Esther Gokhale, L.Ac.

Esther Gokhale, L.Ac.

Contact:

Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 844 777 0440

Teaches in:

English

Location:

Palo Alto, CA

GO TO ONLINE COURSES GO TO IN-PERSON COURSES

Meet Esther

Esther Gokhale (GO-clay) has been involved in integrative therapies all her life. As a young girl growing up in India, she helped her mother, a nurse, treat abandoned babies waiting to be adopted. This early interest in healing led her to study biochemistry at Harvard and Princeton and, later, acupuncture at the San Francisco School of Oriental Medicine.

After experiencing crippling back pain during her first pregnancy and unsuccessful back surgery, Gokhale began her lifelong crusade to vanquish back pain. Her studies at the Aplomb® Institute in Paris and years of research in Brazil, India, Portugal and elsewhere led her to develop the Gokhale Method, a unique, systematic approach to help people find their bodies’ way back to pain-free living.

Gokhale's book, 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, has sold over 300,000 copies and has been translated into ten languages. In 2010, Gokhale hosted the nationally-televised program Back Pain: The Primal Posture™ Solution (available on DVD and streaming). The Gokhale Method continues to grow as dozens of qualified teachers, each personally trained by Gokhale, now teach the method worldwide.

Gokhale has taught at corporations such as Google, IDEO, and Facebook, presented at conferences including TEDx(Stanford) and Ancestral Health Symposium, consulted for the trainers of the SF 49ers and several Stanford sports teams, and conducted workshops for physician groups at Stanford, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, PAMF, and UCSF. The New York Times gave Esther the title “The Posture Guru of Silicon Valley” in 2013.

Awards:

1978 Dean’s honor list at Harvard University
2008 Foreword Silver Award for best health book
2009 Nautilus Gold Award for best Pilates/Tai Qi/Yoga/bodywork book
2009 Ippy Bronze Award for best health book

 
  • Susan Gerhard, 2-time Masters National Champion, Olympic Weightlifting Founder, San Francisco, CA

    Esther Gokhale is incredibly patient in helping people in pain unlearn decades of bad habits and move from bad posture to body awareness. She brings her students a wealth of knowledge from decades of close observation of walking, standing, sitting, and lifting patterns (in contemporary populations all over the globe, as well as in books and art that point to a more aligned past). She also offers graduates access to regular online training and a library of helpful resources. Gokhale training is not just for people in pain, but for anyone with questions and curiosity about human movement.

  • Marisa McGinnis

    For the last two years I had severe sciatica pain down the backs of both of my legs to the point where I was in constant pain and could barely walk. I also had a sore neck and was using a mechanical neck traction device daily. My physicians recommended a back shot and medication, which I didn’t want to do since the back shot either doesn’t work or stops working after a few months. As a very active person — a non-professional ballet dancer and the owner of an extremely active dog (Australian Shepherd) — my life was miserable. After going to my acupuncturist for a couple of months, who got rid

  • Geo BentleyFormer CEO, Advantage TechnologiesInternational Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee

    After decades as an international athlete and a Silicon Valley CEO, I developed a debilitating, ice-pick pain in my butt which woke me up every few hours at night. I am 80 years old. I was in agony until finding Esther’s book 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back and carefully studying her posture method. I was able to eliminate this pain in just one month by working directly from Esther’s book. Since then, my wife Pam and I have both benefited greatly from attending a Pop-up Course and private lessons with Esther.

    The #1 rating of this program as an intervention for lower-back pain on the independent

  • Norman Crawford

    The Gokhale Method, developed by Esther Gokhale, is deceptively simple. It’s physical and is straightforward and, for most, requires repetition and practice to replace old with new. I had the good fortune to meet Esther just after I began to experience nerve pain. Exercises learned in the Foundations Course were immediately beneficial, reducing nerve pain to the vanishing point and improving my balance and confidence. The Gokhale Method rewards its practitioners. I highly recommend it.

  • Lynda Hastie Artist
    I think Esther is a true healer, in every sence of the word.
  • Milton Lozoff, M.D.
    I've been impressed by her suberb knowledge of her field
  • Salwan AbiEzzi, M.D., Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
    The patients I have referred to Esther have, without exception, found her work to be life changing.
  • Dan Leemon, Chief Strategy Officer, Charles Schwab & Co., San Francisco, CA
    I am now pain-free even when sitting for long periods or flying long distances.
  • Deirdre Stegman, M.D., Internal Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, CA
    I wholeheartedly endorse Esther Gokhale’s program.
  • Charles R. Bacon,  Senior Research Geologist, USGS, Menlo Park, CA
    The training I received from Esther has greatly reduced the frequency of my headaches.

Esther’s in-person offerings

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Free Workshops

In these workshops, you’ll start to learn the why and how of the Gokhale Method. Many workshops begin by showing you how to stretchsit. This is a way of sitting back in a seat and giving yourself gentle traction, which eases compression in your spine and stretches out tight or spasming back muscles. In this short amount of time, you will be introduced to techniques to:

  • Reduce or eliminate back, neck, muscle and joint pain
  • Prevent muscle and joint degeneration and injury
  • Increase your energy, stamina, and flexibility
  • Reduce stress and improve your appearance
  • Effects are often immediate and last a lifetime.
Event DATE/TIME Location Language
Free Workshop - Palo Alto - CA - Jan 10, 2025, 1:00 PM Jan 10 | 1pm - 2pm Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Free Workshop - Palo Alto - CA - Jan 27, 2025, 5:00 PM Jan 27 | 5pm - 6pm Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Free Workshop - Palo Alto - CA - Feb 14, 2025, 11:00 AM Feb 14 | 11am - 12pm Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Free Workshop - Palo Alto - CA - Mar 13, 2025, 1:00 PM Mar 13 | 1pm - 2pm Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
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Gokhale® Consultation

Esther Gokhale, L.Ac.

Palo Alto, CA

A 40 minute online initial consultation is a good place to begin your posture journey, especially if you have a complex history of musculoskeletal or health problems. 
You will receive a comprehensive evaluation of your current posture and how it relates to problems you may be having, a projection of what structural changes are possible, and some key ideas and practices to help you improve your structure immediately and long-term.

Using modern technology allows a two-way online video/audio communication. 
Our students have found this to be a surprisingly effective way of getting started 
or refining their understanding of the Gokhale Method techniques.

Our Online Initial Consultation is the best place to start. You'll work one-on-one with a qualified Gokhale Method teacher to pinpoint your specific posture concerns and begin with personalized coaching. Select a teacher from the menu below to view availability and book your Online Initial Consultation today!

Propose a date, time, or location
REQUEST A CLASS!
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Gokhale® Foundations

Learn in a small group or one-on-one with personalized hands-on help from an expert in the Gokhale Method.

If you’re looking to learn the Gokhale Method in-person, our 6-lesson Foundations course is designed for beginners and can change your posture habits efficiently and profoundly. Taught by a qualified Gokhale Method teacher, it covers all the techniques described in Esther Gokhale’s book, 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, and more.

Students receive personalized hands-on instruction, visual cues, and verbal explanations. All our teachers are experts in giving immediate feedback and gentle guidance to ensure you master the techniques correctly.

Learn one-on-one (6x45 minutes) to suit your schedule. Or choose an intensive or weekly small group class (6x90 minutes, capped at 8). Either way, you will receive individualized attention, learn deeply, leading to a life-changing transformation.

Choose a group course  or contact your instructor for private options below.
 

Event DATE/TIME Location Language
Foundations course - Palo Alto - CA - Nov 05 - Dec 10, 2024, 3:30 PM Nov 5 - Dec 10 Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn moreOnly 2 spots left!
Foundations course - Palo Alto - CA - Dec 09 - Dec 13, 2024, 1:00 PM Dec 9 - Dec 13 Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Foundations course - Palo Alto - CA - Jan 06 - Jan 11, 2025, 3:00 PM Jan 6 - Jan 11 Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Foundations course - Palo Alto - CA - Jan 30 - Mar 06, 2025, 12:30 AM Jan 30 - Mar 6 Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Foundations course - Palo Alto - CA - Feb 17 - Feb 21, 2025, 12:30 AM Feb 17 - Feb 21 Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Foundations course - Palo Alto - CA - Mar 17 - Mar 22, 2025, 1:00 PM Mar 17 - Mar 22 Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
REQUEST A PRIVATE GOKHALE® FOUNDATIONS COURSE

ALUMNI SERVICES

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Continuing Education Courses

Spend time with your fellow Gokhale Method graduates refining, honing, and advancing your J-spine.

Our small group in-person alumni classes provide individualized hands-on instruction and access to your teachers’ store of expert postural knowledge. The small class sizes allow your teacher to entertain special requests.

Practicing in groups of no more than 8 students also allows you to share your experience and learn from others. You will find our teachers offering classes on a wide variety of topics, ranging from general refresher, glide-walking and exercise.

Group classes can be one, two or four hours. Private classes are also available.

Event DATE/TIME Location Language
Continuing Ed - Refresher - Palo Alto - CA - Jan 14, 2025, 4:00 PM Jan 14 | 4pm - 6pm Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Continuing Ed - Refresher - Palo Alto - CA - Feb 07, 2025, 12:00 PM Feb 7 | 12pm - 2pm Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Continuing Ed - Refresher - Palo Alto - CA - Feb 27, 2025, 4:00 PM Feb 27 | 4pm - 6pm Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Continuing Ed - Refresher - Palo Alto - CA - Mar 08, 2025, 12:00 PM Mar 8 | 12pm - 2pm Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
Continuing Ed - Refresher - Palo Alto - CA - Mar 26, 2025, 4:00 PM Mar 26 | 4pm - 6pm Palo Alto,California,United States English Learn more
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Gokhale Consultation for Alumni

Our Gokhale Method Teachers are here to give you undivided, personalized attention and share their expertise.

Individual coaching will help you fully reclaim your J-spine and the delicious comfort that comes with it.

You can choose to:

  • Brush up on techniques learned long ago and half-forgotten
  • Advance your posture skills to a new level
  • Adapt your posture knowledge to a specific activity
  • Troubleshoot a persistent ache or pain
     
Propose a date, time, or location
REQUEST A GOKHALE CONSULTATION!
MISS A CLASS IN YOUR CITY
REQUEST A CLASS

Esther’s online offerings

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Free Workshops

Join us for a free, online workshop to learn to live pain-free.

BOOK A PRIVATE GOKHALE® CONSULTATION

Learn how the Gokhale Method® has helped thousands transform their posture and reclaim their lives—and how you could join them.

Curious about the Gokhale Method, but not sure what it is or if it’s right for you?

This FREE 1-hour introductory workshop is your first step to discover how the Gokhale Method can help you solve the root cause of back, neck, joint, and muscle pain. All our workshops, both in-person and online, are live, interactive, and practical.

We’ll explain the scientific and anthropological principles on which the Gokhale Method is based. We will teach you your first baby step towards moving like you are meant to and alleviating your pain. We always take time to answer individual questions.

Take this opportunity to be one of the thousands for whom the Gokhale Method has been life-changing.

Event DATE/TIME Language
Move like you are meant to Dec 6 | 11am - 12pm English Learn more
Move like you are meant to Dec 23 | 5pm - 6pm English Learn more
New Year, New You Jan 4 | 1pm - 2pm English Learn more
New Year, New You Jan 12 | 7am - 8am English Learn more
New Year, New Technique Jan 17 | 11am - 12pm English Learn more
Move like you are meant to Jan 21 | 5pm - 6pm English Learn more
Move like you are meant to Feb 4 | 4pm - 5pm English Learn more
Move like you are meant to Feb 25 | 11am - 12pm English Learn more
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Gokhale® Consultation

Get guidance and a personalized posture and movement analysis from a Gokhale Method expert. Learn how the way you’re positioning your body may contribute to your pain, and how you can transform your posture—permanently.

The journey to healthy posture and pain-free movement begins with a deep understanding of your health history and everyday movement habits so we can help you unravel your unique posture–pain puzzle.

Your teacher will walk you through a comprehensive evaluation of your current posture, identifying how it may relate to any problems you may be experiencing. Together, you will discuss the sequence of techniques you need to learn, receive a projection of what structural changes you can expect, and explore some key ideas to help you improve your posture immediately and long-term.

You can ask any questions you have about our techniques and your specific situation.

Whether you seek relief from pain or wish for better function and vitality, the Gokhale Consultation will give you fresh insights, well-founded optimism, and specific techniques to make the changes you need.

Esther Gokhale, L.Ac.

If the suggested appointment times don't work for you, please contact the teacher directly to check if they have additional availability not displayed online.

Propose a date, time, or location
REQUEST A CLASS!
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Gokhale® Elements

Learn and integrate the Gokhale Method into your everyday movements through 18 short, live, interactive, one-on-one online lessons with one of our qualified Gokhale Method Teachers.

Gokhale Elements offers live, private, online lessons, where you work one-on-one with a Gokhale Method teacher in real time. The course consists of 18 face-to-face 13 minute lessons, scheduled at your convenience.

Start your journey to pain-free movement with Gokhale Elements today and learn the basics of healthy movement to alleviate pain while sitting, standing, lying, bending, walking, and more.

Key Features:

  • Tailored Instruction: Personalized coaching in one-on-one online lessons foster improved, lasting posture habits, while learning the basics of healthy movement.
  • One Element at a Time: Each of the short lessons focuses on a specific Element, progressively building on previous lessons. This is a proven effective method for behavior change.
  • Convenience: Learn in the comfort of your own space, incorporating your own chairs, bed, and other furniture into your lessons and practice.
  • Flexible Scheduling: With online teachers worldwide, we offer highly flexible scheduling, and your lessons can begin immediately.

BUY NOW!

ALUMNI SERVICES

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Gokhale Consultation for Alumni

Our Gokhale Method Teachers are here to give you undivided, personalized attention and share their expertise.

Individual coaching will help you fully reclaim your J-spine and the delicious comfort that comes with it.

You can choose to:

  • Brush up on techniques learned long ago and half-forgotten
  • Advance your posture skills to a new level
  • Adapt your posture knowledge to a specific activity
  • Troubleshoot a persistent ache or pain
     
Esther Gokhale, L.Ac.

If the suggested appointment times don't work for you, please contact the teacher directly to check if they have additional availability not displayed online.

Propose a date, time, or location
REQUEST A GOKHALE CONSULTATION!