We caught up with the brilliant and insightful VANSIDA “ALEXIS” SANKLANG a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
VANSIDA “ALEXIS”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
“Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor”: Establishing an independent practice has certainly come with its challenges, but it has also been an immensely fulfilling journey for us. At our practice, www.painrelief159.com we’ve dedicated ourselves to integrating and collaborating with the proven effectiveness of Medical Thai Acupressure Therapy and Medical Manual and Therapeutic Massage Therapy. This ancient healing modality has not only enabled clients and patients to experience relief from pain but has also contributed to reducing their reliance on medication.
“Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.”
Embarking on the journey to introduce the Thai Traditional Medicine method and Medical Thai Acupressure Therapy has been unexpectedly smooth, defying our initial expectations. As clients and patients experienced firsthand the efficacy and tangible benefits of this ancient healing practice, word-of-mouth referrals became our most powerful form of advertisement, driving the growth of our clinic.
We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the unwavering support we have received from our clients and patients, the VA Medical Healthcare Providers Team, and the VA Community Care Network. Their endorsement and collaboration have been instrumental in our mission to provide the highest standards of care and compassion to our clients.
Through this journey, we have developed a profound appreciation for the transformative power of traditional healing modalities and their profound impact on individual well-being. It is a privilege to witness the positive and renewed vitality experienced by our clients and patients, reinforcing our commitment to continue exploring and promoting holistic approaches to health and wellness.

Have you ever had to pivot?
During my formative years at 18, I grappled with the devastating loss of my mother to ovarian cancer. A decade later, my husband encountered a debilitating herniated disc, rendering him reliant on a wheelchair for mobility. Despite seeking counsel from a multitude of esteemed neurologists and orthopedic spine specialists, the consensus remained surgery—an option my husband hesitated to pursue. Our gratitude knows no bounds for the expertise and efforts of these renowned medical professionals, yet the prospect of surgery lingered as a daunting prospect for my husband. However, my husband’s outlook shifted upon discovering Dr. D.D.P Suwan Tang Chit Chareon at Dr. Suwan Thai Acupressure in Bangkok, Thailand. Here, we found a beacon of hope—an alternative to surgical intervention. Under Dr. Suwan’s care, my husband underwent a transformative non-surgical treatment over five weeks, ultimately regaining his ability to walk and returning to work.
Observing his remarkable holistic recovery was a transformative experience that motivated me to study under Dr. Suwan, eager to acquire expertise in Medical Thai Acupressure Therapy from him. Since then, as a Certified Massage Therapist and a licensed Thai Traditional Medicine Practitioner, I’ve seamlessly integrated Medical Thai Acupressure Therapy into my practice here in the US, extending relief to numerous patients. It’s been a profound privilege to extend my services to our esteemed veterans, whom I consider heroes, through the referrals from the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, and the VA Community Care Network, aiding them on their path to holistic wellness. Witnessing my patients reduce the grip of pain and improve their quality of life through holistic methods is the most rewarding aspect of my work.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In the humble beginnings of our clinic four years ago, we embarked on the uncharted journey of introducing traditional Medical Thai Acupressure Therapy to the US. With no formal advertising, our sole promotion relied on the heartfelt recommendations of our patients and clients to their loved ones. Uncertain of how this innovative approach would be received, we were genuinely grateful and pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response from our clients and patients.
Over the past four years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the tangible impact of our treatments on the lives of our clients and patients. In helping the Chronic pain subsides, stress levels decrease, sleep apnea reduces, and anxiety gradually diminishes. We’ve heard stories of simple joys—like the ability to sit at family Thanksgiving dinner or play catch with grandchildren in the backyard—that become attainable once again. As our patients shed the burden of persistent pain, they rediscover their zest for life and embrace a newfound sense of happiness.
Beyond the effectiveness of the treatment itself, our clients have experienced genuine care and compassion at every interaction in our clinic. This personal approach cultivates a deep sense of trust and connection between ourselves and our patients. When we hear stories of restored quality of life and renewed hope from those we’ve had the honor to serve, we are humbled and grateful. It is a profound privilege to play a role, no matter how small, in assisting our patients in living lives with reduced pain. We are profoundly thankful that Providence has granted us the opportunity to be the part of Healthcare Providers Team to make a positive impact in their lives.

Contact Info:
- Website: www.painrelief159.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/painrelief159/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PainRelief159/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vansida-sanklang-a08394284
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/relief159
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@painrelief159
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pain-relief-159-newport-beach-2
Image Credits
Vansida Sanklang

