Intro to Esalen Massage for Men

Led by Sam Sebastian and Malachi Stone

March 28-29, 2026

ENROLL NOW

This workshop is open to men of all experience levels, from beginners to massage professionals, who wish to learn the art of the Esalen approach to massage. This is a two-day immersive weekend experience.

Men need vulnerable spaces to explore presence-based touch. In a culture that often rewards emotional restraint and self-reliance, many men have few opportunities to explore vulnerability, presence, and authentic connection—especially through touch. This immersive workshop offers a space for men to reconnect with themselves and one another through the art and practice of Esalen® Massage.

At its core, Esalen® Massage is about more than technique—it is a relational, heart-centered approach to touch that honors the body’s innate capacity for healing. Through long, flowing strokes, gentle stretches, and attuned presence, Esalen Massage invites both giver and receiver into deeper embodiment and mutual awareness. In this workshop, you will be introduced to the foundations of Esalen® massage, including quality of touch, rapport, mindful body mechanics, and how to drape comfortably.

What You'll Learn:

Through guided massage exchanges, demonstrations, and unmasking practices, we will explore how cultural expectations around masculinity have shaped our relationships—with ourselves, with each other, and with touch.

During our time together, we’ll hold space for honest conversation about what we carry and what we’re ready to release.

Whether you’re new to massage or seeking to deepen your personal or professional practice, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore Esalen Massage as a path to wholeness—one grounded in presence, touch, and brotherhood.

10 hours of continuing education provided by the faculty through the NCBTMB.

Schedule

Saturday, March 28

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday, March 29

11:00 AM - 7: 00 PM

About Malachi Stone

Malachi Stone is an Esalen trained Massage Practitioner and Teacher who brings a wealth of knowledge from various modalities of the human potential movement. Other training during his eighteen years at the institute includes Gestalt awareness practice, Dance, Cranial Sacral Therapy 1, Ayurveda, and Permaculture.

“Presence and patience lie at the core of my work.”

As a long-time surfer, the wisdom Malachi gathers from the ocean translates into his practice and teaching.

About Sam Sebastian

Sam Sebastian has been practicing massage and bodywork for over 18 years, guiding students to cultivate self-awareness through mindfulness. His practice of Esalen® Massage emphasizes compassion through loving presence and a deepened connection to self and others through presence-based touch. A diverse background in Somatics, the Hakomi Method, and Contemplative Psychology, combined with Sam’s lived experience, infuses his teachings. He is passionate about sacred activism, social justice, anti-racism, and collective liberation work. As a Ph.D. student in the Community, Liberation, Indigenous, & EcoPsychologies program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, he is a decolonial scholar, activist, and lover of life. Sam is dedicated to the body’s capacity to facilitate decolonization and healing of our minds and souls—inhabiting the wisdom of Earth.