An Esalen® massage isn’t a normal massage…

It’s an inward journey, rather than a therapeutic treatment. Through long strokes, a slow pace, and pauses, the receiver is invited to return to their natural state of balance and alignment. Transformation occurs not through deep-tissue work but rather through an active participation between giver and receiver. Meditating on shared touch and energy, this awareness evokes relaxation and change. Then deeper, more specific work can be applied as needed. This tradition of massage developed at the hot springs in Big Sur, California and recognizes that the body and mind are one. As opposed to styles that seek to fix or correct, Esalen® massage listens to what each body needs and reflects that back to the receiver.

An Esalen® massage can include everything from gentle, light-touch modalities, like cranio-sacral therapy, the Feldenkrais Method, the Trager® Approach, to contactful styles of massage, like Lomi Lomi, Thai massage, or deep tissue. Before anything else, though, an Esalen® massage is a presence-based touch practice to help you notice how good it feels to be in your body.