About Maria Franceschi

From Business to Bodywork: The Journey to Healing

I am Maria, and for over 11 years, I have dedicated my career to mastering and advancing the art of Thai therapeutic bodywork. This journey began with four years of intensive, full-time study in Thailand, during which I immersed myself in Traditional Thai Medicine from 2013 to 2017. I created the S.T.A.R.S. Method by recognizing a critical gap in conventional training: a need for an integrated system that truly solves complex client problems. My resulting S.T.A.R.S. Method is a direct reflection of this rigorous foundation. This disciplined system precisely combines the ancient wisdom of the Thai Royal Style with the analytical rigor and therapeutic needs of the modern practitioner.

My Foundation in Thai Traditional Medicine

My deep expertise is built upon extensive training and graduation from multiple prestigious institutions in Thailand. I specialize in Royal Style, Thai Yoga Massage, stretching, and specific therapeutic techniques, studying under the following Masters:

• Master Poonsub Chatiwong (Booyakorn Nuad Thai): Certified in Traditional Thai Massage, Foot Massage, Acupressure, Aromatherapy, serving as a therapist and teacher assistant.

• Wat Po Thai Traditional Ayuravate Association: Certification in the specialized Royal Style Traditional Thai Massage and Rue Si Datton (Hermit Self-Stretching).

• Dr. Chalern Vonsigri (Thai Traditional Medical Services Society): Certification in Foot Reflexology, Puerperium Massage, Thai Herbs, Therapeutic Chair Massage, and Master's level in Traditional Thai Massage.

• Master Kong Kraijakkri (Thai Yoga & Healing Art Training Centre): Master Instructor status in Thai Therapeutic Massage and Advanced Thai Yoga (Rue-Si-Datton)

• Master Wandi Hannawi: Certified in Traditional Thai Massage, Hand Free Massage, Foot Massage, and Buddhist studies.

Awards and Honors

Massage Therapy Hall of Fame Inductee (USA, 2024).

World Champion Massage (Copenhagen, Denmark, 2019).

Elite Healthcare Award (Holistic Healing Organization, India, 2024).

Woman Icon Award (Holistic Healing Organization, India, 2022).

International Award for Excellence in Healthcare (Holistic Healing Organization, India, 2021).

International Roles and Memberships

• Ambassador Roles: Current Ambassador for Latin America for the Holistic Healing Organization (India) and the Latin American Massage Association (Argentina).

• International Judge: Official International Judge for the World Massage Championship (Japan) and the American Massage Championship (USA).

• Elite Memberships: Thai Traditional Medical Services Society (Thailand), Thai Healing Alliance International (USA), World Association of Nuad Thai & Spa (Switzerland), Caribbean Association of Massage and Bodywork Practitioners (Trinidad and Tobago), Latin American Massage Association (Argentina), Holistic Healing Association (India).

 

Ready to Learn the S.T.A.R.S. Difference?

I look forward to welcoming you into our community of advanced practitioners. Click below to start your journey!