Terms and Conditions

The services of Michalis Massage and Sound Healing, both on this website and during massage treatments, are intended solely for relaxation, stress reduction, and general wellbeing. They are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any health concerns, always consult a qualified medical professional before booking a treatment.

I do not make medical diagnoses or prescribe treatments. Where necessary, I will refer you to a doctor. I use a variety of massage techniques, including pressure, stretching, kneading, and electronic tools, but I do not perform manipulations as manual therapists, physiotherapists, or chiropractors do. My services are complementary to, and not a replacement for, professional healthcare.

It is your own responsibility to tell me, before every treatment, about all relevant health complaints, injuries, allergies, medication and ongoing medical treatment. The sooner I know what is going on, the better I can tailor the treatment to it: I adjust pressure, position, techniques and the areas I work on. Almost everything is workable as long as I know about it.

If you do not tell me, this may have adverse consequences. I am not liable for problems arising from health information that was not disclosed, not disclosed in time, or not disclosed in full. Clients remain responsible for their own health and wellbeing during and after the treatment.

Massage is non-invasive, relaxing and safe for most people. Whether you can be massaged depends on the level of the contra-indication. There are four, and that difference determines exactly what is and is not possible.

1. No contra-indication: massage can go ahead as normal

Nothing stands in the way of a treatment.

Osteoarthritis · Pelvic floor complaints and diastasis · Work-related overuse · Breastfeeding · Burnout and chronic stress · Fibromyalgia · Heel spur · HSP, ADHD and autism · Jaw tension and teeth grinding · Lower back pain · ME/CFS and long covid · Stomach and bowel complaints · Miscarriage and pregnancy loss · Neck pain and a stiff neck · Overworked muscles from sport · Menopause symptoms · Postpartum · Rheumatoid arthritis in remission · RSI and CANS · Scoliosis · Sleep problems and restless legs · Tension headache · Muscle soreness after training · Work-stress shoulders

2. Relative contra-indication: massage is possible, with adjustments

I will treat you, but adapt pressure, position, duration or technique.

Facial paralysis · Anxiety and panic · Asthma and COPD · Pelvic instability · Trapped nerve · Blood thinners · Carpal tunnel syndrome · Depression · Diabetes · Dizziness · Intermittent claudication · Frozen shoulder · Swollen lymph node · Herniated disc · High or low blood pressure · Hypermobility and EDS · Sciatica · IVF treatment · Cancer and aftercare · Caesarean section · Knee complaints · Groin injury · Lipoedema · Runner's knee · Lymphoedema · Menstruation, PMS and endometriosis · MS, Parkinson's, epilepsy, stroke · Kidney problems and dialysis · Nut allergy · Oedema · Oil allergy · Osteoporosis · Tendon irritation · Psoriasis in remission · Raynaud's · Thyroid complaints · Shin splints · Varicose veins · Lumbago · Strong painkillers · Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow · Tinnitus · Trauma and PTSD · Ankylosing spondylitis · Pregnancy

3. Local contra-indication: massage is possible, but not on that spot

I treat the rest of your body as normal and simply leave the affected area alone.

Acne, rosacea and folliculitis · Bursitis · Eczema · Sprained ankle · Gout · A lump or pain whose cause isn't known · Cold sore · Hives · An open wound or bruise · A local inflammation or inflamed joint · Recent fracture · A muscle tear or strain · Fresh tattoo, 4 to 6 weeks · Fresh piercing, until it has closed · Fresh scar · Athlete's foot and nail fungus · Molluscum contagiosum · Warts · Sunburn

4. General contra-indication: no massage

Here I cannot work safely and the treatment does not go ahead. We move your appointment.

Acute injury, the first few days · Acute psychosis · An acute situation that needs a doctor first · Phlebitis · Shingles · Heart condition, untreated or unstable · Concussion · A skin complaint of unknown cause · Fever, flu or covid · Impetigo · Lice · A migraine or cluster attack · A mole that is changing, growing, itching or bleeding · Under the influence of alcohol or drugs · An infected tattoo or piercing · Recent surgery · Ringworm · High-risk pregnancy without approval · Scabies · Strong painkillers that leave you drowsy or dizzy · Thrombosis or suspected thrombosis · Whiplash, the first few days · Erysipelas and cellulitis · A torn calf muscle, the first two weeks

Does a contra-indication mean a treatment is never possible? In most cases it does not. For many conditions massage is actually therapeutic, as long as we adapt it.

Let me know when you book and I will tailor everything to you. Not sure whether your complaint falls under one of these, or is it not listed? Get in touch before you book, or at the latest before you come.

Every treatment includes time for intake and grounding. If you arrive late, your treatment may be shorter. Treatments begin and end at the scheduled time, out of respect for other clients.

Your comfort and boundaries come first. You are encouraged to speak up about any discomfort straight away, and your privacy is respected throughout the treatment.

Clients are draped with towels or sheets throughout the treatment. Only the area being worked on is uncovered. Breasts and genitals are never exposed or massaged.

Before each treatment we discuss a treatment plan together. You can withdraw your consent at any time. Feedback is always welcome to help improve your experience.

Clients should arrive clean, freshly showered, and sober. A private shower is available before or after the massage for an additional fee, which must be booked in advance through the online booking system. If the shower has not been pre-booked and is requested on the day, the additional fee will be charged on location. If noticeable body odour or poor hygiene is present, I reserve the right to pause or end the treatment, or to ask the client to shower first. Any time spent showering will be deducted from the total treatment time. The shower is meant for freshening up, not for a lengthy wash. Please keep it brief: the bathroom needs to stay dry and usable for the next client.

Please avoid wearing make-up or strong perfumes, as these can affect the quality of the treatment and may cause allergic reactions.

Drink plenty of water after your treatment and avoid caffeine. Mild muscle soreness is possible and can be eased with rest, stretching, and magnesium (supplements or a bath).

Only high-quality, natural, organic products are used. Options include almond oil, coconut oil, CBD blends, and custom formulations. Hypoallergenic alternatives are available on request.

Clients can choose from a range of enhancements (for example aromatherapy, TDP lamp, magnesium, percussion therapy, CBD oil, custom oil blend, PEMF, Red Light Therapy, and more). These must be booked in advance. Not all enhancements are available for clothed treatments.

If you sign up for the newsletter, you receive two free enhancements with your next treatment. You choose from the TDP or moxa lamp, percussion therapy (Rapid Tension Release, with the theragun or the buffer) and cupping. PEMF, Red Light Therapy, aromatherapy, kinesiology and sports taping and the extended savasana fall outside this welcome offer. You can book those separately.

New clients are required to pay for their first treatment in advance online. A booking is only confirmed once full payment has been received. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to complete the intake form and discuss your preferences. An extended intake may reduce treatment time unless it has been booked as an enhancement.

Your appointment is time I reserve especially for you. The following terms therefore apply.

• Up to 72 hours before the appointment: cancel free of charge.
• Up to 48 hours before the appointment: reschedule free of charge.
• Cancelling or rescheduling after that, or not turning up: the full rate is charged.

Illness and contra-indications

Do you fall ill, or are you unsure whether you can come? Let me know before you come, even on the morning itself. I will then reschedule the appointment free of charge, regardless of the terms above.

If you turn up without saying anything with a cold, a fever or another general contra-indication, the treatment does not go ahead and the appointment is charged in full.

Arriving late

If you arrive late, that comes off your treatment time: the reserved time is still charged.

Sending someone else

If you are unexpectedly unable to come, you may send a friend or family member in your place. A lovely way to surprise someone and to make use of the reserved time.

In the event of repeated late cancellations or no-shows, I may refuse future bookings.

Prices are listed transparently on the website and may be updated without prior notice. Evening, weekend, and public holiday appointments are subject to dynamic pricing and surcharges.

You do not need to work those surcharges out yourself: they are already included in the booking tool. It links the correct price to the day and time you choose, so the amount you see when you book is the amount you pay.

Generous opening hours, two rates:

• Weekdays during the day (10:00 to 17:00): standard price
• Weekday evenings and weekends (all day): +25%

The surcharge applies to the treatments themselves, not to the add-ons. Those keep the same price at any time.

This surcharge is also already included in the booking tool: it links the correct price to the day and time you choose.

• Online: iDEAL, WERO, Visa, Mastercard (via Mollie)
• On location: cash, payment request, debit or credit card (+2.5% surcharge)
• Gift vouchers

• Treatments, packages, and gift vouchers are non-refundable
• Packages can be shared within one household, but cannot be combined with other discounts
• Credits are non-transferable and expire after one year

Pre-paid treatment packages offer discounted rates and can be shared with friends or family. Out-of-hours surcharges still apply. Packages cannot be combined with other promotions. Packages are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and must be used within that period. Expired credits or unused treatments are non-refundable. Validity is clearly stated at the time of purchase and on the accompanying documentation.

Gift vouchers are non-refundable, cannot be exchanged for cash, and must be presented at the time of booking. They can be transferred to another recipient, but this requires manual booking directly with me. Gift vouchers are valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.

Have you been given a gift voucher? Please do not book online yourself, but get in touch with me to reserve your appointment. I will then link the voucher to your booking and keep the time free for you.

If you refer a new client, they receive an add-on worth €15 as a gift on their first treatment. You earn an add-on too, for each new client you refer: three new clients therefore means three add-ons on your next treatment.

If you refer a lot of people, you can opt for €15 credit per person instead. With ten people you have earned two hours of massage, worth €150.

Conditions:

• The referred client must have booked and had a treatment.
• The booking must be made directly with me, not through platforms such as Treatwell.
• You book your own follow-up treatment within 90 days.

Massage at home, at the office, or at a hotel is available by arrangement. These appointments cannot be booked online. A travel surcharge applies. Get in touch for a personalised quote.

I only come to homes that are free of pets and smoke. Please tell me when you enquire whether that is the case, so there are no surprises.

All client information, including medical history, intake forms, and treatment notes, is strictly confidential and stored securely. Information is never shared without written consent, unless required by law.

How I handle your data, on what legal basis, how long I keep it and what rights you have is set out in my privacy policy.

All treatments are carried out with the highest level of care, skill, and professional integrity. By booking and attending a treatment, however, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. I am not liable for physical, psychological, or emotional injury, discomfort, or side effects that may occur during or after a treatment, particularly where these arise from undisclosed medical conditions, contraindications, or failure to follow aftercare advice.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Injury from sudden movements, such as falling from the massage table due to deep relaxation, epileptic episodes, or spontaneous energetic discharges (for example Kundalini reactions)
• Accidents within the premises, such as slipping, tripping, or falling in the massage room, hallway, toilet, staircase, or shower, before, during, or after the treatment
• Reactions to oils or products where sensitivities were not disclosed in advance

Clients are responsible for disclosing medical conditions in advance and for taking care when entering or leaving the space.

After a treatment, particularly following deeper pressure, sound healing, energetic techniques, or a longer duration, you may feel temporarily disoriented, experience emotional shifts, or be in an altered state of awareness. Please take enough time to ground yourself and come back before driving a vehicle or undertaking any activity that requires your full attention.

After oil massages, your feet or skin may be slippery. Step off the table carefully and use the towels or shower provided to prevent slipping.

All services are explicitly non-sexual. Inappropriate language, gestures, or advances will result in the immediate termination of the treatment, with the full treatment fee charged. Future bookings may be refused and, where necessary, reported to the relevant authorities.

All physical responses are natural, including falling asleep, emotional release, or flatulence. Feel free to share any comfort concerns. This is a judgement-free space.

The studio in Ede is on the 2nd floor and is not wheelchair accessible. Mobile massage at your home or another location is available on request.

This website may contain external links for reference purposes. I am not responsible for the content, availability, or privacy policies of external websites.

All text, images, graphic elements, and branding on this website are my intellectual property. Reproduction or use without express written permission is prohibited.

I regularly give massage workshops and classes. These educational experiences are intended solely for personal development and wellbeing. Participation is voluntary, and by taking part you acknowledge that you are responsible for how you apply the techniques learned. I am not liable for injury, misuse, or unwanted effects arising from incorrect application of the methods taught during these treatments. If you intend to apply massage to others beyond personal use, please seek appropriate training, certification, or professional guidance.

Corporate massage services are available to support employee wellbeing and productivity. These treatments are focused on relaxation and are not a substitute for medical treatment. I am not liable for conditions or incidents arising from participation. The client or employer is responsible for ensuring that participants are medically suitable for massage.

In some cases I collaborate with or engage other professional bodyworkers. While I only work with qualified and ethically practising practitioners, I am not responsible for the conduct, performance, or outcomes of treatments carried out by third parties.

These practitioners work at their own expense and risk and are themselves responsible for their insurance, including their professional indemnity and liability insurance. My own insurance does not cover their work.

Massage for clients under 18 requires written consent from a parent or legal guardian. A guardian may be present during the treatment if the client wishes or the therapist considers it appropriate.

I reserve the right to refuse or end a treatment at any time if it is unsafe, inappropriate, or outside my scope of practice or comfort. This applies in any case when:

• There is a general contra-indication.
• You have a contagious condition, such as a cold, flu, fever or a contagious skin condition.
• A complaint is unclear and massage could make it worse.
• It only emerges during the treatment that something was withheld that prevents me from working safely.
• There is a risk to me or to the clients coming in after you.

In these cases the reserved time is charged.

I am not liable for any failure to deliver services due to circumstances beyond my reasonable control, including natural disasters, accidents, strikes, pandemics, or government measures.

I reserve the right to amend or update these terms at any time without prior notice. Clients are encouraged to review these terms regularly.

The massages offered are not covered by Dutch health insurance.

Sound healing and other energetic treatments can sometimes bring up profound emotional or spiritual experiences, including sensations of energy flow, emotional catharsis, or spontaneous energetic awakenings such as a Kundalini experience.

While these responses can be deeply healing for some, they can also be intense and unpredictable. By participating you acknowledge that you are voluntarily engaging in energy work and that such experiences are part of your personal journey. I do not offer psychological or spiritual counselling and am not liable for after-effects, interpretations, or consequences of energetic discharges during or after the treatment.

A positive outcome is created through collaboration between therapist and client. Both contribute to bringing about the change you are looking for.