top of page

Esalen® Massage: The Basics

December 1–3, 2023

Nora Matten and Vicki Topp

Need a scholarship? Apply here.

The soothing quality of Esalen massage is a delightful antidote for stress or that out-of-sorts feeling. The slow pace and the long flowing and integrating strokes increase sensory awareness and support the parasympathetic nervous system to come into a state of calm.

​

In this workshop we will introduce you to the the basic elements of Esalen Massage: Breath and Contact, Long Flowing Strokes over the whole body, Soft rocking, Passive movement, Gentle stretches and Pausing for integration.

This workshop gives professional caregiver or practitioner can also refresh their existing work with Esalen’s pace, presence, and sensitivity — “the listening hand.” Don’t be surprised if you come away realizing you like giving a classic Esalen massage as much as you like receiving one.

​

  • learn to give a safe and soothing massage session using the basic celements of Esalen massage atunement, receptivity, and signature long slow strokes encompassing the body, pausing for integration.

  • learn to listen and take care of themselves while giving and receiving a massage session.

  • will be encouraged to ask for what they want in receiving a massage session and sharing their experience and gratitude.

  • will learn to listen to their partner through their hands, hearts and ears.

​

Last but not least arrive prepared to enjoy the healing waters of Esalen’s natural hot mineral springs and the serene beauty of the Esalen land where the sound of the waves and the long flowing strokes harmonize into an extraordinary massage experience.

​

View the continuing education syllabus.

10 hours of CE credit for Massage Therapists.

Recommended Reading:

Connecting Through Touch by Peggy Horan

CEU's:

Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.

Esalen® Massage:Listening Hands. Women receiving massage. Practitioners hand placed behind the neck and one on top of a towel over the heart- pausing

Workshop Schedule

Friday
‍5:00 pm – 5:45 pm *How to Drop into Esalen*
7:15 pm – 9:30 pm
‍Saturday
‍9:30 am – 12:30 pm
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm - Optional
‍Sunday
‍10:00 am – 12:00 pm

More activities can be found on our open class schedule.

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

Accommodations & Tuition

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.

​

We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.

Register Now

​

​

Esalen Institute, view of the hot tub with the pacific ocean in the background
bottom of page