I see massage and bodywork as an energetic phenomena. An energetic exchange on many different levels, some conscious, some subconscious. Most of it remains a mystery to me. I see every human as unique and I don't claim to know what someone is going through, I can only try to understand from my own experience. I see it as my work to be present and from this place embrace the person in front of me exactly how he or she is in that moment.
Intake
Your session starts with an intake, to see where you are at and what you need. We can look at your personal situation, your mental and emotional state and how this expresses itself in your body. It might be that we start with a small meditation or a technique to deepen the connection with yourself. We will look at what is appropriate for that moment. Finally, I will make a treatment plan for the session and I will discuss this with you for your approval.
Forms of Bodywork
We will discuss which part or parts of your body need the most attention. I will focus on these parts and all other parts of the body that are connected to the complaint or issue you are experiencing. In more detail, I give a Classic holistic massage combined with elements of: Esalen massage, joint mobilization, energetic massage and Shiatsu. When needed I give a pure Deep tissue massage or use deep tissue techniques where appropriate in a Classic holistic massage. During a session we can also target specific sensitive points in the body in a slow, deep and more intense way or in a warm, soft and energetic way.
Duration of the Bodywork
The duration of the bodywork, depends on how long we need for the intake. Sometimes speaking about what is happening for you, or becoming aware of your situation, can be just as healing as the massage itself. Different people have different needs. Afterwards you are welcome to share about your experience, if that feels right for you..
Massage Techniques
Classic Massage
Classic massage is a full-body therapeutic treatment that targets the soft tissues and muscles to promote overall health, while creating a soothing and balancing effect on the nervous system. A classic massage promotes relaxation of both body and mind, helps eliminate toxins, improves blood circulation and muscle function, and relieves pain and stiffness in your muscles. Additionally, it stimulates your body's self-healing abilities. This massage helps you become aware of where you hold tension and where you feel relaxed, fostering greater awareness of how you feel in your own skin.
Esalen
An Esalen Massage is more than just a therapeutic technique; it's an invitation to embark on an inner journey. With long, flowing strokes, a slow rhythm, and intentional pauses, the massage encourages you to reconnect with your natural state of balance and alignment. The transformation it fosters comes not from intense deep-tissue work but through the mutual engagement of both the giver and receiver. As the practitioner’s touch brings awareness to different parts of your body, this heightened attention promotes relaxation and change. From there, deeper or more focused work can be applied if necessary. Developed at the Esalen hot springs, this massage style recognizes that the body opens and responds to pleasurable sensations, affirming the unity of mind and body.
Energetic Massage
An energetic massage is an intuitive practice that promotes deep relaxation, fosters harmony, and activates the body’s natural self-healing abilities. During the session, the body's energy is followed intuitively. Responding to what your body communicates, Applying gentle pressure, engaging the body's self-healing response. An energetic or intuitive massage focuses on releasing tension and blockages within the body. Various massage techniques may be used, but they are always guided by intuition and what your body needs in the moment.
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization massage is designed to relieve pain and restore movement in stiff, sore, or restricted joints. This is achieved through various techniques, such as moving joints in specific directions at different speeds, applying resistance to the joint, passive muscle movements, and stretching. These methods help increase the range of motion and bring back pain-free movement to the joints and ligaments.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage is a slow, intense form of massage that has a strong impact on the body. It primarily targets the connective tissue, or fascia, surrounding the muscles. While deep tissue massage may feel slightly uncomfortable at times, it should never be painful. After a session, you may immediately feel a sense of deeper relaxation and openness in your body.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a therapeutic practice rooted in Japan, combining acupressure, muscle meridian stretching, and corrective exercises. It involves applying pressure to the body using the practitioner’s thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, it focuses on the flow of energy through channels in the body called meridians. Shiatsu practitioners aim to restore energy balance within these meridians to promote overall health and enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
