Alex’s passion is to see the world and challenge himself in many ways, because he has lived in North East Thailand and now resides in London. For the last 15 years, Alex has worked in the Health Industry as a massage therapist at Asiatic, utilising his gentle touch and extensive knowledge of massage to help people relax and support the healing of the body and mind. Alex is an avid runner, photographer of London’s lesser-known gems, and a planner of his next adventure. We interviewed Alex to get insight into what motivated him to pursue a career as a massage therapist, what he loves most about being a massage therapist, and where he envisions himself going next.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a massage therapist?
I am so happy to share with you how I found myself on this path as a massage therapist at Asiatic in London! What motivated me to become a massage therapist was the human body’s incredible ability to heal itself.
I began to appreciate during my time studying massage that it not only alleviates pain and discomfort in the body but also helps trigger emotional releases, which is why I was drawn to the holistic approach of massage and the idea of uniting the body, mind and spirit through massage.
Thai Massage is my area of expertise, as it incorporates many traditional methods, including acupressure, stretching, and compression, to help rebalance both body and mind. In addition, I have gained extensive experience with deep tissue and relaxation massage techniques to help reduce muscle tension and stress. We here at Asiatic Massage Therapy provide top-of-the-line massage therapy sessions tailored to meet every client’s specific needs. We have an exceptional team of therapists, and I’m honoured to work alongside them to help people unlock their bodies’ full potential through our services.
Can you tell us about your educational background and massage therapy training?
To start, I pursued an excellent education; therefore, I will have a solid base upon which to build as a massage therapist. Consequently, I graduated with a diploma in massage therapy from the London Institute of Massage and gained a broad range of knowledge across various massage therapies. This education provides me with a solid foundation for the work I do today.
In addition to taking classes and practising different types of massage, such as Thai Massage, I also learned how to perform massage, deep tissue massage and other techniques. That was just the beginning! I continue to pursue new certifications and educational opportunities (continuing education workshops) to keep up with changes and advancements in massage therapy, and to increase the value of the service I provide to my clients.
Nowadays, I am proud to bring my education and experience to Asiatic’s clientele as a massage therapist and to offer customised massage therapy tailored to each client’s individual needs.
How long have you been practising massage therapy, and what’s the most rewarding experience you’ve had?
My role as a professional massage therapist here at Asiatic in London has enabled me to practice massage therapy for over 5 years. One of the most impressive examples of the positive influence that massage therapy can have on a person’s quality of life is that of a client I worked with over time who experienced long-term (chronic) lower back pain. As a result of numerous sessions with me, she reported a noticeable reduction in the amount of pain she felt in her lower back, as well as an increase in her range of motion. It was truly inspiring to observe how massage therapy could significantly improve the quality of her life and give her the confidence and vitality to live to her full potential.
The way these types of experiences unfold is what I love about massage’s ability to improve people’s lives. These are the reasons I want to help others see the benefits of massage and reach their wellness goals through a holistic method of healing. The level of improvement my clients experience in their overall health and well-being is what I find so gratifying as a therapist; therefore, it motivates me to pursue my passion for helping others.
What type of massage do you specialise in, and what makes it unique at Asiatic?
While Asiatic is well known for its Swedish massage, it also provides many other massage therapies and alternatives. Our Swedish massages at Asiatic are designed to promote relaxation and improve circulation and blood flow, while reducing both physical and mental discomfort. To enhance this overall experience, Aromatherapy, CBD oil and soothing music can be used during your massage to help relax your body and reduce the effects of physical or mental tension. As well as Swedish massage, I have been trained in the art of Thai massage, an ancient form of treatment that uses traditional acupressure, gentle stretches, and rhythmic compression to restore balance between the body and mind. Through my use of deep tissue and relaxing massage techniques, I can effectively help loosen tight muscles so you may leave feeling totally relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed. At Asiatic in London, I am dedicated to providing each client with a fully individualised massage program tailored to their specific needs, enabling them to become energised, revitalised and prepared to take on the challenges of their day.
Asiatic is a place where you can find balance in your life through a variety of massage therapy experiences.
What are some common issues or areas of tension you typically address during a massage session at Asiatic?
From my time as a massage therapist at Asiatic, I’ve experienced many “knots” and “kinks.” In general, the most common areas of tightness in the body are the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Frequently, clients come to me experiencing postural issues as a result of prolonged sitting at a computer or through excessive physical exertion from participation in high-intensity athletic activities. Through massage therapy, I assist my clients in managing musculoskeletal imbalances, adhesions resulting from scarring, and trauma related to injury (e.g., automobile accident) or athletic competition.
My goal is to reduce muscle tension, enhance circulation, and increase flexibility for my clients, helping them relax, rejuvenate, and be prepared to tackle whatever challenges they may face during the day. Regardless of whether you’re an athlete or spend hours each week working at a computer, I can provide relief from neck and/or back pain and contribute to overall wellness for all my clients.
How can I stay informed about the latest advancements and research in massage therapy?
I remain aware of the most recent research and developments in massage therapy by attending Continuing Education classes and taking a variety of online and workshop-based courses to develop my skill set and knowledge base further. I also continually search out new and better ways to incorporate various massage techniques and “best practices” into each massage session that I conduct.
Each time I go to Thailand, I make it a point to arrange at least one massage per day (usually two) with well-established, experienced massage therapists who specialise in traditional Thai massage, so that I can learn their techniques and develop an appreciation for how they think about massage. I additionally seek out information, advice and suggestions from fellow professionals and, if appropriate, from my coworkers. Ultimately, it is because of my commitment to continuous learning and my desire to stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in massage therapy that I can provide my clients with the most modern and innovative massage therapies available.
What sets Asiatic apart from other spas or therapy centres in London?
Asiatic is proud to blend traditional Eastern massage therapy with modern Western massage therapy. The combination of both offers our clients an exceptionally personalised massage therapy experience. We will develop a customised massage therapy treatment plan tailored to your needs, whether to alleviate long-term chronic pain, promote relaxation, or increase flexibility. We offer each of our clients a comprehensive approach to creating their individualised massage therapy program.
Combining the ancient techniques of the East with today’s knowledge and techniques provides a truly unique and functional massage experience that separates Asiatic from all other Spas and Therapy Centres in London.
How can you build rapport with Asian clients, and what aspects of working with them do you enjoy the most?
Developing a relationship with my clients at Asiatic starts with building Trust and Understanding. I listen to my clients’ needs and concerns and take the time to understand their objectives and requirements. I also want to make sure my clients have a comfortable, relaxing experience in my care so they can open up and share as much information as they like about themselves. Once my clients are relaxed, I can tailor my service to each client. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than when I see how much my service has helped my clients, reduced chronic pain, alleviated stress, and helped them to become centred and calm.
Can you share a success story or testimonial from a satisfied client?
I love telling everyone about my clients’ success! One of my favourite stories is of a client who had been dealing with chronic migraines when they started coming to Asiatic for Massage Therapy. Before attending Asiatic for Massage Therapy, the client had tried several other treatments and approaches in an attempt to find long-term relief for their migraines. After multiple massage therapy sessions at Asiatic and practising various relaxation techniques, the client indicated a substantial reduction in the frequency and severity of their migraines. It was enjoyable to see the apparent changes in the client, and gratifying to feel I had made a positive impact on the client’s life.
Another good example of this type is an avid fitness enthusiast who went to Asia for Massage Therapy due to severe muscle tension and lower back pain. Lower back pain and muscle tension were preventing the client from pursuing his usual workouts. After receiving numerous massage therapy treatments at Asiatic, the client reported a significant decrease in lower back pain, allowing him to resume his everyday routines without discomfort. Examples like these show how beneficial it can be to help people achieve their goals by assisting them with living a healthy, active lifestyle.
What is the most critical aspect of self-care for individuals in London’s fast-paced environment?
Self-care can be one of the most challenging things to do in London’s fast-paced environment. When you have so many things going on, commuting, a never-ending “to-do” list, and distractions everywhere, you will get burned out. So, what is essential is that we take time to slow down, breathe, and put our own wellness first. That can come in many forms. Some people enjoy massage therapy as an effective way to release tension in their bodies and minds. Other options include meditation and physical activity, both of which can help manage stress and improve overall health.
Do you have any personal tips for clients new to massage therapy or seeking to maximise the benefits of their sessions?
I have worked with numerous clients who have never received massage therapy before, and I enjoy helping them learn and understand the benefits of massage therapy. My recommendation for new massage therapy clients is to begin with frequent sessions to allow them to acclimate to the process and experience the numerous benefits it provides. Similar to when you try something new, it takes a short time to get used to, but it is definitely worthwhile!
I suggest that my clients be open and honest with me during their massage therapy sessions to maximise their experience. If you are feeling any discomfort or tension, let me know. That is my responsibility to work through your issues and assist you in achieving the optimal massage therapy experience. Communication is key to getting the most out of massage therapy. Please don’t be hesitant to ask for additional attention to a specific area that may require it.
Also, please drink plenty of water before and after your massage therapy session (your water friend!). In addition, follow any post-massage therapy suggestions I give you. This will assist your body to benefit from the massage therapy and minimise any potential soreness.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be well on your way to maximising the benefits of massage therapy. Enjoy relaxing!
How do you incorporate relaxation techniques or meditation into your daily routine?
I want to help my clients as a massage therapist to integrate relaxation and self-care into their lives; however, it’s equally important for me to establish similar priorities in my own life. As a massage therapist, I use my own relaxation and meditation-based practices to keep myself healthy and to give my clients the best massage therapy experience. I have committed to meditating every day so that I will remain grounded and connected. Meditation has truly been a fantastic tool for me, as it allows me to stay centred and focused.
Before beginning my day, I carve out some time to relax, which could include creating a quiet space and possibly spending a few minutes meditating, doing a couple of deep-breathing exercises, or simply sitting quietly and listening to nature sounds while sipping herbal tea. By taking a small amount of time each day to get my feet back on the ground before engaging in the day’s tasks, I see a tremendous impact! Each time I take a few moments each day to relax, recharge and refocus, I can approach the challenges of the day with much greater clarity and compassion. When I focus on relaxation and self-care, I am more available and present for my clients, and thus I can provide them with the best massage therapy experience possible. It really is all about balance!
About Alex
Alex is a highly trained and experienced massage therapist based in London at Asiatic.
Alex is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Asiatic Islington, located at 93 Upper Street, London N1 0NP. Please telephone 020 4531 5032 to book your appointment today.
Alex is also available at Asiatic Highbury, located at 262 Upper Street, London N1 2UQ, on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Please telephone 020 4531 5032 to book your appointment today.
Alex has a strong desire to serve his community and provide top-quality massage therapy services to London residents. Contact Asiatic today to schedule an appointment with Alex!