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

Introduction to Esalen® Massage: The Art of Healing Touch December 2022

December 4–9, 2022

with Dean Marson and Peggy Horan

This course offers a deeper immersion into the mindful flow of Esalen® Massage. Senior teachers will guide participants via presence-based meditation, touch, muscles, and movement to savor these elemental massage skills.

This course is useful to re-boot an existing practice, yet simple enough for the novice to master. Whether giving or receiving a massage, you will walk away feeling your spirits renewed and your body refreshed.

  • The instructors will offer experiential exercises, lectures and demonstrations, plus plenty of time for shared practice and specifics.  
  • You will learn to attune, to comfortably apply the long flowing strokes, and to address those troublesome places such as neck, shoulders and feet.
  • You will note the impact of breath, relaxation and touch on personal wellness, a sense of  “coming home.”
  • Self-care will be emphasized throughout the course.

There will be plenty of time for you to take in the natural scope of Esalen land and baths, and perhaps the butterflies. Join us for this invigorating workshop.

Dean Marson

Dean Marson is a Senior Esalen® Massage instructor whose approach to bodywork embraces elements of movement, awareness practices and conscious connection. He is an experienced yoga teacher and meditator who inspires the rediscovery of the pleasure and potential of healing touch.

Full Bio

Peggy Horan

Peggy Horan has practiced and taught Esalen massage for over 5 decades. She is a recognized teacher of mindfulness meditation. She teaches Esalen massage at all levels and is on the Teacher Training faculty. She is a long time family resident of Big Sur. Her practice includes coaching to support others on their spiritual journey.

Full Bio