Massage therapy stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system, improving organ function and the elimination of waste products.

The nervous system switches to recovery mode, reducing the stress hormone cortisol and increasing resilience. Additionally, massages boost the production of serotonin and endorphins, which relieve pain and promote well-being.

Massage therapy is a holistic approach that brings body, mind, and emotions into balance. It promotes deep relaxation, helping you process external and internal stimuli more effectively and enhancing your ability to recover.

Additionally, massage strengthens your emotional resilience and mental well-being. This helps you better cope with stress and setbacks while boosting your self-confidence.

Positive touch is a powerful tool against stress and anxiety and promotes emotional security.

During a massage, oxytocin is released, the hormone essential for growth, healing, and building intimate relationships.

Additionally, massage helps you feel more comfortable in your body, strengthening your self-worth and integrity. This also enhances your openness and confidence in the areas of intimacy, sensuality, and sexuality.

Massage therapy provides valuable support during physical and psychological transitions. By deepening your connection with your body, it helps with self-acceptance and embracing changes in body and identity.

In a safe, respectful space where your gender identity, orientation, and queerness are fully welcomed, you can explore yourself on a deeper level.

A sensitive nervous system makes you more intensely receptive to stimuli, which can lead to overstimulation and emotional intensity. Highly sensitive individuals process impressions deeply, which can be both enriching and overwhelming.

A pregnancy massage relieves pain, promotes recovery, and stimulates circulation, benefiting both you and your baby. In my practice, you can lie comfortably on your stomach thanks to a special massage table, or on your side with pillow support. You are welcome from 14 weeks of pregnancy until birth.

Massage helps with discomfort such as pelvic instability, fluid retention, back and shoulder pain, sleep problems, and emotional fluctuations.

Before Birth

If your due date has passed, a relaxation massage with acupressure can help induce labor. Acupressure stimulates the production of oxytocin – the hormone that triggers contractions – and enhances blood circulation. At the same time, it helps release endorphins and serotonin, reducing pain perception and making you feel calmer and better prepared.

After childbirth, your body needs time and support to recover. A massage helps relieve tension in the back, shoulders, and neck, supports hormonal balance, and reduces fatigue caused by disrupted sleep patterns. It is a valuable form of self-care during this intense period.

After a vaginal birth, you can receive a massage from 4 weeks postpartum, and after a cesarean section, after at least 6 weeks.

Emotional and Physical Recovery

Grief takes many forms – the loss of a loved one, a miscarriage, abortion, breakup, or other farewell can be emotionally, mentally, and physically overwhelming. Sadness, anger, guilt, fear, and difficulty concentrating are often accompanied by physical tensions, such as tight muscles, stomach pain, and reduced appetite.

Massage therapy helps to calm the nervous system, regulate emotions, and release tension. It offers comfort and supports you in consciously experiencing your feelings and blockages, allowing you to process your grief at your own pace.

• Muscle pain and tension
• Stiff or cramped muscles
• Back, neck, and shoulder complaints
• RSI and muscle overuse
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Restless legs
• Tension due to poor posture

Stress & Emotional Balance

• Anxiety and restlessness
• Headaches and migraines
• Insomnia and (chronic) fatigue
• Burnout and overstimulation
• Restlessness
• Tension-related jaw pain

Circulation & Lymphatic System

• Poor circulation (cold hands/feet)
• Fluid retention and edema
• Cellulite and skin laxity
• Reduced lymphatic drainage
• Fatigue and low energy
• Support for the immune system
• Recovery support after illness or surgery

Digestion & Abdominal Complaints

• Bloating and digestive issues
• Abdominal pain and tension
• Support for bowel function
• Nausea and acid reflux

Hormonal & Female Complaints

• Menstrual pain and hormonal imbalance
• Pregnancy-related complaints
• Menopausal symptoms

Other

The acupressure points are located on meridians – energy pathways that transport vital energy (Qi) throughout the body. When this flow is disrupted, imbalance can occur. Meridians correspond to major nerves and play an essential role in the body’s energy supply.

View on Health

According to Taoist philosophy, health is based on the free flow of Qi and a balance between body, mind, and soul. Organs, emotions, and thoughts are inextricably linked, just as humans are connected to their environment.

Shiatsu shares the principles and meridians of acupressure but has its own approach with a broader focus on the meridians, rather than specific pressure points.

In the Zen Shiatsu method, gentle stretches and pressure are applied using fingers, thumbs, hands, elbows, and knees, which I incorporate as an additional technique during massages.

The primary intention of Shiatsu is to harmonize the energy flow in the body, but it can also be specifically applied to address complaints arising from imbalance, such as stress, muscle tension, and fatigue.

The Origin

Shiatsu is derived from anma, the traditional hand-healing method. “An” means pressure, and “ma” means stroking. Anma uses techniques based on the meridians of Eastern medicine.

By applying targeted pressure with hands, feet, knees, and elbows on specific points, blockages are released, and balance in the body is restored.

Through passive stretching – similar to yoga – flexibility is increased, and energy circulation is improved.

Abdominal massage, based on the Chi Nei Tsang method from Taoist Healing Arts, is a holistic therapy focused on activating the internal organs through deep, gentle pressure.

This stimulates blood circulation, improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients, and supports the removal of toxins through the lymphatic system.

The abdomen and pelvis are sensitive areas where not only physical tension but also unresolved emotions can be stored.

By applying targeted pressure to these zones, bodily functions such as digestion, circulation, and lymphatic flow can be influenced.

Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique that stimulates the removal of fluid and waste through the lymphatic system. This natural defense system plays an essential role in immune protection, fluid balance, and fatty acid absorption.

By improving lymphatic circulation, this therapy supports better oxygenation of the skin, healthier digestion, detoxification of the body, and relief from swelling.

During the connective tissue massage, the skin is lifted and rolled using specialized techniques, stimulating blood circulation and firming the skin. Deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper muscle layers and connective tissues, helping to release built-up tension and blockages.

The method works deeply on both a physical and emotional level. It invites the body to feel safe and supported, allowing blockages and stored emotions to be naturally released.

It promotes deep relaxation, energy restoration, and a feeling of lightness in the body.

Imbalances in the body are reflected in the skin, hair, nails, voice, organs, meridians, pulse pressure, and the color and shape of the tongue.

With tongue diagnosis, I identify or rule out patterns, helping to distinguish overlapping symptoms.

Pulse diagnosis provides insight into the energy level of each organ by assessing the tension, width, depth, strength, and rhythm of blood flow and heartbeat.

Focusing is a psychotherapeutic technique in which you attentively listen to the subtle signals of your body. Combined with massage, this can have a profound self-reflective effect.

By becoming aware of physical sensations, feelings, and thoughts, valuable information emerges that contributes to both psychological and physical healing.

This process helps to release emotions, accept your body, and experience more balance in daily life.

For those who wish to create more awareness and insight, I optionally offer a guided introspection session of 30 minutes before the massage.

Introspection is a form of self-reflection, in which you explore your thoughts, feelings, patterns, and desires. Through conversation, relaxation exercises, meditation, and visualization, I help you open relevant themes and mentally unwind.

This increases your freedom of movement within your ‘inner landscape,’ which can help balance aspects such as giving and receiving, resilience and decisiveness, depth and lightness.

During massages, we can deepen awareness on:

Balance between giving and receiving (inner and outer).

Connection between unity consciousness and personal strength (above and below).

Harmony between feminine and masculine energy (left and right).

Silence is more than just the absence of sound or a pause from external stimuli.

When you relax in silence during a massage, your body can better focus on regeneration, strengthening your immune system. It relaxes the muscles, lowers stress hormones, and improves blood circulation.

The calming experience also creates space for self-reflection. Without distractions, your attention turns inward, making your thoughts, feelings, and desires clearer.

Mindfulness and meditation, which also embrace silence, have been proven effective in reducing mental health issues, such as burnout, depression, and anxiety disorders. They also enhance cognitive functions such as concentration and memory.

You can (learn to) use your creative potential to process stimuli, both internal and external, and to align with your inner compass.

Creation and imagination are powerful tools for exploring questions, discovering desires, generating original ideas, and thinking outside the box.

Would you like an accessible self-care session or an introductory massage? Then we will focus on a relaxation massage.

Or we can address specific complaints and/or themes.

If desired, we can then explore your health and needs in more depth and create a plan together for follow-up sessions.

You can choose from different massage durations, depending on your preferences and needs.

Would you like to focus on specific themes, discuss a particular concern, or start a longer process? Then an initial session of at least 70 minutes is recommended, allowing ample time for both introduction and massage.

It is important to inform me in advance about any medical conditions, medication use, recent or upcoming surgeries, or pregnancy.

Preparation: It is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before the session and to refrain from drinking coffee a few hours prior to the massage. For an abdominal massage, it is best not to eat at least one hour beforehand.

After the massage: Drink extra water for 48 hours. This helps replenish fluids, as the massage stimulates circulation and accelerates water elimination. I will also remind you of this immediately after the session.

You can use a screen for full privacy while changing.

You may also choose to wear loose clothing—for added comfort, skin sensitivity, or if you feel more at ease with more coverage.

We will discuss this together before each massage, and I will advise you based on your needs.

Massage table: Provides more support and comfort, ideal for relaxation and targeted treatments with oil.

Mat on the floor: Allows for greater freedom of movement and deeper pressure, also useful for dynamic techniques such as stretching and acupressure. (massage on the mat will be available from April 2025)

With gentle, sustained pressure (sedating): You may feel a deep sense of relaxation, as if tension is slowly dissolving. This helps release blockages and reduce stress. Sometimes, you may feel a warm or tingling sensation in the treated area or further along the meridian.

With firm, short-term pressure or repeated stimulation (tonifying): This can have an activating effect. You might experience a slight electric tingling, pressure, or even a pleasant pain that stimulates energy and circulation. This is particularly helpful for fatigue or low energy.

If you are ill, it is advisable to consult your doctor first. Listen carefully to your body and inform me of any complaints in advance. By discussing and aligning expectations, you can fully enjoy a relaxing and responsible treatment.

When to Avoid a Massage?

There are situations where a massage should not be given. These so-called contraindications can be absolute (no massage possible) or relative (certain areas are avoided). If you have an absolute contraindication, it is advisable to consult your doctor before considering a massage:

Fever, flu, or severe cold → Massage stimulates circulation and may worsen symptoms.

Contagious skin conditions (such as fungal infections, boils, eczema with open wounds) → To prevent the spread of infection.

Heart conditions (such as a recent heart attack, severe arrhythmias) → Always consult your doctor before considering a massage.

Thrombosis or increased risk of blood clots → Massage may dislodge a clot, creating a dangerous situation.

Severe vascular disorders (such as aneurysm, deep vein thrombosis) → This can increase the risk of bleeding or blockages.

Bone fractures, severe bruises, or open wounds → Massage may disrupt the healing process.

Cancer (without consulting a doctor) → Specialized massage is required for cancer patients. Consult your treating physician first.

Acute inflammations in the body → Massage may worsen the infection by stimulating circulation.

When to Avoid Massage in Specific Areas?

With relative contraindications, massage is still possible but with adjustments. In some cases, certain body parts should be avoided, or a milder massage technique should be used:

Varicose veins → Avoid firm pressure on the legs, but a gentle massage on other areas may be possible.

Pregnancy → Special techniques and positions are needed, especially in the first trimester.

High or low blood pressure → Massage can affect blood pressure, so light techniques and regular monitoring are important.

Chronic conditions such as rheumatism, fibromyalgia, or osteoporosis → An adapted massage may provide relief, but firm pressure should be avoided.

Fresh surgical scars or recent surgeries → Massage around the area should be avoided to support the healing process.

Cancerous tumors (after consultation with a doctor) → If permitted, a gentle massage may provide relief.

Inflammation in joints or muscles → Massage on the inflamed area may worsen symptoms, but other body parts can still be treated.

Payment

The rates and options for massage durations can be found in the booking calendar at the bottom right of the screen.

Preferably, you can pay online via iDEAL, Apple Pay, or credit card. This can be done immediately after booking through the online booking system.

An invoice is available upon request and can be sent to you via email.

If online payment is not possible, you can also pay immediately after the massage via a payment link or with exact cash.

Referral

My services fall under uninsured care, are inclusive of VAT, and are not covered by health insurers. This comes with several benefits:

– No referral from your GP is required.

– No waiting lists

– No diagnosis will be added to your medical record

– Your deductible will not be used

– I can offer more personalized treatment as I am less bound by protocols and administrative burdens.

– Employers may be willing to (partially) cover the costs. Discuss this with your organization if you experience stress-related complaints.

Treatments take place in a practice space with changing facilities. Unfortunately, there is no elevator available.

Public Transport: The practice is easily accessible by public transport. Amsterdam Muiderpoort train station is approximately a 3-minute walk away. The nearest stops are tram stop Wijttenbachstraat/Linnaeusstraat (tram lines 3 and 19) and bus stop Linnaeusstraat/Wijttenbachstraat (bus line 37). From these stops, it is about a 2-minute walk to the practice.

By Car: Domselaerstraat is located in the Oost district and can be reached via the A10 ring road, exit S113 (Watergraafsmeer).

Parking: Paid street parking applies in the immediate vicinity of the practice. Rates and times may vary; please check local parking meters for up-to-date information. For a more affordable option, you might consider parking at a P+R location and taking public transport for the final stretch.