Touching feels good. Being touched feels good. That is nothing new to many people. However, there are reasons in our society that cause us to do this less and less. Fear, insecurity, or upbringing; it doesn't really matter: not everyone is touched as often as they would like. A relaxation massage is the answer to this primary need. In my practice, these are holistic massages, which means that the massage is tailored to what your body seems to need at that moment, based on how you are feeling. The holistic strokes are also somewhat slower than is generally customary, giving your body time to relax and process all the sensations..
When we do not listen to our bodies, do not relax, and too often demand too much from them, stiffness and discomfort arise. Or perhaps your body frequently suffers from something without you being able to pinpoint the exact cause. For this, a more targeted, deeper massage of the muscles and the area in question is very pleasant. This cannot remove the cause or prevent it from recurring, but it can alleviate the acute consequences you are suffering from and stimulate the body to heal. What I see frequently in my practice are back and shoulder problems resulting from sedentary occupations and stress. In the short term or for minor complaints, a relaxation massage can be helpful. However, when the complaints keep recurring or when an elusive theme emerges in your life, massage therapy becomes beneficial..
I could write entire treatises on this, ever since I discovered for myself how useful (and enjoyable) I find engaging with this. My training as a massage therapist at the Academy for Massage and Movement has given me many insights into who I am and why. Confronting at times, often uncomfortable, but – as the cliché goes – if you feel resistance to something, perhaps you need to direct your attention towards it...
Relaxation massage method
This is roughly what you can expect from a regular relaxation massage.:
- We will briefly discuss beforehand whether there are any (medical) matters I need to take into account.
- If you have specific wishes or complaints, or would like to see a theme reflected (space, security, lightness, etc.), please let me know at that moment; there is little I can change afterwards.
- Then comes a good moment to quickly use the toilet.
- I will wait behind the curtain while you undress as far as you are comfortable with.
- You lie under a sheet on the massage table, where the electric blanket can be turned on.
- The cloth is only folded back where you are being massaged. You are therefore lying (partially) under the cloth at all times.
- The order is not fixed, but is often back first and then from shoulders to feet.
- There is a chance that this sequence will not be followed exactly. And there is a reasonable guarantee that the massage will NOT be performed symmetrically 😉
- You can give further instructions or ask for something extra at any time; I can make adjustments during the massage, but unfortunately, that is not possible afterwards.
- I will gently signal the end of the massage, for example by saying so while briefly touching your shoulder. You can then remain lying quietly for as long as necessary – perhaps even wrapped up extra.
- If you feel well, you can gently start moving again, and a glass of water will be ready for you.
Massage therapy method
The format of a therapy session depends heavily on the theme or wish you bring up. Depending on how far we have progressed or what issues arise, this could involve a conversation (about what you feel in your body) with movement techniques on the mat or on the table (clothed), or conversational and movement techniques combined with a massage..
Sometimes, one session can be enough to gain insight into what you need to do. Sometimes, multiple sessions are necessary. And some people will have already seen several therapists before insight blossoms. And this latter point may also mean that I have been one of those therapists – in other words, sometimes my help does not come at the right time for you, or I am not able to help you further at that moment. In such a case, I will discuss this with you and think along with you about a follow-up..