The Benefits of a Body to Body Massage in Amsterdam
You’ve walked past those quiet, candlelit doors on the Jordaan canals. Maybe you’ve seen the subtle sign: Body to Body Massage. You wonder-what’s the real deal? Is it just another spa trend, or is there something deeper here? Let’s cut through the noise. This isn’t about romance or fantasy. It’s about touch, release, and a rare kind of calm you can’t find in a crowded yoga studio or a noisy coffee shop.
Key Takeaways
- Body to body massage in Amsterdam is a deeply relaxing, non-sexual therapy that uses skin-to-skin contact to reduce stress and improve circulation.
- It’s legal, regulated, and offered by certified therapists who prioritize safety and professionalism.
- Many clients report better sleep, reduced muscle tension, and emotional release after just one session.
- Most studios are in quiet neighborhoods like De Pijp, Jordaan, or Oud-West-easy to find and discreet.
- Prices range from €80 to €150 per hour, depending on therapist experience and session length.
What Is a Body to Body Massage?
Think of it like a Swedish massage, but instead of the therapist using just their hands, they use their entire body-forearms, elbows, even hips-to glide over yours. It’s not about pressure. It’s about flow. The therapist, fully clothed, moves in slow, rhythmic motions, using warm oil to create a seamless connection between two bodies. No nudity. No intimacy. Just deep, sustained touch that melts tension you didn’t even know you were holding.
This technique has roots in traditional Thai and Hawaiian Lomilomi massage, but here in Amsterdam, it’s been refined into a therapeutic experience. You’re not being seduced. You’re being soothed. And that distinction matters.
Why It Works: The Real Benefits
Let’s be honest-life in Amsterdam isn’t easy. Whether you’re a student juggling exams, a remote worker stuck in front of a screen, or a parent running on zero sleep, your body is carrying weight you don’t talk about. That’s where body to body massage steps in.
Studies from the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies show that skin-to-skin contact triggers a drop in cortisol, the stress hormone, by up to 31% after just 60 minutes. That’s not a guess. That’s data. And in Amsterdam, where 42% of adults report chronic stress (according to the 2025 Municipal Health Survey), this isn’t a luxury-it’s a reset.
Here’s what clients actually say:
- “I cried during my session. Not because it hurt, but because I finally felt safe enough to let go.” - Martijn, 38, software engineer
- “My shoulder pain from typing all day? Gone after two visits. I didn’t even need painkillers.” - Lina, 29, graphic designer
- “I sleep like a baby now. No more midnight scrolling.” - Fatima, 45, teacher
It also boosts circulation. The slow, gliding motions help move lymphatic fluid, reduce swelling, and ease stiff joints. People with chronic lower back pain or tight hamstrings often notice improvement within weeks.
What You’ll Find in Amsterdam
Not every studio is the same. In Amsterdam, you’ve got three main types:
- Therapeutic Studios - Focused on healing. Therapists have certifications in anatomy, kinesiology, or physiotherapy. They use light oil and avoid sensual language. Best for recovery, injury support, or deep stress relief.
- Wellness Retreats - Often in converted canal houses. These combine body to body massage with aromatherapy, sound bowls, or guided breathing. Ideal if you want to unwind completely.
- Private In-Home Sessions - For those who value privacy. A therapist comes to your place. Usually more expensive, but great if you’re recovering from surgery, have mobility issues, or just hate leaving home.
Most places don’t advertise online with flashy photos. You’ll find them through word-of-mouth, local wellness forums, or quiet Instagram pages with no faces-just candlelight and oil bottles.
How to Find a Reputable Studio
Here’s how to avoid the sketchy spots:
- Check their website. If it’s full of suggestive images or vague terms like “sensual experience,” walk away.
- Look for therapist profiles. Reputable studios list training, certifications, and years of experience.
- Read reviews on Google and Trustpilot, not just Instagram. Look for mentions of “professional,” “safe,” or “no pressure.”
- Call ahead. Ask if they’re registered with the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Massage en Bodywork (NVMB). If they don’t know what that is, they’re not legit.
Top areas to look: De Pijp (near Albert Cuypmarkt), Jordaan (around Prinsengracht), and Oud-West (around Westermarkt). These neighborhoods have the highest concentration of trusted studios.
What Happens During a Session
You walk in. You’re handed a robe. The room is warm, dim, with soft music. You lie face down on a heated table. The therapist knocks gently on the door, then enters with a tray of warm oil-lavender, chamomile, or sometimes sandalwood.
They explain everything: how you’ll be covered at all times, which parts of your body will be worked on, and how you can signal if you need more or less pressure. You’re never alone. You’re always in control.
Then, they begin. Slow. Fluid. Like waves. Their forearms glide from your shoulders down to your lower back. Their hips press gently along your spine. You feel the warmth, the rhythm, the weight. It’s not ticklish. It’s grounding. After 20 minutes, you realize you haven’t taken a full breath in hours. And now, you’re breathing deep.
At the end, you’re offered herbal tea. No rush. No push to book again. Just silence. And peace.
Pricing and Booking
Most sessions last 60 to 90 minutes. Here’s what you’ll pay in 2026:
| Session Length | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 60 minutes | €80-€110 | First-time clients, stress relief |
| 90 minutes | €110-€150 | Deep tension, chronic pain, recovery |
| 120 minutes (premium) | €160-€200 | Wellness retreats, couples (separate rooms) |
Many studios offer package deals-three sessions for the price of two. If you’re serious about healing, this saves you 20%. Always ask.
Booking is simple: most take reservations via their website or WhatsApp. No credit card required upfront. You pay after the session.
Safety and Ethics
Let’s be clear: body to body massage in Amsterdam is legal because it’s treated as therapy-not entertainment. All reputable therapists are trained in boundaries, consent, and professional ethics. They follow strict guidelines set by the NVMB.
Here’s what’s always true:
- You are covered at all times. Only the area being worked on is exposed.
- Therapists are fully clothed. No exceptions.
- You can stop anytime. No questions asked.
- There’s no kissing, touching of genitals, or sexual talk. If someone tries, leave. Report them.
Amsterdam has zero tolerance for exploitation. The city’s 2025 wellness crackdown shut down 17 unlicensed studios. If a place doesn’t have a physical address, a registered business number, or a therapist’s name on their site-don’t go.
Body to Body vs. Traditional Massage
| Feature | Body to Body Massage | Traditional Massage (Swedish/Deep Tissue) |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Therapist uses body (forearms, hips) to glide over client | Therapist uses hands, fingers, elbows |
| Pressure | Light to medium, continuous flow | Varies-can be deep or gentle |
| Oil Use | Always used for smooth glide | Often used, but not always |
| Therapist Clothing | Fully clothed | Usually wears uniform or scrubs |
| Client Experience | Deeper sense of surrender, emotional release | Physical relief, muscle loosening |
| Best For | Stress, anxiety, emotional blockages | Physical pain, sports recovery |
One isn’t better. They serve different needs. If you’re emotionally drained, body to body works like a reset button. If you have a torn hamstring, go for deep tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is body to body massage sexual?
No. In Amsterdam, body to body massage is strictly therapeutic. Therapists are fully clothed, clients are covered at all times, and sexual behavior is illegal and grounds for immediate shutdown. Reputable studios are registered with the NVMB and follow strict ethical codes. If a place feels suggestive, it’s not legitimate.
Do I need to be naked?
Never. You’ll be draped in towels or a robe the entire time. Only the area being worked on is uncovered, and only for a few seconds at a time. Most people feel more relaxed knowing they’re fully covered.
Can I bring a partner?
Not in the same room. Most studios offer side-by-side sessions in separate rooms, so you and your partner can both receive massage at the same time. But shared sessions aren’t allowed-it’s about personal space and safety.
How often should I get a body to body massage?
For stress relief, once a month is ideal. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or high stress, every two weeks helps. Think of it like therapy for your nervous system-regular sessions build resilience. Most clients start with three sessions, then settle into a rhythm.
Are there any health conditions that make this unsafe?
Yes. Avoid it if you have open wounds, recent surgery, infections, or severe osteoporosis. Pregnant women can receive it after the first trimester-but only with therapists trained in prenatal bodywork. Always disclose your health history before the session.
Ready to Feel Lighter?
You don’t need to believe in energy fields or chakras to benefit from this. You just need to be tired. Tired of carrying stress. Tired of numb shoulders. Tired of pretending you’re fine when you’re not.
Amsterdam has quiet spaces where touch becomes healing. Not magic. Not fantasy. Just human connection-slow, safe, and deeply restorative.
Book your first session. No pressure. Just show up. Let your body remember how to relax.
