The Cotswold Health Centre 01453 767600

Satu Kekkonen

Discover The Unique Beauty Of Esalen Massage

My name is Satu. I am Finnish. I am a mother, a Waldorf kindergarten teacher, former Cruse bereavment counsellor and a writer. I have been doing bodywork since 2006 and trained with Johanna and Perry Holloman from Esalen Institute, California in 2009 and did further training with them in 2011. Last year I did an advanced Esalen Massage Body In Motion training with Dean Marson in Germany. I feel passionate about Esalen Massage. It includes the elements that I find vital in my life; meditation, movement, the power of touch, sensuality, connection, being in 'the here and now' beauty, love and joy. I invite you to discover the unique beauty of it.

Esalen Massage comes from Esalen Institute, Big Sur, California, where in the 1960s it was created by a group of therapists. It originates in Swedish massage and has been strongly influenced by Gestalt therapy and Sensory Awareness by Charlotte Selver. Esalen Massage has also picked up a lot of elements from other healing modalities, which, I think, makes it a very interesting experience. One client said that it is like a seven course meal, every course being full of delicious surprises!

Esalen massage differs from other pieces of bodywork by it's philosophical approach. As in Gestalt therapy there is no intent to 'fix' anything, the focus is in the 'here and now' and in the processes. So, Esalen Massage is not goal - orientated. However, the outcome of the session can be very powerful. The massage is not a technique, a routine, it is a healing art. The elements that are vital are the quality of touch, intent, attention, presence and a deep reverence for a human being. When these qualities prevail, the experience can be felt on a profound level. I often hear clients say that Esalen is more than a massage. It has it's own unique beauty in the slow elongated strokes on the oiled body. The sensuous flowing movements, besides having a strong 'feel good' factor, also create a feeling of profound relaxation and wholeness. The word healing derives from the Greek word Helios which means becoming whole. Esalen massage enables integration and a feeling of wholeness.

TESTIMONIALS
'It felt like being kissed by the sun'  Nick

'Generous spirit and conscious hands. Satu is the queen of massages' Anja

'I have experienced all sorts of massage here and in India, and nothing compares to the ABSOLUTE BLISS this massge puts you in.'   Joanna

'Satu massages with grace and an attention which is filled with love and respect for both the physical body and the emotional and spiritual journey of each individual.'  Lucy

'You have activated MY heart, which has lain dormant for such a long time, and it wasn't with a gentle yawning and stretching, but it was with a leap and a jump.'   Jerry

'Today's massage was divine. Thank you for your skills and warmth and your gentle spirit. My calmer mood has lasted all day. I feel as if finding you and discovering Esalen has opened a new and more optimistic chapter in my life. Thank you,'   Harry

‘The best massage I have ever had.’   Hilary

Massage

Therapy Description

We all know the power of touch. Touch goes deeper than the skin and Esalen touch profoundly affects the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. It relieves the stresses of daily life by releasing muscle tension and opening up and loosening the body. But Esalen Massage is much more than kneading the muscles. It opens the heart and touches the core of our being.It enables you to drop into your body and feel different sensations and feelings, thus you can start connecting with yourself. This connection can then lead to connection with others and with life and taking control of it. I have witnessed the empowerment with my clients. Esalen Massage is a deeply nourishing and nurturing experience on all levels.

Every session is different, even with the same client. An Esalen Massage practioner also brings his or her own style to the work. My work is based on a classical Esalen approach, with some elements that I have borrowed from other massages. A typical session consists of beautiful, continuous flowing strokes with stillness, gentle rocking, stretches, deep tissue work and some energy work. My intent is to work creatively and intuitively with each client.

I prepare myself physically, emotionally and spiritually before every session by creating some space for meditation. I ask for help from the universe and remind myself of the qualities vital in this work, like the loving compassionate touch and my full presence and intent for the healing to occur. I also always have the intention of giving my client the most amazing massage she or he has ever had!

My love affair with Esalen Massage just goes deeper and deeper. To me giving is receiving and I feel grateful and humbled to deliver this beautiful form of bodywork to people. I feel excited every time before I see a new client, it is like going on a journey with somebody, not knowing what is going to happen. Or if it is a client I have seen before, I rejoice in being able to continue with the journey. It is an honour to touch another human being.

With Love, Satu

'It is through our senses that we experience life and it is through our senses that we can reawaken to a fuller and more authentic way of being.' 

Charlotte Selver

       Satu Kekkonen, Certified Esalen Massage Practitioner. Member of EMBA (Esalen Massage and Bodywork Association)

        Diploma in Indian Head Massge  CH Ed  (Dip InHd)
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