Esalen® Massage Module 3 with Ingrid May and Liliane Imboden

Modules 3, 4, and 5 of the Esalen Massage Training can only be booked as a whole. The individual modules can be paid for separately. We will decide 4 weeks before the start of Module 3 whether the training will take place. The minimum number of participants is 8.

In Module 3, the basic techniques of Esalen massage are deepened and applied creatively, so that the movements and strokes of the massage increasingly become a meditative dance for the practitioner. Esalen massage was developed in California on the Pacific Ocean. Students learn to embody the rhythmic flow of the waves and convey it to the client in their long strokes. This invites deep relaxation, stimulating the self-healing powers and allowing overactive thoughts to be let go.

We learn about the scientific findings of research on the connection between long stroking movements and the psyche and nervous system. An important focus of learning in this block is sinking deeper into the client's tissue with highly effective techniques of deep connective tissue work. In addition to working with the hands, the forearm will now also be used gently and safely. Central to this is the use of body alignment and your own gravity, as well as body mechanics on the massage table, in order to effortlessly gain depth and massage in a way that is gentle on the joints and energy-efficient.

Passive joint movements combined with deep connective tissue work give the recipient a feeling of security. These interpersonal and psychological aspects of Esalen massage transform bodywork from a craft into a healing art that touches the whole person, body and soul, and invites them on an inner journey of self-exploration.

Course content

• Deep work on the back of the body: shoulder blades, back extensors, hips, and legs
• Anatomy of the deep muscle layers, pelvis, and hips
• Movement sequence into the frog position (client's legs bent in prone position)
• Techniques in the frog position to improve hip and pelvic mobility
• Integration of deep work and the frog position into long stroking movements
• Advanced joint mobilization (gentle rocking of the spine)
• Mobilization of the thoracic spine in the supine position (upper body twist)
• Basic massage of the abdomen
• Seamless transition between different tempos and depths to meet the sensory needs of the client
• Structuring the preliminary discussion with the client
• Dealing with the inner critic
• Dealing with emotions that may be triggered in clients during the massage
  Contraindications in massage

Course objectives

• Learning new elements and experiencing them on your own body in several practice sessions
• Integration of deeper techniques and more complex movements into the sequence of a full-body massage
• Energy-saving use of body alignment and gravity
• Ability to evaluate the condition of the client's tissue through sensory perception
• Appropriate communication, especially during deeper work on painful areas
• Analyzing the client's verbal and nonverbal messages during the massage
• Improving one's own resilience through self-exploration in movement and conversation
• Understanding Esalen massage as a psychoactive massage and its holistic effect on body and mind
• Confidence in dealing with contraindications and knowing when Esalen massage is not indicated

Language

Bilingual German and English

Note

50 hours of training/continuing education, EMR/ASCA compliant.

Please note

The training course will start with a minimum of 8 participants who commit to modules 3-5. This allows us to ensure meaningful group dynamics and a good learning experience. We will decide 4 weeks before the start of the course whether the training course will take place.

What to bring

Comfortable clothing and personal writing materials.

Co-leader

Lili Imboden is the co-leader for this course.
The exact schedule can be downloaded here: Esalen schedule download (PDF)

Further information

Esalen Massage training overview (PDF).