Experience the Healing Power of Esalen® Massage
Esalen® massage is a unique, deeply restorative bodywork practice that blends Swedish and deep tissue techniques with mindfulness, gentle stretches, and fluid strokes. Originating from the renowned Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, this approach fosters a profound mind-body connection, guiding you into a state of deep relaxation and healing.
ABOUT ME
Meet Kie Williams, LMBT
Hi! I’m Kie Williams, a fully trained and licensed Esalen® massage and bodywork therapist with a passion for holistic healing and trauma-informed care. Please be cautious of massage therapists offering Esalen "styled" approaches to bodywork without proper credentials.
As the first certified Esalen® bodyworker in South Carolina, I have been practicing since 2017, helping clients find relief from anxiety, stress, and physical tension through intentional, mindful touch. My journey began at the Center for Massage & Natural Health in Asheville, NC, where I completed 600 hours of professional training. Inspired by my mentor, Robin Fann-Costanzo, co-owner of Still Point Wellness in Asheville, NC I pursued Esalen® massage certification at the Ohm Institute and later specialized in an Esalen® Approach to Trauma in 2019.
I have since honed my somatic artistry of Esalen® massage and gained a wealth of knowledge around natural health and the human body in general alongside Dr. Elizabeth Williams, DACM, Lac, at Dragonfly Acupuncture in Greenville, SC.
Kie Williams, LMBT-10686
DISCOVER
What is Esalen® Massage?
Esalen® massage was born out of the Human Potential Movement in the 1960's at the Esalen Institute and it continues to expand and grow as present-day practitioners add to the whole. The originators were dancers, yogis and people interested in expanding their consciousness and connectivity. This was the 1960’s after all! They were curious about the relationship between mind, body and awareness, as am I.
Esalen® massage techniques include long, slow integrative strokes using quality oils to glide over the body. Mindful touch, pauses, passive joint movement, rocking, compression and stretching and sometimes just holding space are common approaches. My pressure is slow and consistent and just deep enough. Gentle but firm. Balanced. Mindful. It's easily the most relaxing massage you'll ever experience. It has its roots in Swedish massage and was greatly influenced by many great bodyworkers including Ida Rolf, Milton Trager, Moshe Feldenkrais and Charlotte Selver. The teachings of Aldous Huxley, Fritz Perls and Gestalt Therapy also influenced Esalen® massage.
Esalen® massage practitioners approach bodywork as a moving meditation. It's a mindfulness exercise; both giver and receiver are called into symbiosis. While there are specific approaches and techniques attributed to Esalen® massage, no two Esalen® massages will ever be the same. That's because each practitioner, each client and each moment has a special uniqueness. To practice Esalen® massage is to be open to subtle changes, to listen wholeheartedly to clients and to be truly present with every touch.
Being an Esalen® massage therapist has taught me that touching and entering another’s energy field with presence, care and respect is powerfully healing. Esalen® massage proves particularly beneficial in managing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Why Choose Esalen® Massage?
Key Benefits of Esalen® Massage
Esalen® massage offers deep relaxation, pain relief, and emotional healing through slow, flowing strokes and mindful touch. It enhances mind-body awareness and promotes holistic well-being, leaving you balanced and restored.
Pain & Tension Relief
A blend of deep tissue techniques, passive joint movements, and compressions help relieve chronic pain, improve circulation, and restore mobility.
Whole-Body Integration
Unlike traditional massage, Esalen® massage treats the body as a whole, enhancing awareness, balance, and overall well-being.
Profound Relaxation
Slow, rhythmic strokes and gentle stretches melt away stress, calming the nervous system and promoting a deep state of peace.
Emotional Healing
Esalen® massage creates a safe, nurturing space that supports mental well-being, helping to ease anxiety, trauma, and emotional tension.
TESTIMONIALS
What Clients Are Saying
I had my second massage with Kie today and I can't say enough about how therapeutic my experience was...again . I've gotten massages regularly for decades in the different places I've lived, and nothing compares to the relaxing and soothing vibe you feel the minute you walk in the door. His respectful care and mindfulness of your comfort is unmatched. I live in Seneca and drive an hour to this slice of heaven and it is worth every mile I drive!! I highly recommend!"
Jean Marie F.
"Kie is the first person to have broken my pain cycling. His technique is flawless and I swear he’s got suction cups on his fingertips! The most gentle and steady flow allowing one to feel safe and such focused attention with kindness, loved. Esalen massage is incredibly healing, wow!"
Mara D.
"One of the absolute best massages I've ever had (and I've had a LOT). I wish I lived in town so I could come regularly, but I will definitely be back just to have another massage from Kie!"
Sophia V.
"If you’re looking for a deeply relaxing massage/bodywork experience this is where it is at. Truly blissful experience from my 90 min massage. Pro tip: have someone drive you home afterward! I fought to stay awake on my drive home I was so relaxed and ready for a nap."
Tara H.
"Had such an amazing Esalen massage session with Kie! I had a knee injury and lot of tension from compensating and I am also a massage therapist so I went to see him to try and get my body to relax and let the strain of the injury go. It was one of my favorite massage sessions I’ve received so far. My entire nervous system relaxed and that tranquil feeling stayed with me through the rest of my day. I felt very safe and supported during the session as well with the professionalism that is incorporated into the method. Highly recommend Kie and his Esalen Massage!"
Kandyce C.
"This was my first massage ever. It was the most amazing experience. Highly recommend. He will make you feel truly special. Thank you so much! I will be back for sure!"
Faith C.
"Best massage I've had. So calming and relaxing. I'm not one for deep tissue massage and the format that Kie follows is perfect for someone wanting a more relaxing experience. It's an energy exchange really and quite spiritual. I prefer this to transactional massages that leave you sore. He's the consummate professional and always ensures that everything (temps, depth of touch, surroundings) are comfortable. He has such a calm and empathetic nature. It really is therapy."
L. W.
"Kie is clearly dedicated to his craft. He was very professional and thorough in his intake and explanation of Esalen massage and the massage itself was wonderful! Very relaxing and a nice mix of long flowing strokes but still with some deeper pressure sprinkled in."
"Kie is an incredibly gifted massage therapist. A friend recommended that I book a session with Kie due to the elevated level of stress and anxiety that I am currently navigating. This is the first type of massage I have experienced that allowed me to relax not only physically, but also mentally. The Esalen approach is more than just a massage - it is a truly therapeutic experience. Kie took the time during our first session to explain the massage method and what to expect. He was kind, professional, and caring throughout the entire session. I look forward to booking with him again soon. I highly recommend him."
Sage W.
Contact Me
Have questions or ready to book your Esalen® massage session? I’d love to hear from you!
Media Gallery
From the tranquil ambiance of my studio to the mindful, flowing techniques used in each session, take a glimpse into the world of relaxation and holistic wellness.
