Esalen Massage

Rating:
Summary: Okay for couples..."ify" for the general public
Review: After watching this DVD, I can safely say that with the exception of couples massage in the privacy of your own home, that most (if not all) regulated states would never allow the routine shown to be done for the public. The draping was horrible, one of the therapists had long hair that wasn't tied back (was touching the client's skin),and some of the longer strokes down the back and up the legs were extended underneath the towel/blanket. The Esalen Institute is based in California where there obviously aren't strict ethical boundries established...as say in..NY where I'm licensed. A few of the strokes might be adapted for massage to the public however. The only good thing I can really comment on is the scenery...if you're thinking about designing a garden or deck to do outdoor massage, you might get some decorating ideas. All in all, I'd rate it a 2 out of 5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Yummy
Review: I am excited to try this with my clients or better yet find someone to do it to me...

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly transformative approach to my massage work
Review: I own the Esalen Massage VHS tape and I just bought the Esalen DVD -- it's fantastic. I use the remote all the time to go to specific parts of the body - and I speak english, but it's also got spanish and german soundtracks. Although the above review comments about draping and hair touching clients is true enough -- I also know from having been to Esalen that all the clients in the video were fellow massage therapists of the folks who were doing the work! So they were all friends. But it's also true that the Esalen Massage DVD is used in a lot of massage schools around the country because massage teachers like the blending of massage techniques into one, whole body massage. I know that some massage schools focus heavily on one particular approach, and that often inhibits therapists from developing massage styles that are creative and constantly evolving in order to help their clients. I tell friends that the Esalen DVD is great for couples who want to learn the basics of massage-ing each other -- you can turn it on and follow along. And I'm sure massage school instructors are quick to yell - and don't EVER drape like THAT! But it's a great tool for learning massage without getting bogged down in any particular technique. I wish I could have been one of the lucky ones on the table.

Rating:
Summary: Not for couples
Review: It's tough to rate this one because I was specifically looking for intimate massage. The setting is breathtaking, but the presentation is more professional how-to or "travel destination". Nothing intimate or arousing for two people in the privacy of their own home, but they may consider actually going to Esalen for a getaway.