top of page

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.

​

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

We are in 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 encounter groups.

Therapy groups were then organized there with the aim of personal development through the connection between body and mind, and to treat emotional disorders. It was in this center that Californian massage originated.

 

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

 

Her goal was to create a massage that was more than just relaxing , allowing the recipient to reconnect with their body and relieve muscle tension . She played a significant role in popularizing this type of massage.

THE BENEFITS OF CALIFORNIAN MASSAGE

The Californian massage is an intensely relaxing massage that allows the recipient to (re)discover their body and accept it as it is. The massage is designed to promote complete relaxation through various deeply enveloping techniques. Sometimes, the recipient may even fall asleep .

 

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

 

In addition to its benefits for physical well-being, Californian massage can have a positive effect on nervous and emotional well-being . Nervous, because 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 environments. A 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 of yourself is necessary to think of others. If your own vessel is empty, you cannot fill someone else's.

bottom of page