Love this place. Love the people come here at least twice a year for acupuncture and massage

Had a great deep tissue massage. The place is unassuming from the outside and the inside is a bit cramped, but the service is fantastic and it was a really great massage. read more

It's an alright, no frills massage parlor which got the job done. Made me feel better than it was pretty much on street level. The masseuse had a long pinky nail that got in the way a couple of times and scratched me which was pretty gross, but other than that, it's ok. read more

Akai Wellness Center - No frills feet massage - Acupuncture Near Me - New York, New York

Remarkable. I'd tried this place years ago and wasn't attracted but I had a fabulous massage from Lisa on Monday, the only day that she works. I'll be back. read more

Allan did a great job with a deep tissue massage. He really listened and adjusted when necessary. The place is very affordable and clean but don't expect a spa like experience read more

I have two go-to body work spots at 106th and 72nd. I wanted a massage after my acupuncture appt so tried this spot out. I will be a regular from now on, specifically with Lily, she was amazing! She checked in on pressure and problem areas throughout the session and did a great job of working out the kinks while maintaining comfort and relief, the latter is tough to find at body work shops. Best part though was her overall technique, literally magic the way she moves and how she maneuvers in both large and small muscles, including areas that many masseuses ignore. Also, aromatherapy smell was very nice. read more

I first came into Akai after injuring my ankle running. I had been icing, self massaging, and resting it, but it wasn't improving. After one acupuncture session, it was resolved! I have continued to come in for migraines and chronic fatigue and always feel better when I leave here. I also receive massage for aching muscles. I enjoy the treatment and feel renewed afterwards. I highly recommend Akai wellness center. read more

I really want to love this place because it's so convenient for me and some of my favorite massages have been from no-frills spots like this. However, Akai Wellness is so inconsistent, I don't know if I can go back. Some massages I've had have been decent, hence why I've returned. But I just left a session with Angela that was so terrible, it felt wrong not to leave a review. I am now drenched in oil (as in the back of my head is soaked) after being oddly, inconsistently stroked for an hour with zero pressure or anatomical awareness. Whenever I asked for more pressure, she only quickened her mindless strokes. It was obvious she was on her phone for much of the massage (this doesn't actually bother me for no-frills places as long as they maintain the massage, except she didn't) If you have ticklish feet, beware. I don't, yet Angela managed to make me writhe by inexplicably stroking the backs of my toes with her fingernails (this sounds like a joke but I'm unfortunately dead serious.) She either didn't notice my flinching or didn't care. She spent about a third of my total time haphazardly stroking one leg (and barely the other) until I finally asked her to move elsewhere, at which point she doused the back of my neck with even more oil and stroked it up into my hair until the end of the massage. The cherry on top: she left the beeper right next to my ear. Nice. At the end, when I asked to have a bill broken for the tip, she had the gall to happily pocket my twenty until I had to awkwardly clarify I wanted change. Whomever's running this place needs to establish a very basic skill set across their staff. I quite literally felt like I was being "massaged" by someone who's never done it before. Hands down the worst massage of my life and I have had hundreds. If you do decide to go, I'm sorry to report Angela should be avoided. I'm leaving 2 stars because the others have been alright. read more

great massage, worked out all my knots and stress! recommend this place for a massage.

I booked a 60 minute full-body massage here through Class Pass and couldn't have been more happy. Lily was absolutely amazing, best massage I have ever gotten and I will definitely be returning soon! Great place. read more

If you want a no frills, amazing deep tissue massage them this a great and inexpensive option on the UWS. In 60 minutes, I could feel the knots melting away, which took weeks to build up. This place is not for the shy, however. There are loosely hung curtains separating each "room," with the masseuses going in and out to get supplies throughout the massage. I'll definitely be back. Maybe next weekend. read more

I booked a 60 minute full-body massage here through Class Pass and found a new regular part of my routine. I'm usually disappointed with massages in that I don't always feel like their worth it. I came in with some neck stiffness from a bike injury and left feeling amazingly better and Lily was really working on knots I had all over. Will definitely be returning regularly read more

I just got a 60min massage by Lily and feel amazing. They're always nice & accommodating at Akai :) I highly recommended!

This place was wonderful! The ladies working there clearly wanted me to have an enjoyable experience and I did. It was my first foot massage so I wasn't sure what to expect. The workers were very kind. I showed up without an appointment and was able to be treated after a minimal wait. My masseuse had the perfect balance of strong without being painful. She even included a hot stone portion at the end to round out a lovely experience. Will definitely go back and bring a friend along! read more

After several uncomfortable, rushed and ineffective massages, I decided to call it quits. Left early from my most recent massage because it was that annoying. Ever since Justin left, it hasn't been the same. The new people are rude, barely put any pressure and often talk throughout the entire session. No thanks! Taking my business elsewhere. read more

These days, Johnny is working at Akai, and he is really wonderful. In addition to his strong massage skills, he also radiates a very kind and welcoming energy. The manager who answers the phone and schedules appointments does a great job, too. Over the past years, I have found this wellness center to be very dependable. It is quite small, with only two little curtained private areas, so it is a good idea to book ahead, if possible. If you are looking for reflexology foot massage, the front area has a couple of very comfortable easy chairs for the session. Very grateful for this place! read more

My best friend and I came in for a foot massage. We got a 30 minute massage with a 15 minute foot soak. It was AMAZING. Everything we needed in that moment and I love the people who work here. They're so sweet and really great at what they do. Would definitely recommend this place! read more

This was one of the best massages I've ever had. And so cheap! My husband and I are on a tour of the show Jersey Boys, and our bodies are pretty beat up from being on stage and from traveling. We felt so much better after stopping by! read more

I made an appointment for this past Saturday to schedule my 60-min hot stone massage. Every time I tried to call for an appointment, I was greeted by a "hello" as if I was calling someone's personal cell, no business name, or business greeting. At first, I couldn't get someone who understood what I was saying and eventually I got a hold of someone who spoke some English. I asked for an appointment for Saturday at 2 pm, he said okay, didn't ask for my name, number or payment information and hung up which I found odd. I showed up to my appointment at about 1:50 pm, was greeted by an empty desk and eventually someone popped up out of a curtain and said hello. I tried to explain to him that I had a 2pm appointment for a 60-minute hot stone massage, he didn't speak any English so was unable to respond. I repeated myself slowly to see if that would help, still nothing. Then someone spoke from behind a curtain stating he would be right out. The first gentleman that spoke little to no English signaled for me to walk down the room/open space to the end (where there was another curtain dividing the spaces). I waited there until about 2:10 and was getting ready to leave, since no one had come to greet me formerly at all. The man from behind the curtain that spoke a little more English came out and told me to undress completely and lay down with my head in the pillow which is customary except there were no walls/doors for privacy. What divided each bed was a small curtain..the "room" I was taken to had half of a curtain which was almost broken. I picked up my purse and walked out, no one even noticed because both men had disappeared back behind one of the curtains. I tried taking pictures of the place because I could not believe how trashy and inadequate this place was especially for a 'wellness center' but I couldn't because it was so dark in there and turning on the flash would've probably been rude. Oh and not to mention, there was no air conditioner, it was very dark and cramped in terms of the space. I could not believe this establishment was listed on groupon. This was a real let down, buyer beware. read more

I'm very surprised no one else has written a review yet! As I was heading in last night two women came out of Akai and one turned to the other saying 'That was the BEST massage I have ever gotten!' I usually go for the 30 minute foot massage which is well worth the $32, I leave feeling like I'm floating on air. It's certainly not a spa experience, so spa-snobs should stay away because they will quickly be turned off. Akai is in a tiny storefront and while they try on the ambiance it's certainly not Great Jones. That being said, I've been to a bunch of high-end spas in NYC as well as a handful of Chinatown massage shops- I can say with confidence that Akai is the best massage I've received. So if you're not sure, go in and spring for the 30 minute foot massage to see what I'm talking about. read more

All I can say is this place is a major lifeline for my sanity and relaxation! It's not for the faint of heart, but it is for people who want a serious massage. Hands down best massage on the UWS. read more

Go to Johnny! He is great. No bells and whistles, but a great massage and can get an appointment same day.

Just had the best massage of my life here! No more fancy spas that rub my back. This place gives a true hard core massage- they are strong and worked every muscle in my back. Cory was excellent. Not fancy at all but definitely gives you your money worths. read more

Small, no frills place with attentive staff that gives some hardcore massages. I'll be coming back for more. Great prices.

In desperate need of a massage, I checked Yelp and This place is only a few blocks away from where I am staying. I walked in and immediately got in. There is a menu of massages. I got 30 mins of a back rub and 15 mins reflexology. It cost me $44 plus $8 tip. I think if you pay cash, the total would have been $42. It was friendly and clean. read more

When in NYC my husband pulled a muscle and had a terrible back spasm and we found Akai Wellness...with acupuncture and massage they were able to get him back on his feet and out of pain. Highly recommend. read more

Came here with my GF to get some reflexology foot massages. The lady my GF got seemed to really know her stuff but mine just pretty much just gave me a foot rub. Either way, for $30, you can't beat the price! read more

Seriously good stuff! I came here after a week of moving -- packing and unpacking, This place is so unassuming but Justin did an amazing job and helped me loosen up some majorly sore muscles. If you're looking for fancy, this is not for you....But if you are looking for quality you should go immediately! Enjoy. read more

Money for value, this is the best massage center in NYC. This from an international connoisseur of all kinds of massage. It's not fancy, but it's clean and peaceful, the music and temperature a right, and the staff is friendly. The masseurs truly understand anatomy, and tune into what you need! I didn't get anything close to that at my last expensive spa massage. (where I paid $150 to be tortured and frustrated for 60 minutes) At Akai, I pay $55 for an hour of true bliss. I'll say this, once your head in in the cradle, it doesnt matter if your in Soho surrounded by the shi-shi, or on the Upper West in a tiny hole in the wall. All that matters is the talent of the masseuse! For $20, you can get 20 minutes on a table, including oil and acupressure. It's a steal. Enjoy! read more

They know what they are doing! Very skilled in a humble but peaceful setting.

I called a few times to make an appointment and the guy answers hello- no business greeting - he says he only has 8 pm or 730 appointments for groupon hot stone massage-- i tried to use because i paid $29 and that is cheap for hot stone..i called to confirm and same guy again answers hello- no business name- i asked him is this a business - he says it is a wellness center- so i went early and he took me- must have had cancell ed well this is no real business its just him licensed - maybe not- a small closet size space which fits a massage table- although i fell asleep = he knew something about massage - and used the hot stone- but the environment is unprofessional- obvious he is trying by himself and cannot afford a spa or descent space- not worth due to poor and unprofessional space- and he always answerd hello no business name - afraid someone will find he is doing some massage business and has no license- duping groupon customers read more

This place is located in a run down strip on Columbus. It's very small and there are about 3 sets of hanging curtains separating each of the massage areas. But WOW the massages are great. I suffer from chronic back pain - as much as I love to be pampered, when it comes to massage, I just want someone to tear away the pain. Akai masseurs use firm pressure with strong hands and really understand pressure points. I have been to numerous massage salons in the City and this is one of my favorites due to the price and service. read more

Awesome massage, friendly staff and cheap.

Great extreme deep tissue massage for the price. Don't go there for a relaxing oasis. Go to get loosened up and release those toxins. No pain no gain. read more

Changing my rating to a 4 because other massages I've had there with people besides Justin were not as great.

Because of what happened after the massage I received there last weekend, I will never go to Akai again. When informing the therapist how much I decided to tip (18%), the massage therapist proceeded to inform me that I needed to tip 20%. I said no, and then she became defensive and vocal (while there was another massage being given in the small space!), saying that a 20% tip was "required," that she was going to call her boss to discuss the fact that I wasn't paying an 18% tip to see if it was ok, etc. Her colleague then left the massage he was providing and said that this massage was harder than usual (I did request more pressure mid-massage, but the difference was minimal) and that I should tip 20%.Never have I experienced such a ridiculous conversation - whether here or in China, where I have lived - and the relaxation I received from a very good massage was completed negated. Given this experience I will not return to Akai. I do not recommend you go there. read more