Dharma Healing Arts Studio

I love this place! It is in a cute little section of Brooklyn, close to the subway (Carroll St stop on the F or G), and the ladies that work there really know their stuff. They only offer massage, (hence the 3 stars on service variety, but each massage has been different depending on what I had going on that day) which is fine by me because I would rather save my money for another massage than get a facial, plus they get to focus on what they are really good at! They always offer me different things I could do at home to help me get by between visits. Over all I would say this place is very chill, down to earth, and reasonably priced for what it is. Love it! more

Dharma is a wonderful place to get a massage. The staff (Lauren and Lindsey) are both super nice and really helpful. Before each massage you fill out a form about where you have pain / discomfort / etc. and they talk to you about where you need work and what they think the best approach for your issues are. They also talk to you during the massage to make sure the pressure is good and they are not hurting anything as they work. They are obviously both very well trained in human physiology and really help you to feel better and I highly recommend Dharma Healing Arts! Pros: Great staff, nice atmosphere, good all around Cons: None more

i never write reviews, but i had to share (though at my own peril since it may now be much harder to get appointments!) how great dharma healing arts is. i was referred to dharma by a friend who raved about her massage. i went in for deep tissue massage: unlike other massage places, dharma understands DEEP tissue. i left feeling relaxed & sufficiently sore. knots were worked out. staff are super friendly. & the facilities are great. no pretentious attitude. so great, i signed up for a series of massages and am going again this weekend for another one. seriously 5 stars. Pros: very competent, friendly, affordable Cons: none more

I first visited Lauren several days after injuring my neck and after visiting another massage spa in Manhattan which was unsuccessful in helping work out the kinks. Lauren's massage was amazing, and was truly a great help in the healing process - both in helping the injury recover faster and in relieving the symptoms i was feeling. As others have said, she likewise gave me several stretches to help the problem areas. Lauren's knowledge about the body and how to heal it is simply amazing, and she is a great therapist. She is truly concerned about her clients' well-being. Lauren always takes the time to learn what may be bothering you and is a master at working out those problems. She's always provided me with information and stretches to do once i leave each time i've gone there. This truly is the best massage and therapy around. Pros: Lauren and the best massage ever, heated massage table Cons: having to leave! more

There is no better place to go for a massage than to Dharma. Lauren and her staff are incredibly thorough, warm and professional. I have had massages at different spas and places all around the U.S. and this is the best. The steam room is really awesome, too! more

I have had multiple massages at the Dharma Healing Arts Studio and was extremely pleased with each experience. I enjoy massages and have indulged at various spas including "world class" resorts and believe that the treatment at Dharma stands up to any of them. Highly Recommended! more

I have a regular massage therapist in Manhattan; however, I got a gift certificate for a place in my neighborhood in Brooklyn--Dharma. I went last Sunday, and all I can say is it takes a lot to impress me with a massage, and WOW! It was as good as my regular therapist and yet absolutely different. The owner-therapist, Lauren, is one of the most giving practitioners I've ever met, and her work is wonderfully methodical. Days later, I felt as though her pinpointed hand movements were still radiating through my muscles. Also, she said that sometime in the first quarter of 2008, Dharma's opening a new studio on Court St. complete with a Japanese style private soaking tub. I can't wait as that entire experience will probably feel like being at my own private spa--say versus the sharing you have to do in Manhattan! Pros: She has a heating pad on the massage table--so cozy! more

This is my favorite place to get a massage! I have tried a number of places in the NYC and am very impressed with the level of service and care at Dharma. Lauren gives excellent massages, but more importantly she is deeply concerned about your health and well being and suggests stretches and other changes to your day-to-day life, to improve your overall health. In my case, she has been an excellent source of information on preventing and managing migraines. Now that I have found her, I can't imagine going anywhere else. more

Lauren is a massage therapist who really impressed me from the start. She really knew how to take care of my knotted up tight shoulders and back, she used her hot stones to help relax the tightness, which felt unbelievable, was pretty deep pressure-wise but tolerable and she used lots of stretches for my neck... I definitely feel like I can turn my head better now and without the usual pain. I feel so much lighter is the best way to put it. Her work is just outstanding, well above the rest- Pros: best massage Cons: no more

I've had quite a lot of massage, and Lauren is one of the very best therapists I've ever been to. She's incredibly knowledgable about the body, injuries, and natural approaches to healing. While very relaxing, her massage is also extremely effective: I went to her with a pulled muscle in my knee and the day after my massage I was walking perfectly again. She also suggested some stretches and postural adjustments to help prevent further injury. She's friendly and professional, and her studio is a peaceful and relaxing space. I recommend her very highly. more

I first went to Lauren on a wedding shower gift certificate, and I now realize it's the best shower gift I got. I have had two massages at Bliss since moving to New York, and although they were very good, I will never go to anyone but Lauren for as long as I live in NYC. Lauren is extremely personable and specific to your needs and wants, and although she must have tons of appointments that day, you feel like her only one she gives you so much attention. She is thorough, knowledgable, unrushed, and careful, I really feel like every muscle is relaxed and aligned. Last time I was there, she even spent ten minutes showing me stretches to do to prevent tension in my shoulders after our session was over. She really is outsanding! Also her studio is a gorgeous, spacious, calm retreat from hectic life and she uses very nice products. I have already recommended her to all my friends. Don't go to Bliss, go to Lauren. Pros: Lauren! more

I have been around the block...and I have been to a lot of bodyworkers using a plethora of modalities. Lauren is truly amazing! She is one of the best - strong, knowledgeable, and caring. And you will feel fantastic when you leave. I live in Manhattan and travel to Brooklyn to have massage work done because she is the best around! Enjoy! more

Lauren Sweeny really knows what she's doing. I had a neck injury so bad I thought it would take at least a week to heal and it was 97% better the very next day after one of her massages. Her knowledge of musculature is formidable, to the point where you don't even have to guide her to what's bothering you - she can always tell what needs work after a brief survey and she really dedicates herself to healing you - she'll also give you great advice about how you can participate in healing yourself at home. I actually found her through citysearch which is something i generally wouldn't do with massage - but I had suffered a really intense back spasm so I sought out the closest masseur and she was it. I called her and immediately knew she was fully competent to deal with my problem as she asked all the right questions about the injury - she even fit me in that day. Since then I exclusively use her and so does my boyfriend. I turned my mother (who lives in Manhattan) onto Lauren and she's willing to make the trek out to Brooklyn despite having a great massage place across the street. The only criticism would be that her massages have spoiled me forever. Since I started seeing her I haven't even wanted to try anyone else. Pros: best ever Cons: spoiled for good more

I decided to try this place after reading a few of the reviews. Even though other spas had numerous reviews and sounded good, something about this particular spa, treatments and prices caught my attention (more innovative treatments and cheaper in comparison). I'm glad I decided to give it a chance! I booked an appointment for my mother and although I had to change the appointment about three times, Lauren was incredibly patient and nice. The Healing Studio is located in this cute Brooklyn neighborhood and is incredibly cozy! Its very earthy and the music is very relaxing! My mother had been experiencing chronic back pain and migraines for months. Lauren practically rubbed it away with her hands; she is very meticulous and soothing. She kept talking to me and my mom in the process, telling us about different techniques to try and recommending ways to care for a stressed out body. In total, it was an amazing experience, I can't thank her enough! I ended up paying less than I expected for two hours of hot stone massage and head massage. I'm definitely coming back, this time for myself! Pros: Incredible masseuse! Very Knowledgeable! Cons: None more

lauren hampel = top-notch deep tissue; a healing experience i wish i could afford on a more regular basis Pros: Deep tissue comes with relaxing heat packs; Lemon water Cons: None come to mind more

I can't thank Lauren enough for helping me feel better and especially sleep better. Before I started getting a regular massage I was weighed down by work stress and also terrible pain in my neck and back, but now, with her careful approach and amazing hands, I seem to not only have less pain but I also have more energy and focus, I'm back to doing the things I took for granted being able to do when I was younger... it's really unbelievable... the difference it has made. Pros: It's the "ahhh" in massage, good location, atmosphere more

I received a gift certificate to get a massage from Lauren at Dharma Healing Arts. I decided to go for the pavitra massage upon my friend's recommendation- it was soooo relaxing yet deep and right on target. I already told my friend she got me the best birthday present ever! Awesome! Pros: earthy vibe, great massage more