What is Esalen Massage?
By: Christie W. Naeher, LCMT
Esalen Practitioner Indigo Blue Massage & Wellness
Esalen massage is a relaxation concept. A different way of thinking about
massage. A whole mind, body and
spirit experience like no other massage can give.
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 modalities.
The Esalen Institute was once the 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.
Esalen massage is one of the most relaxing massages you can
receive. It incorporates long
flowing strokes with the neurological rocking of Tragger. The strokes go from head to toe and
back allowing the central nervous system to delve deep into that
para-sympathetic state for complete and total relaxation.
The body is undrapped on one side allowing the therapist the
ability to move slowly, methodically and smoothly along one side of the body
incorporating the rocking of Tragger into the strokes. The forearm and sometimes the entire
arm is used to allow the strokes to feel like they are never ending. The strokes continue up and down the
body with continuous motion and flow.
The therapist’s hands are only removed from the client’s body when more
lubrication is needed. Almost like
a dance. Some clients have said
that they felt like the therapist was dancing. The strokes are taken as far as the therapist can take them
without stopping. It is the
ultimate in a luxurious, relaxing massage. You must understand and be comfortable with the draping technique so speak with Christie your therapist before making an appointment. The massage is not a "nude" massage you will be draped at all times. It is the law in the State of Virginia that clients be draped.
These long flowing strokes and the rocking of the Tragger
relaxes the body and the central nervous system so well that the client can
actually relax himself or herself into a trance-like state. This is when the parasympathetic state
is at its peak. Clients can fall
asleep very easily and wake up refreshed and so relaxed.
At Indigo Blue Massage & Wellness we take it one step
further and incorporated the healing power of Reiki to give each client the
ultimate in holistic healing and relaxation. There is nothing better in my opinion for relieving stress
and allowing the body to heal when it has been dealing with a stressful
situation for a long period of time.
If you have any questions on Esalen massage, please contact
Christie Naeher, LCMT, Esalen Massage Specialist at www.indigobluemassageandwellness.com.
Each client must understand that there are no exceptions on the draping here at Indigo Blue Massage & Wellness. Thank you!
