Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA

Many people ask me to explain the difference between Esalen Massage and other styles of massage.  I usually pause before I answer, mostly because I want to try and convey the essence of what Esalen massage is in just a few sentences, and I am often compelled to answer with more of a feeling than words themselves.  Even after 19 years of practicing Esalen massage, I find it difficult to summon these few sentences which can adequately describe the depth of this practice for me.

Esalen massage grew out of a time and place, Big Sur, CA and the 1960′s that was rich with self exploration, self discover, and a desire for more awareness.  The students of Charolette Selver, Ida Rolf, Fritz Perls, and Moshe Feldenkrais were the founders of Esalen Massage, and sought to make their awareness practices encompass all that they did.  So the roots of Esalen massage came from that desire to become more aware, enhance the senses, and become more present; with the belief that from this they would become happier, healthier and lived more fulfilling lives.

In Esalen massage, technique, although important, is secondary to quality of touch and presence.  The focus is on the connection between practitioner and client.  Esalen massage draws on all the elements found in Big Sur; the ocean, the mountains, the hot water, the warmth of the sun, and combines the long, slow flowing strokes, the pause, the stretch, the rock, to create a unique and connected experience for each individual.  Often the massages are beyond words, beyond explanation.  Each one an individual artistic creation.  Many of the practitioners view themselves not at massage therapists, but as healing artists.  Drawing upon the practices of gestalt therapy, five rhythms dance, tai chi, yoga, and many bodywork techiniques from all the great masters who have taught at the Esalen institute over the years.

When watching an Esalen massage many describe it as a dance.  We move to the sounds of the ocean, taking in the smells of sulfur springs, ocean air, the sun, the whales and seagulls.  I like to think of it as a well orchestrated piece of music with it’s melodies, harmonies, crescendos, and pauses bringing the body into a place of harmony and rhythm with itself and nature.  For me, Esalen massage is not something I do for work, it is my meditation practice, my spiritual practice.  It’s an opportunity to look at myself in relationship to another human being, and to be of service.  Esalen massage is a way of life.

If you would like to find out more about Esalen massage you can go to my website at www.esaleninstructor.com or view clips of the Esalen massage video on youtube.

At the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA where Esalen masage was created we offer several 28 day intensive certification trainings .

This is where the mountains meet the sea, and the sounds of the waves that inspired the massage are your music.  If you have a month to drop out of your regular life and immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of the Esalen Institute, this would be my first choice by far.

For those of you who really want a vacation getaway, several of our teachers offer retreats in Bali where you can dive into the Indonession culture and become certified.  For other international trainings you can also learn Esalen Massage in Japan, Switzerland, Taiwan, Canada, Argentina and Germany.

For those of you who cannot take a month or two out of life there are a few other options.  If you are interested in becoming certified in Esalen Massage on the East coast, contact me, or go to my website:  www.esaleninstructor.com for more information about future trainings in North Carolina.

For a full listing of Esalen massage courses go to : www.esalen.org. Want to find a Certified Esalen Massage practitioner in your area, go to: http://webapp.esalen.org/emba/participants