I've only been to more expensive 'spas' in Manhattan for massages. I've had swedish massages, hot stone, and deep tissue. Not only were they over $100 for 50-60 minutes, they were not the most satisfying. I was finally interested in trying one of the many Chinese massage & reflexology places that's popped up all over Chinatown and Lower Manhattan, but was worried about safety & cleanliness.\r
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Fortunately, I found Asclepius. I was there on Saturday morning for a massage: called when they opened and they gave me an appt 40 mins later. The prices are comparable to those scarier-looking places at $48 for 60 minutes. The place was clean, simply appointed, but comfortable. There was a heat lamp in my room which my masseuse turned on for me since I arrived just 40 minutes after they opened. This will be great when the weather is cooler. \r
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I liked that my masseuse informed me of what she was doing. First thing she did was asked if I preferred medium or firm pressure. When she began, she told me she was just warming up and loosening up my muscles. Then she asked me what I wanted her to work on and off she went. She was excellent and used all sorts of techniques to remove the knots in my neck, shoulders and back. She was familiar with how the muscles were connected so she worked on areas of my back that I didn't point out, but proved to have an effect on the places where I had tension.\r
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I was surprised that she asked me to strip completely-even my underwear. For a full body massage, they will actually massage the sides of your behind! I didn't really get a full body massage since I needed so much work on my back and since I kept my underwear on (had my period), I didn't get the full effect of the butt massage. \r
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Another word of warning: pay in cash. They apply some sort of service charge for using credit cards. One more thing, after 10 visits, your 11th one is free. Go!!
Pros: Affordable, Clean, Conveniently located
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