Unwinding, Flow, and Stillness in the Esalen Massage | Wetzikon with Lili Imboden

In this 3-day advanced course, we immerse ourselves in the principles of unwinding, flow and stillness – qualities that allow spontaneous, non-linear processes to unfold within the body. We combine established methods with new and inspiring impulses to deepen our massage practice with greater presence, mindfulness and intuition.

Watch the Video

Short video about the course "Unwinding, Flow and Stillness"

Course Description

This course is designed for bodywork practitioners who wish to further develop their perception and intuition. Building on the fundamental principles of Esalen Massage, we explore how spontaneous impulses for movement and flow within the tissues – known as unwinding – can be initiated and supported during massage sessions.
Unwinding is not understood as a technique, but as a natural expression of inner self-regulation – possible only within a space of safety, presence and trust. It may arise from still holds, deep connective tissue work, joint mobilisations or active movements performed by clients under the guidance of the practitioner. We will explore these different approaches and apply them in practice during the course.
Working in flow means allowing ourselves to be guided by the moment and approaching massage as a creative process. We learn to listen with the whole body – not only with our hands. Deep work on selected muscular and fascial structures, together with the mobilisation of large joints, creates space for inner movement, self-regulation and letting go.
Long Strokes serve as a connecting element between surface and depth, movement and stillness. They help the nervous system enter a state of relaxed alertness.
Alongside the hands-on work, we deepen our interoceptive awareness through somatic movement sessions such as Soul Motion dance and mindful work with balls on the yoga mat. These personal experiences help us to sense and allow unwinding within our own bodies – an essential prerequisite for mindfully supporting clients through this process.
The course has a strong experiential focus: through touch, presence, stillness and movement, we explore together how the therapeutic relationship can be shaped in a way that allows the body to open and let go naturally.

Course Objectives

In this course, participants will learn through practical experience how to:

• understand the concept of unwinding and integrate it into their massage practice
• recognise and therapeutically support spontaneous impulses for movement
• initiate unwinding through joint mobilisation and deep tissue work
• work within deep layers of tissue with presence, fluidity and without resistance
• establish safety, trust and presence as the foundation for deep processes
• strengthen their interoceptive awareness and somatic intuition
• use the transition between movement and stillness as a resource

Course Content

• Introduction to the concept of "Unwinding" and its application in massage practice
• Perceptual training: listening with the whole body
• Joint guidance and mobilisation
• Deep tissue work on the gluteal muscles, trapezius, levator scapulae and rhomboids
• Work on the deep suboccipital muscles
• Integration of Long Strokes to support nervous system regulation
• Presence in stillness: non-verbal communication & therapeutic waiting
• Somatic movement sessions: ball work, Soul Motion
• Creating a safe and supportive therapeutic setting
• Playful exploration of intuition, curiosity and lightness in touch
• Integration of flow and stillness into one's own massage practice

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

9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 17:30

What to Bring

Neutral, fragrance-free, plant-based massage oil, writing materials and comfortable clothing suitable for movement.