Esalen® Massage: The Basics

With Nora Matten and Vicki Topp

December 1 - 3, 2023

Workshop Schedule

Friday
5:00 pm – 5:45 * How to Drop into Esalen *
7:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm - Optional
Sunday
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

  • Sleeping Bag Space – $540.00
  • Bunk Bed Space – $720.00
  • Standard Shared Space – $900.00
  • Standard Queen Room – $1,200.00
  • Standard Room Two Beds – $1,920.00
  • Premium Queen Room – $1,680.00
  • Premium King Room – $1,800.00
  • Premium Plus King Room – $2,040.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt – $2,040.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt Two Beds – $2,040.00
  • Rolf Suite – $3,900.00
  • Point House – $3,900.00
  • Fritz Point House – $3,900.00
  • South Point House – $4,800.00

The soothing quality of massage is a delightful antidote for stress or that out-of-sorts feeling. Sharing a massage heightens non-verbal connection and awakens sensory awareness. Whether you’re a novice or professional, this workshop will guide you through the basic concepts of Esalen Massage in a pleasant, easy-to-follow format.

With brief lecture demonstrations and plenty of at-the-table guidance, the instructors will offer the essential elements, highlighting the foundational long, integrating strokes and gentle stretches. Grounding, sensing, contact, and the impact of touch will be introduced and practiced with classmates, building a firm base. The professional caregiver or practitioner can also refresh their existing work with Esalen’s pace, presence, and sensitivity — “the listening hand.” Don’t be surprised if you come away realizing you like giving a classic Esalen massage as much as you like receiving one.

Arrive prepared to enjoy the healing waters of Esalen’s natural hot mineral springs and the serene beauty of the Esalen land. The sound of the waves and the flowing strokes harmonize into an extraordinary massage experience.

  • Participants will recognize and appreciate the value of touch in quality of life, relationships, and health and healing.
  • Participants will learn to give a safe and soothing massage session using the basic connection, receptivity, and signature long slow strokes encompassing the body, pausing for integration.
  • Participants will learn to monitor and take care of themselves while sharing a massage session.
  • Participants will experience asking for what they want in receiving a massage session and sharing their experience and gratitude.
  • Participants will learn to listen with their hands as well as their ears.

Arrive prepared to enjoy the healing waters of Esalen’s natural hot mineral springs and the serene beauty of the Esalen land. The sound of the waves and the flowing strokes harmonize in an extraordinary massage experience.

View the continuing education syllabus.

10 hours of CE credit for Massage Therapists.

Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.

Recommended Reading: Connecting Through Touch by Peggy Horan

About the Leaders

Nora Matten

Nora Matten is a member of the Esalen massage crew and an Esalen Massage® teacher. As part of the Esalen movement staff, she teaches dance and yoga. Her work draws on Forrest yoga, Soul Motion, vipassana meditation, Gestalt Awareness Practice and the Diamond Approach, among others modalities. Email Me www.noramatten.com

Learn more about Nora Matten

Vicki Topp

Vicki Topp is a senior practitioner and instructor of Esalen Massage® and somatic bodywork. She teaches workshops and training groups internationally, and is a registered Movement Therapist and practitioner of Body-Mind Centering. www.vickitopp.com

Learn more about Vicki Topp

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