Martha Dooley
After living and working in China for several years, Martha Dooley experienced the many benefits of regular massage therapy, particularly Tuina.
Tuina is an ancient Chinese form of bodywork based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) meridians and acupressure points. Martha found that it supported her general physical wellbeing, helped prevent injuries, improved her mental health, and more recently assisted her recovery from a lower back injury.
After several years working as a secondary school Mandarin teacher in London, Martha decided to study Tuina at the Body Harmonics School in Cheltenham. She feels privileged to have trained at one of the few centres in the UK offering training in this traditional therapy.
In early 2025, she trained in Traditional Thai Massage at a school in Chiang Mai, China.
Each treatment is tailored to the client’s individual needs, often blending techniques from both traditions to achieve the best outcome.
After the treatment, Martha provides practical aftercare advice to support your wellbeing. Her aim is to offer an open, communicative, and calming experience that helps relieve tension and restore balance.
Contact Martha Dooley
Availability & Fees
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 4:00pm to 9:00pm
Sports Massage – £50 for 60 minutes
Thai Massage – £60 for 60 minutes; £90 for 90 minutes
Tuina Massage – £60 for 60 minutes; £90 for 90 minutes
£10 off your first 60-minute or 90-minute treatment
Bookings
To book an appointment with Martha Dooley, call the Alma Vale Centre on 0117 377 1186 or e-mail us on [email protected] to book an appointment.
Qualifications
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Body Harmonics Foundation Level Diploma in Tuina Chinese Massage
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Body Harmonics On Site Neck and Shoulder Certificate in Tuina Chinese Massage
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Level 3 Diploma Certificate in Anatomy and Physiology
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Traditional Thai Yoga Massage – Sunshine Massage School Chiang Mai
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Level 3 Sports Massage Diploma from Team Bath (Bath University)
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Qualified and Certified Member of the Acutherapy Council
I booked as I’ve had back pain and stiffness, in the hopes to reduce and relieve some of the tension.
During the massage I felt very relaxed and had a better sense of the problem areas. Stand-out moments for me were before lying on the bed having my neck done on the chair; this felt as though Martha was relieving some of the tension in my body and allowed me to relax into the massage.
Absolutely would recommend this massage. Martha puts you at ease and really works hard on the areas to alleviate tension. In my opinion this type of massage is extremely good, and I have found it much more beneficial than any traditional massage.
After the massage, I felt a noticeable reduction in tension and more mobile/flexible in my body. I also had a lovely sense of relaxation enabling me to sleep extremely well that evening.
“I’ve been going to Martha for Chinese massage, and she has been incredible. Her skill, precision, and knowledge of traditional techniques are great. I originally visited her because of running-related pain – specifically tightness in my IT band and recurring calf discomfort. Martha knew exactly how to work through the tension, and each session has made a noticeable difference. She pays close attention to problem areas and uses just the right amount of pressure to release tight muscles while still keeping the experience relaxing. Every time I leave, I feel lighter, looser, and more mobile – like my body can finally move the way it’s supposed to. If you’re an athlete, a runner, or simply someone dealing with persistent muscle tightness, I can’t recommend Martha enough. She is talented, professional, and genuinely cares about helping her clients feel better.”
“What drew me to Martha was her speciality in Tuina. I was also recommended by a friend who said she was amazing. I felt really relaxed and looked after, but also like there was strong work being done to sort out any problems within my body. Martha was able to focus on my problem areas very easily and she checked in a few times to make sure the pressure was okay which I thought was lovely. I felt so zen and loose after the massage, and like my shoulders and other areas were way less tense and tight. I would highly recommend this massage and I already have sent a few people to Martha.”