Esalen® Massage is an integrative whole-body massage technique developed at Big Sur, California's Esalen Institute—the sacred land of the Native American Esselen tribe.

This world renowned massage technique encompasses long, slow-moving, full-body strokes, which allows the body to unwind and embrace the moment of total relaxation. This integrative work incorporates Thai stretching, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Neuromuscular, trigger point, and Swedish massage.

Whether you desire light touch or deep pressure, each treatment will always be unique to your body's needs.

Now imagine, the ocean herself, massaging you, from the feet to the top of the head, and back again.

Esalen® Massage can support you in times of emotional distress, nervous tension, or when you desire to experience a deep meditative inner state and pleasure.

This style of bodywork is recognized for:

  • calming the mind & nervous system

  • promotes circulation & lymph flow

  • assist in allowing muscles to relax and release 

  • improves range of motion

  • easing pain from past injuries or chronic stress

“My friend from Nashville found Ellis for me. She was recently widowed and feeling deep emotional pain. Her body was aching and she had the relief she was seeking with his treatments. When I moved to Asheville. I made my first Esalen® Massage appointment after a 10 day trip with my family. I was exhausted from giving and full of activity. Ellis made a healing “nest” for me and truly soothed my body and filled my emotions with ease. He is more than a massage therapist, he is a healer for every realm!”

- Elizabeth Cole, NIA Facilitator

FAQs

  • My LMT number in North Carolina is NC10248. I graduated from Crestone Healing Arts Center in Crestone Colorado in 2001. My focus was an Eastern approach to the body with Jin Shin Do, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Swedish and integrative massage techniques including Reiki 1 & 2. I also studied cranial sacral in Thailand.

    I became a certified as an Esalen Massage Practitioner 2017 and did my final practical hours at Esalen Institute and The New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur California.

  • $100 60 mins | $125 75 mins | $150 90 mins

  • I work from my home studio in downtown Asheville with off-street parking. The studio is a beautifully appointed Japanese-style design. You enter the open floor plan at the garden level through double, stain-glass doors into an inviting room with a fireplace. A tea table platform separates the living room from the kitchen. The deluxe bathroom has a feel of a Japanese sento with heated floors, a towel bar, and a bidet. A dry, cedar, full-spectrum sauna for client use, a soaking tub, and a shower are available for longer-term guests.