This rating is for Tamao, practitioner of Reiki and several other massage types and energy healing forms. I came into the Teal Center with anxieties and inner pain. I briefly explained my condition to Tamao. She was calm, peaceful, kind, gentle, and incredibly humble(she is also an akido master!). She listened without judgment. I said my body has so much fear and other painful emotions in it and I don’t know how to release it and would like a therapeutic massage if it would help me. She recommended that she would do a gentle massage with Reiki, as it comes so naturally to her. Keep in mind, her style of Reiki is the original Japanese form(she is the 5th descendent of the founder), and its effects are completely different from the more westernized kinds(at least in my experience). Immediately I was encouraged and said yes I would like to try it. I cannot imagine or even explain how, but as soon as she put her hands on me, I started to cry and emotions started releasing. It was beautiful. Till then, it was locked up and constricted. Her touch was that powerful. It’s her incredible gift and ability to channel energy. And the power of empathy. By the end of the session, I was calm and felt like I was floating above the situation. I could feel my vibration was much higher. The next time I saw her a few days later, I had done more inner work on myself(meditation, energy healing, etc.) and she noticed that I looked much better and she could see that my eyes looked brighter. During this reiki/massage session, I still remember, she had her hands around my heart. At first I was smiling. Then we she started to massage the area, I started to cry. Again, the negative emotion and pain was coming out. The experience was very profound and beautiful. Even after, she told me the emotions she could feel coming through me. She is highly empathic, and I felt a connection like I could express exactly what I was feeling to her. And now she knows my favorite rendition of Om Mani Padme hum! When I left the center, it was night time and snowing in Ballston. I could hear that song in my heart as I walked outside, and it was the most beautiful sight and I felt connected with that scene. It felt like I was in a postcard. Though it was cold, I felt so happy and calm inside. I felt divine love that was warm. I felt a sense of freedom. Something that I had missed on a daily basis in my situation that I was going through. I kept going back every week. Though the Teal Center is a bit expensive for weekly treatments, I felt it was worth it. Later, I just thought what the effects of me sitting in a therapist’s office would be: talking, talking, talking about my problems, the lady takes notes, bills me, and then what? Disappointment. With Reiki, not a word was said. Because you don’t heal painful emotions with words. You heal emotional trauma with energy. Emotion = Energy in motion. Of course, one needs to learn how to heal the self eventually, but to take those first baby steps. And next, must learn Reiki!
Nita T.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Arlington, VA
I booked a 1-hour thai yoga massage. They didn’t know that so I settled for a deep tissue massage to relieve tiredness. I had to fill up forms and then the therapist talked to me(all this was already conveyed on the phone). Anyway, after 35 minutes she said the session was over! Only my back was massaged!!! To pay $ 102 for a 1-hour massage is preposterous! I have had massages all over the world and I have never been ripped off like this! In fact, I used to go regularly to the Teal Center in the 1980s and never had this experience. The therapist had the gall to tell me to come back again so she can massage me longer! Dream on! Once was enough! Besides she was OK. I can get a better massage elsewhere for the entire time I pay for for much less!
K M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Lorton, VA
this place is fantastic, the owner and all the staff are a lost perfection that we don’t see any more in customer service and genuine kindness. Kay
Randi F.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Springfield, VA
I highly recommend the Teal Center, and if you are price comparing, it cannot be beat. I went here to receive a prenatal massage. A lot of reviews have mentioned that it is more of a PT setting, it is a good mix. You will still have the relaxing Japanese/celtic/Native American music mix playing in your dimly lit room. There are still wonderful white robes and candles. It’s only the anatomy charts on the wall that give it away as anything other than a spa. It is great. Jean gave me a 90 minute massage and it was wonderful. I walked away relaxed and moisturized for days. She uses a good amount of lotion and it pays off. I highly recommend the Teal Center.
Daniel M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Arlington, VA
I booked massages for my wife(postpartum) and I(deep tissue) since we’ve been basically living at the NICU at VHC since our daughter was born. Both tired and stressed, the hour-long massage hit the spot. It is definitely one of of the most professional places I’ve experienced(it’s in a hospital for crying out loud!) and it’s worth every penny. It’s not even the most expensive I’ve seen. It was made very clear that tipping is NOT expected but if you feel inclined you can tip your masseuse directly. Parking is $ 5 and free after 9pm when attendant leaves for the day and also free on weekends. But that will change I’m told when they move to an automated system at some point. Don’t consider this treatment a treat. It’s an investment in your well being.
Desiree L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Arlington, VA
I love this location. The first time I came it was because my husband booked a prenatal massage for me, not realizing I was already a client of the Ballston location. I thought he was crazy, but I had a great experience. Parking is a little annoying, but that is typical for Arlington. I have continued going because of Amanda. She is so thoughtful and her little tater-tot thumbs are magic. For those with medical conditions, the staff is so highly trained and there is even an acupuncturist on staff here. I always recommend Teal for people who need real, therapeutic massage, not just the spa bit. However, it is relaxing. The rude receptionist is gone and the new one is pure sweetness.
Tara E.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Falls Church, VA
The Teal Center for Therapeutic Massage has two locations in Arlington. I have been to both the Randolph Towers space and VA Hospital Center. I had very positive experiences at each place. I will focus my review on the location at VA Hospital Center. I have been to this center three times. It is a small and quiet place. Scheduling a session is a breeze. The clerk always finds the best time slot that works for me. I am always greeted with warmth, gentleness and nice smiles. I never had to wait long to be seen, as the therapist was always ready for me. The rooms are so comfortable. I feel safe here and trust each therapist I had the pleasure to see. It is a bit pricey, but well worth the investment. The Teal Center has high standards for their therapists. It is apparent in their confidence, skills and mannerisms. My favorite therapist– although it is difficult to choose– is Amanda Long. She is excellent at deep tissue, but also provides a warm, soothing touch. No matter what is going on in my life at the time, a session with Amanda melts all my stress away. She focuses on my needs each and every session and I always feel revitalized after a session. I feel greater movement in my joints and softness in my muscles. I highly recommend this place and encourage people to visit the center. Once you are there you won’t want to leave. If you love massage you will find yourself in heaven. And if you are unsure, you will become a believer after one session. Rest assured you are in wonderful hands.
Kathy M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Arlington, VA
This place is my salvation!!! I picked up a flyer while at the hospital — I started going to Teal Center three weeks ago — I have tried other facilities but only Teal has made a difference in my range of motion and pain levels. I see Yoshi at Teal and IMHO he has magic hands!!! Teal is very professional, easy to get to, and is making such a difference in my life — I could not be happier with the services I recieve their! Check them out!
Rowena E.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Falls Church, VA
This is the Virginia Hospital Center location of the Teal Center(see my other review) and they have 3 rooms off of the main lobby entrance of the Women & Infant Center. They’re frequently recommended by the hospital doctors and groups and if you can’t get sessions at the Randolph Towers location, ask about appointments at the hospital which can sometimes be easier to get. However, some of the therapists only work certain locations, so be sure to ask if you have a preference on who you see. They have spa treatments such as hot stone, etc… and some in-patient therapy treatments as well. space décor is more modern than the Randolph Towers location and use the hospital bed like tables vs. the wooden ones. i prefer the Randolph Towers location(cozier) however, the hospital is pretty convenient. NOTE: Gave this location 4 stars cause you have to pay for parking. Parking costs $ 4 in the hospital garages, but you can go to the Cashiers dept. in the main lobby and ask about discounted parking permits if you come to the hospital for other visits. also, if you book the late evening appointments, and the garage closes before you leave, parking is FREE.