Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy K Merriam.
Hi Amy K, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Thailand, where Thai massage was a familiar part of growing up. I would get massages as often as I could afford as a teenager, and I still remember those small ladies who twisted my body like a pretzel. The relief from all that stress felt so amazing, almost like floating high afterward, and it was a secret joy I didn’t share with many.
I absorbed techniques through practice with anyone willing at the time, blending Thai massage with yoga-inspired movement. I’ve always loved both giving and receiving this work. I learned from many teachers along the way, but one of my favorites was my mom’s friend, who generously shared her knowledge with no expectation of anything in return.
When I moved to the U.S., I pursued pre-nursing studies while working multiple jobs in home care as a CNA, babysitting, and at a restaurant. Over time, I realized that I needed something more personally fulfilling, even though my desire to help others remained strong. I took time to reflect, explore my interests, and discover where I truly belonged. Eventually, I decided to attend massage school a decision that became one of the best I’ve ever made. I caught myself wondering why I hadn’t done it sooner, especially since I already had a background in Thai massage.
After earning my massage license, I moved to Okinawa, Japan, and opened a home-based massage business. Most of my clients were Americans – military and civilians with a few locals. When COVID-19 made continuing difficult, I moved back to Washington and worked at a spa while doing mobile massage on the side. I moved around a few cities, trying to find a spot to settle. It was a bit of a roller coaster, but I finally ended up in Seattle, working in a massage clinic before reestablishing my own practice in North Seattle. Recently, I moved to Edmonds, Washington, where I continue my work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Growing my practice came with challenges I never anticipated, from rebuilding my client base every time I relocated to balancing my schedule with self-care and family time, navigating language barriers, and learning to set clear boundaries.
But my growth wasn’t just professional; it was deeply personal. I learned to recognize unhealthy dynamics, became more self-aware, and found ways to stay grounded when things felt unsafe or messy.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every mistake and failure was part of the process and helped shape who I am today. I’m not the same person I was yesterday, and at some point, I made the decision to heal instead of remaining a victim of what I went through. Healing and moving forward are 100% my responsibility, and while life may never be perfect, I believe growth and peace are possible for everyone. If you’re ready, healing can begin at any moment.
Over time, I learned to trust my instincts and stopped seeking validation outside of myself. That shift transformed the way I approach both my work and my life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Peaceful Wellness Therapeutic Massage?
I’m a licensed massage therapist and the owner of a private practice focused on therapeutic bodywork for injury prevention, recovery, pain relief, and nervous system regulation. My work supports clients dealing with chronic pain, post-injury recovery, postural imbalances, jaw tension, headaches and migraines, scar tissue, and trigger points. I’ve also recently begun integrating breathwork and anxiety-release techniques to help clients who feel stuck in a constant fight-or-flight state.
What I do is highly individualized. I don’t follow a routine approach-every body is different, and each session is tailored to what your body is holding that day. I draw from a range of modalities, including deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, scar tissue work, assisted stretching, reflexology, and traditional Thai massage.
A big part of my work is helping clients become more aware of their bodies and understand what’s really causing their pain. Instead of just chasing symptoms, I focus on identifying and addressing the root of the issue. Many people live in a constant state of tension without even realizing it, and that often shows up as pain, tightness, fatigue, and poor sleep.
Muscles play a major role in overall health. They move and support the bones, and when muscles are tight or imbalanced, they can pull the body out of alignment over time. Chronic tension reduces flexibility and resilience, which increases the risk of injury even from simple movements. Addressing these imbalances early can help prevent long-term issues and reduce the likelihood of more invasive interventions.
My sessions are thoughtful and unhurried. I pay close attention to patterns in the body and how everything is connected. Clients often come in for physical pain but leave feeling more grounded, more relaxed, and more in tune with themselves. Many experienced not only pain relief, but also improved mobility, better posture, deeper sleep, reduced cortisol levels, and a long-term overall sense of well-being, it’s like a full system reset.
What I’m most proud of? Honestly, I feel more grateful than anything. I’ve built my practice through trust, consistency, and word of mouth, having to rebuild client base each time I relocated. I’ve stayed true to my approach instead of chasing trends, focusing on honest, results-driven work that helps people move better And understand their bodies on a deeper level.
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing clients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to activities that once felt difficult to do. For me, this work is about creating meaningful results and lasting impact. The money is simply a byproduct what matters most is the difference I’m able to make in someone’s quality of life.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is building a little tent in the corner of the house and spending time there alone. I used to call it my safe space or spending time outside in my village by the river. I loved reading books, climbing trees, playing in the dirt, catching snacks, hunting crickets, and watching fireflies at night. There were no phones or internet, just nature all around me, and I felt free to explore and imagine. I also loved helping my family with farming, growing our own food, and cooking it from scratch.
I remember my first watermelon farm: we packed the fruits in the trunk to sell. I was a little embarrassed at first, but seeing the watermelons grow and realizing we could make a little money amazed me as a kid.
Those moments were simple, but they taught me patience, curiosity, and how to notice and enjoy the little things in life.
Pricing:
- New clients are welcomed with $20 off their first session
- Session rates range from $95 to $225, based on the service and length of treatment
Contact Info:
- Website: https://peacefulwellnesspnw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacefulwellness?igsh=MWl0OGI2NGtodmxhOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18HQb8WWbu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
