Mr. Wei is a intuitive healer and an incredible acupressure/massage therapist. I had been suffering with very painful shoulder and neck muscles for months after a "tennis incident." It doesn't help that I spend too much time in front of a computer for my work. Really bad. I had numbness and pain every night, despite massage therapy. Until Mr. Wei. He knew exactly what muscles were involved and the massage needed. I floated out of there after being miserable for months! Mr. Wei is amazing and so sweet. A truly gifted healer. Thanks to him, I will sleep so much better tonight, and the night after that, etc. read more

Good pressure, technique, they know what they're doing and are affordable. Regardless of which masseuse I've had here, they've done a great job. read more

Went here for first time recently and thought the massage was very good and the price excellent. I will return. Saw "Nancy" which I'm sure was not her real name. Communication was fine. read more

Total Release is the most unprofessional place I've been to. The massage was fine- room was cold and noisy- but the masseuse seemed to have known what she was doing. What was most shocking was the culture of this office. After a few days, I checked my bank account statement and noticed that they overcharged me. I immediately called them, and their excuse was that they "misread my handwriting", which seemed odd since I clearly wrote out the cost of the massage, tip, and total amount neatly on the receipt. They said I could come back in to collect my money. I did. When I came, no one greeted me, and instead the same masseuse that massaged me just handed out my money and rolled her eyes. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. For a place that's suppose to promote relaxation, they do a terrible job at it.... and not in an inexpensive way. read more

Absolutely the best reflexology massage experience of my life. It's located in a quiet building and you are given private rooms for yourself. They were knowledgeable and took the time to pinpoint my problem areas, customizing the massage to each of our needs. I will absolutely be back time and time again. Don't waste your money on noisy day spas! read more

So wonderful! This place along with Bliss Reflexology spa probably rank as my favorite places to de-stress and relax in the DC/MD area. I think Mr. Wei was my masseur... but I was so relaxed that I forgot to ask for his name. You know it's a good massage when you suddenly don't know if your own soft snores woke you up. WAS I SNORING?! If so, that's embarrassing. Oops. Oh wells. When the massage was over, I had trouble climbing off the massage bed and walking out the door. That's just how wonderful it was! Parking: There's street parking - the meters during normal hours are only for an hour I believe... but there's 2 hour street parking. Location: It's located in an office suite... but once you find 5506, just go up the stairs and the office is located to the right at the end of the hall on the left. Service: Very friendly... making the appointment was super easy to do. Ambience: Very nice. Many of the reflexology/acupressure places I've gone to have only curtains that separate the beds ... this one actually has walls and a door to separate the massage space from other spaces and the waiting area. The music they play is probably the most soothing. Mr Wei is very good at pinpointing all the muscles that are tight (he knew exactly where I needed work) ... and gave just the right amount of pressure. Also, this is the best reflexology place in town, by far! A lot of places tend to breeze through the feet... a little pressure here and there and then they're done! But here, I could feel him working on all the parts of my feet ... imagine those little reflexology charts you see. The price is very affordable for this area ... (I had a groupon deal)... Definitely will be coming back again and again. read more

Total Release - Massage Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My time at total release was so relaxing and lovely. My masseuse really listened to me and hit the spots that were the most problematic. You have the option to take off your clothes and keep them on. No fuss just a truly great massages. Facility was clean and staff was kind. Total release is a true gem. read more

Total Release - Massage Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Beware of this place- I had a really unpleasant experience here. My husband bought me a package of three 1-hour massages (three for $201, or $67 each) here for Christmas. I hadn't been since before Covid, and I had always had a positive experience here, so I was looking forward to going back. The first full-body massage I booked was good, though the masseuse didn't touch my feet , which was disappointing. However, I was prepared to give her a $10 tip, which was a bit over 15%. To my surprise, she brushed my hand away, frowned, and pointed to a sign I hadn't noticed when arriving, which "suggested" a $15-$25 tip. I was startled and I explained I didn't have any more cash --so she made a face and accepted it. Several weeks later, I called to make another appointment and mentioned to the receptionist what had happened and that I found it rude. She was nice enough on the phone, but pointed out that the staff aren't paid very much, so they count on tips. I didn't find this a very good answer, but I made another appointment anyway-- this time with the man whom I remembered as the owner from before Covid. I figured that surely he would be more professional. This time I specified a half-hour on my feet and a half-hour on my back. All seemed fine, and I sort of lost track of time as he finished my back. He then said ( I thought) "2 minutes". I didn't reply- I figured he was giving me a heads-up that he was almost done. At the end, I dressed and I got ready to give him a larger tip- $20. To my shock, he got angry, and said he had given me 10 extra minutes! I had no idea that this was what he had meant. He didn't say how much more he expected, but I was so stunned at his reaction I gave him the rest of my cash- $5 more or $25 total. He glared at me, took the money, muttering angrily under his breath. It felt like some kind of shake-down. I will never return to this place, even though I still have another massage that is paid for. read more

I love coming here! It's always a treat and wish that I could come more often. Nancy is fantastic (not that I'm name biased or anything :) she always leaves me floating as I walk out! Now, if you're expecting a 'Red Door' atmosphere, then you will be disappointed. They are sensible and straightforward with a focus on therapeutic work, not frills. I appreciate this and respect that their focus is on the bodywork because that's what I need. read more

To start, I was barely greeted when I arrived for my 7pm appointment. I received a simple "Hi, 7pm?!" My massage, I would find out, would start later than that. The details of my massage weren't confirmed and I wasn't offered any water. The massage parlor seemed a bit dingy and cobbled together, based on its foyer, however a friend gifted me an hour long reflexology massage as a postpartum gift and I was determined to enjoy myself. I sat around for about 10 minutes until someone finally invited me into a massage room. The actual massage room was very well outfitted. I was massaged by a woman. The massage started with a five minute foot soak, followed by a foot rub. I found the actual technique of the root rub lacking. I've had better massages in DC. I was then asked to disrobe (which interrupted my relaxation, it would have been better to undress prior to the foot rub and wear a robe) for the body massage. Only my back and neck were rubbed. No calves, I wasn't asked to turn over, and the entire experience was lackluster. And it was soon over. It was over too soon. A full 20 minutes of my 60 minute booking was cut from my appointment. I time my appointments at new places. I made a mental note and hoped to get out of there as quietly as possible, never to return. I slipped $20 of the $30 tip had prepared to give the masseuse back into my purse. I had never experienced a massage being cut short by so much time. I decided on the fly not to tip what I usually would. Alas! After confirming my gifted Groupon and seeing me close my purse (I had $10 in my palm to give as a sort of courtesy), the massage therapist pointed to a sign and said "Ma'am! Tip?!" I looked at her in shock as a male massage therapist looked on. I told her my massage was short by a full 20 minutes, her request was both rude and unnecessary and I was not going to give her the tip I had intended ($10 of the $30). I left her a dollar and walked out. I hope they use it to buy a clock and some books on customer service. read more

Let me start off with...I have been to tons of massage therapy spas and salons. This place is the best to date! -Booked a same day appointment on a Sunday -Took me a while to find the place (the yelp mapping system is about a block off) says the office is located in the Chevy Chase building -Park on the side streets for free. Metered out front if you can find a free spot -The entrance is right next to a Starbucks and a Greek restaurant. Walk in the glass door and follow the stairs up -Walked in the waiting room and sat down on one of the two chairs (very comfortable too) -I was greeted and giving some water to drink and escorted back to one of the massage rooms -Stripped down to my boxers because I did not understand the masseuse and she did not speak English (better safe than sorry) -Fantastic massage, even with the language barrier! I did not have to say a word, she felt along the shoulder blades and went right to work. And she did a magnificent job too. -After the hours was up she stepped out and returned with a warm moist towel to give me one last pat down and removal of any oils still on my skin. -I definitely recommend this establishment for anyone in need of a real massage. -I will return again read more

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Firstly. I must say that I never write "bad" reviews. Intend to not care enough. But wow a terrible experience. Went in for a reflexology foot massage. Once she began I asked her if she could apply more pressure as I like my massages strong. She laughed and said it's 10 dollars more. This by itself is laughable and I have never ever seen this at any other spa. But I obliged hoping for a better massage. She did not do it stronger she just continued to do a mediocre massage with weak pressure. I couldn't wait for it to be over as she just rubbed oil on my feet (I can do that for free at home). Then when it was over I was expecting her to use towels to wipe off the oil from feet, as is customary and she just left and didn't come back. As I went to pay I noticed the 10 dollars more on my bill and she even had the audacity to ask for 20 dollars tip. She was giving me attitude and huffing and puffing away so I gave her 10 dollars which was already more than enough for a terrible massage. What a waste of money (87 dollars) and time. I will never ever go back and will share with my expansive network. read more

Sadly, no one really knows about this place, not sure why. Probably because they do not speak very good English, but they do a great massage. Part of me wants to tell the world, to go here, so they do not go out of business, the other part of me, wants to keep it as my secret place. They do have a social media check in discount, which I did not use. I will be back! read more

I have been going to Total Release for over a year now, and cannot believe more folks don't know about this place. Is it because of the poorly chosen name? The highlights: 1) flexible hours - I don't know how many times I have called them on a Sunday morning and gotten a same day 4pm Appt. 2) prices - incredibly reasonable given the high quality acupressure/reflexology services you receive. 3) Mr. Wei - everyone here is good, but Mr. Wei is phenomenal. I have a terrible upper back and shoulders, and he manages to release any tension I have, give me better flexibility, and work out some serious knots. His pressure is quite firm - which I prefer. 4) Facilities - clean and relaxing, I like that I'm not overpaying for a spa experience. Best massage in DC, despite the misleading name ;-) read more

I called last Friday and got an appointment for Saturday afternoon. I've never had acupressure or reflexology done before, so I wasn't sure what I was getting into outside of reading descriptions of these two services. But, I was super excited. I read the reviews here on Yelp before I bought my Groupon which I redeemed. I'm not sure of the name of the woman who did my massage, but she was great. The reflexology was pretty relaxing. At times it was a bit different. It wasn't quite painful, but it wasn't a huge release of tension, either. I think my feet were just really sore from walking to the place from the metro station and had some knots that needed to be worked out. That said, after she was done with my feet, they felt great. Now I have tough, knotted muscles on my back, so that was the primary reason I booked this appointment and service. I've had deep tissue massage (awesome) and Swedish massage (does absolutely nothing, a waste of money for me). Acupressure is a little bit different from the typical massage. You're clothed, so make sure you're not wearing heavy garments. Damn, I was relieved when she got all the points in my back that sometimes strike me throughout the day with a sharp, throbbing pain. Sometimes it feels like I have a pinched nerve. My favorite was when she pulled my arm and laid it on top of my back so she could get the area between my shoulder blade and spine. It hurt a little bit, but the relief I experienced from this technique was AWESOME. That has always been a really sore spot for me and it's hard for me to get to on my own (I have a massage ball I use sometimes to get to it) and honestly my boyfriend gets tired of applying pressure to it because I don't want him to stop. But, I digress. I didn't see anyone else when I arrived for my appointment, but when I came out there were 2 guys waiting for their appointments. I did not hear anybody talking. The music played during my appointment wasn't too loud or annoying. You can hear some sounds from the street, but not so much that you won't want to drift off into a relaxing nap. I will definitely be back! read more

I am so happy to have found Total Release! This place is a little far away from me, but I think it's totally worth the drive. I have been having a hard time finding a good place; I feel like a lot of places are overpriced with mediocre massages. This place was excellent! I don't even know the name of the massage therapist, but she was great. Because I have so many knots, the massage was painful at times, but I left feeling so much lighter. I highly recommend this place! I will probably be visiting this place on a regular basis. read more

I've been to Total Release several times now and decided I had to provide a review because Mr. Wei is excellent at acupressure/massage and reflexology. My back and shoulders have never felt better! He really knows how to work out the knots and tension. It's a small place near Chevy Chase Circle. Nothing fancy but very clean and they take all Covid precautions. It's also extremely reasonable. So nice to find a massage place where they are well- trained and know what they are doing. I will be returning on a regular basis. read more

Enjoyable massage for a good price. Staff was friendly and service was professional. read more

What a nice reflexology session. I ask if I could just wear a robe during the reflexolgy and she sure, no problem the message would follow the reflexology. I felt totally relax during my foot message. I almost went sleep. I will be a regular customer for this type of professional service. A real treat for sure. The detail message was also great for the groupon promotion. I did leave a nice tip because the session was really nice and relaxing. Try them they are really good self treat. read more

I had a good time here. That's all I need to say. Definitely will come back. Yeeeeeelp asks me to wriiiiiiite loooooonger soooooo annoying

I paid for accupressure with hot stones, falsely advertized by Groupon with a photo of a foot massage. When I asked the man at the front about it after receiving a back massage, he all of a sudden didn't speak English and gave the heads-off signal to the masseuse. This review is for the customer service, also, there were no hot stones. read more

This review is for the Chinese Reflexology. I'm a seasoned massage therapy veteran, and this was an excellent experience. The accupressure therapist I was put with was Mr. Wei. And I got 1 hour of chinese reflexology on feet and legs. The pressure was perfect, ( my preference is strong / deep pressure), (if you're someone who's averse to "No pain, no gain", then probably you should tell them upfront to have a gentler touch) and Mr. Wei had top notch accupressure/reflexology skills. A flawless session of accupressure/chinese reflexology. I got relief and release from my pain, and left as a new Total Release devotee. Bottom line: This is a good operation, and you'll leave satisfied. And the price can't be beat for what you get. (the rate for 1 hour of reflexology was $65.00) This will be my new go-to foot massage place. read more

Love Mr Wei, May, Nikki and Nancy. Excellent relaxing, warm foot bath and great for males/females and we adore coming here for years now.

Used a groupon for my spouse and I to each get a 1 hour reflexology/massage. Very professional and excellent work. I will be going back. There is a male technician for the men, and female for the ladies. read more

I have a terrible back, so I've tried massage places throughout the district -- and have finally found exactly what I was looking for in Total Release. Clean, quiet rooms with super-comfortable tables (and separate, super-comfy reflexology chairs); a *perfect* amount of pressure so that I was able to both relax and have my kinks worked out; and very reasonable prices. With the Yelp $10 off deal, I spent $65 for 30 minutes of reflexology followed by a 45 min massage. The reflexology relaxed my whole body and let me get so much more out of my subsequent massage. Even at full cost ($75), it's a steal for the quality of service I got. read more

I bought the living social deal ($45 for 60-min reflexology/acupressure) for my mom and when I called to make an appointment for her and I (I was going to pay full price for mine), the woman who picked up the phone said she'd schedule mine for $45 as well. That's what I call awesome service :) We went today for our appointments and the experience was great. There was no wait, they really worked on our most tense muscles, and they even gave us a coupon each for $49 60-min reflexology/acupressure (usually $65). We will definitely be revisiting soon! Btw, if you're going for the first time, I recommend wearing comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a bit of massage oil on. read more

Excellent customer service. One of best values for massages in DMV area and customizable services. Mother in law loved it. Clean and very professional. Highly recommend. read more

I woke up this morning with excruciating neck and shoulders pain and through google search, I found Total Release. They accommodated me right away and fit me in with Mr. Wei. The massage/acupressure was amazing and I left feeling much better. I'm glad I discovered them and will be returning. read more

I finally had an acupressure session with Mr. Wei. He is as excellent as everyone says! I left floating on air. He spends extra time on areas that need work. He knew I needed shoulder and arm work so he spent the bulk of the massage there. He also went over time by about 10 minutes so that he could get to the rest of my body and not skimp. I will be back!! read more

My spouse and I came here with a groupon. We arrived and were quickly rushed into a room. We both received 60 minute massages although we had paid for and were expecting the 30 minute massage and 30 minute reflexology. I had told the woman over the phone when making the appointment that we both had groupons for these services. The massages were both really nice and helped release the tension and stress in my neck and shoulders. My spouse enjoyed his massage as well. When it came time to pay, we presented the groupons and there seemed to be confusion and scrambling as they realized what had happened. They first told us that we couldn't use them because we didn't get the 30/30 combo. I politely informed them that when I called to make the appointments that the woman I spoke with knew this information. The woman at the desk called the woman I had spoken with and after a few tense moments, she hung up the phone and accepted the groupons. Apologies were exchanged for the miscommunication and they gave us coupons to use for $45 for 60 minute services. We did leave a generous tip as the massages were nice. I would recommend them for excellent value and efforts to make things right. read more

Received a couples massage with my boyfriend and it was a great experience. The staff is very professional. They listen to you carefully. The place is also very clean and comfortable. Will be surely coming back. read more

The best massage I have ever had in my life. I originally bought a Groupon for this place - and while I'm always skeptical - I saw the reviews for Total Release and decided to try it. I have been back once since and will be returning again for sure. Both experiences were wonderful & consistent. The foot reflexology is such a different experience, but they really are attentive and thorough. They don't skimp out on the accupressure massage aspect either. The value cannot be beat. The ambiance is simple, clean & peaceful. And they have incredibly flexible hours. I think returning to Total Release each month will be my monthly treat to myself. I would take this place over Aveda or a Spa any day. read more

My mom and I each had a reflexology appointment and they were great! The staff is so nice, the setting is tranquil and the treatment was wonderful. I highly recommend a visit read more

Great clean and tidy place for a rigorous acupressure massage. I went in for one last Friday and was impressed with how lovely the facility is (if small) and how relaxing. My treatment began with a 30 minute foot massage that included soaking in a bucket of tea and lots of massaging on pressure points. My feet felt amazing by the end of it. The following 30 minute full body massage is one where while you remove your clothes, the technician places a body length bath towel over you and works your muscles through it. I've had this treatment in China and it does the job in working out knots but isn't nearly as relaxing as the foot treatment. Maybe it's just my own preferences but I would've preferred if they paused the towel acupressure and did 15 minutes worth of work with the lotion instead. But the technician was great and even if I was a little sore from the pressure, at least my knots had loosened up. I'd definitely recommend Total Release for some no-nonsense work on your tired feet and back. read more

Nancy is fantastic. But every massage I have had here has been great. Mr. Wei also has fixed my back when I was in some pain. It is serious acupressure for serious knots. TR is a no frills place two doors down from Starbucks on CT Ave. They are pleasant, but most importantly, they are strong. Great hot stone massage! read more

This place is awesome! I left feeling so relaxed! I will go back. This is where I will go for relaxation from now on! My mother in law went with my she loved it as well. This place was perfect. read more

Great place - small, clean, no-nonsense. Got a Living Social coupon for acupressure/reflexology - no complaints! I would go back - it's really affordable too :) read more

My acupressure/reflexology session was FANTASTIC! He found every knot and I left in a relaxing cloud. Better than most of the spas around there. Definitely recommend and happy to be supporting my local small businesses. read more

I think this is a very nice place and the service is great. loved the accupressure and I go there about once a month for back pain.

I got a groupon for a 60 minute hot stone appointment and it was amazing. The place is clean, private, and friendly, and professional. My masseuse was great, she knew what she was doing and could tell when I became uncomfortable and checked in on the tighter areas to make sure I was okay. I would absolutely return to this spot and would recommend them to anybody who needs to recharge. read more