Leyla Aleman, CMT
I’m Leyla (they/she) and I am a queer, mixed bodyworker, health educator, and space holder. I am so glad you’re here. I was born and raised in SF and grew up dancing and practicing yoga.
After graduating from Tulane University with a Bachelor’s in Public Health, I worked in the medical field and was on track to go to medical school. Along the way, I felt a strong calling towards traditional indigenous philosophies of healing, which led me to shift paths. I completed my massage training at NHI in 2023, and in 2024, did Thai massage training. During that time, I also began offering assisted stretch therapy to my community.
Soon, I will start my masters program in acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.My approach to bodywork is goal-oriented, collaborative, and emergent. I utilize both Western and Eastern modalities, including deep tissue work, trigger point release, myofascial release, and Thai massage. Together, we will get curious about the patterns your body holds, and ease into the fibers with purpose and care.
In my free time, I love going to the ocean, the redwoods, practicing yoga, and exploring!
My education
I completed my 800-hour massage therapy training through the National Holistic Institute in 2023, and in 2024, I deepened my practice with over 120 hours of Thai massage training at the Bodhi Panya Institute.
“I came to Felek Acupuncture to get a massage from therapist Leyla. The massage was amazing and left me feeling better for days. Leyla was super attentive and intuitive. She found the perfect balance of checking in with me about pressure and my needs while also giving me space to relax. Her knowledge of the human body seemed very extensive- she sensed all the places my body has been aching from carrying around my toddler for two years, and where I needed special care because of my poor posture and 6-foot frame. I have experienced many massage therapists and she was the first to just figure these things out and address them in the massage. I will definitely be back. Also- parking was fairly easy on a weekend, the place was very clean and serene, the room and table were comfy and quiet.”
— Amy