Upcoming Massage Courses
Continuing Education (NCBTMB approved) for massage therapists
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Esalen® Massage, developed at the Esalen Institute over the last 60 years, is known for its long, flowing strokes, slow rhythmic movements, and whole body focus. Esalen Massage is a touch based awareness practice. In introductory courses you will be introduced to the Esalen approach to massage, how to effectively apply the integrative long strokes, and the techniques and methods that make up its foundation. Quality of touch, presence and self care are at the heart of this work.
100 Hour
Esalen® Massage Professional Training
Asheville, NC
September - October, 2025
with Robin Fann-Costanzo
and Patrick Stockstill
Details coming soon!
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CE hours for massage therapists (NCBTMB approved)
100 Hour
Esalen® Massage Professional Training
McKinnon Body Therapy Center
Oakland, CA
Nov 13-16, 21-23,
Dec 5-7, 12-14
(Four weekends)
with Jessica Fagan
and Patrick Stockstill
Non-residential.
Save the dates! Details and registration coming soon.
CE hours for massage therapists (NCBTMB approved)
Technique
Esalen Massage is characterized by long, flowing, full-body strokes, mixed with passive movements, stretches, rocking, and other techniques aimed to relax and soothe the neuromuscular system and invite increased awareness.
Presence based touch
Deeply influenced by Charlotte Selver's Sensory Awareness practice, Esalen Massage is a method of awakening the senses. Recipient and practitioner can experience greater ease and alignment in their bodies with gentle but solid contact.
Intuition and Creativity
After exploring the basic techniques of Esalen Massage, practitioners in longer courses are supported and encouraged to drop the notion of working from a sequence, instead following their inner compass and tuning in to the feedback loop with their partner.
What to Expect in an Esalen Massage Training
Esalen Massage classes are not like most massage courses! We do primarily teach massage techniques and relevant anatomy. We also emphasize ways to develop greater embodied presence and self awareness. Fundamental to your success in learning Esalen Massage is your ability to be present, to support presence in your clients, and to offer skillful touch with clear intention.
We will explore presence with some of the following methods, depending on the skills of the co-leaders: meditation practice, conscious dance, qi gong, yoga, singing or vocal toning, communication practice, Gestalt awareness in the tradition of Esalen co-founder Dick Price, and sensory awareness in the tradition of Charlotte Selver. These activities are intentional, integrative lessons in the physical and emotional anatomy of being fully human.
Shorter, introductory courses include brief, relevant embodiment practices. Certification (100+ hour) programs generally include longer daily embodiment practices. Depending on the length of the course and the venue, some time may be spent outdoors, in pools or hot springs, or in optional off-site cultural experiences.
Consent and safety are integral parts of Esalen Massage. Esalen Massage courses always include draping in compliance with local laws and the comfort of the receiver.
To organize an Esalen Massage workshop or certification in your area, start here.