Drop into yourself with a gentle Esalen style massage.
Because relaxation is transformative.

Root+Wing Esalen style massage builds upon luxuriously slow, integrative strokes over the length of the whole body — with rocking, compressions, gentle stretches and potent moments of stillness. These nurturing techniques work to lull the nervous system into a deeply relaxed state.

The comforting pressure used during each session is based upon your verbal and non-verbal feedback, and gently deepens as your body and muscle tissues warm, relax and open. My intuitive style of Esalen massage focuses on activating the restorative functions of the parasympathetic nervous system to allow the body to deepen into healing rest.

Each massage session can integrate multi-sensory nourishment as : heated table, warm towels, weighted blankets, lighting, music, sound and aromatherapy.

FAQ’s

Is this a deep tissue massage?

No. Root+Wing focuses solely on providing deeply nurturing, gentle Esalen style massage for therapeutic relaxation. I do not offer deep tissue massage at this time.

I highly recommend visiting StillPoint Wellness if you are interested in receiving Esalen deep tissue massage.

I’m deeply grieving - Is gentle Esalen style massage right for me?

Let’s connect about it. You might want to consider starting with a grief massage first, and then moving on to a gentle Esalen style massage. That said, ALL of the bodywork offerings at Root+Wing are completely customizable - so I can create an experience that meets your needs.

is there draping?

Yes, always! Sheets and blankets are always draped over the body for modesty, warmth and comfort while also allowing access to areas of the body that are receiving work. You can find examples and more information regarding Esalen style draping here.

Oils, Lotions & Creams

Esalen style massage includes the use of oils, lotions and creams — and is traditionally surrounded by time in the Esalen hot springs and showers, where oils can be washed off and the relaxing effects of the massage can deepen through continued self-care. Though the Esalen springs are not an option here in Asheville, I recommend that you schedule your massage during a time when you can practice self-care, and possibly even take a shower or bath, after your session.

What is the history of Esalen Massage®?

Esalen is a massage and bodywork style, philosophy and mindfulness practice that has developed over the past 50 years at the ancient cliffside hot springs of the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.

Esalen Massage is known around the world for its long, slow, strokes that connect the whole body, for passive joint movement and for allowing deeper work and other bodywork modalities to be seamlessly melded into the experience.

Esalen massage practitioners do not impose a predetermined set of techniques on the recipient, but instead stay present, sensitive and responsive to the recipients feedback — breath, heartbeat, temperature, muscle tone, energy and words. From that place of deep listening and awareness, Esalen practitioners respond with skilled touch and techniques that encourage a profound sense of relaxation, healing and awareness.