Esalen Massage in Amsterdam

 

Receive this slow,

tai-chi-like

diagonal,

integrative

paradise massage

 

 

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This is in English. Click for an Dutch version, Version Française.

 

 

October 2014: "Namaste Kees, It was a wonderful meeting and learning from you. Bruce says it was also a pleasure watching you and seeing how your techniques and spirit make such a difference. I was in quite a lovely energy space when I left. I found myself smiling as I used to do years ago when I left yoga classes with my wonderful teacher who left for another life adventure when cancer overtook his body. We both very much look forward to the next time we meet again. Stay safe always,
Shanti,
Mireille and Bruce"

 

 

Below a short example of Back and Buttock massage, January, 2013.

 

Esalen Massage

Esalen is "deeper, richer, more enduring", a massage approach developed in the hippie years around 1968-1970 in the country estate Esalen near the coastal town of Big Sur, California, USA.

It was applied to those American Vietnam Veterans who returned from the war in Vietnam and had suffered from 'shell shock'. This 'shell shock' caused these men to loose contact with themselves and their bodies.

Esalen massage integrates the body and allows the client to experience the body tapestry, the natural unity of verious body parts (foot, leg, buttock, back, shoulder, arm, forearm, hands) all interconnected in a total unity.

This technique feels like 'slow food", with "long, slow, t'ai chi-like strokes".

I believe that touch is a great gift between human beings. Massage works by means of the quiet, healing power of human touch. Touch forms the most direct contact without words between one person and the next - and it influences the well being not only of the skin itself, but of the entire person. Massage has miraculous healing powers.

Read dozens of client evaluations on esalen massage.

The one who receives massage and the one who gives massage are not just concerned with a small part of the anatomy, just an arm or a leg or a back, but they bring with them their totality as a human being. During the massage, both the one who gives and the one who receives, stand at the outer limit of the skin - the most sensitive and largest human organ - and thus at the outer limit of the physical self. At its very best, the massage session forms a platform of bliss in a world sometimes full of stress and pressure. Massage is living in quality time. The release of energies and endorphins will make you feel good for a long time. Come discover this for yourself.

Photos: Jeroen Leclercq, www.hollandfoto.com.

 

Being Quiet and Trusting

Giving and receiving massage takes place in inner calmness and concentration on the basis of serenity and trust.

The massage which I give is slow ; it is called 'holistic' or 'intuitive'. It is applied with two full hands on the partner, and is aimed at relaxation and in the best of cases it may trigger - in the one who receives - an inner sensation of flow, peace, serenity and bliss. It is quite allright to enjoy and the human mind may soar as well. My motivation is in the pleasure of giving and receiving.

 

Structure of a Session

The core idea of Esalen is making a body connection by way of a continuous and repeated movement, cross-wise, between foot, leg, torso, and the elbow. In a face up position the elbows are pointing upwards beside the head. As I am quite tall I am able to perform this continuous movement without making an intermediate step.

Initially the body is fully covered with a cloth made out of the finest French linen. After the pulsing session which lasts a few minutes I will uncover one body part at the time. I have learned to massage these body parts: in a table massage the head, neck, shoulders, back and the sides, arms and hands ; upper chest ; ribs, stomach, buttocks (if you wish), legs and last but not least, both feet.

I also enjoy doing pulsing and stretching. It is also possible to perform a quiet dance in which the person who receives massage fully accepts the limb movements and relaxation.

Within a session of a good hour a choice is made of the body parts mentioned above; this selection is geared both towards the situation and the needs of the one who gives and receives. Before starting I do appreciate a short talk and perhaps some loosening the muscles and grounding the body.

At the end of the session various parts of the body have been touched with energy and care; regaining the sense of unity of the body is reached by the repeated feathery light trace on the whole body of 'energizing finishing strokes'

Thus whole session takes just over an hour.

I enjoy exchanging - but can also give massages. A handicap is no objection. Yet I will not treat serious medical conditions as I am not a licensed physiotherapist.

I do speak Dutch, English, German and also some French and Italian and I have studied at the Amsterdam Free University (Vrije Universiteit)

Lichaam & Ziel [Body & Soul] is my company name; I can receive you at my home or visit you in the Amsterdam area; my professional massage table can be moved by car.

 

 

 

For prices please call or email me.

A client bringing in a new customer gets a one time E 10,- rebate.

Cool Philosophy inspired by Wilhelm Reich

Priscilla Kapel: 'The Body Says Yes : Muscle Testing Tunes into your Body's Needs' 1981.

"The human body has been cherished since time immemorial...

 

 

Read a client report.

Give a massage gift certificate

Go to the Dutch version.

Update May 2016

 

 

  

Reaction, questions?

Center for Applied Massage Art -Kees Kaldenbach, kalden@xs4all.nl. Haarlemmermeerstraat 83 hs, 1058 JS Amsterdam (near Surinameplein, ring road exit s106, tram 1 and 17). Telephone 020 669 8119; cell phone 06 - 2868 9775. Open seven days a week.

I give this massage at various addresses: at my home address (see above), or at your own home or at your hotel.

Masseur Kees Kaldenbach is collaborating with a number of masseurs and masseuses in Amsterdam. He is also active as a masseur in the finest and most luxurious hotels.

Lichaam & Ziel [Body & Soul] is registered at the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce

See Akademie voor Massage en Beweging www.akademie.nl.

 

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Psychological Bulletin, January 2004 highlights

MASSAGE THERAPIY AGAINST DEPRESSION

Psychologists at Illinois University have researched effectiveness of massage therapy. A series of visits to the masseur may reduce depression, anxiety and pain. Even single visits may help alleviating anxiety and pain and may reduce hypertension and a high heart rate.

Psychological Bulletin, January 2004