Week of December 19-26, 2010

The Gift of Touch

Rejoice in the spirit of giving by learning how to give a full-body Esalen® Massage. At the same time, learn how to enjoy taking care of your own body during daily sessions of yoga, dance, and self-care practices. This seasonal Esalen Massage workshop offers the talents of two experienced teachers and seven days of touch.

The essence of Esalen bodywork is the awareness and presence with which one approaches massage. In support of this awareness, this workshop offers basic bodywork skills: the long-flowing, integrative strokes of Esalen Massage, detailed attention to specific areas, and instruction in grounding, centering, and breath awareness. Through brief lectures and demonstrations the workshop presents essential tools that can be easily applied, including basic anatomy and developing quality of touch, with just the right amount of hands-on personal supervision.

During the week, we also offer a daily Hatha yoga class, a rejuvenating holiday herbal bath, dance movement sessions, and time for creative expression and play in the art barn, using clay, paint, and collage.

The benefits of practicing yoga, dance, play, and soaking in the healing herbal waters, all contribute to promoting an expansion of the heart and spirit, directly influencing our ability to give and receive an Esalen massage.

This seven-day format offers more learning and practice time and additional time to assimilate the massage skills and yoga practice that you will eventually take home with you. It also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season surrounded by the natural beauty of Esalen.

The workshop is open to all levels of massage experience or inexperience. Please bring your favorite CDs, a yoga mat, and a sense of humor.

Please note: There will be a celebratory Christmas Eve dinner in the Esalen Lodge.

CEUs available for nurses.

CEUs available for bodyworkers.

Reservations Information (Accommodations & Pricing)