~ Your Esalen Massage Session
~
(日本語)
A
regular session is one hour and fifteen minutes to 2 hours in duration.
Prior to the massage, your massage practitioner will consult with you over
tea in order to discuss your body (injuries, chronic pain, etc.) and any
particular needs you might have, as well as inquire about psychological
or emotional issues that might be important to be aware of.
After tea, you will be offered
a warm and relaxing bath in essential oils. This will help warm your body
and relax, as well as begin to increase blood flow necessary for healthy
tissues and organs.
When you are ready, you
will be asked to lie face down or face up on the table and your practitioner
will drape you with either sheets or towels in a comfortable manner. Breathe
freely and deeply, but try not to control your breathe. Let yourself relax
and enjoy quiet environment and the gentle touch of your massage.
It
is important to understand that the essence of Esalen Massage tends to
awaken a deep sense of sensuality in the recipient. This is not to be confused
with sexuality. An Esalen Massage is not a sexual massage. When the energy
is right, the recipient should feel a strong sense of his or her own sensuality,
a complete sense of oneness with his or her body that encourages a healthy
acceptance of self.
It is also important to
note that the longer a massage, the more chances a recipient has of encountering
strong emotional issues. It is important to be aware of this so that you
can better process such issues if and when they arise. Your massage practitioner
should be aware of this, and most times will continue the massage and allow
you to process your feelings. Try to relax and breathe through any emotional
outbursts, knowing you are in kind, loving hands, and in a secure place.
If
you feel your emotional levels are too high, please inform your massage
practitioner and stop the massage immediately. You might just need a short
break to wipe your eyes and get a drink, or to end the massage completely.
In either case, please communicate your feelings to the massage practitioner,
in as much or little detail as you feel necessary. An open line of communication
is important, and by letting your massage practitioner know what you are
feeling, he or she will best know how to support you. All things shared
between a recipient and massage practitioner are 100% confidential. (EMBA
Ethical Standards)
Much like yoga, the intention
you, as a recipient, bring to the massage table, is very important to your
own level of enjoyment. An open and understanding frame of mind will help
increase the benefits of your massage in mind, body and spirit.
After your massage, you
will be asked to relax once again in a hot bath. Once you are ready, we
will share tea. Most complete sessions run 30-45 minutes in addition to
the massage time. If you wish to leave immediately after your massage,
you are more than welcome to go.
