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Massage practice for holistic massage

If you find yourself in Amsterdam feeling stressed or tired, maybe with vague back or neck problems, low energy levels or just in the mood for a nice relaxation massage, then you might like to consider a treatment with me at Central Massage in the middle of Amsterdam city centre. It’s just a few minutes by foot from either Dam square or Central Station. Massage relaxes and refreshes. It helps you to feel more energetic whilst creating and stimulating the balance between body and mind.

Holistic approach

In my massages I have an ‘holistic’ approach. It’s about the whole person, not only the muscles. Body and mind cannot be seen separately. Massage can give you new energy, relaxation and a rebalanced feeling, on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.

Relaxation massage

Through a combination of different massage and movement techniques, I give you a great session during which you’re invited to let go and relax. These different techniques are Esalen massage, holistic pulsing, joint movement, stretching and deep tissue massage. I work with oil on the skin. This is a nice massage if you’re looking for relaxation, a little retreat from hectic day to day life. At the end of the massage you’ll feel refreshed and relaxed.

Thai Massage

When muscles are either tense or under used, they tend to get shorter. Tensed up muscles can cause physical complaints and a lack of energy. Through Thai massage one works in an active way to increase the overall energy level and to lengthen muscles. Thai massage works in a physical way, but also focuses on the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of your ‘being’. It’s an holistic approach. You lay down in easy fitting clothes on a massage mat. With my feet, palms of my hands, thumbs, elbows & knees I give deep pressure on the energy (SEN)-lines of your body. Already after a few times you can feel your energy level increasing and your body starts feeling more relaxed.

Deep Tissue Massage

This type of massage is focusing on muscle tension existing on a ‘deeper level’. In combination with breath and movement techniques I work effectively on specific muscles or groups of muscles. The goal is to give release to muscles and fascia. Because of the softening up of muscle tissue a feeling of relaxation evolves which can last for a long while after receiving the massage. This kind of massage is suitable if you’re used to getting massages and prefer to receive a bit more ‘thorough’ massage which has a deep and long lasting effect.

Holistic pulsing

Holistic pulsing is a very effective technique to get into a state of deep relaxation. You lay on the massage couch in easy fitting clothes. I bring you into a slow cradling and pulsating flow. This is not only very pleasant, it’s also a technique that has a deep effect and lifts physical and energetic blocks in an almost unnoticeable way. This technique leads to a deep state of relaxation and more body awareness. This feeling can last for quite some time after the massage is finished. I use this type of massage in combination with joint movement and stretching techniques. This massage is very suitable if you prefer a very soft approach of massaging.

Treatment
The treatment as a whole consists of a short introduction of both you and me. The massage lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Afterwards there's a chance to chat about anything you would like to know.

The introduction part of the treatment is purely to establish any medical history which may be of relevance or if there are any specific areas I should be concentrating on.

The massage will take place on a massage couch or mat with music, scent & warmth all used to create the right atmosphere in which you can switch off. I also use various oils to help stimulate the blood flow and to soften the skin leaving it feeling fresh and subtle.

Who am I?
My name is Louis van den Berghe. I'm a holistic masseur. I have been following a 4 year eduction in massage and movement at the Acadamy of Massage in Amsterdam from 2005 till 2009.

I studied human geography and economics before embarking upon a fifteen year career in the financial administrative sector. It became apparent to me that I had to learn how to relax. That's what I did when I enrolled at the Acadamy and now it's what I want to do for others.

Massage is an important tool for me and it has very quickly become a part of my daily life since I decided to focus on giving massage therapy.

Location
I have my massage practice at home which is in the very heart of Amsterdam. The Wijde Kerksteeg is right next to the Old Church and two minutes walk from both Central station and Dam square. Hence the name Central Massage!

The treatments take place in a quiet and tranquil room which is warm and comfortable. Once inside, the buzz of city life ceases and you will feel yourself relaxing and able to enjoy the treatment.