Exploring Healing and Connection: Attending an Esalen Massage Workshop at the Esalen Institute

First Impressions and Overcoming Hesitations

Initially, the idea of attending a massage workshop alone felt daunting. Giving or receiving massages with strangers, many of whom were also beginners, stirred a mix of curiosity and nervousness. However, Esalen’s welcoming atmosphere quickly dissolved these fears.

Each day began with rituals unique to the institute: a hearty breakfast followed by a meditative soak in the renowned hot springs. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where the horizon seemed to blend seamlessly with the water, these moments of stillness set a tone of connection and presence that carried into the day’s work.

Learning the Esalen Massage

The workshop was led by Deborah Anne Medow and Daniela Urbassek, who brought complementary styles to their teaching. Deborah’s calm demeanor and deep historical knowledge of Esalen enriched our understanding, while Daniela’s technical expertise in Chi Gong, acupuncture, and her background as a yoga teacher added a fresh perspective. (See both biographies at the end of this article.)

Our initial sessions emphasized grounding ourselves through Tai Chi and yoga-inspired movements. Esalen Massage begins with the principle that practitioners must first be present and connected to their own bodies before working with others. This meditative preparation fostered a sense of trust within the group and created a safe, collaborative environment.

Through a combination of lectures and hands-on practice, Deborah and Daniela conveyed the essence of Esalen Massage. We learned that the practice is rooted in the understanding that the body and mind are interconnected, with long, flowing strokes designed to create a sense of wholeness and relaxation. It is more than a physical technique—it is a meditative practice centered on presence, intuition, and creating a healing space. The goal is to guide the recipient into a deep state of relaxation, allowing their own healing processes to activate.

The Evolution and Essence of Esalen Massage

Esalen Massage emerged during the 1960s, a time of social and cultural revolution. Amid the upheaval of the Vietnam War, civil rights movements, and countercultural explorations, Esalen became a hub for human potential and holistic healing. Founded in 1962 by Michael Murphy and Dick Price, the institute attracted visionaries like Timothy Leary, Alan Watts, Fritz Perls, Aldous Huxley and Ida Rolf – to mention a few. These pioneers fostered an environment where the integration of body, mind, and spirit could flourish.

The practice evolved through the work of early contributors like Molly Day Shackman and Bernie Gunther. Drawing inspiration from Swedish massage, sensory awareness, and Gestalt therapy.  The approach emphasizes presence, intuition, and creating a shared energetic flow between practitioner and recipient.

From Wild Roots to Refined Practice

In its early days, Esalen embodied the free-spirited ethos of the 1960s. Both practitioners and clients often engaged in nude sessions, reflecting a desire to embrace the natural body and shed societal inhibitions. This nudity symbolized openness and self-acceptance, forming an integral part of the healing experience. Over time, however, the practice shifted toward professional boundaries and refined techniques, while retaining its foundational values of presence and connection.

Can the Esalen Experience Be Replicated?

While the dramatic cliffs, soothing hot springs, and oceanic sounds of Big Sur undeniably enhance the sensory experience, the essence of Esalen Massage transcends its physical setting. Practitioners emphasize that the “Esalen Effect” can be recreated anywhere if the practitioner embodies presence, sensitivity, and attentiveness. As one therapist remarked, “It’s not about where you are—it’s about the quality of connection you bring to the moment.”

Esalen-trained practitioners around the world adapt the practice to various environments, proving that its transformative power lies in the approach rather than the location.

The Core and Legacy of Esalen Massage

At its heart, Esalen Massage is not just a technique—it is a dialogue between practitioner and client that fosters deep connection and healing. It bridges physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, offering a holistic pathway to well-being. Practitioners describe it as a meditative dance, where presence and fluidity are key.

Esalen’s legacy is one of flow—an unbroken connection between past and present, body and mind, nature and spirit. Continually evolving while remaining true to its origins, Esalen Massage represents a timeless approach to healing. Attending the workshop reaffirmed that true transformation begins with presence, compassion, and the willingness to explore the profound depth of connection.

Thank you Deborah and Daniela – for the introduction into the magic world of Esalen Massages .

Biographies

Deborah Anne Medow
Deborah Anne Medow is a seasoned Esalen workshop leader with over 55 years of experience practicing and teaching EsalenⓇ massage, yoga, creative movement, awareness practices, and related healing disciplines. Also called the Yogini in residence by Dick Price, co-founder of Esalen.  Her work has taken her across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, where she has inspired countless individuals with her expertise. In addition to her role as a teacher, Deborah is a certified nutrition educator, a Zumba® instructor, and the manager of the Esalen Healing Arts Department, combining her diverse skills to promote holistic wellness. (Deborah’s practice)

Daniela Urbassek
Daniela Urbassek is a California Board Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, as well as a Nationally Certified Acupuncturist. She holds a Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from Five Branches University, where she completed over 3,500 hours of rigorous classroom and clinical training in both Eastern and Western medicine. Daniela is also a California Certified Massage Therapist specializing in Esalen Massage, a Yoga Teacher, a Chi Gong Practitioner, and a Craniosacral Practitioner. Her multidisciplinary expertise allows her to integrate diverse healing modalities into her practice, fostering a comprehensive approach to wellness. (Daniela’s practice)

Photo Credit: Esalen Massage Lagacy/Age Wave –  Ken Dychtwald 

Watch a video about Esalen Massages