Introduction to Esalen® Massage (12 hours CE)
Bellingham, May 31 - June 1, 2025
Veritas Massage Studio | Bellingham, WA
Esalen® Massage, developed at the Esalen Institute, is a presence based bodywork practice known for its long, flowing strokes, slow rhythmic movements, and whole body integrative focus. In this course you will be introduced to the history of the Esalen approach to massage, how to effectively apply the long strokes, and other techniques that form the foundation of the practice. Quality of touch, presence and self care are at the heart of this work.
Esalen Massage combines artistry with science, seeking to co-create an experience of breath, awareness and presence for giver and receiver. The practitioner will learn to listen and customize each session to meet their client’s needs.
Each day will consist of exercises to build the group field, brief lectures, demonstrations, and supervised practice, with plenty of time for questions and observations. By the end of this course you will have a basic understanding of the elements of Esalen Massage upon which you can build. These elements can be integrated into your massage practice or used alone.
This class is for licensed massage therapists wanting to rejuvenate their practice, expand their repertoire, and explore presence based touch. 12 hours NCBTMB approved continuing education. This is not a certification course. In order to promote yourself as an Esalen® Massage Practitioner, you must complete a 100-hour or longer program. Sign up to be notified of upcoming certification programs!
What to Expect in Class
This is an introductory level class for LMTs. Knowledge of basic anatomy and standards of practice are assumed. We will cover the foundational techniques of Esalen Massage, which are designed to facilitate deep relaxation and greater self awareness. The techniques demonstrated in this brief course may not seem particularly challenging. The greater opportunity for growth is in the practice of becoming more present with what you are doing, which we will explore at the massage table, in group discussion, and in embodied movement practice. Please come prepared to exchange touch with your classmates!
You will need sheets and a pillowcase. If you have a meditation cushion, please bring one for brief periods of sitting. You may bring your own unscented massage oil or lotion if you like. Please wear clothes comfortable for movement, attend to your personal hygiene, and come fragrance-free. Massage tables will be provided.
This is a "commuter" class - meals and housing are not provided.
Classroom
Class will take place at Veritas Massage Studio, 1221 Fraser St, Suite E101, Bellingham, WA. Please bring your own linens. Parking is available.
Patrick Stockstill is an Esalen® Massage teacher living on Orcas Island. He has been a massage therapist since 2008, a yoga teacher since 2013, a Deep Bodywork® practitioner since 2016, and an Esalen Massage teacher since 2019. Patrick has taught various classes at McKinnon Body Therapy Center in Oakland, CA, as well as Esalen Massage workshops in California, Washington, and Bali. Read his full bio here.
Schedule*
Saturday
10 am - 1 pm Morning class
1 - 2 pm Lunch (not provided)
2 pm - 5 pm Afternoon class
Sunday
9 am - 12:30pm Morning class
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch (not provided)
1:30 - 4 pm Afternoon class
*subject to minor changes
Cost and Registration
$195 US per student
Includes 12 hours CE (NCBTMB approved)
Price does not include transportation, housing,or meals.
Previous Esalen Massage Workshops
Esalen® Massage 175 Hour Practitioner Training | March, 2025, Bali Indonesia
Esalen® Massage 100-hour Professional Training | September-October 2024, Oakland, CA
Esalen® Massage 100-hour Professional Training (assisted) | February-March 2023, Oakland, CA
Esalen® Massage 100-hour Professional Training (assisted) | March and May, 2023, Hot Springs, NC
Esalen® Massage 100-hour Professional Training (assisted) | January, 2024, Esalen Institute, Big Sur CA
Esalen® Massage Brief Introduction | 3 hours, March 2024, Bellingham WA (North Cascade Massage Connection)
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 12 Hours, June 2024, Orcas Island WA
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 8 hours, June 2023, Seattle WA
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 8 hours, April 2023, Bellingham, WA
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 10 hours, November 2022, Oakland, CA
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 12 hours, March 2022, Orcas Island, WA
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 12 hours, January 2020, Oakland, CA
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 8 hours, July 2019, Berkeley, CA
Intro to Esalen® Massage for Esalen Work Scholars | 4 hours, September 2019, Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA