An interview with Peggy Morrison Horan, author of Connecting Through Touch.
 
What first led you to study massage?
 
When I arrived at Esalen Institute in the late sixties, massage and hot baths were central to its core and its culture. Massage was completely new to me and yet I was instinctively drawn to it and captivated by the depth of feeling I experienced as both giver and receiver.
 
What is Esalen massage?
 
Esalen massage is a style of bodywork developed at Esalen Institute in the sixties that grew out of the Swedish style but incorporated the teachings of those at Esalen on the cutting edge of the human potential movement. Mollie Day Shackman is credited with developing the early Esalen massage style. What sets it apart is not only the slow and sensitive style of the work and the emphasis on presence and quality of touch, but also the recognition of the body, mind, and spirit connection. It has developed over the years to incorporate additional techniques, but the philosophy remains the same.
 
How do you think couples massage can strengthen a relationship?
 
A couple can strengthen their relationship by continuing to feed it and to develop new ways of connecting and communicating. Learning to massage each other is one of these ways. It is a way to support each other and help each other to relax, relieve tension, and enjoy the sensual physical connection between partners.
 
In the first chapter of the book, you spend time explaining how to prepare the environment before a massage. Why is that important?
 
The environment created helps set the tone for the massage. A person is more likely to relax in a quiet, comfortable, and warm environment where they feel safe and supported.
 
You also suggest a sitting meditation before massage. Why is this important?
 
I talk about meditation as a means of quieting the mind before the massage. When the mind is quiet, we are more fully present for each other, and connection cannot happen without presence.
 
How would someone benefit from buying Connecting Through Touch, as opposed to experimenting on their own?
 
The book is meant to gently introduce and guide couples through learning how to massage each other. There are aspects of this work that may be new to couples, such as meditation, developing a sensitive listening touch, and communicating without words. There is a lot of emphasis on preparing for the massage, both internally and externally. Experimentation can be wonderful, but if it is not done sensitively, it could create a negative experience and a missed opportunity to learn to give to each other in this loving way.