Welcome! My name is Aiyana. I’m a licensed massage therapist based in St. Petersburg, and I offer Thai Massage services. I have been in the field for over 26 years and have gained a wealth of knowledge in many massage therapy modalities. I began focusing my practice on Thai Massage in 2016 after becoming certified as a practitioner.
What I love about Thai Massage is that it is a holistic system of healing that approaches bodywork from a mind, body, and spirit perspective. In Thailand, it is considered a folk healing art and is part of the country’s traditional medicine, practiced in healthcare settings as well as spas. I’m passionate about offering a holistic approach to wellness that combines healing touch, mindful movement, and deep relaxation.
Thai Massage can help with chronic pain and tight muscles, and it is also a great choice for those simply seeking an overall sense of balance and well-being. It helps restore harmony in both body and mind. I know this may be a new form of massage to many, so on this page, I have included everything I could think of to acquaint you with this amazing practice. If you have questions that are not answered here, feel free to email me.
What is Thai Massage?
Thai Massage is a dynamic blend of acupressure, yoga-like stretches, and rhythmic compression, designed to enhance flexibility, release tension, and improve energy flow throughout the body. It differs from Swedish and deep tissue massages in that Thai Massage is performed on a comfortable mat on the floor, and you remain fully clothed. Occasionally, I use massage oil for spot treatments as needed, but for the most part, no oil is used during a session.
Giving the massage on a mat allows me to have a greater range of movement as I guide you through gentle stretches while applying pressure to important energy points on your body. I also adapt my Thai Massage sessions to the table to meet your comfort level, and you will experience the full benefits just as you would on the floor mat.
What is incredible about Thai Massage is that it isn’t just about massaging the muscles—it’s about tapping into your body’s natural energy and helping to balance it. This ancient practice, originating in Thailand over 2,500 years ago, works on a physical, emotional, and energetic level, leaving you feeling deeply relaxed, revitalized, and reconnected to yourself.
Ready to book your Thai Massage session? Click here to schedule.
Thai Massage Benefits in St. Petersburg
As an experienced massage therapist, I’ve seen the amazing results Thai Massage has on my clients. Here are some of the key benefits it offers:
- Back Pain and Stiff Muscles: One of the most common complaints I see in my practice is back pain. I use gentle stretches and deep pressure to target the muscles along your spine, releasing built-up tension and helping to improve posture. If you suffer from stiff muscles or lower back pain, my Thai Massage sessions can offer relief.
- Achy Joints: Whether it’s from arthritis, long periods of sitting, or an old injury, achy joints can limit your mobility. The stretches I use in a Thai Massage session can lengthen and realign the joints, enhance circulation, and reduce stiffness. These movements can help you regain range of motion and alleviate discomfort.
- Flexibility: If you’ve noticed a decrease in your flexibility or simply want to improve your range of motion, Thai Massage is an excellent choice. The stretching techniques I use help lengthen muscles, increasing flexibility and reducing tension in key areas like the hips, hamstrings, shoulders, and back. You don’t have to be flexible to receive a Thai Massage!
- Emotional Release and Connection: I integrate a somatic healing approach into my Thai Massage sessions. Somatic healing is a way of listening to the body and creating a safe environment for emotional release. This makes the session not just physical but deeply therapeutic for emotional well-being. My mindful and intentional touch, combined with stretches that encourage deep breathing, can help release pent-up emotions stored in the body. Many clients find that after a session, they feel emotionally lighter, more grounded, and more connected to themselves.
- Embodiment Practices: Our culture does not always encourage the open expression of emotions. Many of us, myself included, have learned coping mechanisms that can disconnect us from our bodies. Thai Massage helps bring you back to your body, increasing awareness and presence. With regular sessions that offer focused attention and fluid movements, Thai Massage can help you feel more centered and present, creating a stronger connection to yourself. This is ideal for those looking to integrate mindfulness into their self-care routine or complement their talk therapy embodiment practices.
Thai Herbal Bundles
To complement your Thai Massage experience, I also offer Thai Herbal Bundles. I make these bundles with aromatic herbs and rice. They are heated and used alongside Thai Massage to add a deeper layer of healing and relaxation. They smell amazing! The herbs—often a mix of lemongrass, kaffir lime, camphor, and whatever I have growing in my garden—provide natural healing benefits like reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and easing muscle pain. This is the folk way of using herbs in Thailand. I gently press the warm herbal bundles over the body, providing soothing heat that enhances the massage’s effectiveness, often leading to a deep sense of bliss.
Thai Foot Reflexology
If you love having your feet worked on, you’ve got to add this! Thai Foot Reflexology is a whole-body massage from the feet. This technique involves applying pressure to reflex points on the feet that correspond to different organs and systems in the body. It can help open up energy channels, clear stagnation, improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. If you suffer from headaches, digestive issues, or chronic tension, I highly recommend adding Thai Foot Reflexology to your session for significant relief.
What to Expect During Your Thai Massage Session
When you come in for your Thai Massage session, expect a truly unique experience. Every session is tailored to you and what is going on with you that day, so each session may be different.
Your session begins with a brief discussion about your current physical and emotional well-being to help me customize the treatment. Then, you’ll lie on a comfortable mat, fully clothed, in loose-fitting clothing. I will guide you through a series of gentle stretches while applying pressure to energy points on your body. You may feel deep stretches and occasional pressure in areas of tension, but it should never be painful.
I’ve offered Thai Massage sessions in St. Petersburg for almost a decade, and I love helping clients feel better in their bodies. A typical session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the level of work needed and your preferences. I also offer 2-hour sessions for those who need more than two areas of focus. After your session, I recommend taking time to ground yourself and staying hydrated. Most clients feel a deep sense of relaxation, improved flexibility, and an overall feeling of well-being.
Do you have more questions about Thai Massage? Scroll down for FAQs!
Why Choose Thai Massage?
Thai Massage is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for more than just a standard massage. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, stiffness, or emotional stress, Thai Massage offers a holistic approach that treats the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
By working with me, you’ll benefit from my years of experience and dedication to your well-being. I’m here to help you de-stress and experience a deeper connection to your body.
Are you ready to experience the benefits of Thai Massage? Book a session today!
About Me
I’m Aiyana Fraley, the owner and lead therapist at Hand to Soul, and I’m passionate about helping my clients restore balance, heal, and reconnect with themselves. With over 26 years of experience as a massage therapist, and having been trained in Thai Massage since 2016, I understand the body and its healing potential.
I specialize in a variety of holistic practices, including Thai Massage, aromatherapy, and energy work (reiki), and I strive to create a nurturing, personalized experience for each person who comes to see me. Thai Massage is particularly close to my heart because of its unique combination of stretching, pressure, and energy work, which helps clients not only relax but also improve their flexibility, release emotional tension, and restore overall vitality.
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, stiffness, or emotional stress, I’m here to help you on your wellness journey. I look forward to helping you find the relaxation and healing you deserve!
Location
I offer Thai Massage, reiki and holistic healing services at Hand to Soul, my own practice, located at 4554 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. With a central location, I am just minutes away from Treasure Island, Downtown St. Petersburg, and Gulfport. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, my practice offers a peaceful retreat that’s easy to access from all surrounding neighborhoods in St. Pete.
I created Hand to Soul to offer a nurturing environment where you can reconnect with your body and restore balance. Book your Thai Massage session today and come experience its benefits right here in the heart of St. Petersburg!
Thai Massage FAQs
Thai massage is a distinctive form of bodywork that combines acupressure massage with gentle stretching techniques. It is known for its rejuvenating effects, leaving clients feeling relaxed and revitalized.
Sessions typically range from 60 to 90 minutes. For the first session, we recommend scheduling 90 minutes to allow for a thorough massage and stretch. Subsequent sessions can be 60 minutes.
Thai massage offers a range of therapeutic benefits, including increased flexibility, reduced tension, improved sleep, relief from arthritis-related discomfort, enhanced circulation, better digestion, rejuvenation, headache alleviation, and stress relief.
You have the option to receive your Thai massage on a mat on the floor or on a massage table, whichever you find most comfortable. No oils are used, and you’ll remain fully clothed in loose, stretchable attire. Unlike traditional massages where the therapist does all the work, Thai massage encourages your active participation in stretches and positions.
Thai massages can be enhanced and customized to each client with various services. We recommend considering Thai herbal compresses, sound healing, guided meditation, Thai foot reflexology or scalp and face massage. Any of these additions or combinations of services can enhance a Thai massage. Upon booking a Thai massage, these Add-Ons will appear on your screen. Check the ones you would like to include.
Wear comfortable, stretchable clothing like a t-shirt and leggings or sweats. Opting for long sleeves and pants will help you stay comfortable throughout the session. Some people tend to get cold in their legs and feet. If this is you, bring socks to wear. We will have blankets or a heating pad for your comfort upon request.
Yes it is. Pregnant women can receive a modified Thai massage after the first trimester or with approval from their doctor. The massage will be adapted for pregnancy, with a focus on sideline and seated positions. The stretches and pressure applied will be gentle and not as deep.
Thai massage does not involve the use of lotions or oils, and you remain fully clothed. Additionally, you actively participate in the massage through stretches. Techniques include compressions, stretching, and gentle rocking.
Absolutely, flexibility is not a prerequisite. In fact, Thai massage can help improve flexibility and mobility over time. Feel free to communicate your comfort level during stretches to ensure they’re within your range.
It’s best to have a meal 1-2 hours before your Thai massage to avoid discomfort during the session. After the massage, wait at least an hour before eating. Stay hydrated by drinking water, and consider enjoying a cup of tea after the massage.
Thai massage is not painful and we believe that no massage should be. Pain is an indicator that the body is under stress and when a pain signal is sent out from muscle and soft tissues the body reacts by tightening up the area further to protect it from being damaged. This is counter productive to the work of massage which is to alleviate pain. Instead, Hand to Soul takes a restorative approach to massage. We work with each client’s edge and deeply listen to the body. This gentle approach allows the tissues to let down their guard and relax. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system to relax the body and mind by releasing feel-good hormones. By tuning into the body and approaching it with care and gentleness the tissues naturally melt as we apply pressure, compression or other bodywork techniques.
The frequency of Thai massages depends on your individual needs. For those experiencing pain or discomfort, weekly sessions may be beneficial until the issues resolve. If you’re pain-free, scheduling a monthly massage supports overall well-being, including a healthy immune and nervous system, improved sleep, and a sense of vitality. Remember, prevention is often easier than cure.
