The Agoras are three friends, each with a different life story, expertise and nationality. They met in Amsterdam a few years ago and quickly bonded over a shared commitment to heal each other first and then help others heal.
Together, they combine their specialisations—acupuncture, yoga, and coaching—into a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. By integrating these practices, they offer a comprehensive path to well-being, addressing the whole person and fostering balance in every aspect of life.
Each of them has faced difficult times and found that one of the most effective ways to move forward was by creating healthy habits and focusing on self-care. Through small, consistent changes, they developed routines that fostered healing and personal growth, leading to meaningful transformations in their lives.
Having experienced this change firsthand, they are dedicated to sharing their insights, helping others embark on their own healing journey.
Rosa Crespo
Acupuncturist
Ten years ago, after completing her PhD, Rosa moved to Amsterdam to take on a scientific role in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on developing new therapies in the field of neurology. Even before this time, the demands of stress and overwork had led her to surgery, after which she turned to acupuncture for recovery. The positive results sparked a deep curiosity about the discipline, which appeared to affect the nervous system in remarkable ways.
While continuing her corporate career, Rosa began studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), discovering a holistic approach that not only aligned with her personal truth but also helped her cure from systemic lupus, a condition she had been diagnosed with at the age of 15.
After several years of balancing her corporate job with her work as a holistic therapist, Rosa made the decision to fully transition into the holistic field. She recently returned to her roots in Galicia, Spain, where she now lives by the sea, happily practicing acupuncture, nutrition, and other oriental therapies.
Yoga Teacher
Annalisa Fiorillo
In 2010, Annalisa moved to China for her studies, graduating as a Chinese-English interpreter while exploring the rich culture and embarking on a journey of self-awareness. However, her fast-paced, unhealthy lifestyle eventually led to burnout, pushing her to discover the healing world of Chinese Medicine, Herbal Medicine, and Qigong.
This path also introduced her to Yoga and Pranayama, which transformed both the body and mind. Embracing this holistic approach helped Annalisa discover and align with her true self.
This awakening led her to study Chinese Medicine and deepen the knowledge and the practice of Yoga. After several years in corporate life, she made the bold transition to becoming a holistic therapist. Despite challenges and relocating from Shanghai to Europe during the pandemic, Annalisa is now living the life she envisioned for herself - helping others and spreading positivity. It’s been an incredible journey she says!
Eva Joosten
Accountability Coach
Eva came to Amsterdam ten years ago for an Erasmus exchange at the University of Amsterdam. After completing her law studies, she fell in love with a Dutch man, started a family, and has been happily living in the Netherlands ever since.
Her professional background is in project management and legal services. However, her corporate career was cut short after she sustained a severe concussion leaving her unable to manage long hours in front of a screen.
During her recovery, when reading for just 10 minutes or biking for 5 minutes was all she could manage, Eva began developing small habits and routines to support her healing. It was during this time that she met Rosa, The Agoras’ acupuncturist, whose treatments played a crucial role in Eva’s recovery.
Through this challenging journey, Eva discovered the power of small, consistent steps in achieving big results. By slowly increasing her reading time and gradually building her physical endurance, she was able to retrain her brain and body. This experience ignited her fascination with how small habits work and how to set achievable goals. This journey led her to establish her own practice, where she now helps others reach their goals through small, meaningful changes, one step at a time.
During the retreats, Eva will help you identify the sources of stress and exhaustion in your life, guiding you in creating sustainable habits that foster balance and fulfilment. Her approach focuses on gradual, step-by-step progress, helping you make lasting changes.
Known among her friends for her ability to inspire action and focus on what truly matters, Eva brings that same energy and commitment to her practice.
