You’ve heard of deep-tissue massages and hot stone therapy, but how about a feather to the neck and nails on your back—for fifty whole minutes? Amsterdam’s latest wellness trend isn’t about pressure, it’s about tingles. And yes—it’s exactly as strange, soothing, and addictive as it sounds. Welcome to tickle therapy.
The Salon Where You Pay to Be Tickled
Tucked away on the IJsbaanpad in Amsterdam-Zuid, Tingle Therapy is the kind of place that makes you smile before you’ve even walked in. Zanna den Otter, a lifelong lover of being tickled, has turned her childhood dream into a wildly unique experience. “When I was little, I used to say, ‘One day I’ll hire someone to tickle me whenever I want.’ Now I am that person—for others.” Using everything from her nails to peacock feathers and soft brushes, Zanna offers clients two treatments: upper body or full-body (including legs), each lasting a blissful 50 minutes.
From Curiosity to Cult Status
What started as a quirky side project on Tuesday nights at a temporary spot in Rozengracht quickly turned into a full-time gig. Since moving into her permanent space in February, Zanna now tickles up to nine people a day. And yes, business is booming—thanks in no small part to TikTok, where the soothing, ASMR-like experience has captivated viewers. “A lot of people haven’t felt this kind of gentle touch in years,” Zanna says. “Some even get emotional during the treatment.”
Tickled Pink and Loving It
Whether you’re a seasoned ASMR addict or just looking for a new way to unwind, Tickle Therapy taps into something surprisingly profound. It’s intimate, playful, and—if Zanna has her way—the beginning of a whole new approach to wellness. As for her own need to be tickled? Zanna still gets her dose… courtesy of her grandmother.
📍Location: Tingle Therapy, IJsbaanpad 8, 1076CV Amsterdam