Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
Learn More.

Learn more.

Due to road closures along Highway 1 to our north and south, Esalen is closed through April 11.
Esalen Institute is open! However, Highway 1 to the south is closed — please review the current travel advisory.
past workshop

Esalen® Massage: The Basics

September 22–24, 2023

Silvia Guersenzvaig and Deborah Anne Medow

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 into 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

Silvia Guersenzvaig

Silvia Guersenzvaig is an international instructor of Esalen Massage. Inspired by the wisdom of nature, she has developed a practice of aligning presence and quality of touch. Her background includes multiple years on the Esalen® Massage staff, somatic healing, energy kinesiology, Polarity and Trager, and much more.

Full Bio

Deborah Anne Medow

Deborah Anne Medow, long-time Esalen workshop leader, yoga instructor, and bodywork practitioner, has spent more than fifty years studying, learning, practicing, and teaching various forms of massage, bodywork, yoga, meditation, movement, and awareness practices, drawing from Eastern and Western traditions.

Full Bio