Alex Ayal

Thank you for visiting my website! My name is Alex, and I'm a licensed massage and bodywork therapist based in Chapel Hill, NC. I'm originally from Los Angeles and was first licensed in California. My proficiencies include Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, and therapeutic modalities, and I also incorporate aromatherapy into my sessions.

For more information, please click on the menu items at the top of the page. To book an appointment, click here, fill out the form, and I will be in touch to schedule.

I look forward to working with you in the pursuit of your physical health goals.

------------------------ RATES ------------------------

Traveling Service - $85/hr | I will come to you with my equipment

Visit My Home Studio - $75/hr | You come to me - I live in a house a few minutes outside of Carrboro.

Payments

I accept cash, checks, Venmo, Cash App, and Paypal.

Deals

I offer sliding scale prices - contact me for more info.

Refer a friend and both of you will get $10 off your next massage.

Book your next massage within a month of the previous one and get $5 off.

------------------------ BENEFITS OF MASSAGE ------------------------

Musculoskeletal Pain

Massage therapy is cited as a treatment option for musculoskeletal pain in a 2006 study conducted by Lewis et Johnson. After having discovered a link between improved patient condition and massage therapy sessions, these British researchers concluded that massage therapy was more effective than dummy treatments and laser treatments for treating this type of pain.

Chronic Fatigue

The positive effects of massage therapy interventions in treating chronic fatigue and a precise range of symptoms related to the condition are demonstrated here in two distinct studies conducted by Porter, Jason et coll. (2010) et coll.Alraek, Myeong et coll. (2011).

Stress

The benefits of massage therapy in treating symptoms of stress are often cited by both practitioners and patients. Garner, Phillips et coll. (2008) found that massage therapy had “immediate beneficial effects on anxiety related measures" and was “a useful tool for reducing stress and aggression."

Migraine

Massage therapy has been proven to be beneficial in treating migraines and reducing their frequency and intensity. This is demonstrated by Chaibi, Tuchin et coll, (2011) in the case of 45-minute treatments performed weekly for the duration of six weeks, focused on neuromuscular areas and stress points in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Chronic Pain

In treating chronic pain, it is possible to impart short- and long-term benefits through massage therapy. Kalichman (2010) states that the massage should be painless and that its intensity should gradually increase from session to session, which should occur at least once or twice a week depending on the patient's symptoms.

Lumbar pain

Massage therapy is a particularly popular option among people suffering from lumbar pain. Cherkin et coll. (2001)demonstrated that massage therapy is an effective treatment option in comparison with active treatments like relaxation, particularly in the short term for acute pain relief.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

Many studies provide evidence of the significant benefits of massage therapy in the treatment of neck and shoulder pain (Kong, Zhan et coll, 2013). More precisely, massage therapy can reduce pain and tenderness and improve the range of motion in the case of subacute and chronic pain (Brosseau et coll,, 2012).

Inflammation and Musculoskeletal Structures

Massage relieves pain in strained muscles by transmitting anti- inflammatory signals to the muscle cells (Crane, Ogborn et coll., 2012). Therefore, it is a particularly effective treatment for clients who regularly participate in sports or other physical activities.

Mental Health and Depressive Disorder

Massage therapy has proved to be an increasingly important choice of treatment for depression Coelho et coll. (2008). There is a body of evidence that demonstrates, more specifically, its effectiveness in treating depression in pregnant women (Bell, 2008) and women who have breast cancer (Krohn et coll,, 2010).

Source

------------------------ FAQs ------------------------

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place either in your house in a place of your choosing or at my home studio. I will provide soothing music and aromatherapy.

Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.

Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You may request that I focus on only a certain part or parts of your body.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

How do you accept payments?
I accept cash, checks, Venmo, Cash App, and Paypal. I will collect payment at the end of our session.

Do you offer any special deals or sliding scale payment options?
Yes! After your first session, if you refer a friend, both of you will get $10 off your next session. Additionally, you will get $5 off your next massage if booked within a month of your previous one. Lastly, I offer sliding scale payment options - please contact me to discuss.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, your massage practictioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform your practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.