Easy Balance Wellness Center and Spa

It seems that others have complained about some unusualness at this spa — and about Linda — I agree. It can be really hit or miss. My initial experience was a gift certificate and was alright. In great need of too-​much-​computer-​time relief, I bought a package sold/​urged at the front desk as you’re leaving. The treatment went downhill from there. Buying the package was a mistake as it’s a bad experience to go there, in my opinion, and I can’t get them to return phone calls and emails — and thus to talk about refunds or address any problems. They seem to never answer the phone — it’s always routed through some system …. Spa treatments are about relaxation and being helpful. This is contrary to what I’ve found there. There are too many other places to go in the area where hopefully it won’t be hit-​or-​miss, unusual, or a hassle.

I haven’t been to Easy Balance in a very longtime. My experiences that I have had in the past have all been a very positive one so I decided to go back. I am sad to say this was a huge disappointment. I decided to go on my day off which happens to be a snowy Monday. I walked in the door and mentioned my name and was immediately rushed into the room with no questions asked. Did I have any areas I would like worked on or was I sore or had pain areas I wanted worked? None of these questions were asked. The only question I had asked was medium or hard pressure. The massage was an okay. The massage a little harder than I preferred but all in all an okay massage until I heard the door chime ring. At that time it all went bad for me. My Massage Therapist thought it was okay to open my door of the massage room while I was still in it getting a massage. She thought it was okay to greet the gentleman at the door to let him know she would be with him. I am not a prude but found it completely unacceptable to open the door of my room while I was undressed having a massage. I am so sorry that they were short staffed on a snowy holiday Monday but I find this totally unacceptable. I think I was too shocked to say anything at the end of my service. Now I will need to find a new place for getting a wonderful massage. Very disappointed in North Potomac!

Called on a Friday to book my massage for 5pm that Sunday. I arrived about 10 minutes before 5pm only for them to not have any idea who I was and no record of my appointment. Thankfully they were able to fit me in at 5:30pm, this didn’t help my initial stress level haha. This was my first time getting a massage ever. It was very relaxing. The only thing that bothered me (other than them completely not booking my appointment) was how thin the walls are. You can hear every word people say in the waiting area and I could here the person in the room next to me breathing very loudly through his/​her massage.

My husband and I both go here for massages and have had wonderful experiences each time. Our preferred masseuse is Linda. She has perfect balance between deep touch and relaxation.
One of the things I really like is that they are open late as well as on weekends. Our only complaint had been that one of the masseuses that my husband had talked right through the massage which didn’t allow for my husband to relax; but this was just one time out of many massages we have had.

I’m pleasantly surprised that this spa is nicely decorated and has competent people who know what they’re doing. Michelle knew exactly which parts needed more focus and definitely knew what she was doing. I usually request men do my massages since I love deep tissue and men tend to be stronger, but I had no problems with Michelle’s pressure.
The only reason I have it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the massage was not for a full hour. Before I went, I read Unilocal reviews that massages end before the 1 hour mark so I was paying attention to the start and stop times.
Also I went with my mom and I guess they knew that because they opened the partition between our rooms shortly after the massages started. That would’ve been fine with me except the two masseuses kept talking to each other in mandarin Chinese. Once or twice I can understand but they talked sporadically throughout the entire time. I thought that’s very unprofessional and it kept me awake the entire time.
Make sure to search for a groupon, living social or amazon local deal before going! I got an amazon deal for $ 44. However, you should tip on the full price of the massage (but you already knew that).

I discovered this place with an Amazon Local deal for a facial. It was a little odd because you check in on the second floor, wait around there for a bit, and then they lead you up to a suite on the third floor for your facial. I found the facial to be average, but nothing special. The actual room where my facial was done was actually better and more tranquil than I was expecting for a budget place. Where this place lost me was the Asian reception lady. First of all, the language barrier was so great that scheduling the appointment was difficult. When I had to call to change the time of my appointment for later in the day, she said it was fine and put me in for a different time. But I think she had no idea what I was saying because on the day of my appointment, she called and woke me up at the time of my original appointment asking where I was. Also, after the massage, I went back to the reception desk on the second floor to check in before leaving, and she asked me if I had left a tip for the lady. I had, because I always tip, but I’ve never been specifically ASKED «did you leave a tip??» I found that very rude and off putting to the point that I likely won’t go back. There are other places to get a budget massage or facial.

I can’t believe I forgot to write a review about this place!
This was a birthday gift to myself and it was the BEST gift I’ve given myself in awhile. I suffer from serious back pain so this was definitely overdue. My masseuse was Lisa and she had the hands of an angel! She was firm yet gentle at the same time and you could tell she knew what she was doing. The atmosphere was very relaxing except for the door slamming from upstairs but overall a good experience. I walked in feeling like an 80 year old woman but walked out like the 27 year old I’m supposed to be! I promised I’d treat myself more often.

I purchased a Groupon for a 60 minute massage for $ 49 and made an appointment for a weekday afternoon. I did not enjoy the experience but that is probably mostly due to my comfort level. When I got there the lady at the front desk was welcoming but there were several other women standing behind her who just glared at me and spoke among themselves in another language. I felt pretty uncomfortable, I wished they would have stayed in the office off to the side. I think I was the only client there the entire time. I filled out the form indicating what I was there for and was given the option of light, firm, deep, or extra deep. Based on previous reviews I chose deep.
A little while before my appointment I took a hot yoga class and then a warm shower so I guess my skin was still kinda hot. My masseuse, I think her name was Linda, kept complaining about how hot my skin was, and blotting me with tissues. She seemed to do a good job for the most part. I guess I had a hard time relaxing (as you would expect with deep tissue) but she kept telling me to relax. The one thing that really bothered me was that she had long nails and kept scratching me. When the timer went off at the end she got up, said «Ok. Finish» and left the room which seemed a bit abrupt. Before the massage, as I was undressing, I looked at my phone and it said 11:48. After the massage, as I was redressing, it said 12:40 so it definitely wasn’t an hour. At the suggestion of the sign up front I tipped $ 15.
The reason I am only giving 3 stars is because aside from the lady at the front desk, I didn’t feel welcome there, I only got about 50 minutes of actual massage, and I don’t think it’s a great deal since they have a sign out front for 30 minute walk-​in massages for $ 30 (without the groupon, my appointment would’ve been $ 88 for 50 mins). However, I do think they have probably made improvements to the place based on previous reviews. The bathroom was very nice and the lady at the front desk offered me a cup of water as I left.

This is a very good place to get a massage. The only downside is that it is more expensive than another place very close by. So, unfortunately, I end up at the other place too many times. Also, the other place takes walk-​ins. Recently, Easy Balance has advertised specials that are very close to the «other place». So, I shall return because I think Easy Balance does a better job… I love when they include the foot massage too…

Had a groupon for a deep tissue massage. Place was small but well maintained. The masseuse was good and concentrated on the areas in my lower back where I had pain from weightlifting. Definitely recommended! Was refreshing! Tipped at regular price!

Went to get a massage today because I needed one. My neck and shoulders were very stiff and had bought a Groupon but haven’t used it until today. It was very nice and quiet on Labor Day and and I got an appt within the hour. I filled out the required form and requested for «Very Deep Massage» and marked the spots on the form of where to concentrate on.
Lisa was my masseuse and she was pretty good with the firmness. My goal was to get rid of the kinks in neck and shoulders so I wasn’t expecting to relax and chill. Lisa was good getting the job done and better if you tell her what you want. The oil wasn’t quality so it did not glide on your skin.
This is a small place and the rooms were clean. Don’t expect scented candles, essential oils and Spa music, it definitely has potential but again, I was too stressed out to ask for the ambiance, I was desperate and needed a FIRM massage. It has been 2 hours since my massage and my neck and shoulders do feel much better. Be sure to tip at normal rate and not Groupon rate. I gave her $ 15 for a job well done. I would come back again.

I purchased a groupon for this massage.
When I arrived it seemed as though I was the only customer in the spa. The spa is located on the second floor of a ‘taxpayer’ style building. But it’s obvious they have done their best to make it look like a high end spa. I have never commented on a restroom before, but I love the sink fixture. It is very modern and elegant.
I was greeted by my massage therapist who spoke limited English. She indicated for me to hang my clothes up and get under the sheets. She provided a good, deep tissue massage. The only downside to this part of the massage was that another client came in and started to receive a massage in the next room and I could hear every word she said.
While my massage therapist worked on my back I was properly draped. But when she went to work on my gluteus she undraped my butt entirely. I was Very uncomfortable with this and when she did not cover me back up after a moment I asked her to properly drape me. She didn’t understand what I was asking so she immediately covered me back up and walked out of the room. She returned a moment later with the lady from the front desk who spoke English very well. I explained that I wanted to be properly draped and wasn’t comfortable being exposed. The receptionist stepped out and talked with my massage therapist. When the massage therapist returned to start the massage again she again completely exposed my butt! I had to pull the sheet down so it covered at least one side. A moment later she did it again! I was very close to walking out. I was very tense and uncomfortable with the massage.
When she finished the massage she brought in a bucket of tea water and had me soak my feet for five minutes and then started reflexology. She was very good at the reflexology and I was able to relax with that.
When I was finished with the massage I asked the receptionist is the therapist was licensed. She assured me that she was. I asked where the license was and informed her that the board which covers licensure for massage therapists in MD states that the license Must be displayed where it can be easily seen. I then informed the receptionist that the Board has strict rules for draping and does not allow the massage therapist to expose the gluteal cleft. I asked to see the license to see for myself if the therapist was licensed but the receptionist said she didn’t have access to the licenses.
I know a licensed massage therapist would never have made the mistake of completely exposing a client like that. I am upset that she did it 3 times! And I’m not sure that the ‘massage therapists’ there are actually licensed because they are unable to even show me a copy of the license. I will not return to this spa.

I really wanted to react when the buzzing noise went off to signal the end of my massage. But it didn’t. Aside from that, it was a great massage. All the knots I developed from sitting at my work desk were smoothed out. Used my LS deal — make sure to tip them based on the regular price — $ 88!

I was offered a complementary massage by Jade for my review on Unilocal.I actually went a few months ago but haven’t had the time until now. I was greeted immediately by Jade and we even chatted for a bit. She seemed nice.
The massage was really just ok to me. I’ve had better but what made it less relaxing was the constant noise I could hear of people talking in the front to each other and new people coming into the spa. The massage wasn’t really reflexology or swedish. I’m not sure what type of massage it was but it made my neck really stiff. I really wanted to like this place since Jade was so nice to offer this massage to me. I may go back maybe to try another masseuse and hopefully they will fix the noise level as I know Jade reads all the reviews.

My wife and I went there yesterday wand were very pleased with their service, We have been getting massage a lot these days and it is hardly to find a place have two good masseuses can take care of us and make us happy at the same time. This place (Wendy and Lisa) make that happen. I evaluate the massage place by 3 main factors:
1) Cleaness 2) masseuse’s skill 3) friendly service. The owner (Jade) was nice when I booked the appointments and the receptionist (LuLu) was friendly as well.
IMHO, this place has it all. With groupon deal, this place is the best in the area.

I was offered a massage from Jade and give a review based on my review based on my experience there. I arrived at 1 pm for my appointment and was greeted warmly by Jade herself. She talked a little about what kind of massage I was going to get and took me to the room where it would take place.
She then instructed me to take off my clothes except my underwear and go under the sheet on the massage table. I thought this was a pleasant surprise because I was expecting that they would do the massage WITH my clothes on, which I was worried wouldn’t be as relaxing because I wore long pants that day. (Shorts were in the wash that day: P). Haha, anyways the masseur knocked on the door, asking if I was ready. The massage then began and during my massage my masseur kindly noted to me to let her know whether or not if it is too harsh.
Throughout the massage, the masseuse had lifted the blanket off my back so that she could massage my shoulder and lower back, but what I didn’t expect was that she had pulled down my underwear exposing half my butt. I was a little alarmed and would’ve like it if she had told me in advance that she was going to do this, so that I would be given a choice whether or not I was comfortable with this. I would be OK with that, if only she had asked. Although to some people this may be a big no no though.
The hour was almost up and what I didn’t like that a beeping alarm timer signaled that time was up. I was little put off by the beeping alarm.
I came out and was given some water at the end of my massage. The sudden exposure of my butt and the beeping alarm put me off a little, but overall, I enjoyed my massage.

I know Jade is probably waiting for this, so I’m starting my review right away (I’ve only made it a few steps away from easy balance… enjoying a California roll and the sun outside of yoyogi)
Jade invited me to come in to try the massage service for free. It’s strange, but I actually took a while to decide if I wanted to. I was afraid that the massage being free would bias me too much to make my review valid. I was also afraid that as this would be my annual ‘end of school year’ massage, it was a risk. If I didn’t like it, I would HAVE to get another one before I start my summer.
Anyhow, luckily… I sent Jade a message and made an appointment for my last day of school. She was welcoming and sweet (not just to me, but to the other customer who arrived shortly after I did as well). The thing that made this visit wonderful was the personalized service. She asked me where I teach and talked to me about the massage preferences I have expressed in some of my reviews for other places. I thought this was so great… so
Suggestion #1 for Jade: Give the customers some space on the initial check-​in form to write about their massage preferences. Massages are so personal and individual that it will really help everyone walk out happier. I know it will be extra work and time on your part, but as there is a clearly evident language barrier between many of your clients and the staff, it will make a big difference in the level of service you are providing.
When the massage began, I honestly did think I was going to have to call and make an appointment to get a massage somewhere else. It began a bit boring… with just fingers stroking my back in a way that did not feel good or bad (to be fair, I’m sure she was told I prefer light massages). Once she got into her grove though, it was amazing. She gave me perhaps the best neck massage I have ever had. In fact, she gave such attention to each part of me, I was surprised that she managed it in an hour. I enjoyed the hand and feet massages too (although I’m not sure I appreciated her cracking my fingers… I’m not a knuckle cracker and it was weird to have her do it)
I will say that the ambience isn’t perfect, but I do like the paint colors and some of the details. That brings me to
Suggestions 2, 3 & 4
I think a darker room is more soothing, I would turn the lights off and get some curtains.
Although I enjoyed the traditional music, see if you can find something that doesn’t skip. It’s a bit distracting when the music cuts out.
Do not use a timer that beeps at the end of the session. It’s jarring.
Ok, wow. That was probably more detail than everyone needed… but it’s an honest review of my experience.

1^st timer but not in the massage spa realm as I am a regular goer ;) My back! My back! Was contacted by Jade and since I live a mile away and had an appt next door I felt compelled to give them a try.
I knew they were on Main St. in the Kentlands in a nice area with easy street parking.
Walk in and men and women waiting and women masseuses mingling around. Definitely looked busy even at 11AM when they opened.
Laid face down under blanket (today I was wearing my silk boxers FYI) and young Wendy from China went to work.
Very thorough on back, shoulders, toes and fingers and even a great scalp massage.
Flipped over and worked arms and legs and I thought a top notch massage. She even made me do some deep knee bends.
One hour was up and now 3 hours later at my office I still feel rejuvenated.
I gave Jade the manager some really good feed back and that I will become a regular. I highly recommend them.

They accept the Spa Finder gift certificates.
The massage cost $ 58 for one hour. The place is clean, the people are nice.
It’s impossible to find.
Why did they lose a star?
I could hear conversations outside of the room rather clearly despite the music.
The beginning of the massage was done over the sheet, which was a little unusual.
I needed more oil because the rubbing started to feel a little like rug burn sometimes.
You cannot expect Red Door spa services for half the price– so for what you pay– it is quite good.

UPDATE: So the receptionist called and spoke to me about my review. As for the hole in the bathroom she told me they had a leak and she explained that they weren’t Red Door but they do try their best. I told her I didn’t expect Red Door but maybe they could hang a sign asking for understanding for the big hole in the ceiling. Also, she addressed the music issue and she assured me that they have added a speaker to that room. Cool.
As for the tip issue we kind of went around in circles. She told me she was asking for the tip that her masseuse were «accustomed» too. (Her word not mine.) I told her that if they want more money they should raise their prices. If the service is there, the clientele will follow. Also, she explained that she never insisted on the tip she just suggested.
So, um, I gave them another star for trying. I never got a true, «Hey I am sorry for the misunderstanding.» I got more of a, «I want to get my point across so you can update your review.» So here you go… my review is updated.