Although Lilly & Raul offers no frills, its still pleasant, quiet, and clean. But be prepared to get seriously laid into by an older Chinese lady who will unwind you in that hurts-so-good sort of way.

From the outside, the tiny Fishion Herb Center on Mott Street looks like any other Manhattan Chinatown massage place. That is, like a place you’d probably be better off walking right past. It’s not ...