Esalen® Massage Weekend Workshop

In this 2 day weekend workshop, we will learn basic anatomy and massage skills that we can share with our clients and families.  This workshop will be valuable to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

Esalen® massage is a type of Swedish massage that is taught and trademarked by the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. The Swedish massage modality was combined with energy work for a massage designed to treat the mind, body and soul of the client together. While it is beneficial for physical health, the goal of the massage therapist is also to support and promote the internal wisdom and healer of the client, resulting in a sense of psychological harmony and balance. Many of the early Esalen therapists who worked together to develop Esalen® massage did so in tandem with their other extensive trainings in Rolfing, deep tissue, and Eastern massage practices such as energy work, Shiatsu and Thai.

The Esalen Institute was founded as a retreat and workshop space in 1962 to explore a variety of topics, and continues to offer workshops in a wide variety of fields, including psychology, Eastern medicine, environmental theory, activism, outreach, economics, peace studies, the arts, and religion. Esalen is often linked with "newage" ideas due tothe holistic approach ofthe institute, and the large numberof offerings related to new age concepts. The retreat center covers 120 acres of land which includes cultivated gardens, wild forests, ocean, and natural hot springs, and attracts individuals from all over the world who are interested in exploring alternative and enlightened modes of living and healing. This workshop will offer some of the benefits of Esalen here in Santa Barbara!