The Center in Flow – The Abdomen, Thorax, and Heart Space in Esalen® Massage with Lili Imboden and Anne Thielen

In this 3-day advanced course, we explore the living axis at the centre of our body – from deep grounding in the abdominal space to the openness of the heart. Anatomical understanding combines with the sensitive touch of Esalen Massage, creating a space in which mobility, elasticity and vitality can once again be experienced.

Course Description

Building on the fundamental principles of Esalen Massage, we explore the connections between the abdominal and thoracic spaces – from the psoas and diaphragm through the intercostal spaces to the heart space. These structures form the centre of our breathing, upright posture and inner balance.
Through gentle melting techniques, mobilisations and mindful touch, we invite the nervous system to release deeply held patterns of tension without pain. When the psoas, diaphragm and rib cage can move together more freely, this creates more space for the breath, a vibrant flow of fluids and a sense of openness and grounding.
We devote particular attention to the heart space. The pericardium is closely connected to the centre of the body through the diaphragm. As the diaphragm and rib cage gain elasticity, a freer space for resonance opens up around the heart and breath – allowing the heart to move more easily and unfold its natural dynamics.
The long, flowing Long Strokes connect the abdominal and heart spaces, allowing this experience to flow through the entire body.
Dance and mindful yoga on the mat allow us to experience this anatomy first within our own bodies. In this way, knowledge is felt and embodied. From this, a calm, present and unrestricted quality of touch emerges. Our hands begin to listen, and the flow of the massage grows from a grounded centre and an open heart.
The course has a strong experiential focus. Touch, movement and stillness create a space in which massage becomes a process of somatic integration – clear, mindful and arising from the heart.

Course Objectives

• Palpable anatomy: experiencing and understanding the psoas, diaphragm and thorax
• Deep work combined with lightness: applying gentle melting techniques and mobilisations within the abdominal and thoracic spaces
• An elastic centre: understanding the interaction between the psoas and diaphragm as the foundation of an open heart space and supporting their elasticity
• Flow of breath: releasing the diaphragm and intercostal spaces, supporting tissue dynamics and giving the heart more space for its natural mobility
• A liberated shoulder girdle: releasing tension in the pectoralis major and minor and opening the upper chest
• Embodied presence: translating personal experiences gained through movement and dance into a grounded, listening presence at the massage table
• Flowing integration: connecting the abdominal and heart spaces into a unified whole through Long Strokes

Course Content

• Embodied anatomy: dance, movement and sensory exercises on the mat to experience one's own centre
• Palpation & sensing tissue layers: sensitive contact from the surface of the skin into the deeper layers of tissue
• The abdomen as a fluid space: abdominal massage to stimulate tissue dynamics and lymphatic flow
• The psoas space: gentle deep work and mobilisation for the deep pelvic region
• Diaphragm & pericardium: releasing the diaphragm to relieve the heart space
• Opening the spaces between the ribs: intercostal melting techniques to create greater freedom of breath and resonance
• Rib cage & shoulder girdle: releasing the pectoralis major & minor and the fascial structures surrounding the sternum
• Rhythm & oscillation: Thorax Cradle and rocking impulses to regulate the nervous system
• Holistic integration: connecting Esalen Long Strokes from the pelvis through the abdomen to the heart space

Prerequisites

Esalen Massage Practitioner or currently training to become one. Massage therapists from other disciplines who are familiar with long, flowing strokes (Long Strokes) are also welcome.

Note

21 hours of training/continuing education, compliant with EMR/ASCA requirements.

Schedule

Fri: 10:00 – 12:30 | 15:00 – 18:30
Sat: 07:00 – 08:00 (Movement & Stillness) | 09:00 – 12:30 | 15:00 – 18:30
Sun: 07:00 – 08:00 (Movement & Stillness) | 09:00 – 12:30 | 14:00 – 16:30

Timetable

Centre in Flow Timetable

What to Bring

Comfortable clothing suitable for movement, a neutral, fragrance-free, plant-based massage oil, a container for the massage oil, socks to protect the floors of the course rooms when getting up from the massage table, as well as writing and note-taking materials.