Mdm Stella Cheah: A Legacy of Wellness and Healing through Peranakan Touch Therapy

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“The joy of helping others through touch is immeasurable. I want to keep sharing and teaching, so more people can benefit from this tradition.” — Mdm Stella Cheah

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At 76 years old, Mdm Stella is far from retired. With over 50 years of experience, she continues to run her wellness business, embodying a lifelong dedication to traditional Peranakan touch therapy.

Stella’s journey is deeply rooted in her heritage, family traditions, and her father’s teachings, all of which have shaped her career and mission to bring healing and wellness to others.

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Growing Up in a Peranakan Family: A Foundation in Herbs, Spices, and Healing

Stella grew up in a traditional Peranakan family in Penang, where wellness was woven into the fabric of daily life alongside rich culinary traditions. "All my aunties were incredible cooks who trained us from a young age to understand the herbs and spices essential to our culture’s unique flavors," she reminisces.

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This early foundation in natural ingredients and remedies set the stage for Stella’s lifelong career in wellness. She followed in the footsteps of her late father, who had come from China and specialized in traditional Chinese massage, or Tuina, and herbal knowledge. Under his guidance, Stella learned the art of touch therapy, which became her passion and calling.

 

Her late mother, from a Peranakan background, passed down knowledge of herbs used in traditional Nyonya cuisine, enriching Stella's expertise in both culinary and therapeutic applications.

This unique blend of heritage inspired Stella to carry on her family’s legacy through a career dedicated to healing and wellness.

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Stella-In International: A Hub for Healing and Wellness

Stella operates her own wellness center, Stella-In International, where she conducts workshops and provides personalized sessions for clients. Here, she blends her extensive knowledge of herbs, oils, and touch therapy to offer a unique healing experience. Stella-In International has become a trusted place for those seeking traditional Peranakan wellness, and it serves as a base for her mission to pass down her skills to the next generation.

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A Journey of Touch Therapy: Blending Knowledge with Passion

Stella’s career has been a journey of blending her knowledge of herbs and oils with her talent for touch therapy. She developed unique massage oils infused with healing herbs and spices, bringing the therapeutic benefits of Peranakan ingredients into her practice. “My joy comes from connecting with people through touch therapy,” Stella shares.

"As I massage, I talk to them, look into their eyes, and aim to heal not just their bodies but also their spirits."

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Introducing Touch Therapy to People Living with Dementia

Recently, Stella brought her touch therapy to a SITI Network Memory Cafe session, introducing it to people living with dementia and their caregivers. The response was powerful—participants appeared comforted and engaged by what Stella fondly calls her "midas touch."

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Research supports the benefits of touch therapy for individuals with dementia, showing that gentle touch can reduce agitation, promote relaxation, and improve mood. Touch therapy helps create a soothing, nonverbal connection that can be deeply reassuring, especially for those who may have difficulty communicating verbally.

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Studies on the Power of Touch in Dementia Care

Studies have shown that for people with dementia, touch can be a vital tool for connection and comfort. Gentle massage or even holding hands can release oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, which reduces stress and anxiety. Physical contact also helps people feel valued, grounded, and calm, which can reduce episodes of agitation or distress common in dementia.

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Touch therapy not only provides physical relief but can create a sense of emotional connection and belonging that is profoundly beneficial in dementia care settings.

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Taking Peranakan Massage International: From Penang to the World

Stella’s dedication to traditional Peranakan massage has earned her international recognition. She has traveled across Europe, Russia, and Australia, teaching people the unique techniques and benefits of this ancient practice. “People in the West love it,” she says with pride. “There is a growing appreciation for authentic, holistic wellness, and Peranakan massage resonates with them.”

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Empowering the Next Generation: Establishing a Vocational School in Penang

Back home, Stella’s vision extends beyond her own practice. She established a vocational training school in Penang, offering young people the opportunity to learn her craft and find employment in wellness centers and spas. "Creating job opportunities and teaching young people this skill brings me immense satisfaction," she says.

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For Stella, touch therapy is more than a career—it’s a tradition she hopes to pass down to ensure its continuation for generations to come.

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The Healing Power of Touch: Communication Beyond Words

Stella believes in the healing power of touch, describing it as “communication beyond words.” She encourages everyone to learn basic massage techniques, even if just to use on loved ones.

 

“Whether it’s your children, spouse, or parents, the act of touch creates a bond and has incredible healing power,” Stella explains. "It’s something I want people to experience and share with their families."

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Looking Forward: Teaching and Sharing for as Long as She Can

Mdm Stella Cheah’s dedication to wellness and healing is unwavering. As long as her health permits, she plans to continue teaching and sharing her skills. “Touch therapy is second nature to me. It’s a gift that I want to pass down to as many people as possible,” she says.

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Stella organizes workshops regularly, welcoming anyone interested in learning about the power of traditional Peranakan massage. Her hope is that through her teaching, others will continue her legacy of healing and wellness.

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