Esalen® Massage & Bodywork ​175-Hour Certification Training

​​​Teachers: Ellen Watson and Robin Fann-Costanzo
Date: May 30 - June 3, 2022
Location: Big Sur, California

Program Information

This workshop calls you to rest in the natural beauty of Big Sur while gaining a foundation in the art and practice of Esalen® Massage. You will learn to sensitively listen to your partner and yourself. The basic core of Esalen Massage includes grounding, moving from the center, quality of touch, proper draping, applying classic Esalen long lengthening strokes, and listening to each person and each body. Skills to address specific problems in the neck, shoulders and low back, just to name a few, will also be presented. Each day will include a brief massage demonstration, including instruction in self-care, with plenty of time to practice giving and receiving with your classmates. By the end of the week, you will be able to give and receive a simple and satisfying massage session.
The instructors will accommodate the group’s different skill levels with at-the-table guidance. Beginners will be taught the basic tools to more skillfully massage their partners, friends, and family. Experienced practitioners will gain techniques that can easily be integrated into their massage sessions, inspiring and infusing their work with a deep sense of presence and flow. An optional evening at the baths — the birthplace of Esalen massage — will be included, weather and space permitting. This workshop is especially useful for those wishing to learn massage and those in the helping and healing professions working with their clients and patients.

Workshop Schedule

Mon 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tue, Wed, Thu 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Tue, Wed, 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Thu 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Thu 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm (optional)
Fri 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
More activities can be found on our open class schedule.
See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times

Teacher Profile

  • Ellen Watson

    www.movingventures.org

    Since 1984, Ellen Watson has studied, practiced, and taught Esalen Massage & Bodywork both at Esalen and Internationally. In 2016, she was inducted into the World Massage Hall of Fame in appreciation of her global sharing of Esalen Massage.

    Ellen's approach to healing through touch begins with cultivating awareness of one’s own breath and senses, while paying attention to one’s partner. ”Thus begins the transmission of Presence-Based Work.“ Ellen's studies include cross cultural somatic, healing and movement arts.

  • Robin Fann-Costanzo

    www.stillpointwell.com

    Robin Fann Costanzo has been practicing and teaching Esalen® Massage nationally and internationally since 1993. She has a background in dance, yoga, and somatic therapies, with a specialty in trauma resolution. In 2012 Robin was inducted into the World Massage Festival Hall of Fame for her work teaching Esalen massage. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two daughters, and is co-founder of Still Point Wellness — a massage, float, and wellness center.

Accommodations & COVID Update

 

Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.

Effective January 14, 2022 in response to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, all guests and faculty will provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in, in addition to proof of vaccination. The test must be taken within 5-7 days (if PCR/NAAT) or 24 hours (if antigen). If you are unable to secure a PCR/NAAT or antigen test from a test provider, we will allow an at-home rapid test to be taken on your arrival day. Bring it with you and have it ready to show at the gate when you arrive. Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.