It is important to inform me in advance about any medical conditions, use of medication, recent or upcoming surgeries, or pregnancy. After booking an appointment, you will receive a short questionnaire for preparation and deeper insight.

Preparation: It is advisable to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours beforehand and to avoid coffee a few hours before the treatment. For an abdominal massage (Chi Nei Tsang), it is best not to eat at least an hour in advance.

After the treatment: Drink extra water for 48 hours. This helps replenish fluid levels, as the massage stimulates circulation and water is processed more quickly. I will also remind you of this immediately after the massage.

The practice is located on the 2nd floor of Domselaerstraat 30 in Amsterdam.

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.

By Bike: The practice is easily accessible by bike. There are ample bicycle parking options on the street or in nearby bike parking facilities.

The treatments are intended for women, transgender, non-binary individuals, men, and anyone in need of relaxation and recovery.

During Embodiment Therapy, warm oil is applied directly to the skin through massage, while the rest of your body remains covered with towels.

A screen is available for privacy while changing.

You may also choose to keep on loose clothing, for example for extra comfort, skin sensitivity, or simply if you feel more at ease with more coverage.

Shiatsu in Silence treatments take place on a futon, while wearing comfortable clothing.

The choice between a massage table or a mat on the floor depends on your preferences and needs.

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

Futon: Provides greater freedom of movement and deep pressure, also suitable for dynamic techniques like stretching and acupressure.

We start with a treatment on the table and then explore together what suits you best.

When to Avoid Massage?

There are situations in which massage is not advisable. These so-called contraindications can be absolute (massage not possible) or relative (certain areas are avoided). If you have an absolute contraindication, it is important to consult a doctor first:

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

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

Heart problems (recent heart attack, serious arrhythmias) → Always consult a doctor first.

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

Severe vascular conditions (e.g., aneurysm, deep vein thrombosis) → May increase risk of bleeding or blockages.

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

Cancer (without doctor consultation) → Specialized massage is required. Consult your doctor first.

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

When to Avoid Specific Areas?

With relative contraindications, massage is possible with adjustments. Some body parts may need to be avoided or a gentler technique may be used:

Varicose veins → Avoid firm pressure on the legs; gentle massage elsewhere is okay.

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

High or low blood pressure → Light techniques and regular monitoring are important.

Chronic conditions (rheumatism, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis) → Gentle, adapted massage; firm pressure avoided.

Fresh surgical scars or recent surgery → Avoid massaging around the area to support healing.

Cancerous tumors (after doctor consultation) → Gentle massage may be possible if allowed.

Inflamed joints or muscles → Avoid the inflamed area; other areas can be treated.

Medication use (blood thinners, painkillers, anti-inflammatories) → Consult beforehand, as massage may affect medication.

Aftercare Following a Holistic Treatment:

After a massage, you may initially feel tired or slightly unwell. This is part of the natural healing process. Common reactions include:

Headaches: May result from dehydration. Increased circulation during the massage can redirect fluids. Drink plenty of water before and after to minimize this effect.

Fatigue: Your body is engaging its self-healing abilities, which consumes energy. Rest is important to allow full recovery.

Sore muscles or bruised feeling: Similar to post-exercise micro-tears, this indicates recovery and will improve thanks to increased blood flow.

Emotional reactions: Massages may bring up old emotions. Allow yourself to feel them and process them calmly.

What to do:

• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Rest to allow your body to recover.
• Take time to reflect on the physical and emotional effects of the massage.

Though these side effects may be uncomfortable at first, they are part of the healing process. Listening to your body helps you notice the ultimate positive effects of the massage.

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. 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. Some body parts may need to be avoided or a gentler technique may be used:

Varicose veins → Avoid firm pressure on the legs; gentle massage elsewhere is okay.

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

High or low blood pressure → Light techniques and regular monitoring are important.

Chronic conditions (such as rheumatism, fibromyalgia, or osteoporosis) → Adapted gentle massage; firm pressure should be avoided.

Fresh surgical scars or recent surgeries → Avoid massaging around the area to support healing.

Cancerous tumors (after consultation with a doctor) → Gentle massage may be possible if allowed.

Inflamed joints or muscles → Avoid the inflamed area; other areas can be treated.

Medication use (blood thinners, painkillers, anti-inflammatories) → Consult beforehand, as massage may affect medication effects.

You can easily pay via a payment link sent directly after your session.

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

Read more about rates, insurance reimbursements, and billing details here.

Aftercare following a Holistic Treatment:

After a massage, it’s possible that you may initially feel worse before you notice the benefits. This is completely normal and part of your body’s natural healing process. Here are some common reactions you may experience:

Headaches: This may be a result of dehydration. The increased blood flow during a massage can cause fluid to be redirected in your body. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after the massage to minimize this side effect.

Fatigue: After a massage, your body may feel tired. This happens because your body is engaging its self-healing abilities, which takes energy. Consider it a sign that your body is working hard to recover. Make sure to rest and allow your body to recover properly.

Sore muscles or a bruised feeling: Similar to after an intense workout, micro-tears can occur in your muscles, leading to a bruised feeling. This is completely normal and indicates that your muscles are recovering. The recovery will be quick due to the increased blood circulation.

Emotional reactions: It is possible to feel more emotional after a massage. Massages bring you in touch with your body and may stir up old emotions that you may not have felt in a while. It’s important to give these emotions space and process them calmly.

What can you do? Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, make sure to rest so your body can recover fully, and take time to reflect on what the massage has done for you, both physically and emotionally.

Although the side effects after a massage may not always be comfortable, they are an important part of the healing process. As you learn to listen to your body, you will notice that the massage ultimately brings positive effects.