Herbal Inn Bluewater - Greenhithe

C L.

At first I had only great things to share about this place, been going for Chinese acupuncture many years (needed a new place as I moved abroad) and this was going to be my 3rd time back to this location, this was until they decided that my life decisions somehow were theirs to have an opinion on, resulting in me sitting for 20 minutes listening to them calling me names and me trying to explain my decisions backed up by my doctor, they asked for doctors notes, which I provided, but they still took the liberty of talking down on me.
It ended with them asking me if I had spoken to my mother (I’m 30 years old) so we agreed to cancel my appointment and I left.

Sarah B.

I wish I read previous reviews of this place prior to having my appointment. I booked in with the manager wild ailed to take my phone number. The next day I called prior to my booking only to
Be told someone had booked online for my time and that they couldn’t contact me as she didn’t take a number. My fiance spoke to the man in the front desk the day of the appointment and said we would not be changing times as we had booed first so they contacted the other person to love their appointment.
I went in for my one hour massage and explained very clearly just my neck, shoulders and in between my shoulder blades. I had a flight back to Australia the previous day and was extremely tight and in pain. The guy who was managing me had no idea what he was doing. When I asked for pressure and for it to be harder, he did not understand. I then asked him to use his fingers and push hard as he was just rocking my body with his palms. He then proceeded to go down and massage my bottom. This was 15 minutes into my massage. I told him to stop the massage at 30 minutes as I wasn’t doing a full hour now due to the inexperience he clearly had. I pushed through thinking he may change when I asked him to
Stop massaging that area and reminded him that I wanted the focus purely on my shoulders. He then went to massage my hand and pull my arm out and rotating this, due to this I was left with my breast visible to him which was commenting violating and uncomfortable. This whole time he ask had earphones in listening to Chinese talking radio. I told him to stop numerous times and said to finish the massage and get out. He didn’t until I sat my head up and looked at home telling him to get out so i can get changed. I went to the front desk and explained what happened and was told that they have only has positive feedback (now reading everyone’s reviews I highly doubt that) they man who massaged me told the guy 30 minutes and I re corrected saying it was only 25 minutes. I was still charged for this. Absolutely horrendous company and cannot believe they are operating due to the amounts if bad reviews left by customers. Clearly inexperienced, unprofessional, lack of understanding English. This shop should not be operating let alone on paying customers

Natasha S.

Would have selected 0 stars if that was an option! TERRIBLE PLACE, AVOID AND GO ELSEWHERE! BIG SCAM! RIP OFF!! Visited Herbal Inn Bluewater with my friend on 4th August 2024. We both booked a massage and were both very disappointed with treatment received. Mine was supposed to be upper back including head and neck for 30 minute treatment and my friend was booked for 15 minute head massage. My back massage was so light I didn't feel any benefit at all, despite explaining this and requesting more pressure to be applied, she didn't understand what I was saying. The head massage didn't touch my scalp where I was feeling the pressure and only touched around my hair line and my face, again I explained but didn't understand me. My friend's experience was opposite, her therapist pushed his knuckles into her back so hard she was shouting with pain. He told her she shouldn't go to the gym and swim instead! She came out in a lot of pain and when explaining this to reception, they didn't care and cost still applied. I also explained to Reception and they took £3 off the cost. When arrived home saw I had large scratches across both shoulders. I will be raising this as a formal complaint. WILL NEVER GO HERE AGAIN FOR ANYTHING.

gurbax S.

1 star based on my recent experience.

I was offered a promotion of 1 free session when booking 3, or 2 free with 6 sessions, so I booked 3. However, before the 4th session (the free one), a man at the counter refused to honour the offer. At the time, I didn’t have their appointment card with me, so I couldn’t argue. I later returned with the card, and the "lady" at the counter had no issue, allowing me to book the free session.

After the session, the same man demanded payment. I showed him the appointment card, which clearly indicated the 4th of 4 sessions was already paid. Despite this, he argued that it was incorrect and that their staff were unaware of the promotion. He even went so far as to say their staff will bankrupt the company. What ? by honouring their own promotions?

I explained that it was their card, and their staff had written the details. He tried, unsuccessfully, to claim the handwriting was different and that I should identify the staff member who had made the booking. In the end, he couldn’t deny the card’s legitimacy, but the whole experience felt like misselling, skimming the customers and a rough behaviour.

Additionally, they are not registered with the British Acupuncture Council, so any private medical claims for the treatment would be refused. I had mine refused by AXA for previous 10 sessions.

Louise

AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE

The man I saw came across as abrupt and rude & he could not understand why I was there when I tried to explain my posture problem.

He eventually told me that I would probably benefit from a session of Acupuncture followed by a "massage", Which I agreed to. The so-called "massage" was a horrific experience and no way a massage. He really hurt my arm and I had to tell him to stop as it got too much. I came out feeling a lot worse than when I went in. I also woke up with a large bruise on my arm as a result the next day.

He told me that I would need a course of 4 sessions costing £200. Lets just say I will not be going back and urge people to stay away or think twice before using their services!!!

James L.

Went there today suffering with vertigo. The receptionist was really quite abrupt but as I was very keen to get the problem sorted I decided to go ahead with the recommended acupuncture. My blood pressure was taken over the sleeve of a thick jumper but no need to worry the machine didn't work. Absolute waste of £58. Steer clear at all costs

Honest R.

This place is awful. Went in with back pain and left with excruciating back pain and a £55 bill. When explaining my issues the man said call you GP and get and MRI. he then said acupuncture will also help, my husband questioned this and he was so rude and abrupt and recommended he Google the benefits. TBH this was a red flag but I was desperate for relief as I had been in pain for days. My husband begrudgingly left and I stayed for “treatment”. I trusted this man, he put me in a room told me to dress down and lay face down. I did as he asked and he stuck a few needles in my back and said “go to sleep and relax” but I began to yelp in pain and so he removed some needles. He then left me for half hour in the room, it was cold and I didn’t have a clue what was happening. He returned after 30 mins and “massaged me” this was not a massage it was torture, he was pushing with his knuckles to the point they were cracking and I was saying it hurts but still he said it will help. After 15 minutes of hell he ended the vigorous painful massage with a huge slap on my back and said get up slow you will be light headed.
In reception I told him I feel worse and pain is worse and they said my situation was urgent for an MRI and very serious. He then said something in his native language to the lady at the till and walked away. She then said your situation is severe. U need to see a GP and asked for £55 for 45 minutes of torture. She told me to Google my symptoms. I left this place feel humiliated and ripped off. My back pains a lot worse and am seeking proper medical advice as the pain now radiates down both of my legs and into the groin which it didn’t before. No idea what they have done but I really don’t recommend.

Paul W.

Went in for a foot massage to try to ease Plantar fasciitis pain, i was told I need acupuncture, went along with as I trusted their advice, after the acupuncture they recommended a 20 minute foot massage. The whole experience was a complete and utter waste of money. I left in more pain than when I arrived, 3 days on and the tops of my feet are really sore after an excessively aggressive massage. They advised I return weekly and was given a treatment plan which would cost £500. I will never go near this place again. terrible experience.