About

Esalen® massage is a type of Swedish massage that is taught and trademarked by the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. While it has its roots in the style of Swedish massage, this form focuses on energy exchange and psychological well-being, rather than the simply physical results of a massage. While it is beneficial for physical health, the goal of the massage therapist is to tune the mind and body together, resulting in a sense of serenity and peace for the client.

The basis of Esalen Massage is traditional massage, which works in a very precise manner on the muscle and circulation systems. This is combined with a bodywork approach which emphasizes the deeply relaxing and emotional responses of the body when a conscious, structured and pleasant touch is applied. In addition, gentle rocking of the body, passive joint exercises and deep structural work on the muscles and joints. 

Esalen Massage has become known as the art of “conscious touch”. It uses full, gentle stretching over the entire length of the body and combines this with different massage and bodywork techniques, so that any physical or energetic blockages the client has can be released, leaving them feeling more relaxed, energized and free of pain. 

A massage session is a compilation of various textures created with hands, forearms, fists, knuckles and a variation of pressure. These distinct sensations are woven together in a dynamic choreography by the practitioner. Through this dance, the bodywork session cultivates energetic awareness and allows the massage to have an impact beyond the realm of the physical. Jessica Fagan~ Esalen Practitioner/Teacher

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This massage approach utilizes a variety of techniques and theories working "with" the body as opposed to "on" it. Influences such as Mochet Feldenkrais, Ida Rolf, Milton Traeger, and Charlotte Selver's Sensory Awareness have impacted its development, incorporating the Esalen style of using a "soft approach" to deep tissue methods, rhythmic rocking/ joint mobilizations which address the physical holding patterns in the muscles, and somatic/ personal insight. 

Integrating a range of techniques as well as the trademark "long flowing strokes," pauses to emphasize the energetic body, three dimensional touch, stretching, moving the body on the table, and detailed work are coalesced in what can be called a truly unique sensory experience.

More importantly, refinement and "quality" of the practitioners' touch as well as personal presence supersedes actual "techniques." This essential foundation enables the practitioner with the ability to truly "listen" to the individual needs of the body, designing a session which not only allows the innate wisdom of the recipient to unfold but encourages personal healing.