An unassuming basement retail location at the E 96th St subway station, Taiji Rubbing is an oasis of calm, quiet and effective massage for sore city muscles. It's affordable ($40 for 45 minutes, $55 for 60 minutes) and efficient. Best to call ahead though they do accept walk-ins. My only critique: The masseuses always spend 65% of their time on the back during a full body massage, despite what you ask them to focus on. Still, upon the leaving I always feel looser and calmer, even if they don't pay full attention to the specific issue areas, and for that I come back. read more

My back was in major pain after carrying a heavy backpack around all week and I needed some form of relief. Taiji was within walking distance and I called them to see if I could come for a walk-in appointment one afternoon which they were able to accommodate. The prices are amazing, but know that the facility is no-frills - there are three rooms curtained off from one another. The massage bed was comfy and it was cosy inside. Everything was clean, and the lights are set down low which was relaxing. Sammy gave me an 90-minute massage and I was pleased. The pressure could be intense on some of my muscles and I told her when it was too hard for me. I paid $80 for a 90 minute massage which cannot be beat. Try to bring cash. Don't forget to tip your masseuse! I am looking forward to going back in. read more

Walked in for the $30 for 30 minutes foot massage and fell asleep (I snorted). It was super relaxing. I liked the faint scent and background music here, so zen. There are about 4 beds (that I could see) and curtained off so you have your privacy. Will probably come back for a back massage next time! Bring cash! read more

Update on 12/8 - I was given a refund for what had occurred. I walked in today (11/8/16) at 8pm for a 30 min foot massage that wasn't too bad. Then I added a 30 min back massage. BIG MISTAKE! The woman used a ceiling pole to walk on my back. As she walked upward from my lower back to my shoulders, it felt like she cracked a rib in my left side. My body buckled as the rib gave way and she knew the damage she did. Now I'm off to the doctor tomorrow. Update on 11/14, the rib is not fractured but I've had to go to the doctor twice and x-rays once because of what this place did. I went to speak with Sammy (the masseuse) and asked her for a refund of the $55. Told her she can keep the $15 tip but that I felt the right thing to do is to refund the cost of the massage. She said that she would only do that if I show her X-rays of a broken rib. Doctors visits apparently are not enough for this business to admit they did anything wrong. Not my idea of what I wanted in a neighborhood massage place. read more

It was a good massage and happy I was fit in immediately especially since I just finished a 26hr shift at the hospital and this place is on my way home. When I went to pay for my 60min $55 massage, I tipped the masseuse 22% and she was unhappy about that and wanted more. I then increased it to about 30% and she still did not look happy but I wasn't going to tip anymore than that. It was a good massage but I shouldn't be made to feel badly for giving an already generous tip and be expected to tip more. If that's the standard here then I'd rather pay that money at a nicer higher end spot. read more

I have lived next to this place for months and have never gone in out of fear of the unknown - it's in a basement, has no pictures, and a small amount of reviews. I finally went because I really needed a massage - and I'm glad I did. I walked in without an appointment & asked for a 1 hour massage. The place is small, dim, and maybe has about four massage tables that are separated by wood and curtain partitions. The massage table was comfortable, but the beach towels are a bit tacky. It is not fancy and is a no-frills massage place that focuses on acupressure- this is a good place to go if you really want your knots worked out. They were playing piano music in the background and I also heard a lot of activity coming from the street such as cars, buses, and people walking by. Michelle, my therapist, spoke good English and she gave me a very thorough and therapeutic massage. I must warn you that the massage hurt at times and was not your typical Swedish, relaxing massage- she focused more on pressure points and she knew exactly where my knots were. I wish her nails were shorter though! She used a hot towel and two hot stones towards the end of the massage, which was a nice touch. For one hour, I was charged $55; she said if I paid by credit card there would be an additional $3 for tax, so I paid by cash instead. Overall, I would go back, and possibly ask for less pressure next time. Minus 2 stars because this place could be better. Maybe if they offered hot tea, a frequent visitor card, and changed up the towels/ decor, they could earn another star. One more star if they lower their fees! read more

It's located downstairs... a really unassuming and rather small place. But it was clean and quiet. And the massage was GREAT! I've been to my share of massage places and have had both good and bad massages. This woman here seemed to know what she was doing. I felt really sleepy afterwards and you know it's a good massage when that happens! I paid $28 for 30 min (not including tax). Not bad at all! read more

Just had the best massage here ever. Its always the hidden gems that leave you with a wonderful experience. Thank u ladies u were great!!!

Went here after a stressful week at work for a 20 mins message. Long story short is that I'll be going back once a week for sure. Great prices and very friendly staff. Very clean and relaxing. read more

Taiji Rubbing - Massage Near Me - New York, New York

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I really enjoy the massage here. I have been a few times. The prices are very fair for the quality ($55 for an hour full body). I went yesterday and complained of both neck and leg pain and the masseuse was very attentive to those areas. She really helped with my neck and shoulders. One thing to keep in mind. The masseuse asked me if she can walk on my back, I agreed, and I am glad I did because it really helped loosen me up...but be prepared, it can get a little intense! read more

Absolutely amazing! I love their $20 deal for 20 minutes. That way I can come more frequently. Best massage I've ever gotten. read more

It was good, even though it's pretty busy. But still worth of it. The only thing is that the lady just want more tips.

While not a fan, they give a decent massage. Main complaint is that it is so small that I had to wait an hour since there are only two massage therapist. Usually go about 10 blocks west so will stick with my main place but come here when in the area. read more

From the outside, the place seemed decent. But going in, it was much better than expected. The masseuses are very kind and their work comes at a great value. The hour massage is well worth the price. I definitely plan on returning here in the future. Give them a shot - it might become your go-to place as well. read more

Good massages and been there a few times but very off out by the lady last night demanding a 20% tip. Tipping shouldn't be mandatory.

This is no frills basement location. However, the massage was incredible. I went for 45. Minutes to check it out and will be back for more. The pressure was perfect- deep tissue, but not painful. It would get to hurt and then she'd move along. The hot stones and steamed towel add some frills and felt great. Overall, I'm happy & relaxed and will return again. read more

This place is great. Everyone gives you a satisfying and intense massage and often to the Harry Potter Soundtrack.

Loved this place! Best massage I've gotten at this price point. Very hospitable and kind staff. Wish I had more time to extend my hour-long. Also, wish we had a place like this near home in SF. Next time I visit UES, I will definitely come back -- highly recommended! read more

The fact that I'm able to type this means that the massage was top-notch. (I was in a bit of pain before I went.) Like others noted, it's no-frills appearance-wise, but that's probably how they keep the prices low. Much more importantly, the people working there are very good at their jobs. Great massage, pleasant music, pleasant staff. read more

As a former massage therapist, I set a high bar for body work. Sammi gave me one of the best massages I've ever had. Her work is deep and sensitive. Good massage takes intuition, and she's got it. Do not be put off by the no-frills decor. If you are, you're missing the point. read more

I'm a fan! Just came here for a post-marathon massage. They did a great job working out some knots/spasms in my back, legs, and gluts. Polite, clean, relaxing. My masseuse was always checking in to see if my comfort level was ok and how much pressure she was using. I'd recommend! read more

Very good when you have a cramp in your neck and need to get those knots out and work nearby and need to relieve the pain.

This is the closest massage place to where I live. It is easy to miss since it is below ground, but this is not to be passed by. They only charge $55 for a 60 minute massage, and every time I go it is great. I give four stars and not five because the inside decor is nothing special, and you don't get a froufrou glass of water with lemon at the end, however at these prices I really can't complain. I absolutely recommend this place for a good massage at a low price. It is not sketchy inside as you might assume from the outside appearance. Check it out! read more

Had the back rub down of the year!!! It was so much needed after a long weekend with friends and a long work week ahead. $20 for 20 minutes is on the pricier side for a cheap massage if that makes ANY sense - but it was worth every minute. I'm going to make this a bi-monthly thing! There's curtains closing off the spaces and you're asked to remove everything up top including bras (for the back massage). The tables are quite comfy and there's soothing music playing. The woman for my massage was firm but NOT painful. I do not like painful massages and would have told her so - but thankfully didn't have to. She got into my nooks and crannies and I left there a new lady! They also have a promo card offering a free massage after the 10th. I walked in without an appointment Monday around 5pm and was seen within 20 minutes. If you're on the move and need a quick rub down while you're in the are then, Taiji is for you! read more

Sammy did an amazing job removing my knots while making sure I was comfortable. She was personable and listened to my request!!! Highly recommend for this price. read more

Just excellent. I walked in off the street with average expectations. No wait time, immediately ushered into clean and cool (it was a hot day) room. The best massage I have had in years, and I have them often. Professional, great value for money, totally recommend. read more