relax + recharge

what is it?
Relax + Recharge are relaxation massage treatments designed for those days when you’re craving a mind and body break.  Whether its from a crazy work week with deadlines, taking time for yourself to slowly recover from burn out or feeling like you need some you-time out of a busy home- we’ve got you covered.

what to expect:
Long, soothing and nurturing strokes.  Pure comfort and bliss.  These treatments are designed to get you out of your head and in touch with your body.  During your conversation with your therapist at the beginning you can discuss what you’re seeking from treatment, and what you’ve got going on.  With natural oils, relaxation music and slow and intentional massage strokes- this treatment is meant to both calm and reset in times of stress, or when you feel your body + mind needs a little extra love. You can expect anywhere from a lighter to more medium-pressured massage from this treatment.

Please read our FAQ below prior to booking.

Relax + Recharge is available in sessions of 45, 60, 75, 90 + 120 minutes.

solstice signature swedish

what is it?
Our most common & well-known version of massage. Swedish Massage can be administered as a full body treatment or on certain areas to address specific physical problems. All treatments are tailor-made based on your specific needs and complaints. You will have a short discussion when you arrive to decide what you are looking for, and what type of treatment might benefit you.

what to expect:
Long gliding strokes and different pressure based on what your body needs. Can be incredibly relaxing and physically therapeutic. You can expect anywhere from a light to more medium-pressured massage from this treatment.

 Please read our FAQ below prior to booking.

Signature Swedish Massages are available in 45, 60, 75, 90 + 120 minutes.

solstice deep work

what is it?
Deep Tissue strokes are generally administered with more pressure and work into the deeper muscle layers, fascia & connective tissue. This treatment is enjoyed by people less sensitive to pressure and looking to feel “worked” after the treatment.

what to expect:
Deep Tissue can be associated with some muscle sensitivity on the day of treatment or the following day, depending on the client. This is a normal inflammatory reaction, and will subside in the coming days. This type of treatment can be uncomfortable at times, but it shouldn’t be painful. If your goal is a super deep, sports-type massage- our studio technique might not be the right one for you. This treatment works deeper, but still has a holistic undertone. Always communicate with your therapist if you feel like the pressure is too much- feedback is always appreciated. You can expect a medium-deep pressured massage from this treatment.

Please read our FAQ below prior to booking.

Deep Work is available in sessions of 45, 60, 75 + 90 minutes.

solstice pregnancy

what is it?
For expectant mothers, with the hardest working bodies. While your body changes during pregnancy, you can experience new aches and pains. Pelvic movement, difficulty sleeping and swelling are just a few of the causes. Massage during pregnancy is a safe and non-invasive way to take care of your body during one of its most intense roles ever. Whether its for a chance to give your body a break, or to calm your mind from the stress and anxiety related to a new pregnancy – this is the one for you.

what to expect:
Absolute bliss and feeling fully supported. We use a pregnancy table with a supportive leather sling to hold the belly – this allows you to lay your face down and relax completely. With breast support and adjustable belly support, the sling can be adjusted to pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy. Many expectant mothers enjoy the treatment from the moment they arrive at the table and can enjoy lying face down again. Typically pregnancy treatments are administered to all of the pregnancy ‘pain zones’ such as the hips, around the pelvis, upper back and shoulders with a flush to the legs to improve circulation. Long, nurturing strokes will help ease you into deep relaxation, to take some of the stress off your body- as it deserves for one of it’s most challenging roles ever. 

NOTE: Pregnancy Massages are available after the 12th week of pregnancy. As with all new things pregnancy related- always consult with your physician or midwife prior to treatment to ensure massage is right for you and your body. They are the most important source of information and care for you & baby. Pregnancy massages are not recommended for women with low blood pressure.

Please read our FAQ below prior to booking.

Solstice Pregnancy sessions are available in 45 + 60 minutes.

solstice new mama

what is it?
A post-natal massage, designed specifically for the body of a new mother.  Navigating the physical and emotional changes that come alongside motherhood can be challenging- this massage was created to help you along that process. It’s a Swedish style massage, with attention to all of the painful areas new mamas crave. Whether its postural pain caused by nursing, bottle feeding or carrying baby, or just time needed away with yourself during this beautiful but hectic period in time- we are here to support your body & mind.

what to expect:
Pure bliss, comfort, rest & support. After a short conversation with your therapist- we will determine exactly what your body is experiencing post-labour. With attention paid to extra bolsters for tender breasts, pelvic pain and different positioning options- we will ensure you feel totally comfortable and taken care of. New mama’s can be anywhere from post-partum to a year after birth. This treatment is the moment for you to recharge, relax & get the moment of you-time you deserve after long days and short nights taking care of your little one.

NOTE: Post-natal massages are open to women as soon as your body feels comfortable enough to lay on your stomach & your back for the duration of treatment. A good indicator is if you’re comfortable laying at home on both sides of the body for a length of time, then you will be on the massage table as well. If you have any doubts about safety depending on your specific birth experience, check with your midwife prior to booking. With women who’ve had a cesarean, it’s important to wait minimum six weeks post-labor, for your incision to be fully healed & cleared by your medical professional before booking this treatment.

Please read our FAQ below prior to booking.

Solstice New Mama is available in sessions of 45, 60, 75, 90 + 120 minutes.

face sculpting + buccal

what is it?
This treatment is completely focused around massaging the facial, neck & head muscles. It uses specific techniques that have both therapeutic and aesthetic qualities. Our technique is a great choice for clients seeking relief from jaw issues (TMJ disorder) and has primary focus around the jaw and cheeks.  It provides a stress release that goes a step further than working the back and shoulders. It is also helpful for clients that grind/clench teeth at night, or are experiencing tension headaches due to stress & jaw tightness.

Aesthetically, this treatment improves circulation & lymph flow in the face, reduces puffiness and helps the flow of oxygen and nutrients through the skin tissue.  It provides a rosy glow, and overall refreshed complexion.

what to expect:
This unique treatment begins at the chest and shoulders, works up through the neck and into the face. All of the major muscles related to chewing and speaking are addressed with specific relaxation and lymphatic drainage techniques. To work the cheek and jaw muscles, your therapist will wear gloves and work from the inside (yes- inside) of the mouth to relax, flush, shape & refresh the face. Sounds pretty weird? You would be surprised how relieving it feels. The treatment begins with a face cleansing to remove makeup, followed by luscious natural oils to massage & nourish the facial skin.

Expect feeling completely relaxed with new found movement and flexibility in your face & jaw. Your skin will appear naturally lifted, hydrated and refreshed with increased circulation.

NOTE: With Botox injections, facial peels, microdermabrasion and eyebrow treatments (powder brows, microblading & PMU) please wait minimum one month before booking this treatment. Techniques in this treatment are safest performed on natural skin tissue & not recommended for clients using dermal fillers. Unfortunately our table is not suitable for pregnant women to lay on their back & comfortably receive this treatment. Additional information will be sent over by email.

Please read our FAQ below prior to booking.

Face Sculpting + Buccal is available as a 60 minute session and also offered as a combination treatment with a full body massage treatment.

 

massage + reiki

what is it?
Reiki (meaning: universal life force energy) is a Japanese energy healing technique in which the practitioner uses gentle hand movements with the intention to guide the flow of healthy energy through the body- to reduce stress and promote healing.  It is a gentle treatment, with either light touch on the body or hovering just above. Reiki treats emotions, energy blockages, the physical body, your mind & spirit. We practice the Usui Holy Fire Reiki method at our studio & are attuned to Level 1 and Level 2.

what to expect:
A massage style of your choice, focussed on the areas of the body where you need extra attention. It can be administered as full body or otherwise with varying pressure to suit your needs. The massage treatment relaxes you & gets you settled into the session. The last third of the session is based around the Reiki healing- with gentle energy-moving touch either directly on points of the body, or hovering slightly above.

The treatment feels like a hug from within, opening pathways and allowing energy to flow freely through the body.  Clients often feel extreme relaxation after a session, or additionally very tired. Give yourself some time after to relax and absorb the goodness of the treatment.

Please read our FAQ below prior to booking.

Massage + Reiki is available in sessions of 60 + 90 minutes.

 

lymph + flow

what is it?
Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle technique used to balance the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes are scattered throughout specific areas & act as a toxin filtration system of the body. This body system is an integral part of the immune system & plays an important role in regulating the body’s fluid balance (fights swelling) & defending against infections. Proper flow of lymphatic fluid through the body is sometimes disturbed by infection, surgery or a sedentary lifestyle- and this treatment aids in manually improving the flow. Lymph & Flow is always applied as a full body wellness treatment, with some extra attention given to areas that need it most. It is great choice for fluid retention, counteracting post-surgical swelling, fighting fatigue & to boost immune function.

At our studio, we practice the Vodder Method of MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage). Please note that Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage is a different technique, done with oil & deep body contouring principles. Traditional MLD that we practice at SOLSTICE is a gentler method- focused on overall lymphatic health & detoxification, without the use of oil. Instead gentle, rhythmic pumping motions are used throughout the body to keep the focus on lymph flow.

what to expect:
The Lymphatic Drainage technique differs greatly from other massage techniques. It is done superficially and in slow, rhythmic, pumping motions. Lymph fluid flows just under skin level, therefore a soft touch is required to pump it along. It is done on dry skin, and doesn’t require oil as other treatments do.

You will receive an email prior to treatment to inform what to wear, how to prepare & some contraindications for treatment. Client responses vary, but expect to feel gentle flowing movement within the body, minimized swelling and bloat & an overall feeling of well-being.

NOTE: This treatment is not suitable for pregnant women, as our style of Lymphatic Drainage is done lying on the back for the duration of the treatment. If you’re pregnant, please book a Pregnancy Massage instead and we will still get things flowing for you. Lymph & Flow is however a great choice for post-natal mamas. You will receive an email prior to treatment to inform what to wear, how to prepare & some contraindications for treatment. With any current medical indications of concerns prior to treatment please contact us at info@solsticebodywork.nl.

Please read our FAQ below prior to booking.

Lymph + Flow is available in sessions of 45 + 60 minutes.

 

bindweefsel massage + cupping (connective tissue treatment) – coming soon.

what is it?
Bindweefsel (Connective Tissue) is the layer of tissue found beneath the skin that surrounds and supports muscles, organs & bones. It’s made up of collagen and elastin fibers, giving it strength and flexibility. This tissue runs through the entire body and plays a vital role in keeping the skin firm, smooth & well-nourished. Stress, poor posture, lack of movement or aging can cause the connective tissue to become tight, rigid or less elastic. This can lead to reduced circulation, the buildup of waste products, tension in the body & visible skin issues like dryness, lack of glow & skin dimples (hello cellulite).

Bindweefsel Massage is a deep and effective body treatment that focuses on the connective tissue (fascia) beneath the skin. By using targeted rolling & effleurage techniques, this massage stimulates the blood flow, improves skin structure and helps release deeply stored tension & stagnation in the body.

what to expect:
At our studio we always approach massage with love & a more gentle technique, rather than beating up the tissue. However, a Bindweefsel massage can feel more intense than other treatments, especially when at the beginning your series of treatments. During the session, you may notice some sensations of discomfort- but this is often followed by a sense of warmth, relief & openness as your body releases long-term tension. Many clients report feeling lighter, grounded & deeply relaxed afterwards. Emotionally, many clients experience a sense of release or a heightened awareness of your body’s connection to your inner state. Aesthetically clients experience firmer, smoother, glowing skin as the massage helps promote better circulation, absorbtion of nutrients & supports the detoxification process.

At SOLSTICE the treatment is not just about improving the physical appearance of the skin (but it’s a great bonus). It’s more about caring for this important body tissue & keeping the body in its healthy, natural flow.

NOTE: Connective Tissue requires maintenance to keep it looking & feeling healthy. When you’re new to this type of treatment, we recommend treatments two weeks apart to begin- and then after we’ve effectively broken down the adhesions in the fascial layer you can begin maintenance treatments. For most clients seeking wellbeing benefits, a treatment planned every 4 weeks will keep your connective tissue in good condition. If you’re seeking seasonal aestethic benefits (for summer) then continuous bi-weekly treatments are required to keep the plump, glow & circulation in your skin.

Please read our FAQ below prior to booking.

Bindweefsel Massage + Cupping is available in sessions of 45, 60, 75 + 90 minutes and is split into separate treatment areas for the body.

 

Holistic massage studio in Amsterdam West with ambient lighting.