Hara Wellness Center

Sarah is a true healer. Hara Wellness was recommended to me through a friend and quickly became a beautiful oasis of peace for me, in the heart of NYC.
Being a certified Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, I found Sarah’s work to be wonderfully detailed on a physical level with Accupuncture and Massage.
With my As YOU See Fit Private Practice, I am CONSTANTLY recommending Sarah to ALL of my clients. The clients that see Sarah definitely get to enjoy a new layer of wellness with their bodies and their health journeys.
To say I am grateful for Sarah, and her many gifts, in my life — is an understatement!
Treat yourself to Hara Wellness– you will be so glad you did!

I had one of the best massages ever from Sarah. She is truly gifted at her work and was lovely to interact with. I highly, highly recommend her. My husband also had a great experience with her. It’s been awhile since my last massage, but I’ve recommended her to other people.

In response to Sarah’s comment on my review: everything I said in my review was 100% TRUE. I also have emails and voicemails to back this up.
Therefore, the only person «sabotaging» your business is YOU. If you don’t want bad Unilocal reviews, stop giving crappy customer service. It’s that simple.
If you truly believe that anyone who speaks honestly about you stealing and harassing customers is lying and sabotaging you then you should be very worried about the future of your «business».

My back and shoulders have been killing me from years of bad posture and months of being crouched behind a desk so I so luckily came across a deal on Lifebooker making this massage one of the most affordable massages I have ever paid for.
The space is a small studio located within an office building with just one bed. However the atmosphere is clean, cozy, cute and relaxing. I told Sarah what I liked and what I didn’t and she did an amazing job, not speaking to me the entire time. It was only when she asked me to turn over that I realized I had fallen asleep! I’d been stressed and tense for two months and that massage helped me let it all go for that one hour. I left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and I can’t wait to schedule my next session. I now have a go-​to place for times in need of an escape.

Went today to use one of my two LifeBooker vouchers, and loved Sarah. I have pretty low requirements about getting a massage — (1) it has to be a comfortable, quiet environment (including little to no talking) and (2) it has to either feel really good if I’m just there for relaxation or address the problem if I came in with one. A bonus is if it doesn’t break the bank.
I ended up being really impressed. I loved the simple, small space — felt like a private apartment for just me — and not only did it feel great, but Sarah found a spot on my lower left back that needed some work, and I didn’t even know that. Walked out very pleased — looking forward to my second visit.
Only tip — bring your tip! I thought I could charge it which wasn’t really smart of me. Sarah offered for me to just bring it next time, but I was happy to run down to an ATM as I really thought she was great.

I purchased two massages through lifebooker. I definitely had to book further out than initially anticipated b/​c prime spots were all booked up, but I picked two dates and that was that! The system sent me emails confirming the appts etc. It seems like an efficient way for someone running her own business to manage the bookings aspect. The office is conveniently located in midtown. Sara’s studio is very cute and cozy. I think it’s a nice space & kudos to her for being able to do her own thing and find a space in manhattan to do so. Anyway, on to the most important aspect — freakin’ fantastic massage! I have had many massages throughout NYC and through lifebooker, and by far the best ones are from massage therapists — they know what they are doing. (so many do not at spas, bath houses etc) I have back issues and she worked on all my tight & sore spots etc. A few people have commented on her demeanor, which I noticed as well and put in the PLUS column in my mind!!! Maybe the introvert in me is drawn to it. Why the heck would you want a massage therapist talking during your treatment? Nothing I hate more than a chatty masseuse. I was even thinking of mentioning in my lifebooker review that I loved that she was quiet and got right down to it, allowing me to relax, but didn’t. I never fall asleep during a massage, but was definitely very relaxed. Anyway, she has really great technique. I don’t know how to describe it really, but she’s a bit magical, both hands working together on a muscle group and combinations of acupressure, deep tissue and swedish massage so that it just feels like the muscles are being rhythmically worked with the perfect amount of pressure. Both times I opted for full body, with concentration on back but felt like ample time was applied to my legs and arms as well. She even pays attention to your feet– yay! Also, one thing I hate that a lot of male masseurs do is use their elbow and touch you with their hairy arm– eww! So happy to find a lady with strong hands and no hairy arms rubbing my back, hahaha. She also does not do that elbow thing — or maybe she just didn’t think I needed it. In conclusion, I grabbed her card from the little table b/​c I definitely plan to go back!

I have known Sarah and her business for a while now and I am really surprised at the reviews below. I have gotten several massages and with that I say Sarah is nothing but extremely dedicated to healing and providing a really great experience. ‘I have never used lifebooker but I know from speaking with other vendors and friends that it ended up hurting their business and that they wouldn’t use it again. If I can be objective that seems to be the culprit here. My experience is so very different, and Sarah is very responsive. I don’t expect businesses to respond to me when they are closed. I recommend her knowledge, sensitive approach and professionalism to anyone I will or have come across.

While, there is an extensive wait to book an appointment usually if you are trying to book with a voucher. Sarah has a dedicated space openings for «clients» but people who buy through vouchers will have to book through the system. She was not very responsive through email and it did get pretty annoying. I would recommend a better system to be in place or a bit more openings. But I am guessing since Sarah is the only person who handles everything, and if she has to touch base with everyone it would be very time consuming.
With the name as «Hara Wellness Center», one might think it is a big place with a sitting area and private rooms. This is not the case. The place is the size of tiny studio apartment, there is no sitting area [you wait outside for your turn] and a public bathroom shared with everyone on the floor who has a key. Sarah was running a couple of minutes late from the previous client but she did not cut any time off my hour massage, which I really appreciated. A lot of places, when they are running late are either rushed or give you less time than you paid for.
Sarah was not very talkative, which is okay as you are there to relax. But she did chat a bit towards then end. Before she started the massage, she asked if there was any areas I would like her to focus on. I didn’t have any special requests. She did spend most of the time on my back [60% of the time], 30% time on my legs and 10% on my arms. The massage was so relaxing, I think I might have fallen asleep during it because I had a hard time opening my eyes and turning over she asked me too. I am guessing this is probably why she started talking to me! She probably didn’t want me to fall asleep again.
If you can get an appointment, make it and you will be glad you did!

Errr Sarah, I can agree that Emily K’s review is probably very accurate, I had a similar experience with Hara wellness, purchased a life booker loot which i was unable to use because Sarah never got back me regarding an appointment booking.
And yes, I will be very happy to let you know who I am if you need a reminder.

I purchased a lifebooker voucher for this place. I’ve sent them multiple emails trying to schedule an appointment and I’ve never heard anything back from them.
Their online scheduling system kindly informs me they do not have any appointments for my selected time, but how about March next year?
Waste of time and money!

Hara Wellness Center is small, professional, and comfortable in a mellow Asian kind of style, The owner, Sarah, is generous, knowledgeable, strong. and kind.
She generously honored my Amazon voucher after expiration, since we both had busy schedules, and I frankly forgot to follow up.
Sarah knows her physiology having studied massage, acupressure, and acupuncture at Swedish and Chinese institutions, even traveling to China to learn, Her massage was strong and excellent with varying techniques and pressures; balanced in her systematic approach; and very detailed and deep when needed. And Sarah is a caring healer, with a warm relaxed way, also recommending other self-​care techniques.
I’ve experienced massage around the world, and this is top notch; so thank you Sarah, an I’ll be back.

Wasted time i booked her on life booker then she doesnt even have a phone number only email, and she took so long to get back to me only to say shes booked until the next few months, why would i wait that long? i had to get my money back waste i dont trust her shady

Totally awesome massage! I bought two sessions through lifebooker. I’ve only had my first session so far and my 2^nd one is on Tomorrow (Which reminded me I never gave a review from the last one.) I’ve been looking forward to it all week, so I’m pretty pumped.
She is AWESOME. Very sweet. Massage feels great! The space is clean (although I had a bit of trouble finding the building). It’s in a comfortable room in a larger office building.
I will definitely recommend her to friends.
EDIT: Just went back for my 2^nd massage and it was AWESOME. I just wanted to note that I thought Sarah was asian when I read Unilocal reviews. She is not… She studied Chinese medicine and does acupuncture, but she’s an American.
I asked her to focus on my shoulders and back this time and I walked out feeling totally refreshed. I even found that my sinuses cleared out. (I’m assuming this isn’t a guaranteed response).

I’ve had a mixed experience with massage over the years. My ex gave me a certificate to use here. I never expect too much but, this was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Sarah seems to be able to find the knots and problem spots and gives them the attention that they need. She has a deep understanding of anatomy and really does approach massage as a healer. She has a sensitive though not necessarily a light touch (I like it to hurt a little).
I went back for a second work over and, you might want to contact her via email to book but, once again it was amazing. I’m sore and more achy than before but it’s because things that were so tight for years are finally loosening up. I cannot recommend Hara Wellness enough especially for those who have chronic muscle pain.
In the past I’ve had a preference for male masseurs because someone once said stronger hands give a better massage. I don’t know if her hands are that much stronger or if it’s her ability to focus on the problem sites. Sarah has made a fan of me in two massages. I almost feel like I shouldn’t publish this so it doesn’t get too difficult to get an appointment. But… she deserves the compliment!

Beware before you book!
I’m sure that Sarah is an ‘amazing’ therapist, but she seems to have less than mediocre customer service and business management skills.
I purchased an hour massage through Lifebooker a few weeks ago, and then tried to redeem the voucher through Sarah directly. I was then directed to the website where there was a 90+ day wait to book any massages.
I understand that these vouchers don’t necessarily equate to instant gratification, but if a customer is expected to wait out 60+ days in order to redeem their purchase, then this should be noted to said customer in LB’s terms and conditions.
One star for the lack of transparency, Sarah. Best of luck with your ‘business’. Fortunately, my credit card company was far more accommodating than either Sarah or Lifebooker. and I was able to receive a full refund for a disputed charge for lack of services.

I had 3 massage sessions with Sarah via Lifebooker. I get a massage every other week so I know what I like. The strange thing about Sarah’s massages were that they were inconsistent. First massage was fantastic!!! She was attentive and warm. She mixed up different types of massages so it wasn’t just a deep tissue or a Swedish massage.
BUT the 2^nd was very bad! I think she gave too many massages that day. There was a person just before me and when she got to me she just wasn’t into it. She was very cold and detached. I kept quiet throughout the massage because I sensed that she would prefer that. I think she must have thought I fell asleep during the massage because she just stopped massaging and was holding different parts of my body-​like my toes for minutes at a time. I was really disappointed.
3^rd time I went, she was cold and sounded annoyed when I asked her questions about the state of my body and different massages. The massage itself also wasn’t that great. I think for me and also other clients, a positive energy coming from the masseuse is also important. I ultimately would not recommend because 2 out of 3 massages were horrible and I felt as though she didn’t care.

Sara is an AMAZING masseuse and a pretty fantastic person (from my two massages with her)
!! The bldg is an old bldg, but her office has an great warm feel to it, which is important to me. Sara is super personable and has a great energy, which really helped me relax and enjoy the massage. She gives one fantastic massage and would love to be able to afford to use her all the time. (mine was a lifebooker, which cost $ 39 for a hour long massage)
I had one little problem, which was we had a mix up in the date and I showed up and she told me she had it down differently then when I had it down. To make it up, she gave me a free session, which was seriously amazing of her!
Because of the appointment confusion, I contemplated if I should give her a 4 or 5 stars, but I deided on the 5 stars because she was amazing about making it up with a free session.
Both times she was fantastic!!! I highly recommend using her!
Side note– It is really hard to get an appt when the lifebookers/​groupons etc come out because everyone tends to cash them in the same time (usually when they just come out or when they are about to expire) so I would recommend to not book during those times.

Booking an appointment was difficult. Rescheduling a previously booked appointment was impossible. She is just way too busy! I had to ask Lifebooker for a refund. :o (

I booked a massage a few months ago from Lifebooker. I thought this one was deceiving. Hara is not a wellness center but a room rented in a flatiron building– a tiny room with a massage table. It is not a center but a single masseuse practitioner. I went in the summer and there was no air conditioning but a ceiling fan. It was hot in the room and uncomfortable experience. I don’t like being deceived and i saw Hara advertised several times over with Lifebooker. I didn’t care much for the massage. Also lifebooker wrote they scan your body etc. I unsubscribed from Lifebooker because I dont like false advertising and this one was false. Many reviews here seem phoney as well. I dson’t like being used as a guinea pig for a person starting out but slick false ads is what lifebooker hides behind as they did with «Hara Wellness center.»

I purchased a deal on lifebooker for an hour massage. I will start off by saying for the price you pay, it’s a decent deal. I’ve had MANY massages in my life. I didn’t mind the fact that this wasn’t a spa setting at all (though, the building itself is old looking and dirty feeling), but Sarah wasn’t the warmest masseuse I’ve ever come across. She asked if I had any spots to spend more time on. I told her my lower back and she spent wayyy more time on my upper back. Also, I woke up this morning feeling a bit sore. so while I’m sure she knew what she was doing, she probably put a little too much pressure on some spots.
Anyway if you’re in the mood to relax for an hour the deal is worth it. but I won’t be calling her up for another massage anytime soon.