USA “Californian” Massage Training.

Presentation Californian massage is characterized by long, fluid and harmonious movements that envelop the body. These maneuvers are carried out at a gentle and variable pace. They can be performed a little more vigorously depending on the patient's needs, in order to achieve greater muscle relaxation. The stretching and swaying movements encourage sleep and letting go. They provide the person being massaged with a rich sensory experience. Using high-quality, subtly scented massage oils will enhance the art of touch and allow for a smooth and fluid glide. History Californian massage was born in the early 1970s: within the framework of psychotherapy working groups at the Esalen center in Big Sur, California. The purpose of this center was to conduct research on genuine relationships, the expression of feelings, and personal development. The participants experienced strong and sometimes painful emotions, they exposed themselves by revealing intimate facets of their personality and focused on reliving moments of vulnerability in order to find solutions to their respective problems. Their needs being more at the emotional level, they initially conceived the Esalen massage to meet several types of needs. The need to be cradled, to relax, for inner unification, for mutual support and for coming together. They emphasized the concepts of liberation from bodily armor, expression of feelings, and development of human potential. However, it was Margareth Elke, a devotee of Swedish massage, who, enthralled by the gentleness of the Esalen massage, devised a new massage technique by mixing Swedish and Esalen techniques, which she named "Californian massage". She also decided to codify, structure and teach Californian massage professionally, first in the United States, then later in Europe and especially in France. This massage is both simple to learn due to its intuitive nature, but also difficult to control due to the level of listening to the patient that it requires. It requires great perceptive skills and an understanding of anatomy. The Californian massage is primarily a relaxation massage; the long, global movements frame more specific work and invite the person to discover their body, to love and unify it, to recenter themselves. Through this inner journey, the person being massaged can access dormant parts of their body, emotions hidden behind possible muscle tension. The ultimate goal of Californian massage is to harmonize and unify the body and mind. This massage is based on unconditional acceptance, where everything is in the present moment. It is this gentle technical complexity that gives such a particular character to the Californian massage; it is undoubtedly for this reason that it is given all sorts of names such as relational massage, sensitive massage or even "touch of the heart". Receptivity The quality of the relationship between the practitioner and the client is essential. The first meeting is crucial; it is through this meeting that the dynamic is established. The quality of the care received will depend on this positive exchange. Initially, the recipient's trust in the practitioner is fragile; it must be built through reassuring touch and developed. The role of the donor also consists of strengthening this trust, while respecting the recipient's capacity for integration and personal reconstruction. The practitioner's role is crucial in the results obtained in Californian massage, since they will depend not only on their integrity, authenticity, and simplicity in performing this treatment, but also on their respect and love for the human being. All of this fosters the emergence of a feeling of trust towards the practitioner and also a synergy between the wellness practitioner and the person being massaged. Breathing Breathing is the most effective relaxation tool to promote the receptiveness of both the patient and the masseur. This is why the person receiving the Californian massage is invited, once lying on the table, to become aware of the cycle of air in their body, from the nostrils to the hollow of their stomach. The fuller, more natural and gentle the breathing, the more it will be able to fully reach its inner dimension. This breathing training is not easy for everyone. Therefore, the practitioner has an important role to play as a guide. Practical During a Californian massage, the person being massaged is lying on their stomach. This allows the person being massaged to quickly experience a feeling of extreme relaxation and allows the practitioner to clearly feel their breathing. This will allow him to detect when he can begin more intense movements along the entire length of his body. As these maneuvers become deeper, the practitioner will be able to identify the most contracted parts of the body and concentrate on them to relieve tension. The duration of a Californian massage varies considerably, depending on the location, the practitioner, and the person being massaged. Generally speaking, a Californian massage lasts a minimum of 1 hour, usually 1 hour 30 minutes. We offer it to you here in its full two-hour version. Californian massage offers many benefits. Californian massage, thanks to its slow, long and fluid movements, is considered one of the most effective massages for relieving and releasing stress. Because the Californian massage is quite long, it is very effective at relaxing the body and muscles. The use of warm oils enhances this feeling of extreme relaxation. Californian massage improves overall health. Some people experience discomfort in their bodies, which can negatively affect their physical and mental well-being. Californian massage helps to relieve these constraints. Californian massage, like many other massages, improves the circulation of bodily fluids Benefits, limitations and contraindications Californian massage allows for better tissue irrigation, thanks to the drainage of venous and lymphatic circulation. Californian massage allows a return to nervous balance thanks to the soothing effect caused by the stimulation of numerous nerve endings during the treatment. Californian massage has a psychological effect that leads to personal growth. It promotes personality development by giving individuals a better perception of their bodies. It also improves issues related to lack of confidence and self-esteem, and by emotionally strengthening the individual, it increases their sense of responsibility. Californian massage allows a connection to our inner source; this treatment allows us to listen to our body and the messages it sends us. Californian massage allows the patient to finally make essential progress by creating the necessary space for the release of repressed emotions. It facilitates the awakening of bodily memory in cases where the recipient has built up an emotional armor to protect themselves from the outside world. It helps to unify the body and mind to strengthen the mental state of the person being massaged. Californian massage can be particularly beneficial for people who are scattered, anxious, stressed, or in need of refocusing, offering them a return to themselves, a gentle moment of surrender in inner silence... For people experiencing significant changes in their bodies (babies, children, teenagers, pregnant women, aging, weight loss, etc.), this approach will allow them to become aware of their bodily transformations and integrate them harmoniously. People in therapy or those who have experienced trauma such as sexual abuse or physical or verbal violence will also find this a good complement to their approach, in agreement with their therapist. People who aspire to be more in tune with their bodies can also greatly benefit from Californian massage by discovering new inner perspectives. Through the alternation of depth and gentleness, through its internal and holistic approach, the Californian massage allows one to touch the essence of one's being and to bring peace of heart.