Esalen Alternative Bodywork

Below is a list of regularly available practitioners for alternative bodywork modalities. Their sessions occur in room 23, not at the hot springs baths.

Astro-K , Astrology Reading: a fusion of Astrology and Kinesiology created by Silvia Guersenzvaig.

Silvia Guersenzvaig – An astrologer since 1977, I arrived at Esalen in 1982, where I trained in Continuum, Holotropic Breath Work, Massage, Gestalt, Meditation, and other healing disciplines. I also certified in light therapy and scar treatments at the Institute for Bio-Information in Switzerland. A bi-lingual practitioner and teacher of Transformational Kinesiology (TK) from Polaris International College, Denmark and the Creator of Openstars Somatic Astrology, I produced and interpreted the CD "Journey through the Inner Constellations of Self.' My passion is to support people to "be who they are."

Cortical Field Re-education: a form of somatic education. It was originated by Harriet Goslins, and is based on the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais.

(loose, comfortable, clothing is advised)

Jules Cochran– My path to bodywork began in Australia in the 1970's. I have explored Swedish massage, Touch for Health, Kinesiology, Muscle Testing, Chakra Therapy, Bioenergetics and Feldenkrais. Since arriving at Esalen in 1995, I have studied Esalen® massage, Rolfing and Craniosacral Therapy. My introduction to Cortical Field reeducation through Harriet Goslin, has changed my life's direction. This synergistic interplay of structure, function and energy allows me to offer the widest range of tools to address traumas that are stored in the body.

Patrice Hamilton– I have worked in the fields of education and counseling for over 20 years. I feel passionately about teaching others to be more aware of their bodies as a doorway to growth, healing and lasting change. I have a Masters Degree in counseling, am a certified Cortical Field Reeducation® practitioner and teacher, a certified Hakomi Practitioner®, and am trained in Esalen® Massage.

Craniosacral: a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the Craniosacral system.

(loose, comfortable, clothing is advised)

Chris Slate CMT, CST-D– I have been practicing CranioSacral Therapy since 1996. I have my Advanced, Diplomat Certification from the Upledger Institute, and have been a teaching assistant in Upledger courses at Esalen since 1999. I am in private practice in West Los Angeles, and have worked as CranioSacral therapist for the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program since 2003. CranioSacral therapy works gently and deeply in the body. It creates profound relaxation, encouraging your inherent healing intelligence and self-correcting abilities to guide the work. My approach is to listen to your body's guidance, and follow with appropriate techniques to help the body heal itself.

Eric Moya– I have been in practice since 1996 and have received advanced training in a variety of manual therapies: CranioSacral, Lymph Drainage, Visceral, Neuromuscular therapy, massage, as well as earning a masters in Counseling. I have also been lecturing internationally on CranioSacral therapy since 2001 and have been a regular workshop leader at Esalen since 2002. Currently, my position at Esalen is the Director of Education. In our session, I'll be curious about what health concerns you have and after a brief soft tissue evaluation, our treatment will be co-created from your health goals and my training. I love working with people and look forward to meeting you.

Paméla Espinoza – I have been doing Craniosacral balancing since 1984 and working with the energy field, channels and massage since 1972. My sessions are a synthesis of experience and training from a variety of doctors and medicine people. This also includes a Master of Medical Qi Gong certification and teaching assistant for Upledger institute.

Feldenkrais® Spinal Awareness: a hands-on touch healing method that combines modern scientific discovery with ancient movement systems in a unique experience designed to improve general health or help with both long-term and acute problems.

Patrick Douce– I was personally trained by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais as a member of the Esalen teaching and practitioner community. Since 1973, I have been teaching and working with individuals at Esalen; I have also been honored with a lifelong certification from the Feldenkrais Guild.

Intuitive Readings
Spiritual Coun "soul" ing

Daniel Bianchetta– I have offered Intuitive Readings at Esalen since 1975. Recognized as deeply sensitive, I was fortunate to be mentored by some of the Esalen Elders. I studied meditation with my teacher from India and am ordained by the Center for Spiritual Healing. With John Lilly's Dolphin project, I offered my intuition in the realm of inter-species communication. For over 3 decades, I have also offered meditation at Esalen, led many workshops in Energy Awareness and the Gentle Unfolding of one's intuition. I have a Masters degree in Psychology & Meditation. With depth, sensitivity and a quiet nature, I give readings connecting one deeply to the soul's essence.

La Stone Therapy: involves the use of heated and cooled stones, applied to the body in various ways to reduce inflammation and bring relief to stiff and sore muscles, resulting in alleviation of chronic and acute problems.

Ardell Hill– As an experienced massage therapist, I have built a resonance with bodywork; Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Craniosacral, and LaStone™, blended with Esalen massage. My intention is to help you recognize and release tension held in your body. I use muscle manipulation, stretches and breath work to assist you in your massage experience.

Mayan Abdominal Massage, Arvigo Technique of Maya Abdominal Therapy®: an external, non-invasive massage treatment on the abdomen, back and feet that works to soften musculature, align the pelvic bones, and guide the uterus into its proper position.

Paméla Espinoza – I was trained in the healing art of Mayan Abdominal Therapy in the Yucatan and Belize through the lineage of Don Elijio Panto and Dr. Rosita Arvigo, with inspiration from many of the healer mid-wives living in Central America.

Rolfing®/Structural Integration: a system that works on the web of connective tissue (fascia) to release and realign structural support in the body.

Lawrence Jenkins– in 1989, I was certified in Rolf Structural Integration by Hellerwork International, and in 1998, I certified through the Guild for Structural Integration in Advanced Structural Integration, actively participating in auxiliary trainings with Peter Melchior and Ed Maupin. I also studied with faculty members of the Rolf Institute. I have extensive experience as an elite athlete, notably in lacrosse, and am certified in Esalen® Massage, with additional training in Polarity therapy, Sport and Medical Massage, and Hakomi work, along with other natural healing methods. I enjoy working with clients, using Rolf Structural Integration as a method of inquiry into personal experience with movement and organizational structure of the connective tissue in the body.

Peggy Goodale– I have a background in yoga, the arts and breath work. In 1984, I gained my certification in Rolfing and in 1989, received certification as an Advanced Rolfer. Further study in visceral manipulation has reinforced my understanding of Dr. Ida Rolf's work. In the process of Rolfing, a client's structural support is improved, and a basis is created for their body to continue to integrate over time, after a series of sessions.

Spiritual Massage: a hands-on healing practice that works directly on the energy body, balancing the chakras, cleansing old thought forms, and gently facilitating release of emotional, physical, and spiritual blockages.

Seema Christie– "Know you are the light; rely only on this light" -Shakyamuni Buddha. My intention for this energetic form of bodywork is to create a safe healing space for you to receive any gifts that you are ready to receive. The work is based on Maria Lucia Bittencourt Sauer's work, Spiritual massage, using gentle touch, energy clearing, and infusion. My experience as a Reiki teacher, Zen practitioner, Therapeutic yoga instructor, and Esalen massage therapist creates a unique experience that is sacred and relaxing (Essential oils and foot massage are incorporated).

Transformational Kinesiology (TK): a method of Self-discovery grounded in the science of subtle energies; TK uses muscle/energy testing to access and awaken the source of wisdom and recovery that resides within each one of us. Grethe Fremming and Rolf Havsboel, from the Polaris International College, Denmark, created TK.

Silvia Guersenzvaig– I am a bi-lingual practitioner and teacher of Transformational Kinesiology (TK) consulting nationally and internationally. What I love about my TK practice is seeing people transform themselves in front of my eyes.