About Marike
Massage is the one thing that has always helped me to relax and feel more connected to myself. Years of working in high-pressure environments and being a worrier and overthinker led to personal struggles with stress and tension. While travelling, and in my hometown of Amsterdam, I experienced a wide variety of massage techniques from around the world and was able to observe their benefits to my health and overall wellbeing.
In 2014, I completed a year-long training in holistic massage at the Akademie voor Massage en Beweging in Amsterdam. Still, I was searching for the massage style that truly resonated with me. When I received my first Thai Yoga Massage, I knew I had found it. That first experience led me to study Thai Yoga Massage extensively, both in Amsterdam and in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
In 2019, I began a six-year journey of studying anatomy, physiology, and the functioning of the human body. This knowledge has profoundly enriched my way of working and deepened my therapeutic approach. Over time, my treatments have naturally evolved into a unique and intuitive form of Thai Yoga Massage – a deeply nourishing experience tailored to the needs of each individual.
I realize that this sounds like a cliché, but Thai Yoga Massage changed my life: my mental and physical health have greatly improved, I am less sick and have fewer headaches. Most importantly, I’ve come to understand that a “job” can be fun and actually bring energy and joy. I love seeing the effects of the treatments on others, and I hope to inspire you to take greater care of yourself – and your happiness.
About Thai Yoga massage
Traditional Thai Massage,” Nuad Bo Rarn”, is a complimentary healing system created at the time of the Buddha, 2500 years ago. Influenced by Indian Yoga and Chinese Acupressure, this dynamic combination of assisted yoga stretches and rhythmic stimulation of “Sen”, or energy lines, works deeply on the body and the mind. It stimulates the blood flow and metabolism, assisting the body in its natural ability for self-healing. The result is improved general health and a sense of wellbeing. Traditional Thai Massage focuses on the therapist’s intention to heal and integrates the Buddhist practices of breath awareness and loving compassion.
Thai massage is different from what we typically think of as ‘massage’ in the West in that there is no oil used, the Thai Yoga Massage therapist uses a mat on the floor and the receiver remains clothed during the treatment. What also makes Thai Yoga Massage incredibly unique, is that it is a massage in movement: the Thai Yoga Massage therapist pulls, stretches and rocks the body in order to stretch connective tissues and relieve tensions. Thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet are used to apply pressure at a rhythmic and meditative pace, creating a beautiful flow between the giver and the receiver.
Benefits of Thai Yoga massage
– Deep relaxation for body and mind
– Relaxed muscles, reduced pain and stiffness in muscles and joints
– Improved flexibility and range of motion of joints
– Improved posture and balance
– Enhanced blood and lymph circulation
– Boosted immune system
– Improved functioning of internal organs and digestion
– Reduced stress and anxiety
– Prevention of insomnia and headache