ESALEN
COREY S.NANCE
ESALEN THERAPIST
Esalen massage is an eclectic blend of techniques and principles from various disciplines, including Swedish massage, sensory awareness training, craniosacral therapy, applied kinesiology, yoga, tai chi, and Gestalt awareness, among others.
Despite its varied roots, Esalen massage can be distinguished by the type of strokes it uses to connect and unify the entire body. Another important aspect of this therapy is the approach taken toward each client as a whole person, not as separate parts to be manipulated.
Unlike outcome goals in other forms of massage, my primary goal in this approach is not the removal of localized pain or tension, the aim is usually to induce deep relaxation, integrate mind and body, and enhance total body awareness.
What is Esalen
Esalen massage is largely intuitive. The practitioner does not impose a predetermined set of techniques on the recipient but instead tries to sense what is needed in each moment. Rather than working on the client, the practitioner works with the client, listening closely to messages being communicated through the client’s body and responding accordingly.
Esalen massage was based out of an institute called Esalen Institute of California. What they base their massage on is the rhythmic movements of the ocean.
What to expect
Once the massage starts, regardless of what modality of massage I utilize for inspiration, I will continually keep a state of contact with your body. You won’t quit feeling my hands or arms until the point that the massage closes. This depends on the theory that human contact is crucial to our wellbeing and satisfaction and that having contact soothes the burdens and tensions that emerge from everyday life.
Benefits of Esalen massage
One unique benefit of Esalen massage is its ability to awaken the senses and enhance total body awareness. The long, gliding strokes allow individuals the chance to connect more deeply with the self and experience a sense of wholeness. The signature strokes also have a calming effect that helps slow down the body and foster a very deep state of relaxation. Since Esalen massage uses light pressure and gentle, nurturing strokes, it is considered an excellent option for infants, the elderly, and other people who would not be able to tolerate deep tissue massage.
All people have innate healing abilities.