Esalen Massage Practitioners

Below is a list of regularly available massage practitioners. Their specialties can be experienced in pure form or in combination. At times, guest practitioners are available. We also offer alternative bodywork modalities in "Room 23," which include Craniosacral work, La Stone, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Thai massage, Cortical Field Reeducation and others.

Alana Cain - My massage includes long interconnecting strokes that glide with the fluidity of a dance, to enter that rhythm where breathing.......heartbeat.......transcend, coinciding with the flow of the ocean......when all things become magic.

Ardell Hill - My intention as I address you, is to find where you are holding tension, help you recognize and release it through muscle manipulation, stretches, neuromuscular release, and breath work, using massage modalities: Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Craniosacral, and LaStone™, all blended into the Esalen style of massage. As a 23-year veteran of bodywork, I have built a resonance with bodywork, and I intuitively sense the areas of holding to offer a technique that will help release it.

Attila "Thomas" Vaas - I have spent the last thirty years on the Esalen Massage Staff developing "Balance in Motion"™, an evolved form of Esalen Massage, incorporating techniques of long flowing strokes, sensitive harmonious rhythmic movement, soft supported stretching, blended with Polarity Therapy, Reflexology, Acupressure and Cranial work. Special emphasis is placed on feet, hands, lower back, shoulders and neck. My intuitive touch fills the need to complete the sense of peacefulness and wholeness within the body, mind, spirit and soul.

Aya Shimada - I work with long flowing strokes that are indicative of Esalen massage, focusing on being present with you as the session unfolds. I speak Japanese and English fluently.

Benj Langdon - My massage, a meditation on presence, is intended to help you come closer to those effortless, flowing states associated with optimal performance, self-healing, and peak experience. It is inspired by my own model of expanding human functioning with essential elements drawn from Esalen Massage, Tai Chi, Gestalt, psychosynthesis, expressive movement, Ericksonian hypnosis, and Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement. ®

Brita Ostrom - I use movement within the context of a flowing, relaxing massage to reach deep within the body and release old habitual patterns. I direct my attention toward a feeling of real peace and acceptance, of organic wholeness, of balance. I work deeply or lightly as needed to release tense areas and to make connections towards aware, tension-free living. I also use my Gestalt awareness training for integrative sessions combining body awareness with psychological process when workspace allows for sound and talk. I am a licensed MFCC.

Bruce Campbell - My massage style is a classic Esalen Massage. Characterized by long, strong, flowing strokes with gentle stretches to create a gentle yet firm and relaxing massage. My intention is for my clients to feel nurtured and relaxed.

C-Jay Bradbury - A practitioner at Esalen since 1987, my "Tai Chi" practice continues to stimulate and guide my work. Following my initial interview with you, I will lead you on an effortless journey of relaxing, stress releasing movements, and massage strokes, supportive of a relaxed body, which of course, supports a quiet mind. The degree of movement and depth of pressure will be tailored to you and altered whenever a change of rhythm is desirable. The Ocean sets the tone of an "Esalen" massage.

Char Pias - Pain relief, emotional balance, and peacefulness are the benefits of my client's experience. Using the flowing style of Esalen Massage as my framework, I bring a gentle strength and groundedness along with my skills as a Reiki Master for integrating Body, Mind, Heart, and Spirit. My particular interest is in the Chakra systems. I began studying bodywork and yoga in 1972 and joined the Esalen Massage staff in 1980. I teach Esalen Massage and Reiki nationally and internationally.

Chloe Kelly Spellman - My intention during a massage session is to create a nurturing, relaxing, and therapeutic experience where people can become receptive to the healing energy within themselves. I have studied a variety of modalities including Esalen, Thai, Deep Tissue, Craniosacral, Prenatal, and Hendrickson Method orthopedic massage. In addition to my massage therapy, I am a yoga teacher. I believe the practice of both yoga and massage complement one another to help people find expanded presence and opening in their bodies.

Daniela (Dani) Urbassek - I see massage as a way to remind the body of its full potential to move more freely. My intention is to support an ever-increasing awareness of the whole body, creating space for the release of tensions and unnecessary holding patterns. I use a wide spectrum of modalities from deep muscular work, joint mobilization, and elongating stretches to energy work and fine-tuning. By utilizing a strong foundation in Esalen Massage, I include elements of Sports Massage, Reflexology and Craniosacral work to bring progressive relaxation and wholeness.

David Streeter - The holistic concept of nature entwined with the human organism is really the heart of my work. After twenty years on the Esalen massage team, I feel as I have just now learned my craft. I have learned to listen to a wise and wonderful guiding voice that speaks clearly in regard to the application, duration, and degree of pressure, the "very thing that encompasses a good Esalen massage." My training in Chinese Chi Gung and anatomy allows me to vary the depth of my massage practice. Esalen massage is the restorative, illuminating quality of "just this" that makes the experience of massage at Esalen impossible to define.

Dean Marson - My massage style combines gentle muscle work with passive movement, addressing specific problem areas while enhancing flexibility of the spine and joints. Precise detailed work, woven together with long flowing strokes, releases tension and creates a feeling of wholeness. The session ends with energy balancing to leave you resting in a place of deep relaxation and peace--the realm of healing for body and spirit. My special interest is in helping people reconnect with their potential for self-healing.

Deborah Anne Medow - A practitioner at Esalen since the late 1960's, I combine long lengthening strokes and slow deep work along with elements of Esalen massage, soft tissue work, quiet chanting, Craniosacral work, Reiki, Polarity Therapy, and integrative bodywork. All are designed to balance the body energies, enabling the client to release chronic tension and stress patterns, restoring fluidity of movement, and allowing the body, mind, and spirit to feel free and rested in their natural harmonious state. A certified nutrition educator, I am also available to teach private massage, nutrition education, and yoga lessons.

Edda Arndal - I bring to my massage practice my background as an R.N. and a Somatic Psychotherapist. My work focuses on releasing muscular/emotional holdings in the body via deep bodywork and stretches, followed by long strokes for integration. Your breathing patterns, energy shifts, and temperature changes guide my sessions as I focus on contact, unwinding, and energizing. I wish for you to walk away feeling renewed, open, and centered.

Elisabeth Weilharter - With my massage, I like to touch the holistic unity of Body, Mind and Soul. Being present and communicating with the Body through my hands to allow healing to take place is my heartfelt intention. I like to incorporate other modalities, Craniosacral Therapy, Acupressure, Reiki and Deep Tissue into my Esalen Massage, to ensure a truly blissful and healing experience.

Ellen Watson - I have studied, practiced and taught massage and movement at Esalen since 1984. My massage style reflects my love of movement, singing and chanting, essential oils, spiritual healing, music, breathwork, and the natural sensuousness of the human body. While developing my own style, The Art of Essential Touch, I received over 1,000 professional sessions with bodyworkers, healers, ministers, movement artists, breathworkers, shamans and gurus. In creating the best session for each client, I call on all my experiences as both giver and receiver. My wish for you is to end our session deeply relaxed, refreshed, and in closer touch with your essential well-being.

Ginger Holladay - My massage opens with simple holds and gentle rocking as I listen to your body's needs. I integrate different modalities according to your requests and your body's receptivity. Gentle stretches lengthen and relax your muscles, helping me to move sensitively into deeper contact when needed. Long soothing Esalen strokes, Craniosacral work and Energy Balancing leave you relaxed, renewed and connected with self and spirit. Coming from a music background, I often add vibrational healing to the session.

Heather Elizabeth James - As a dancer, percussionist and bodyworker, my style is fluid, rhythmic, and heart-centered. I draw upon an eclectic blend of modalities, which include Esalen, Craniosacral, Acupressure, Reflexology and La Stone therapy. I invite the dance of energy between giver and receiver to evoke a unique session that magically unfolds just for you. Let the warmth and experience of my hands address your specific needs and nurture you into bliss.

Honey Jarrett - I enjoy integrating deep tissue work into a fluid and nurturing massage, combining varying pressures with stretches and compassionate presence.

Harmony Alsen - In my massage, I intuitively connect gentle deep work with long integrative strokes of Esalen massage. My experience with Deep Tissue, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Craniosacral, and energy balancing inspires my work. In a symphony of loving intention, movement, and deep breathing, guided by the rhythm of the ocean, I invite deep relaxation and free energy flow...taking you into a journey to experience a loving connection between mind and body, encouraging life in balance.

Ilene Connelly - I approach my session with respect, honoring my client with integrity, an open heart, and a strong presence. My hands and intuition guide me to places of restriction and energy blocks. I intertwine the long, flowing strokes of Esalen massage, craniosacral, lymph drainage, deep tissue, reflexology, and Reiki with the intention of promoting self- integration and healing.

Jessica Fagan - Utilizing the therapeutic principles of Eastern and Western modalities I bring my 11 years of experience and Deep Tissue/ Structural Integration, NMT, Sports Massage, Craniosacral, Shiatsu, Tui Na, and Thai Massage to address injury and the source of holding patterns unique to each individual. Range of motion, rhythmic rocking, stretching, and cradling encourage deep relaxation and a nurturing environment for the body to find it's own equilibrium, thus, creating space in the body that allows increased ease, openness, and expansive awareness.

Johanna Holloman - I combine many years of experience as a practitioner and teacher of Deep Tissue work with my skills as an Esalen masseuse. My style of massage is characterized by loving, nurturing long strokes and slow, sensitive detail work, making my work both therapeutic and pleasurable. It is my intention to quiet the mind and access a deeply restful presence, replenishing your whole being.

Jud Varner - I listen quietly to support unwinding and release, stimulating healing and spiritual renewal. My work is rooted in the classic Esalen massage with long flowing strokes, gentle stretches, and a strong quality of presence, along with elements of acupressure, energy work, and deep tissue.

Kayo T. Streeter - I provide deeply nurturing massage that invites the receiver to relax and release. With a grounded presence that is as reassuring as the waves, I meet each session. I am fluent in English and Japanese.

Kelly McKay - I give a nurturing massage, using strong flowing strokes and gentle stretches. I apply firm pressure in a sensitive way, creating a safe environment to release blocks within the body. My work intuitively encourages fuller breathing, allowing for deeper relaxation, restored vitality and reduction of tension.

Laura Zarcone - I am very grateful for the gift of connecting with people and helping them to heal themselves. I love my work. With over fourteen years of experience, I have studied Esalen style massage, Chi Nei Tsang, Swedish, and currently I am studying Craniosacral work. The massage I offer is a balance of stretching, fluid long strokes, and energy work. I also bring my background in Continuum and Sensory Awareness to the table.... Peace.

Lioness Parizek - Guided by your needs and requests, I provide deep peace and healing through a warming nourishing massage. I combine long, soothing strokes with focused detail work, structural and energy balancing, reflexology, pressure points, and stretching. A practitioner and teacher of many modalities, I'm a member of Esalen's Teaching Staff and received my Nursing degree early in my career. I'm comfortable with emotional release when it occurs, and I enjoy working with you to help expand your ability to heal yourself.

Laurie Schutz - As a certified practitioner and teacher of Esalen Massage for over 25 years, I have specialized in a non-forceful approach to release body tension. My B.A. is in Body Awareness Psychology and my style acknowledges body/mind relationships. I combine many techniques including Trager®-style, Reflexology, and joint release. I use long, firm strokes with concentrated pressure to specific areas. My intention is to create feelings of wholeness, relaxation, and well being.

Lawrence Jenkins - My work is a synthesis of Hellerwork, Polarity Therapy, Zero Balancing, and Esalen Massage. I listen with my heart and hands to vary the touch from light to deep.

Les May - Warm fingers of sunshine caress the forest floor. Evergreen branches sway in the breeze. Water flows gently, powerfully into curves, slowly softening hard places. Light dances beautifully across boulders resting in the stream. Redwoods stand strong and still, supporting supple limbs above, embracing earth below. My hands embody the qualities of the forest, flowing like water, rocking gently like wind, warming like sunshine, gradually moving deeper with exquisite gentleness and strength, channeling nature's energies to lovingly awaken the body.

Margaret Stevens - I give a relaxing Esalen massage using a depth of pressure ranging from light to deep. With twenty years on the Esalen Massage Crew, I have studied Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, and foot reflexology. I enjoy the practice of yoga, dance, drawing, and singing as well as the art of massage.

Melanie Klug - I began studying massage while I was living at Esalen in 2001. As a teacher and student of yoga, I specialize in the massage needs of yoga students. With a strong sense of grounding in the heart, I focus on quality of touch lending knowledge with intuition. My practice includes Esalen massage, deep tissue techniques, yoga, craniosacral and various healing energy modalities.

Nancy Lawrence - Being a massage therapist who has worked in various settings in and out of this country, I have found that every person and body needs to receive its own unique form of massage. Not just one style will do. This is why I like to incorporate different styles into each massage, from relaxing therapeutic deep tissue and pressure point work to long flowing nurturing strokes. My specialty and passion is deep focused work.

Nora Matten - I would describe my massage as very loving and nurturing, yet deep. I work from my heart. My intention is to create a space of acceptance and safety in which change can happen through awareness... a dance of listening and responding, breath and movement, creating a sense of wholeness and well-being.

Paméla Espinoza - Aloha! My intention during our massage experience is to balance, clear, and nourish the currents of life flowing through the meridians and spiral patterns of the body. Like a flower unfolding, we blossom within an inter-connective shimmering wholeness. My original training was in Hawaii. Lomi lomi, Kapalek, Craniosacral, shiatsu, Chinese medical Qi-gong, Esalen Massage, Swedish sports massage, and deep tissue Myofascial release are the forms I find useful for this journey.

Paul Moraca - Your session begins with the classic long strokes of an Esalen massage. With over 1000 hours of massage training, I use my strong, intuitive, loving hands to adjust the depth of pressure and range of motion in creating a relaxing massage suited to your body's needs.

Perry Holloman - My work focuses on touching the deep structures of the body in an effort to release chronic tension and holding, often at the root of chronic pain. Releasing chronic tension and pain can result in an increase in the flow of vital energy. In my work, special attention is paid to supporting this process, if, and when it occurs. An integral part of this process is freeing the breath, finding greater room and freedom to breathe.

Rob Wilks - My intention is to work with you and be present to your needs; I listen and then respond to the messages naturally given by your body, creating an experience of nurturing, deep relaxation, expansion, and release. I use integrating Esalen long strokes, combined with sensitive detailed work, deep tissue work, lengthening stretches, and gentle twists.

Robert Helm - I call my work Esalen somatic bodywork because I use Esalen Massage as a foundation and then blend various somatic modalities into each session. These include Craniosacral, Esalen deep tissue, pressure points, and Polarity/energy work. I also work with the body's energy meridians. I am experienced and comfortable with Gestalt process and my sessions have space for emotional release.

Robin Fann - My background is in dance, yoga, and meditation, and my massage work is a continuation of these practices. I use my training in Esalen Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, and Breema bodywork, as well as my intuition to create a dance that is unique and individual with each person. My intention in every session is to create a safe and supportive environment to evoke the innate wisdom and healing powers of each individual.

Sabina Loetscher - For me, massage is a silent body conversation with the client. While listening to my intuition, I explore dynamic Breema moves and the stillness of Craniosacral work. I love to nurture and use the rhythms of breath to complete the circle of body, soul, mind, and spirit.

Sylvia Guersenzvaig - My specialty is in accessing the neuro-skeletal structure of the body, translating into a feeling of being contacted deeply. I use an array of techniques along with Esalen massage, Craniosacral and Intuitive healing, creating a unique type of bodywork. My discoveries in the field of Continuum movement led me to the creation of "BodyResonance," a form of drumming and still point contact on bone structures that helps release deeper holding patterns, targeting areas like the neck, back and shoulders, while promoting a deep state of balance and relaxation.

Tara Maxon - I bring a gentle, supportive presence to my work, accessing my intuition and deep listening to create your unique session. I use movement and stillness, stretching, compression, and long, flowing, trance-inducing strokes to remind your body and being of its wholeness and perfection. I have studied Reiki, Polarity and Craniosacral Therapy, Reflexology, Thai massage, and Shiatsu, all in order to give you a more deeply satisfying Esalen massage.

Tom Case - Using pressure points and the integrative Esalen style massage I work deeply into areas of tension, lengthening and opening. I balance this work with gentle nurturing strokes to promote relaxation and include stretching and joint manipulation to promote greater mobility.

Vicki Topp - My massage is supportive, nurturing, and a form of meditation. I work on multi-dimensional levels, integrating deep structural spiralic movements with a soft and sensitive use of pressure point, deep tissue work, and somatic balancing. I am a registered Movement Therapist, a practitioner of Body-Mind Centering, and a founding member of the Esalen Massage School.

Zac Schiffman - During my massage, I emphasize presence, relaxation, and holding the space so that healing can occur. I practice classic Esalen style, deep tissue and passive stretching. My touch is slow, intent, and loving - the experience brings pleasure and therapeutic relief.

Please Note - Esalen Massage is a flowing, integrated modality of bodywork that invites the body to open. Through this modality, our practitioners are dedicated to making deep contact with each client. Practitioners will also attempt to accommodate specific requests and preferences within the Esalen Massage modality.