Taiana Lima, Brazil/Italy

Latest Massage Therapist participating at the 2026 World Massage Championship is Taiana Lima from Brazil. She has sent the IMA the following description of herself:

My name is Taiana Lima. I am Brazilian and I am the founder and of the Fly Massage® method, an innovative approach that I began developing in 2008 and officially registered together with the trademark in 2013.

My relationship with the hammock is not simply a professional choice, but a part of my personal and cultural history. I grew up in a reality where the hammock represents much more than an object: in the indigenous cultures of Brazil, the Amazon and the Caribbean, it has been for centuries a symbol of rest, protection, comfort, and connection with nature.

The word “hammock” comes from the indigenous term “hamaka”, from the Taíno language, and refers to a suspended woven structure traditionally used for rest and protection. In ancestral traditions, it was connected with moments of care through touch, natural elements, rituals, sounds, and community experiences.

This cultural heritage became the foundation of my professional research. I observed how the body, when entering a suspended condition, can naturally experience a state of safety, containment, and deep relaxation, creating a unique relationship between the body, the nervous system, and perception.

MY JOURNEY

At the age of 17, I began my journey in the world of massage in Brazil, studying at SENAC and Instituto de Beleza Iracy Machado, Through independent study and research in suspension massage

Since then, I have dedicated my life to the study of the human body, massage therapy, functional anatomy, movement physiology, and body-based disciplines.

Throughout my career, I have completed more than 200 professional training programs, becoming a trainer recognized by AntiGravity® Fitness by Christopher Harrison ; International Massage Therapist recognized by the World Massage Federation (WMF), awarded the title of Fly Massage Master since 2019.

Official Fly Massage® Instructor and World Massage Federation Trainer since 2025;

CONI (Italian National Sports Committee) and specializing in Yoga, Pilates,

Postural Training, Aerial Gymnastics, Anti-Gravity practices, Suspension Training,

Holistic Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Sports Massage, Antigravity Fitness .

I have also expanded my knowledge through studies in Psychology, Mindfulness,

MBSR-based courses, Breathwork, suspension techniques, and manual therapy methods.

This journey has allowed me to develop a multidisciplinary vision of wellbeing that integrates body, mind, emotions, perception, and the nervous system. Fly Massage® was created as a new paradigm in suspended bodywork and Massage. It is not only a manual technique, but an interdisciplinary approach that integrates massage therapy, biomechanics, movement physiology, and body awareness.

Unlike traditional treatments, where the body remains mainly static or semi-static on a massage table, in Fly Massage® the body is suspended and experiences a dynamic condition characterized by:

● controlled oscillations

● micro-movements

● multidirectional traction

● continuous postural adaptations

● variations in gravitational load

Fly Massage® is not simply a variation of Swedish massage, Thai massage, or other traditional techniques, because it completely changes the biomechanical environment in which the treatment is performed.

Suspension allows the therapist to work with the body as a global and integrated system, involving multiple myofascial, muscular, and joint chains simultaneously.

A simple oscillation in the lumbar area, for example, can generate a redistribution of tension through different myofascial chains thanks to the continuity of the fascial system.

BIOMECHANICAL AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL APPROACH

Fly Massage® may support:

● functional spinal decompression

● improvement of joint mobility

● global myofascial release

● increased proprioception

● greater body awareness

● regulation of muscle tone

● improved neuromuscular coordination

The integration of conscious breathing, slow movement, and mindfulness supports

the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, promoting conditions associated

with relaxation, recovery, and parasympathetic activation.

BODY, MIND AND EMOTIONS

Throughout my journey, I understood that pain is not only a mechanical experience.

Modern neuroscience shows that the experience of pain is influenced by the

interaction between biological, psychological, emotional, and social factors.

For this reason, Fly Massage® integrates:

● massage therapy

● biomechanics

● conscious breathing

● mindfulness

● body awareness

● therapeutic communication

● the use of voice, touch, and the therapist’s presence

The body is not separated from the person who lives inside it.

Emotions influence the way we perceive the body, and the body continuously

communicates with the mind.

The quality of the therapeutic relationship therefore becomes an essential part of the

process.

A METHOD DESIGNED ALSO FOR THE THERAPIST

Fly Massage is proud to share that it has contributed to the professional reintegration of holistic practitioners and massage therapists who, after facing cancer, serious illnesses, injuries, or musculoskeletal and joint conditions, had to stop or limit their work.

Through suspended massage and the use of the hammock, they have discovered a new way of working, regaining confidence, self-esteem, and the joy of returning to their profession.

Fly Massage® was also created with the goal of improving the quality and sustainability of the therapist’s work. Many manual therapists develop over the years overload and physical stress in their hands, wrists, shoulders, and spine due to repetitive movements and the physical demands of their profession.

Suspension allows gravity to become a therapeutic ally, facilitating traction, positioning, and myofascial techniques with less physical effort.

A therapist who protects their own body can offer greater quality, presence, and effectiveness during the treatment.

To give wellbeing, we must first learn to experience wellbeing within our own body.

FLY MASSAGE ACADEMY

I am the founder of Fly Massage Academy, based in Milan, where I train

professionals from different countries through programs such as:

● Fly Massage Sport

● Fly Massage Experience

● Fly Massage Mama & Baby

● Fly Massage Family

● Fly Massage Friends

● Fly Massage Wellness

● Fly Massage Cervical & Lumbar

● Fly Massage Sound Healing

● Fly Massage Face & Head

Each training integrates anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, manual techniques, conscious movement, mindfulness, and breathing practices.

MY VISION

I believe that the future of wellness and manual therapy lies in the integration of science, experience, body awareness, and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection.

It is the combination of mindful touch, the therapist’s presence and voice, suspension massage techniques, mindfulness practices, mindset work, and emotional awareness that creates a more complete and transformative approach to well-being.

Modern knowledge in stress physiology and neurobiology demonstrates that the quality of relationships, emotional regulation, and the state of the nervous system deeply influence the way the body perceives, responds, and recovers.

Being a therapist is not only about the method we choose to apply, but about who we are, how we take care of ourselves, and how we manage our own energy.

The quality of a treatment is also created through the quality of the professional’s

presence.

Taking care of our own body and our physical and emotional health creates the foundation to offer others a more complete, safe, and conscious experience.

Our work is not only about performing a technique: it is about entering into a relationship with another human being.

Fly Massage® was born from the meeting point between innovation, science, and

the listening of the body, mind, sensations, and emotions.

I invite you to join me in the hammock, dear colleagues, for a practice, an experience, or a Fly Massage® training journey.

Thank you to Jeppe Tengbjerg, to all participants, and to the entire IMA Team.

At the International Massage Association we are ongoing try to elevate the Massage Profession via our many Articles, Podcasts, Masterclasses and via the Educational Conference at the World Championship in Massage.