Introduction to Esalen® Massage (12 hours CE)
new dates!
Orcas Island, June 8-9, 2024
with Patrick Stockstill and Shayu Talbot, Esalen Massage teachers
Odd Fellows Hall | Eastsound, WA
Esalen® Massage, developed at the Esalen Institute, is known for its long, flowing strokes, slow rhythmic movements, and whole body focus. Esalen Massage is a presence based awareness practice. In this course you will be introduced to the Esalen approach to massage, how to effectively apply the long strokes, and the techniques and methods that make up its foundation. Quality of touch, presence and self care are at the heart of this work.
Esalen Massage combines artistry with science, seeking to co-create an experience of breath, awareness and presence for giver and receiver. The practitioner will learn to listen and customize each session to meet their client’s needs.
Each class section will consist of exercises, a brief lecture, demonstrations, and supervised practice, with plenty of time for questions and observations. By the end of this course you will be able to successfully apply the basic elements of Esalen Massage.
This class is appropriate for beginners or experienced massage therapists wanting to expand their repertoire. This is not a certification course. In order to promote yourself as an Esalen® Massage Practitioner, you must complete a 100-hour or longer program. Sign up to be notified of upcoming certification programs!
Delicious, nourishing lunch sourced from local ingredients will be provided Saturday and Sunday by island favorite Farm to Ferry. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated, including vegetarian, dairy free, and gluten free. Breakfast and dinner are not included in your registration. There are restaurants, cafes, and two grocery stores within walking distance of the class venue. Best to plan ahead where you intend to eat, as our community is small and our weekends can be busy with visitors.
What to Expect in Class
Please come prepared to give and receive practice massages from your classmates! We will engage in mindful movement (e.g. meditative walking, qi gong, dance). You will need sheets, a pillowcase, and a pillow or bolster. You may bring your own unscented massage oil if you like. Please bring clothes comfortable for movement, attend to your personal hygiene, and do not wear fragrances.
If you are visiting Orcas Island, you will need to arrange your own housing. The Outlook Inn, The Village Inn, and Landmark Inn are a short walk from the class venue. Kangaroo House B&B is a longer walk or a very short drive. Other options within driving distance include North Beach Inn, West Beach Resort, Doe Bay Resort and Retreat, Deer Harbor Inn, Kingfish Inn, Otters Pond B&B, camping at Moran State Park, vacation rentals through AirBnB and other services. Consider arriving Friday evening and staying through Sunday or longer! (These suggestions are made without personal or financial interest.)
Transportation
Orcas Island is served by WA State Ferries departing from Anacortes, WA. Anacortes is about an hour from Bellingham or 1.5 hours from Seattle. Ferry reservations are strongly encouraged! We also have a small airport in Eastsound with daily service from Bellingham, Seattle, Everett, and other locations. See San Juan Airlines and Kenmore Air for information. Seasonal float plane flights from the Puget Sound area also arrive at these Orcas Island docks: Rosario, West Sound, and Deer Harbor.
Shayu Talbot is an Esalen® Massage Teacher based in Victoria, BC who facilitates introductory workshops. Along with teaching and her private practice, she offers Esalen Massage and Deep Bodywork® for participants in transformational retreat and workshop settings. Shayu continues to advance her training and assisting in Esalen Massage at the world renowned Esalen Institute in Big Sur California, as well as with Deep Bodywork at the Mt Madonna Center in Santa Cruz. You can read Shayu's full bio here.
Patrick Stockstill is an Esalen® Massage teacher living on Orcas Island. He has been a massage therapist since 2008, a yoga teacher since 2013, a Deep Bodywork® practitioner since 2016, and an Esalen Massage teacher since 2019. Patrick has taught at McKinnon Body Therapy Center in Oakland, CA, as well as introductory Esalen Massage workshops in California and Washington. Read his full bio here.
Schedule*
Day 1
10 am - 1 pm Morning class
1 - 2 pm Lunch (provided)
2 pm - 5 pm Afternoon class
Day 2
9 am - 12:30pm Morning class
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch (provided)
1:30 - 4 pm Afternoon class
*subject to minor changes
Cost and Registration
$250 US per student
Includes 12 hours CE (NCBTMB approved), materials, and catered lunch.
Price does not include transportation, housing, breakfast, or dinner.
Esalen Massage Workshops led or assisted by Patrick
Esalen® Massage 100-hour Professional Training | September-October 2024, Oakland, CA
Esalen® Massage 100-hour Professional Training (assisted) | February-March 2023, Oakland, CA
Esalen® Massage 100-hour Professional Training (assisted) | March and May, 2023, Hot Springs, NC
Esalen® Massage 100-hour Professional Training (assisted) | January, 2024, Esalen Institute, Big Sur CA
Esalen® Massage Brief Introduction | 3 hours, March 2024, Bellingham WA (North Cascade Massage Connection)
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 8 hours, June 2023, Seattle WA
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 8 hours, April 2023, Bellingham, WA
Intro to Esalen® Massage | 10 hours, November 2022, Oakland, CA
Intro to Esalen® Massage: The Long Stroke, Neck and Shoulders | 12 hours, March 2022, Orcas Island, WA
Intro to Esalen® Massage: The Long Stroke, Hands & Forearms | 12 hours, January 2020, Oakland, CA
Intro to Esalen® Massage: The Long Stroke and Presence | 8 hours, July 2019, Berkeley, CA
Intro to Esalen® Massage for Esalen Work Scholars | 4 hours, September 2019, Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA