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The Esalen Institute was founded in 1962 as an alternative educational center devoted to the exploration of what Aldous Huxley called the "human potential," the world of unrealized human capacities that lies beyond the imagination. Esalen soon became known for its blend of East/West philosophies, its experiential/didactic workshops, the steady influx of philosophers, psychologists, artists, and religious thinkers, and its breathtaking grounds blessed with natural hot springs. Once home to a Native American tribe known as the Essalen, Esalen is situated on 27 acres of spectacular Big Sur coastline with the Santa Lucia Mountains rising sharply behind.
There are various ways to experience Esalen, ranging from an overnight visit to a long-term stay as a seminarian. Prior Reservations are always essential. The weekend and five-day workshops described throughout the Workshops section of the catalog are the standard route for coming to Esalen. The Experiencing Esalen workshops, scheduled periodically, offer an introduction to practices such as Gestalt, massage, sensory awareness, and meditation. From such a sampling, participants can then choose those approaches they are most attracted to and pursue them in subsequent seminars.
Another way of being at Esalen which allows a greater involvement at a lower expense is the Work Study Program, an intensive twenty-eight day work-oriented program for individuals who want to make a directed, personal commitment to self-exploration and growth, and a contribution to the Esalen community.
For those who wish an extended stay, there are periodic long-term programs which involve didactic seminars or professional trainings as well as experiential workshops.
Finally, there are other events that enrich life at Esalen. There are occasional forums in which writers and thinkers, both visiting and resident, share their ideas with the community. On Wednesday nights there may be lectures, films, dance performances, or other events. Bodywork of various kinds is available by appointment with individual practitioners. There is also a community event schedule offered. Please check the bulletin board when you arrive.
Esalen is a center for experimental education. We offer neither psychotherapy nor assurances of change.
What is Esalen massage therapy?
Esalen massage therapy is a form of massage therapy that is a variation of the traditional Swedish massage. Esalen massage therapy does use many of the long flowing strokes that have become known as Swedish massage technique, but the focus and goals of Esalen massage therapy are what sets it apart from Swedish massage.
What are the biggest differences between Swedish massage and Esalen massage?
While Esalen massage therapy is a variation of traditional Swedish massage, there are many differences between the two forms of massage therapy. The following are the main noticeable differences between Esalen massage and Swedish massage:
• The goal of the massage therapy—Swedish massage has slightly different goals than Esalen massage. Swedish massage is focused on relieving pain and increasing mobility in specific muscles, joints, etc. Esalen, while also trying to accomplish this, is focused more on the body as a whole, and tries to harmonize the entire body, mind and spirit while also helping the patient to live more comfortably in his or her own body.
• The philosophy of the massage therapy—Swedish massage was developed as a part of gymnastics, focused on the body and the effect of the massage on the body, while Esalen massage was developed as a part of Gestalt psychotherapy, focusing on the emotional and spiritual healing involved in the massage as well as the physical manipulation.
• Social differences are reduced—in Swedish massage, as well as many other forms of massage, the practitioner will often wear a uniform (often white), and this uniform gives a symbol of authority. While an Esalen massage therapist may wear a separating uniform now, they originally did not.
• Giving and receiving—while it is not always the case now, traditional Esalen massage therapy (beginning in the hot springs in California) was about giving and receiving, meaning that once the patient had received their massage, they would then give a massage to the practitioner (this is not the way it works in a professional setting, though).
• Attitude—one of the biggest differences between Esalen massage and Swedish massage (as well as many other forms of massage, for that matter) is the attitude with which the practice views touch. Practitioners of Esalen massage therapy believe that touch is not just a benefit, but that it is a need for the body, as basic and necessary as food and water, and that touch can lead to greater happiness and healing (it also is based on the belief that true healing begins on the inside of the body and mind).
What happens during an Esalen massage therapy session?
During an Esalen massage therapy session, the patient will be nude, draped with a sheet or towel. The practitioner may wear a white uniform or may not (many holistic therapists do not). Esalen massage is mostly made up of long smooth strokes, but many Esalen massage therapists will combine these with a variety of techniques from many other forms of massage, as well. Exactly what will happen during the Esalen massage session varies greatly from person to person. The practitioner will base what they do on the patient’s reactions (physically as well as verbally) to the massage, trying to achieve the maximum amount of healing and comfort possible.
What are the benefits of Esalen massage therapy?
While the benefits of Esalen massage therapy are often not viewed as therapeutic as other modalities, such as Swedish massage, there are many therapeutic benefits that can be achieved. The following are just a few of the benefits that can be achieved through Esalen massage therapy:
• Deep and intense relaxation—Esalen massage therapy often causes intense relaxation of the body as well as the mind. Since relaxation in itself offers reduced stress (on the mind and body), stress relief is an added benefit that is usually achieved.
• Healing—healing is achieved through Esalen massage therapy in a few different ways. The most obvious is that the massage itself increases circulation throughout the body, which in turn allows the body to fend off disease and illness, as well as begin its own healing process. Another way that Esalen massage therapy provides healing is the healing of both body and mind that can only be achieved through touch. Touch promotes mental well-being, therefore emotional healing is a side effect of the touch that is used during Esalen massage therapy.
There are many benefits to an Esalen massage therapy session. If you feel that Esalen massage is right for you (and you are not modest about the nudity that is part of it), schedule an appointment with a therapist near you to start enjoying mental and physical well-being today! |
