Esalen Massage

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!