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Californian

Principles

The Californian massage consists of a series of fairly precise, fluid and harmonious choreographies aimed at enveloping the body. Thanks to sliding movements, stroking movements, gentle pressure, stretching as well as slightly more stimulating and firm gestures, you will feel soothed.

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For intense relaxation and the discovery of your body, the Californian massage is ideal.

Benefits

  • Well-being,

  • Anti stress,

  • Relaxation,

  • Improved irrigation,

  • Soothe nervousness,

  • Become aware of your body image.

Contraindications

  • In case of fever,

  • Recent surgery,

  • of heart disease,

  • of contagious disease,

  • Skin diseases,

  • diabetes,

  • Respiratory diseases,

  • Allergies (skin or contact, or food related to the use of massage oils).

To learn more about Californian massage

Margaret Elke massage Esalen California

ORIGINS OF CALIFORNIAN MASSAGE

It's the 1970s in Big Sur, California, at the Esalen Center, a psychotherapy institute that teaches practices and ideas from Eastern spiritual traditions, alternative medicine, and Gestalt group meetings.

Therapy groups were organized there to promote personal development through the connection between body and mind and to treat emotional disorders. It was at this center that Californian massage was born.

It was then that Margaret Elke , a practitioner of Swedish massage and Gestalt therapy, began to codify, structure and professionally teach Californian massage, both in the United States and in France.

Her goal was to create a massage that was more than just relaxing , to allow the person receiving the massage to reconnect with their body and relieve muscular tension . She has largely contributed to the democratization of this massage.

THE BENEFITS OF CALIFORNIAN MASSAGE

Californian massage is an intense relaxation massage that allows the person receiving the massage to (re)discover their body and accept it as it is. The massage is designed to encourage total letting go through various extremely enveloping techniques. Sometimes, the person receiving the massage can even fall asleep .

Throughout the Californian massage, the person receiving the massage benefits from a series of movements called "drainage." These movements improve blood flow , venous and lymphatic circulation. Other movements such as smoothing and kneading make this massage a gentle one.

In addition to the benefits on physical well-being, Californian massage can have a positive effect on nervous and emotional well-being . Nervous, because the nerve endings are stimulated, and emotional, because it promotes a better perception of one's body image.

Many of us today are subjected to constant stress due to our personal and professional environment. Californian massage will allow you to release accumulated stress through a return to yourself , a moment of relaxation and letting go just for you.

Thinking about yourself is necessary to think about others. If your vessel is empty, you will not be able to fill someone else's.

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