Nirvana Reflexology Spa

I really don’t know how to feel about this place. My boyfriend and I went in for a massage. It really wasn’t the massage for 2 I expected being that we weren’t in a room next to each other or anything. We had a gold curtain dividing us. As soon as we go in they soak our feet in hot water then you lay down face up. (which for me got a little uncomfortable after a way) I should have said something but I didn’t, I thought to myself «they know what they are doing just go with it.» They first started massaging my head (I’ve had better head massages at the hair salon) next, they went for your shoulders and it was nothing special smh. After a while I started realizing that the massage was going to be a VERY basic one. It was basically over towels, over your clothes so they really don’t focus on those pressure points which was very disappointing for me because that’s what I was going for. I literally could have had my nephew give me the same massage or an even better one at home without having someone snoring next to me. I should give it a second chance. It could have been that it was just the person that did my massage that clearly wasn’t good but I don’t know that I’m willing to even waste my time. The lady that did my massage gave me some water at the end of my massage and it was hot water for me to drink LOL like really?! Smh anyways, make sure to wear loose clothes/​gym clothes and also ask what it is they use to massage your face… I forgot to ask and now I’m hoping I don’t break out. (I have really sensitive skin) :/

For what this business aims to be — a no-​frills, massage express location — I give it a 4-​star. I really liked that walk-​ins are readily accepted and that the prices are pretty low (you can’t beat $ 49 per hour) for the area. As a recommendation, wear loose clothing, like sweat pants and a no-​strap bra (ladies), as you keep your clothes on and they soak your feet at the start of the session. As pointed out, this place doesn’t have the most relaxing atmosphere, but it does the job, is fairly quiet, and you can request that they concentrate on certain areas to ensure you get your money’s worth!

They’re so good that I want to keep them all to myself. I get the strongest, and best massages from here. Massage envy who? I went to massage envy before, and I was not impressed. Massage envy deducts 10 minutes per massage (5 minutes each to dress/​undress). There is basically no wait time here. Same day appointments are easy to obtain. My only dislike is the pressure to tip. The therapists are apparently getting undercut by the competitive rates. Andy is great.
My wish is for cheaper massages, but that may be asking for too much. I also want a discount card for frequent massages, where I’d get a free one after 5 or 10.

I got a LivingSocial deal for this place. The nice thing about it wasn’t they did restrict me to a certain date or time but that was probably one of the few nice things about it. The women I spoke to was so nice when I made the appointment but I wish she told me that they require you to keep your clothes on and that loose or gym-​type clothes are best for the appointment. Since I didn’t know, I wore jeans so when I got there I was disappointed that I wasn’t told ahead of time. I was even more disappointed to see that there were just curtains separating the clients. While it is dark enough that you really can’t see anything, I found it weird to be out in the open. The lady I had didn’t really speak English and I wrote down like I like Soft to medium pressure but by the end she was pressing so hard I was in pain. I also wear the Patch and she completely tore it off! While these things may seem minor, I just did not enjoy my experience wish I had just saved my money.

I have been to several Nirvana locations over the years and this location is the most convenient to my home. I agree with Jenny N.‘s review of this location and its services. Nirvana is not the kind of spa where you go for a salon/​spa experience (clothes off) but I find it just as good if not better than many of those salon/​spas that I’ve been to over the years. My favorite therapists are Annie and Kent. Annie knew instinctively what type of massage I needed — I usually need hard pressure — but I recommend you tell your therapist exactly the type of pressure you want as well as where you need extra attention. Their pricing is good for the service you get and Kent and Annie have been very professional and courteous during my sessions with them. It’s definitely the kind of place that you can visit regularly if you want a good massage and have tension/​physical issues that you’d like to address, without breaking the bank by visiting higher priced salon/​spas. I’ve been able to walk in for service on some occasions but I definitely recommend you call to schedule an appointment.

I love this place — I only wish I lived closer so I could go more often! I usually see Andy and if he isn’t available I see Linda. Both of them are wonderful! The receptionist at the front desk is always very friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Make sure you wear loose clothing when you go because you do not disrobe for this type of massage. You will definitely feel like a new person when they finish working their magic on you!

Really great massage for the price. Includes soaking your feet followed by reflexology. All the therapists seem competent; I’ve seen a bunch of them for walk ins, but I LOVE Kent!!! His deep pressure massage is wonderful.

I have given this place a review in 2012 for their location in Rockville, MD. This will be the review for the Shady Grove location. I absolutely LOVE coming to Nirvana. Been a customer of Nirvana since 2010. They focus on the Chinese traditional medicine massage in better terms Reflexology Massage. I always received their 1 hr Signature. PLEASE ASK FOR KENT, HE IS #1 !!! He actually does reflexology the correct way as I am a massage therapist and totally firm and gentle when asked of him. His foot reflex is so dreamy once I’m done, I get so sad :) MY #2 WOULD BE PAM OR ANDY. They are both wonderful but KENT has stole me :)

They had pictures on their website of people getting shirtless massages but this place makes you leave your shirt and pants on for the massage. I actually cancelled my appointment when I got there and found that out

Tina and Andy are the best! I have been going to this place for about two years and love it. The person at the front desk is also professional and friendly. Highly recommend for a great price.

I didn’t mind the no frills aspect of this place given the price. It was clean, service was pleasant, and my massage felt good AT THE TIME. I thought it was weird the therapist used her elbows (or maybe knuckles?) to massage my neck. She didn’t speak English so I really couldn’t communicate with her. My neck felt a little tender when I left but not unexpected after a massage. However, the next day the pain had gotten progressively worse and now, nearly a week later it is excruciating if I’m not on pain medication. I went to a chiropractor and was told two of my vertebrae in my neck had been pushed out of place during the massage. The point of a massage was to feel better, not 10 times worse!

Sometimes, It’s really nice to not make appointments ahead of time. My boyfriend and I usually get off work late, so being able to call in one hour or 1.5 hr ahead and be able to book a session for the both of us is really great.
I’ve read the reviews, and they’re pretty inconsistent. So bottom line is: Not everyone is great. So with some patience, I’m sure you’ll be able to find the right person especially since the price is pretty reasonable and affordable.
We paid $ 45 for one hour. I finally found mine today! His name is Andy, and he did a great job getting all my needs (shoulder, shoulder blades, upper back.). And let’s not forget the feet. For soaks and hot towels are amazing. I’m not even sure if it’s a fluke or he felt my tensions and knots, and decided to work on it!!! But it was the greatest massage I’ve had there. So. Be patient and find the right person AND THEN get their name!
The rooms are divided by curtains with low lights, with running water sounds, and very zen music. It’s not a spa. It’s not discreet. But it’s quiet enough, and maybe even quieter if you choose the right time or day. I was put off by how I can still hear people around me. It was a bit disruptive. The chairs are good and comfy, but only while I’m on your back. When I’m flipped, the chair with the face hole hurts my throat when they press on me.
Other than that, this place is pretty good for the price you pay for.

My boyfriend and I just got a massage here for the first time and both our experiences were bad. I am literally sore from this massage as I leave. My massage therapist did not speak a lick of English, so it was very hard to communicate with her. She was either too soft (so I didn’t feel like I was getting a massage) or too aggressive with me and not very careful (kept pulling on my hair when giving me a neck massage, etc.). There were plenty of times she was pressing so hard on my lower spine I could not breathe. It was very uncomfortable. The beds are separated by curtains so you can’t take off your clothes. Because of this, my massage therapist kept pulling on my shirt so she could massage my back and now my shirt is loose and oily from the oils. So don’t wear a shirt you like when you go there! They put a disposable sheet on the pillow when you face down and so we both couldn’t breathe very well because the holes were off to the side and not big enough. The only thing I liked about this experience was the hot towel at the end, however the towel was cheap material and rough and scratchy so it didn’t even really feel that good. Also my boyfriend didn’t even get a hot towel. We both are in more pain now than before we went there.

I wasn’t sure how this would be, but I got a Groupon to try out the 60 minute massage. The place is not your full-​blown spa though it has a nice, comfortably waiting area. You must know that you do not get your «typical» swedish massage. Instead, clothes stay on, and you lay on your back for a while in the beginning as your feet rest in warm water (while you are getting massaged). The massage includes typical rubbing and kneading, but also tugging at arms and hair a little bit. I think it works well.
I asked for the «most experience» masseuse and got Andy (unsure of the spelling) who I highly recommend! He barely spoke English but he could clearly tell if I was flinching or needed more pressure. He was great, and the whole experience was really nice.
The only reason I took off one star is because you do not have a private room, but instead curtains, so you can hear when people come in and out, and if the other masseuses are walking by. This was a little distracting at times, but I treid to ignored the noise.
Overall, as long as you’re open-​minded I think this is a great experience to have. In the end, I felt a little tugged but mostly relaxed. I certainly didn’t want the experience to end. Give it a shot!

I would like to start off to say that this place is a reflexology spa not your Elizabeth Arden Red Door Swedish Massage session. I’ve read a few complaints on how some people felt that the pressure was too much or that you still have your clothes on but everyone who goes in should be advised that this place is actually beneficial in the long run vs. just providing you with a relaxing environment for an hour. Trust me, I’ve been to many spas and as much as I enjoy my standard swedish massage or deep tissue, I always walk out with the same back pain that I went in to get rid of.
I come to this location about once a week. I’ve tried many reflexology places and I’d have to say this one is my favorite. They have a few different receptionists working that are more than accommodating if this is your first time. They’ll ask you to fill out a form, your pressure preference, and if you’d like to focus on any where in particular.
I have 3 favorite therapists that I almost ALWAYS go to. Everyone is always nice but I enjoy certain people’s techniques more — Andy, Annie & Jenny. Andy & Annie are usually there on the weekdays and Jenny is usually there on Sundays. When ever I get a lot of headaches or head pains, Andy is a magician when it comes to head & scalp massages. The stifling head pains will be gone and if I ever feel sick, I’m not longer congested (that could just be a figment of my imagination.) Annie is great if you’re always on your feet. I use to be a server and would spend 40+ hours on my feet. I’d fall asleep like a baby everytime she’s my therapist and Jenny is FABULOUS at getting out the kinks on my back without making me feel like I just got beat up.
As you can see, everyone has their strengths. This place is awesome and I wish I could help change everyone’s reviews to 5 stars. My only advise is if you’re new, talk to the receptionist before you go in. They know their therapists and who may be best OR you can always ask for one of three I have mentioned :) They offer an affordable price and outstanding service!

Worst message experience ever!!! i chose medium at the counter, but the masseuse’s pressure is too light for medium. So i request harder TWICE. She told me，“You request medium at first, and i am already tried harder for you. This is how hard we can be in this place”. This is just so RUDE to talk to the customer like this. I came in with my husband together. since we received a pretty good service last time (obviously last time they did not do massage like putting lotion on you), i even added 30 minutes addition foot message time. My husband finished half an hour before me. He paid and tipped both masseuses together. Then the other masseuse came to my masseuse told her the amount of the tip. After that, she finally can give a «harder» message. I am very disappointment with this service and don’t recommend any people come to this location.

One of my worst experiences ever!!! I would never recommend anybody to this place:
1. Overall massage felt like my body was being scrubbed like a kitchen floor. There was no gentleness (even though I indicated «medium») and nothing relaxing about the massage. Ended up with newer pains!
2. They do not provide a gown to change into which is so weird. The nasty oil they poured on ruined my clothes
3. No privacy. Open door massage like a subway platform
4. All instructions were given to me via mute signs, and sometimes I was even dragged up and down just so she is positioned in the right place for the massage. Which was rude!!!

The husband gave me a groupon for a massage at this place and this was a major mistake. This is a no-​frills place as there just dividers between the massage beds, and you don’t take off your clothes at all.
Christine was my masseuse and she doesn’t speak a word of English. Now, I don’t expect to have a conversation with her but she doesn’t even understand when I said hard or harder. She had to get the receptionist to tell her in a gesture what I wanted. This was because she used way too much oil and the massage of the arms and legs were lame as there were no traction. It was just a lot of rubbing. That was when I asked for it to be harder.
Boy, that was a mistake. She massage my upper neck so hard to the point that I have red marks and it hurts so bad. The entire time I kept thinking that she’s gonna crack my ribs, or give me a slip disk or puncture one of my organs. I have never had someone massage my upper back this hard. It was truly a painful massage.
Another thing that was irritating was that the receptionist was watching a movie or something. This is no movie with lots of talking but a full-​blown action movie. My bed was the second to the front of the door and it was so distracting. After my massage, I asked her about it and she said I should have told her and she would lower the volume. Does she expect me to get up from my bed mid-​massage to ask her to turn down the volume since clearly Christine doesn’t speak a word of English? You are working in a massage place! Perhaps, headphones or ear buds would be appropriate?
I still tip Christine as I feel that she did her work but in hindsight, I probably shouldn’t. I felt sorry for her as I doubt she gets paid well. I would go to Massage Envy next time for sure. My body feels like it has taken a major beating to the point that it’s hurting me.

I was kid free for an hour and thought the best way for spontaneous self-​care was to have a massage. The Unilocal reviews for Nirvana seems fairly consistent and I took the advice to call ahead since I was going immediately after work. They were available and I had a male therapist.
The place is very quiet, beyond library quiet. And airy with the gold curtains every where. The massage itself? It was wonderful! I had the hour massage for $ 45, their current special. I think my favorite bit was soaking my feet while he massaged my head. I hadn’t had that before but I felt completely relaxed. The therapist was very good, removed the kinks and knots of stress I’ve been holding. When I left, I was smiling and felt relaxed. I would definitely go again.

This is the same review I left for their Rockville location. I am going to repeat it for this location because everyone should know how wonderful they are — I just hope I can still get last minute appointments :) This will be my new go to massage location since I moved back to the area:
I heart Nirvana. I have to add a caveat at the start of this review though — this is NOT your ‘normal’ spa experience. If you are looking for a Swedish massage with scented oils in a private room where you undress beforehand and climb under the covers, this is not what you are looking for. If, however, you are looking for an AMAZING massage for a fourth of the price — something that you can afford to treat yourself to regularly, you have found your place. This was the second time I had been here and I immediately picked up their ’10 one hour massages for $ 390′ package deal. When using your certificates, you can also combine two together for a 2-​hour massage.
Ok, so what should you expect? I would recommend coming in loose comfy clothing — like yoga pants and a t-​shirt. The massage starts off with soaking your feet in a hot bath while you receive a head massage. You get a full body massage — I think this used to totally be an over the clothes massage but they have changed things around a little and fold up your shirt/​use lotions or oils when massaging your back.
The result is pure heaven.

I love Nirvana. My two favorite things about it:
1) Price. I can get 3 – 4 massages here for the price of one at Red Door
2) How I feel afterwards: Yes, sometimes I too want to Unilocal (heehee) in pain as they are kneading the kinks out of my back. But, I absolutely love that my back continues to feel less stressed out for a while after I leave here.
The things I am not so fond of:
1) Please don’t stick your fingers in my ears anymore. This is the kind of thing that happens and you wish that the massages didn’t happen right next to each other. You don’t have the freedom to tell your therapist what you do and do not like without bothering the people near you.
2) The last couple of times, it hasn’t really been a completely ‘clothes on’ experience. They still lift up my shirt, which I don’t mind but wasn’t expecting.