Bodywork and support for
fertility
pregnancy & childbirth and postpartum
daily life obstacles and stress
hormonal changes
Practice for Watsu, Zen-shiatsu, Reflexology and healing for women in Amsterdam
Experience a deep state of relaxation, connection and healing in comforting warm water
Watsu (Water-shiatsu) is a very special experience. It’s a unique form of therapy that has an effect on emotional, physical and mental levels. During the treatment you will be supported by me and the warm water. Your three-dimensional weightlessness allows you to move more easily and freely. Your body can release built-up tension. Energy blockages in your meridians are lifted, your muscles relax and space is created for bones and joints. A deep sense of relaxation, connection and healing can arise.
Experience a deep state of relaxation, connection and healing in comforting warm water
Watsu (Water-shiatsu) is a very special experience. It’s a unique form of therapy that has an effect on emotional, physical and mental levels. During the treatment you will be supported by me and the warm water. Your three-dimensional weightlessness allows you to move more easily and freely. Your body can release built-up tension. Energy blockages in your body are lifted, your muscles relax and space is created for bones and joints. A deep sense of relaxation, connection and healing can arise.
Watsu therapy: get back in touch with your body and your emotions
Many people experience a sense of security and inner peace during my Watsu treatments. Thoughts aren’t important, or for a while just aren’t there. Fears may disappear. Would you like to discover what Watsu therapy can do for you? Book a session if you would like some me-time, if you’d like to clear your head, if you’d like to stretch or if you want to reconnect with your body, your emotions and with yourself.
Watsu therapy for physical wellbeing
The deep state of relaxation that occurs during a Watsu session has a visible physiological impact on your body. Your heart rate slows down, your blood pressure drops (but not too low!) and you will breathe deeper. In addition, endorphins are released in the body, which strengthen the immune system. These positive effects can be felt in the days after the Watsu session. This means you will sleep better and that your digestion is optimized. Although you will often already notice a difference after the first session, multiple sessions are recommended for relieving physical issues.
Watsu can relieve:
- Pain
- Stress
- Feelings of anxiety, including fear of water
- Depressive complaints
- Insomnia
- Processing emotional trauma
- Pregnancy related issues
Watsu therapy during Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, relaxation is very important for you and your baby. Watsu can help you relax. The warm water reduces stiffness in your muscles. Your back and joints are relieved while you float in the water. I will support you and guide you through movements that increase your body’s flexibility. You’ll feel weightless, allowing your body to relax properly. It’s a beautiful moment for you and your baby to connect.
Watsu therapy for babies in breech position
Babies who are in a breech position often turn during the Watsu sessions. If your baby is in a breech position and you are between 32 and 38 weeks pregnant, you could give Watsu a try. Perhaps the movement and extra space created by the relaxation will cause your baby to turn. If this does not happen, at least you have had a wonderful experience together!
About Watsu therapy
- A Watsu session takes place in a pool with water at around 35 degrees celsius. That in itself is beneficial and relaxing! This comfortable temperature allows you to remain passive in the water for 45 minutes or more, usually without feeling cold. During the session (if the session is provided at Akasha Spa), you and I will be the only people in the pool, so you can completely relax.
- Because I am there for you at all times, supporting you throughout the session, it’s not necessary to be able to swim to enjoy a Watsu treatment.
- The word Watsu is a combination of water and shiatsu. Shiatsu is a Japanese holistic manual treatment method in which, by touching and applying pressure to specific places on the body, the flow of life energy (‘Ki’) through the meridians in the body is influenced.
- Watsu therapy combines the best of both worlds: the relaxing warmth of a hot tub with the healing power of touch.
- Are you looking for an original gift for a friend who is expecting? She will be very grateful if you surprise her with a Watsu session! A gift voucher for a Watsu session is available through Akasha Spa.
The Watsu sessions take place in Akasha Spa (currently closed), in the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam. Would you like to make an appointment or would you like to receive more information first? Please contact me!
Experience a deep state of relaxation, connection and healing in comforting warm water
Watsu (Water-shiatsu) is a very special experience. It’s a unique form of therapy that has an effect on emotional, physical and mental levels. During the treatment you will be supported by me and the warm water. Your three-dimensional weightlessness allows you to move more easily and freely. Your body can release built-up tension. Energy blockages in your body are lifted, your muscles relax and space is created for bones and joints. A deep sense of relaxation, connection and healing can arise.
Watsu therapy: get back in touch with your body and your emotions
Many people experience a sense of security and inner peace during my Watsu treatments. Thoughts aren’t important, or for a while just aren’t there. Fears may disappear. Would you like to discover what Watsu therapy can do for you? Book a session if you would like some me-time, if you’d like to clear your head, if you’d like to stretch or if you want to reconnect with your body, your emotions and with yourself.
Watsu therapy for physical wellbeing
The deep state of relaxation that occurs during a Watsu session has a visible physiological impact on your body. Your heart rate slows down, your blood pressure drops (but not too low!) and you will breathe deeper. In addition, endorphins are released in the body, which strengthen the immune system. These positive effects can be felt in the days after the Watsu session. This means you will sleep better and that your digestion is optimized. Although you will often already notice a difference after the first session, multiple sessions are recommended for relieving physical issues.
Watsu can relieve:
- Pain
- Stress
- Feelings of anxiety, including fear of water
- Depressive complaints
- Insomnia
- Processing emotional trauma
- Pregnancy related issues
Watsu therapy during Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, relaxation is very important for you and your baby. Watsu can help you relax. The warm water reduces stiffness in your muscles. Your back and joints are relieved while you float in the water. I will support you and guide you through movements that increase your body’s flexibility. You’ll feel weightless, allowing your body to relax properly. It’s a beautiful moment for you and your baby to connect.
Watsu therapy for babies in breech position
Babies who are in a breech position often turn during the Watsu sessions. If your baby is in a breech position and you are between 32 and 38 weeks pregnant, you could give Watsu a try. Perhaps the movement and extra space created by the relaxation will cause your baby to turn. If this does not happen, at least you have had a wonderful experience together!
About Watsu therapy
- A Watsu session takes place in a pool with water at around 35 degrees celsius. That in itself is beneficial and relaxing! This comfortable temperature allows you to remain passive in the water for 45 minutes or more, usually without feeling cold. During the session (if the session is provided at Akasha Spa), you and I will be the only people in the pool, so you can completely relax.
- Because I am there for you at all times, supporting you throughout the session, it’s not necessary to be able to swim to enjoy a Watsu treatment.
- The word Watsu is a combination of water and shiatsu. Shiatsu is a Japanese holistic manual treatment method in which, by touching and applying pressure to specific places on the body, the flow of life energy (‘Ki’) through the meridians in the body is influenced.
- Watsu therapy combines the best of both worlds: the relaxing warmth of a hot tub with the healing power of touch.
- Are you looking for an original gift for a friend who is expecting? She will be very grateful if you surprise her with a Watsu session! A gift voucher for a Watsu session is available through Akasha Spa.
The Watsu sessions take place in Akasha Spa, in the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam. Would you like to make an appointment or would you like to receive more information first? Please contact me!
A new balance for body, mind and spirit
Shiatsu is a Japanese holistic manual treatment method in which the flow of energy (‘Ki’) through the meridians in the body is influenced by touch and by applying targeted pressure to specific places on the body. Shiatsu activates body awareness and helps to restore the life force in the body. It rebalances and stimulates the self-healing ability of the body.
A new balance for body, mind and spirit
Shiatsu is a Japanese holistic manual treatment method in which the flow of energy, (‘Ki’) through the energetic channels in the body is influenced by touch, and by applying targeted pressure to specific places on the body. Shiatsu activates body awareness and helps to restore the life force in the body. It rebalances and stimulates the self-healing ability of the body.
A different approach to pain
Shiatsu is based on the connection of body, mind and spirit. The lungs for example, do not only represent breathing, they also represent emotions, communication and relationships with others and yourself: making your voice heard. Pain can therefore originate from something other than a purely physical problem. And usually the two are connected. We’ll try finding the cause of your complaint by looking at it on a deeper level. Could there be an emotional or spiritual blockage maybe? If you are open to this approach, I can help you by creating awareness and using therapeutic touch therapy to initiate the process of healing and hopefully relieving your complaints.
Zen Shiatsu: body and mind back in balance
Zen Shiatsu is different from other styles of Shiatsu because of its emphasis on the traditional principles of Eastern medicine. During a Zen Shiatsu treatment I use movements that were especially developed for Zen Shiatsu. Zen Shiatsu therapy might help alleviate all kinds of complaints, such as:
- Pain in neck, shoulders, back and knees
- Digestive issues
- Insomnia
- Menstrual problems (including pain, PMS, PCOS)
- Menopausal symptoms
- Stress
Zen Shiatsu mainly helps to restore your physical and mental balance. You’ll become more aware of possible blockages and how to deal with them. Zen Shiatsu has a healing effect and stimulates your body to find a new balance, so stress and emotions will have less of an influence on you.
About Zen Shiatsu treatment
- Zen Shiatsu takes place in my practice. We’ll start with an intake in which we discuss any complaints, wishes and expectations you have.
- You can take a seat on the comfortable futon. There is no need to change clothes or undress. To be able to relax I do recommend wearing comfortable clothes.
- During the Zen Shiatsu session I will not talk much. Through therapeutic feeling and touching I will connect with what is going on in your life.
- A Shiatsu session lasts from an hour to an hour and a half.
- Please bring some warm clothes with you, because due to your body relaxing, you might feel cold afterwards.
- Please pay for the session using i-Deal. The payment is linked to your digital invoice.
- I observe all hygiene regulations and ask you to wash your hands with soap before we start the session. If you have any Covid-related complaints, please let me know as soon as possible (preferably via WhatsApp).
Zen Shiatsu treatments take place in my practice in The Rub Amsterdam, at Kromme Mijdrechtstraat 100 HS. Would you like to make an appointment or would you prefer to receive more information first? Please contact me!
A gorgeous, relaxing treatment for your feet that benefits your entire body.
Foot reflex therapy or ‘reflexology’ has probably been around for 5000 years, making it one of the oldest complementary health therapies in the world. Today, foot reflexology is practiced all over the world, using a modern and scientific approach. In addition to the feet, reflex zones can be found in the ear, face, hand and abdomen. But the feet are the best place to feel where the energy flows and where the balance is disturbed. And the best place to restore this balance by means of foot reflexology.
A healing, relaxing treatment for your feet that benefits your entire body
Foot reflex therapy or ‘reflexology’ has probably been around for 5000 years, making it one of the oldest complementary health therapies in the world. Today, foot reflexology is practiced all over the world, using a modern and scientific approach. In addition to the feet, reflex zones can be found in the ear, face, hand and abdomen (hara). But the feet are the best place to feel where the energy flows and where the balance is disturbed. And the best place to restore this balance by means of foot reflexology.
Foot reflexology for stress-relieve
If you have no specific physical complaints, foot reflexology can be a wonderful way to reduce stress, relax and to maintain good health. Foot reflexology massage can help you to let go of problems and anything else that is weighing heavy on you. While you enjoy the massage, endorphins are released, your racing mind slows down and you can feel the tension leaving your body. Afterwards, not only your feet, but your whole body may feel relaxed.*
*Sometimes you may experience a headache after a foot reflexology session. This is usually caused by the release of toxins. I recommend drinking plenty of water afterwards to help your body release those toxins.
Foot reflexology massage for physical wellbeing
The 7,500 nerve endings (receptors) in your feet are connected to the nervous system. Stimulation of these receptors can cause physiological changes in your body. As a reflexologist I know a lot about the relationship between the body and the corresponding zones on the feet. By applying gentle or stronger pressure to your feet, I can reach organs that can be difficult to reach otherwise, such as the liver and gallbladder. Foot reflexology can also help when you suffer from, for example, insomnia and physical complaints such as painful and tense shoulders. It sometimes feels as if your body is ‘resetting’: by treating the feet, the flow of energy to the organs and the self-healing capacity of the body is stimulated.
Foot reflexology can relieve:
- Pain
- Stress
- Difficult digestion
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Menstrual problems (irregular cycle, PMS)
- Problems with fertility
- Reproductive disorders
- Menopausal symptoms
- Migraine
- Insomnia
Foot reflexology during pregnancy
Foot reflexology is highly recommended during your pregnancy. It helps your body relax and gives your feet, which are having a hard time, the attention they deserve. By using foot reflex therapy I can also help you with specific pregnancy complaints such as swollen feet. There is no contraindication to foot reflexology during pregnancy. However, when treating a pregnant woman, I will make sure to avoid certain reflex zones or to stimulate them when the time is there. For example in order to stimulate the start of birth when needed.
About foot reflexology treatment
- Foot reflexology stimulates blood circulation, which among other things regulates the functioning of hormones, organs, antibodies and heat regulation.
- Due to the pressure applied to various points on the feet, the nerves signal the brain, which in turn produces endorphins. The release of endorphins makes you feel happy and reduces pain and stress.
- This creates a total and deep relaxation.
- The foot reflexology treatment takes about 1 hour.
- Afterwards you may feel a bit dizzy due to the process happening in your body. My advice is to not schedule too many strenuous activities for the rest of the day and to drink plenty of water to help your body get rid of any toxins.
Foot reflexology takes place in my practice in The Rub Amsterdam (at Kromme Mijdrechtstraat 100 HS) or at your home. Would you like to make an appointment or would you prefer to receive a bit more information first? Please contact me!
Warms your body and stimulates the flow of energy.
Moxa is an important part of Eastern medicine and therefore also part of the Shiatsu treatment.
The word Moxa comes from the Japanese ‘mo-kusa’ which means ‘burning herb’. The dried mugwort – a medicinal plant common in the Netherlands – is lit to heat certain areas on the body.
With a moxa treatment you direct heat energy to an acupuncture point with the aim of eliminating a shortage of Ki (life energy) by promoting blood circulation and Ki flow. The heat that flows into the body in this way gives a pleasant feeling, especially in winter.
Moxa treatment for fertility issues and menstrual complaints
Where fertility issues and menstrual complaints are concerned, there often appears to be a lack of warmth (Ki), especially in the lower back (energetic kidneys). In those cases it is nice to combine a Shiatsu session with Moxa therapy. The Moxa warms up the areas that need it and stimulates the flow of energy in those areas.
“I have sewn a torn part of my undergarments
I have changed the strings of my hat.
I have burnt moxa on my Ashi- no-san -ri (st 36)
my mind is now totally occupied with the moon over the Matsushima Islands”.
Matsuo Basho Haiko master in his diary in 1689
Moxa therapy for breech presentation during pregnancies
Moxa is also used for turning babies in breech position. Pregnant women with a breech baby can start Moxa therapy from week 32.
The Moxa treatment for breech presentation is very straightforward. If you bring your (birth) partner with you, I can teach the both of you how Moxa works, so that you can apply it at home yourselves. I will also teach you how to activate a point on the side of your foot (acupuncture point ‘bladder 67’ on the little toe) with Moxa. In the last period of pregnancy it won’t be easy for you to reach your feet, so that’s a great time to call in your partner or a friend!
Can Moxabustion really help turn breech babies?
The chance of the baby turning spontaneously is about 45%. After treatment with Moxa, this chance increases to an average of 75%.
That is 30% more, quite a big difference!
Several studies have been done on the effect of Moxa on the breech presentation. If you are interested, I can wholeheartedly recommend the blogs by Rebecca Dekker, PHD Nursing.
Would you like to make an appointment for Moxa Therapy in Amsterdam? Or would you like to learn more about how Moxa therapy could help you? Please contact me.