Esalen Tissue Work
Esalen tissue work is defined as a combination of soft and deep tissue techniques, promoting total body awareness and relaxation by focusing on both the extremities and torso. It was developed at the famous growth center, Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. It is a hybrid technique comprising of Swedish massage with its precise manner of working with muscles and the circulatory system, and the deeply personal sensing work brought from Germany by Charlotte Selver.
Esalen tissue work focuses more on creating deeper states of relaxation, beneficial states of consciousness, and general well-being. It does not focus much on increasing circulation or relieving muscle tension.
Whereas Swedish massage focuses on the body and is more brisk. Esalen tissue work is slow, rhythmic, and hypnotic and focuses on the mind/body as a whole.
Esalen as part of Gestalt psychotherapy whereas Swedish massage was developed as part of gymnastics. Esalen massage integrates body, mind and spirit into a more harmonious whole person and helps the person live more comfortably in his or her own body. This technique reduces the difference between the giver and the receiver.
To take Esalen massage the client must take all his clothes off but this may not be done normally because of the laws governing the state. In public practice the client is covered with towel or a sheet and the therapist dresses very informally.
This technique differs from other massage modalities, massage strokes in Esalen massage are much slower, longer, even full-body length. The towel or sheet used to cover the body is pushed aside to complete these strokes.
Esalen massage must be approached as a whole person, seeking connections and integration rather than addressing individual disjointed body parts. This technique is widely effective for pain relief, sports massage, and energy release and stress reduction.
Benefits of Esalen massage not viewed as therapeutic like other massage therapies. Some of the benefits of Esalen massage therapy are as follows.
Deep and intense relaxation - This therapy provides intense relaxation to the body as well as the mind. Since relaxation helps reduce stress on the mind and body, stress relief is achieved through this technique.
Healing – As massage promotes blood circulation through the body, which in turn boosts body’s self defending power, Esalen massage therapy helps body to improve its self healing power.
