Origins and Evolution of Californian Massage
In our salon, we offer only one type of massage: the California Massage. And we do it intentionally, because it's not just a technique, but a comprehensive philosophy of working with the body.
Californian Massage is distinguished by its holistic approach, combining fluid movements that seek to reduce stress and promote muscle recovery.
Experience it today at Oasis in Barcelona.
Where does it come from?
the Californian Massage?
California Massage has its roots in the early 1970s at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California . Esalen was a pivotal center for the Human Potential Movement , a cultural and intellectual revolution aimed at exploring and expanding the boundaries of human consciousness and capabilities. Influential leaders of the movement, such as Fritz Perls (creator of Gestalt Therapy), Milton Trager (Trager Method), Ida Rolf (creator of Structural Integration or Rolfing), Stanislav Grof (co-founder of transpersonal psychology), Gabrielle Roth (creator of the 5Rhythms approach), and Moshe Feldenkrais (Feldenkrais Method) , contributed to the development of holistic practices that integrated body, mind, and spirit.
The founders of the Human Potential Movement
Within this environment rich in exploration and innovation, was born
The Esalen® Massage
Originally developed as part of Esalen®'s bodywork practices, it integrated elements of Gestalt Therapy, meditation, and Eastern philosophies. These sessions combined physical massage with deep psychological work, reflecting Esalen's overall philosophy of treating the body and mind as a unified whole.
The Birth of Californian Massage
Ingrid May , a kinesiologist deeply involved in the Human Potential Movement, and her partner,
Marcelo Bartrolí , whose background in bodywork and dedication to the therapeutic arts helped shape and expand the practice, played a key role in refining and formalizing this massage technique. Drawing on his knowledge of kinesiology and somatic therapy, he enhanced the practice by emphasizing long, fluid strokes that mimic the natural rhythms of ocean waves. This approach not only sought physical relaxation but also intended to create a deep connection between body and mind, providing a holistic healing experience.
Californian Massage Techniques
As the practice evolved, it became known as California Massage, and was distinguished by its unique blend of techniques taken from Swedish massage, Thai massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, lymphatic massage, shiatsu, and lomi-lomi, in addition to energy work. Together, Ingrid and Marcelo structured the method and dedicated themselves to teaching it, ensuring that the therapeutic depth of California Massage was preserved and adapted to modern needs.
Founding of the "Oasis School of Massage and Healing Arts" school
Their collaboration led to the founding of the Oasis School of Massage and Healing Arts in Buenos Aires, a school that became a center for the training and certification of practitioners in this technique. Through their work, California Massage gained recognition as a powerful form of bodywork therapy worldwide.
Philosophy of Californian Massage
California Massage is known for its ability to combine physical relaxation with emotional and psychological release. Its roots in the Human Potential Movement are evident in its holistic approach, which seeks to achieve balance and harmony within the individual. The long, fluid strokes, combined with gentle pressure, help release tension, promote deep relaxation, and support the body's natural healing processes, allowing not only physical relaxation but also profound mental and emotional release.
Carefully respecting traditions, we spread this technique in its original form
At our salon, Oasis in Barcelona, we honor the traditions and essence of California Massage, deeply committed to preserving the knowledge, love, and care that Ingrid May and Marcelo Bartrolí infused into this remarkable technique. Our goal is for everyone who visits us to feel the same deep connection and tranquility, as if they were at the heart of the Esalen Institute on California's sunny coast.
We invite you to experience this incredible journey with us!
If you haven't yet experienced the benefits of a California Massage, we encourage you to fully immerse yourself in your inner self and discover a moment of serenity and balance. Remember that this state has always existed within you, and only you can find it.
Unique experience of internal connection and well-being!