Esalen Massage by Zoë, Leusden

Esalen massage has been developed over the last 50 years at the Esalen Institute, a retreat centre in California, combining conventional Swedish massage with deep tissue and other techniques to create a unique, flexible and holistic experience. Importance is placed on the quality of the touch that is given; the presence of the practitioner to be sensitive and responsive to the whole person upon the table. You can feel fully received, eased and gently cared for.

Before each session I'll take some time to ask about what you're looking for from your massage and what your personal preferences are, so I can be more attentive to your needs. The session lasts about 90 minutes, with approximately half the time lying face up. There are various techniques, special moves and stretches that may be used, depending on the person I'm working with and where the attention is needed.

The Esalen massage strokes can often be likened to water, with a flowing in and out like the ocean's tides and smoothing into and around the contours. It invites a conversation with your muscles, slowly meeting the resistance and allowing the layers to soften and your connective tissues to regain their fluid quality. It should never feel forceful, yet can find its way to the deeper parts where you've been holding tensions. You are always welcome to ask for something differently if it doesn't feel just right to you.

More than the physical enjoyment and soothing of aches and pains achieved by massage, there can also be a profound effect on our mental and emotional well-being. Touch is like food for our brains, vital to the successful development and functional organisation of the nervous system.

The long strokes in Esalen massage give a reminder to our bodies of the connectedness we can forget, and help to link all areas of more detailed work. The intuitive nature of the massage keeps me working consciously with you and also helps to bring you out of structures and expectations.

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