What is Esalen Massage

• The goal of an Esalen massage is to promote the relaxation response in the body. It is done with long connected strokes over the body in a very caring environment and does more then just work the muscles of the body. Esalen massage is done with a different attitude than that of Swedish massage and is usually performed in a spa setting, and sometimes in the nude, if local laws allow.
  
  

History of Esalen

• Esalen massage was created by Charlotte Selver, who believed that a human being's health could benefit from gentle rocking of the body done along with working into the muscles and joints. Passive joint exercises are employed with an emphasis on taking the receiver on a spiritual, caring, energetic journey to complete a balance of the body. Charlotte Selver died August 22, 2003, at the age of 102.
  
  

Benefits

• Massage has many benefits and has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Massage stimulates the immune system, improves your anxiety and stress levels, and integrates the body, mind, and spirit into a more harmonious, complete person. Touching is a basic need most people crave and want, and in Esalen massage, it is an essential connection of the session.
  
  

Why a Retreat Setting?

• Esalen was created as part of Gestalt psychotherapy. Caring about others is as natural as getting in touch with one's own body and being comfortable in your own skin. This is why it is more effectively done in the nude and in a retreat setting where clothing is optional. It leads to a more effective way of loving, caring, and relating to other people in your life. This is one of the main differences between Esalen and Swedish massage. When incorporated into a complete holistic setting that focuses on these benefits, Esalen massage completes the spiritual journey. One of the best places to experience this is at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.
  
  

Summary

• Esalen massage is a unique form of massage that is not practiced fully by most massage therapists. The laws in most states require draping of the client, which does not allow for the smooth, flowing, connected strokes that Esalen requires. Serenity and peace are the goals of the Esalen therapist, and the massage focuses on energy exchange and psychological well-being. Below is a link to a list of practitioners [1]