Acupressure - What is it?

Acupressure is based on Ancient Chinese Medicine and utilizes the same twelve organ meridians, or energy lines, which are used in Acupuncture. The points are pressed, rubbed or held with the power and sensitivity of the fingers (no needles). Specific points on the meridians are used to release pain and tension, thus bringing the body's energy into balance and harmony.

Acupressure can be helpful for: tension, stress, fatigue, circulation, pain, injuries, relaxation and for general good health. Points can also be learned for self-treatment.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu, which means "finger pressure" in Japanese, is traditionally done on a mat on the floor and utilizes the breath as the hands, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet are used to stimulate the pressure points. Shiatsu can also be done on the massage table with less invasive techniques and is the method used in this studio.

Jin Shin
Jin Shin is a meditative technique that uses two pressure points simultaneously to help open blocked areas on the body, e.g. above and below the problem area, thus opening the meridian to release the blockage.

Reflexology
The feet are maps of the entire body. Using the points located on the feet, the entire body can be accessed to balance energy.

*Shiatsu, Jin Shin and Reflexology are all forms of Acupressure.
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Services/Treatments:

BODY

General description of treatments: Acupressure techniques such as Shiatsu, Jin Shin and Reflexology are combined with traditional massage to relieve tension and stress in the body. Oil is used in combination with the acupressure points to bring the body's energy into balance. Reiki, crystals, meditation Creative Visualization and Art Therapy techniques may also be used. Essential oils are custom blended for each session.

Full Body Massage
Enjoy a full body treatment from head to toe. Choose from a Relaxing, Stress Relief or Energizing massage.

Neck & Shoulder Release
Do you have the weight of the world on your shoulders? Excellent for stiff neck and shoulders, as well as lower back pain. Focus is on relief of stress, worry, fatigue and frustration. *Excellent in combination with Emotional Release & Balancing. See "Spirit" below.

Focused Massage
A one hour custom massage based on your special needs.

Pregnancy Massage 12-40 weeks
Relieve your achy back and swollen feet and receive the attention that you deserve during this special time. Baby also benefits. Treat yourself while you can. *May also be done w/Emotional Release & Balancing.

Post Partum Massage
You did it! Now after sleepless nights and giving all of yourself to the little one, indulge yourself with a healing massage. Reiki and very gentle massage techniques are used to help you recover. Get away and take a nap. *May also be done w/Emotional Release & Balancing.

MIND

Consultations/Counseling
Consultations and Counseling are offered as part of your session or on their own. A holistic spiritual approach is offered to guide you on your path. Lifestyle changes which focus on transforming patterns and problems are reviewed and discussed. Various types of alternative medicine, as well as traditional mediciine, are considered as options for your healing process. *No professional medical care is offered in the studio and any advice or suggestion is taken at your own risk. Please consult your physician/psychologist as necessary.

Art Therapy
Art Therapy is based on the theory that the creative process of making art is healing and life-enhancing. Creation of art and reflection on the finished piece can lead to a path of self-awareness and discovery by allowing you to "see" within. Session begins with a short discussion, followed by guided art making and concluded with another discussion based on the art piece. All materials are provided. No experience necessary.

SPIRIT (Specialty Work)

FULL SESSION - Full Body Massage w/Emotional Release & Balancing plus Consultation/Counseling

Addressing Body, Mind and Spirit at once, this complete and rejuvenating treatment focuses on the possible emotional, mental & spiritual causes of pain and tension in the body. How does it work? The body is an archive for our thoughts, emotions and mental activity. Moving, releasing and balancing stuck energy that may be lodged in the mind or body can transform old patterns, thoughts and behavior and help bring the spirit into a more vital and harmonious state of being. The session begins with a 30-60 minute consultation or counseling. This is followed by energy work utilizing any or all techniques required for approximately 30-45 minutes. The session is then concluded with a relaxing Full Body Massage, or as much of the body as possible in the time that is left. Each session is unique and customized to your special circumstances. Healing takes place on all levels. Let go of your past and live more consciously in the present in a more balanced state of harmony. *Most popular treatment.

Full Body Massage w/Emotional Release & Balancing
This is a great intermediate treatment or as a follow up treatment after a Full Session to continue your healing process. It is more than a Full Body Massage as it incudes the energy work, but less than the Full Session as it does not include a Consultation or Counseling.

Neck & Shoulder w/Emotional Release & Balancing
The neck is the area between the heart and the mind, thus a busy processing center for thoughts and emotions. As well as a good, hearty massage, focus is on releasing and balancing mental and emotional blockages that may be the true cause of your pain.

Emotional Release & Balancing
Unhappy? Depressed? Frustrated? Worried? Not sure? Pain and tension are often caused by more than just stress and fatigue. Focus is on releasing and balancing stuck energy thereby transforming old patterns, thoughts and behaviors. Learn how to Let Go.

*All Emotional Release sessions require an initial consultation of at least 30 minutes for first time appointments.

Reiki
Hands are placed on or above the body using Light energy to heal. Focus is meditative and taps into your higher consciousness for pure healing. *Reiki is used in all treatments.

Chakra Balancing
Beginning with a guided meditation and utilizing crystals, energy is channeled to the 7 chakras in the body to help clear blockages and open the Spirit. Focus is on pure healing.

Creative Visualization
Are you tapping into your full creative potential? Create the life that you want with Creative Visualization. By conscientiously using imagery, positive affirmations and meditation you can make your dreams come true. Journaling, collage and painting can further help you to visualize your ideal and manifest your dreams. *This technique is often used during the Emotional Release & Balancing sessions but can be combined well with an Art Therapy session or any other session.

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Sessions

What to expect from your session:
Acupressure techniques such as Jin Shin, Shiatsu and Reflexology are combined with traditional massage to relieve tension and stress in the body. Oil is used in combination with the acupressure points to open the meridians and encourage energy flow. Choose from a Relaxing, Stress Relief, Energizing or Emotional Release & Balancing massage. Sessions include: hot water pack, aromatherapy, aura cleansing and herbal tea.

*Read the Expatica.com article online: "Massage Therapy the Road to Freedom"

Before your session:
Please shower before your session and, if necessary, eat lightly one hour prior avoiding any stimulants such as coffee, alcohol or drugs. Please come to your session clear about the issue(s) that you would like to focus on and be open to the unexpected. Have any questions ready for the consultation/counseling. Wear comfortable clothing and remove all jewelry. Arrive on time and please reschedule/cancel appointments at least 24-48 hours in advance. (100% of total fee charged for same day cancellations or for "No Show" at time of appointment.) *Please allow additional time for your first session.

After your session:
Emotional Release & Balancing sessions are more intensive than regular sessions. Allow 2-3 days after your session to process possible physical, emotional, mental or spiritual developments. Insights and revelations can further develop over the following weeks and months. It is essential to drink at least 1-2 litres of water a day for 2-3 days after your session. Be gentle with yourself, eat healthily and participate in nurturing activities such as warm baths, sauna, spa treatments, long walks, swimming, yoga, meditation and other relaxing pastimes. You may want to paint or keep a journal of your experiences or indulge in any other creative outlet which will help you to further express yourself. Avoid television, radio and any other static electricity. Rest for 8-10 hours after your treatment.
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Who is your masseuse?

Teresa Dalia Mancha Hulst
Massage Therapist
Art Therapist/Artist

Teresa is of Mexican and Native American Indian heritage. She grew up in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area where her mother, who is a nurse, nutritionist and healer, fostered her lifelong interest in metaphysics, healing, health and nutrition. She is familiar with the stress of office and studio work after having worked extensively in accounting and adminstration, photography, the games and internet industry, and finally as a web designer. After an auto accident left her with a severe whiplash, she learned how to manage neck and back pain for over ten years. This event transformed her life and led her on a journey of self-discovery and awakening. Through her own process of Emotional Release & Balancing she finally succeeded in becoming painfree and has now made it the basis of her work in helping others.

Teresa earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (HBO) in Film and Photography at the San Francisco Art Institute, California. She studied Acupressure and Chinese Medicine at the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California and also completed her Master's degree (post-HBO) in Art Therapy and Expressive Psychotherapy at the Instituut voor Creatieve Therapie en Expressieve Psychotherapie in Amersfoort, The Netherlands.

Teresa speaks English, Spanish and Dutch.
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Location & Information:

Acupressure Massage Therapy
Private Studio
Van Tuyll van Serooskerkenweg 75hs
Oud Zuid, 1076 JG Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Tel: +31 20 778 1732
Email: teresa@acupressure.nl

Bank: ABN AMRO 55 08 77 770

HOURS: Tues*/Thurs 12-18:00, Wed/Fri 14-20:00, Sat 10-14:00
*Consultations/Counselings only.

Appointments: The best way to make an appointment is via email. Please include your preferred treatment and appointment time in your message. Book well in advance. Waiting list is also available.

Please reschedule/cancel appointments at least 24-48 hours in advance. 100% of total fee is charged for same day cancellations or for "No Show" at time of appointment.

Payment: Please bring the correct amount of cash for your treatment. No pin or credit card is available. Payment may be made to the bank account above but must be received at least 24 hours prior to appointment time.

Telephone consultations and counseling also require payment to be received at least 24 hours prior to appointment time.

Newsletter: Send an email to request the newsletter. Newsletter topics are generally geared to help you on your path.

How to get there: Tram 24 or 16 to "Stadionplein" at Olympic Stadium. Parallel to Stadionweg at Jasonstraat. The nearest train station is the World Trade Center (WTC). Via auto, exit: S108 from the Ring (A10).

Parking: There is plenty of parking available. Cost is 2.00 Euro per hour 9:00-19:00 Mon-Sat. Free parking after 19:00 and all day Sunday.

© Acupressure Massage Therapy 2005