Californian Massage

Californian massage is a gentle massage technique, which aims to bring a physical and mental balance of the client through soft long strokes that connect the entire body.

It is based upon Swedish (classical) massage, but instead of working in sections focusing on muscle groups one step at a time, Californian massage works on the entire body at once, not dividing the body into sections. The pressure is usually light and gentle, aiming more towards the mental aspect of the massage than the physical. It is a massage which works to relax and treat the entire body and not work on solving specific localized issues. The massage can work in depth if it is necessary for the emotional release, but generally it is a soft, long, fluid and caressing massage to bring the client into balance with her body.

The technique was developed in California at the Esalan institute in Big Sur in the early 1970's among a group psychotherapists. They found the need for a massage which could support their personal explorations and deep insights. A massage which was nourishing and caring, releasing and protective, tender and unifying.

Margareth Elke was taken by the psychological and spiritual aspects of the Esalan massage and brought in her knowledge of Swedish massage. With others developed a new massage form aimed towards mental and physical relaxation and wellness.

The result is a highly relaxing massage which enables people to get back into touch with themselves, physically and mentally.

Sources and further reading:
http://www.asscdm.com/articles/200511californianmassagee.htm
http://www.massage-californien.com/Massage.pdf
http://www.massagenet.com/editorials/editorial_1.htm
http://www.esalen.org/