For many of us men, there hasn't been enough space to be vulnerable and explore touch. We haven't been taught the skills or words to give and communicate with those we care for consciously. When we start small with a supportive hand on someone's back or simply share how we're doing, slowly, we can access new capabilities that we never knew were possible.
The EsalenⓇ approach to massage is like a moving meditation practice. An opportunity for the practitioner to drop into presence and deeply listen to the client and oneself. All techniques are meant to cultivate more awareness for the client and provoke deep relaxation and restoration. The foundational Esalen techniques include long strokes, pauses, compressions, kneading, passive joint movement, focused techniques, stretching, and energetic contact.
We will begin with a foundation of sensory education: how to center yourself, cultivate mindfulness, and move, and from that place, how to reach out and make contact. Then, we will build specific massage methodology for the back and front of the body, learning how to support awareness, relaxation, and safety. We will trade full massages, focusing on presence, quality of touch, integration, and wholeness.
Throughout the course, we will emphasize a personal awareness practice, regular “check-ins,” and learning how to monitor and share feedback. This process will aim to create a safe and healing community environment to learn Esalen Massage. Body mechanics, personal response, and communication skills form the backdrop for each massage session. Bodywork details will be added to address specific areas with pressure, movement, and a gentle range of motion.