discomfort and desperate for a serious massage. I tried this place based on glowing Yelp reviews and the more affordable price. The masseuse was one of the best I've ever experienced! There's no doubt I was in snorville more than once. Sometimes at these kinds of places it feels like they just go through the motions, but not here! The facility is super clean (even the bathroom). But the curtained off rooms made it feel a bit like an ER. Aside from that I got more than I expected and it was the perfect break I needed. I'll definitely visit again when in NYC. This is a hidden gem. read more

I had to have emergency massage therapy done because my neck and shoulders were like boulders. My boss recommended this place she swears by, so I went IMMEDIATELY. Got a quick appt for an hour later and there I was. It's on the 2nd floor so don't walk to quickly. It's closer to Amsterdam than Columbus. Quiet and medium-dark atmosphere, I felt comfortable already. It's just a room with quarantined off areas behind white cloth panes, but its privacy enough. The guy that worked on me was great -- they are Chinese in case you were wondering if the name was just for show. OMG, he massaged spots that I didn't even know I had pain in (I'm notorious for ignoring pain to make it through). It was a great experience and very professional. Now let's talk price. They'll massage you for 1 full hour for $55. Folks that is a STEAL. They also do reflexology sessions - $30 for 30 mins. I am definitely going back there. Probably next week. He helped me quite a bit, but I've got a lot more massaging in my future. read more

If you are looking for happy endings....if you are looking for plush robes and sandals...This is not the place for you. But if you are looking for the best session of bodywork money can buy, at a relatively affordable price you have come to the right place. One thing I can definitely say is that this place is really clean, which is tremendously important for me. Their restrooms are bleach cleaned regularly, which is sorta comforting. The front desk attendants are friendly and efficient. Now for the talent. *****, all the way. The therapists know what they are doing, and do it really well. I visit this location on a weekly basis and work exclusively with Helen. She is awesome, and knows exactly how to get rid of the knots in my back. Forceful when needed and gentle when requested, Helen is able to melt away the stress, aches and pains from a body which is in all fairness tortured due to a dormant lifestyle. I would highly recommend this place for the straight shooting, therapy seekers who are on a budget. At sub $60 for an hour this place cannot be beat. read more

I don't want to tell anyone about this place because it is so amazing and I don't want it to get crowded. They gives ridiculously hard massages (just what I want!). I always see Shirley and she is truly magic. I get a 45 min massage ($42+tip) and leave feeling refreshed. I usually call right before I want an appointment and it is no trouble. I am going to be so sad to move because honestly this is the best massage I've ever had (and I've paid up to $100 for one not even close to being as good). It isn't a spa, but the massage is the best so who cares! read more

When I was in NYC, this place was my little secret. My husband and I would come here once a week and ask for David or Arvin. I knew it was good, but not until I left NYC did I realize how good it was. I moved to LA 3 years ago and have not been able to find a place that even compares to Chinese Bodywork - at least not consistently. I came back on a visit and was pleasantly surprised to find that the place was still around with the same therapists. As a prior review said, these people work hard. It's a low-budget environment, but the therapists always give you 100%. They are more professional than the nail salons I go to - no chitchatting or talking about you behind your back. (And I understand Chinese, so I would know if they did). Note: This is not a place for the weak. The massages are a combo deep tissue, accupressure (amazing), and reflexology. Therapists will of course change the pressure by request and are very accommodating, but people who will enjoy this place most are those with deep knots and really like deep muscle work. it's also not a place for the shy. You pretty much change behind hospital-like screen doors that are not very private. But as a girl, I've been coming here forever and never felt creeped out by anything. They are always professional. What I love most is that David and Arvin can always find the knots and there is no muscle unattended to. I leave feeling like butter. read more

Strongly recommend! When I was waiting for my friends, a girl just came out. She told me she worked in NY balley. She came here regularly. Sweet and professional service. Definitely told them where are your stresses and tensions, they are so professional to deal with that. I have sore calf after long time walking. They can really find the points to deal with the soreness. After foot massage, I felt so great with any stresses and tensions. They deserve good tips read more

'm putting a post-it on my forehead so I won't forget again that this is the #1 place in NYC and to stop wasting my time anywhere else.

This place was good. I liked the work and felt very relaxed and happy after I left. After a day of running around d manhattan, this was one of my favorite midday treats. But the building is a bit creepy and instead of treatment rooms they have curtains hung between each bed. I would've liked more privacy and a little less snoring in the curtain next door.... read more

If you are an athlete and workout regularly, this is not the place for your body. I am in the gym daily so my muscles are tense and not ready to be abused at a pace so fast that it left me holding my breath. I kept asking her to slow down and go more softly. I am hoping the damage isn't lasting. read more

Are you in search of an affordable massage and excellent spa muzak in the Upper West Side? Then Chinese Bodywork Herbal Reflexology ("CBHR") might be the place for you. Are you in search of absolute privacy and serenity? Unless you can easily tune out the occasional phone call, siren, honking horn, and doorbell and don't mind if strangers hear you undress, then you might want to look elsewhere. Listen, Chinese massage in NYC is what it is i.e. inexpensive and a little rough around the edges. But CBHR is definitely above average: the staff are friendly, the massages are great, the price is right, and they even provide thimble-sized cups of water when your massage is complete. I don't know that I'd recommend coming from Jersey to get a massage here, but at only $55 for an hour-long massage, I'll continue going back there as long as I live in the neighborhood. read more

Came here on a Sunday afternoon. Ambience: place is super small and you really have no privacy. I've been to several Chinese massage spots and when it comes to full body massage, I must say this is one of the smallest places. Service: Staff was friendly. Massage: I did not get the name of the lady who massaged me but she was decent. At first I told her I liked it soft and it felt good. When she got to my thighs I wanted more pressure since I was sore from the gym, but at one point it was just too hard. So you have to be specific about the pressure. She spent a lot of time on my feet which I liked. My mom also got a massage and we both agreed we like some of the other places we've tried in the past. If you live in the UWS then it's worth it. Just don't be afraid to tell them how you like it. read more

They are very accommodating with setting up a time and the price is excellent for the service. No frills but the quality of the massage is absolutely there. Would definitely return. read more

Simply the best. Bare bones atmosphere, but the massages are amazing. The therapists find all the places that others miss. Reasonable prices. read more

Im kind of a massage freak, so before I write any real review, I try to give it at least 4-5 visits to make sure I am not hating on one particular masseuse (unless theyre great, in which case I have no problem pointing that out). The first time I went here the massage was great, but the conditions are a little crowded (you definitely get the sense that this is not a 100% legit environment), but if youre down for a rub, its a great quick spot off the 2/3. Tbh, I forget the name of the woman who worked on me, but she was very light-spoken, petite and friendly. She adjusted to the pressure I needed, which was definitely more than average (I have a very tight back and shoulder/neck area). Swiped on my CC (yes they charge you a fee for this) and tipped out 20%. Friendly, awesome, great. On my way to Acker merrall to close out the day. The next time was basically traumatizing. Granted I've been to spas up and down this city with varying prices, standards etc, im always one to recognize technique. Linda could have broken my back with her absolute hasty and careless motions, and basically had me in serious pain (not good pain). I was in tears but am more of one of those "sit through it and dont say anything - maybe by some grace of god they will notice" type...one of the most regretful passive moves of my life. I could barely sleep for three days. Thai, qi gong, cambodian...this was not informed knowledge about muscles nor was it any form of therapy. Although I was pretty upset, two weeks later I went back. I figured why screw the place just because of one person. They tried to give me to her again, and I smiled and politely said no (they speak particularly poor english here so identify your key words beforehand), shaking my head furiously. Someone got the hint and gave me to David, who I think is one of the main guys there. Back to my curtained hole, I got undressed and let him go to town. You could tell he was more experienced and knew which grooves to get into. Long and length strokes followed my targeted pressure and he knew I needed deep tissue - asking me if this was okay, we proceeded. He was great. Moral of the story? Dont stand idly by and let them stick you with whoever. Youll hear the noise of the street and the buzzer of the storefront, but at least know whoever is working on you will save the day. read more

Super accommodating, reasonably priced and excellent massages!

Despite the reviews, this place was 3 blocks from where I was staying... And I'm so glad I went. The place is no frills but for $55USD for a 1 hour massage it was well worth it. The massage was great and although the area is quite open, I didn't feel at all uncomfortable undressing. Do yourself a favour and check out the place for yourself.... If your after spa service, this isn't the place for you.. Nor is the price. read more

Will agree with whatever everyone has said about this place! The noise level did not bother me and still found the place relaxing. I've had different ppl work with me and found all of them wonderful! :) They take credit card but you will be billed tax. They also take walk-ins and appointments. Just an FYI. read more

What can be said about one of the best massage practitioners in NYC? (That would be Arvin.) He is truly amazing. A master massage therapist. I've been going to him for years. I absolutely try to book ahead because he is so popular. I usually ask for 90 minutes of his time, and then I tip well because he really deserves it. You'll see. read more

I've been seeing Irvin for yrs. He's exceptional, as is David. Other folks vary in quality.

Helen is my personal lord and savior. I've been here twice in the past year. It's not super close to my house. If it were, I'd have a weekly standing appointment. If you can get past the stairwell of death, then you'll find yourself in an oasis of muscle relief. My first visit, I had legitimate concerns that I was walking into the kind of massage parlor you see on Dateline. It's a no frills, work your stuff out and get it done kind of spot. I just went in this morning [at 10am on a Sunday!] after a 113 mile bike ride to Montauk. Helen brought me back to life. read more

Good solid massage at a very reasonable price. The facility is cramped and there is not much privacy, though. Go there to get a soothing massage but go elsewhere if you need to feel pampered. read more

I've been to Chinese bodywork probably around a dozen times in the last few years and I seriously haven't had a bad massage. I've gotten massages from multiple people and while some are better than others, they're all decent and follow the same overall process, and they will focus on the areas that you tell them are problematic. The location is definitely no frills - heavy curtains separate the massage beds but it's always quiet and the masseuses don't chat with each other. If you want a strong massage and get out your knots - ask for Apple! She is great with shoulders arms and neck! read more

MERCILESS and THOROUGH from head to toe. Just got home from my 2nd visit here. Had Priscilla 1st time, Camilla 2nd. This place is GREAT and affordable. I have debilitating, every day back pain, probably from desk jobs and too much long distance running. My body screams for help and these Miracle workers iron me out - they know what they are doing and hit all the targets. MAGIC. read more

I adore this place! I was recommended to it by my NOT Chinese acupuncturist and went several times trying out different people. I agree they are all good but, my very personal favorite is Lundy-She is a muscle miracle worker-Even when I go from 8:30-10 (83.00!) and she has been doing this for 10 hours already, I feel like I am her first client of the day-So knowledgeable about musculature. A real physical therapy treat. I had a client offer me a 'spa gift' anywhere I chose...No 'Bliss' for me! He gave me a whopping 100 hours at CBHR and I have NEVER had a better gift! I went last night, barely able to stand up straight and walked out careful but fluid. GO!! And TIP well-You can do it! They are worth it!! read more

DO NOT GO THERE if you look for professional massage as they have no Idea about ANATOMY. They never went to school for just got trained by someone from the "salon" who might be a professional and have a real license. They work like robots no sensations in they hands,fingers have to something for living. Bad experience! But of course they accept tips for the bad service. After all I wish never paid for being touched the way just annoyed me instead of relaxes me. read more

I've been going here for years. Hands down the best in the neighborhood. You can't beat the price for the quality. Linda is great!

I walked in on a weekday evening and was treated without a wait. Excellent massage, heavy on the use of elbows (which i like), and shockingly cheap. Not fancy but looked and smelled clean, tables were comfortable. read more