Healing Touch & Somatic Calm for Pain

Learn shiatsu to give a partner, self-massage to give yourself, and guided somatic rest to calm the nervous system.

Dates coming
Each session1 hr to 1 hr 30 min a session
How oftenOnce a week
CohortUp to 16, in pairs or on your own
SeasonYear-round · join any week

What you leave with

Your own pain-relief plan: a partner routine, a daily self-massage routine and a guided release you can do alone

Two kinds of session take turns. In a touch session you learn one Japanese shiatsu technique two ways: as pressure you give a partner, and as self-massage you can do at home, at a desk or on the road. It is all on mats with clothes on, and each touch session ends with Japanese tea.

In a somatic session you lie or sit while Dr. Jet explains one idea about the nervous system and theta brainwaves, then leads about 45 minutes of guided release, then a few minutes of silence before you go home.

Come with a partner, a friend or on your own. Solo members practice the self-massage version and pair up when they want to.

What makes this one worth it

  • Shiatsu on mats, clothes on, no table
  • Self-massage you can use anywhere
  • Guided somatic rest for the nervous system
  • Couples, friends and solo members welcome

What is included

  • Mats, blankets and bolsters
  • A massage ball to keep
  • Japanese tea after every touch session
  • Audio recordings of the guided sessions

What to bring

  • Loose, comfortable clothes
  • Socks
  • A partner, if you have one

How it runs

Once a week · 1 hr 15 min a session

Frequency
1x / week — Tuesday 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Session length
1 hr 15 min
Each month
4 sessions, about 5 hours
Cohort size
6 – 16 participants
Where
Hygieia Wellness upstairs studio, San Diego
Level
All levels welcome
Commitment
Monthly — stay as long as it is worth it

What you cover, in rotation

The group works through these in order and then begins again on fresh ground. Join at whatever stage it is on — nothing here assumes you were there for the last one, and nothing runs out — or drop in for a single session if that is all you can manage.

  1. Stage 1Your pain map and the art of touch
    • Mark where pain shows up on a body map.
    • Palm pressure on the back, with consent check-ins.
    • Body mechanics that protect the giver.
  2. Stage 2Your nervous system on alarm
    • How the stress response and theta brainwaves work.
    • Slow-exhale breathing.
    • Guided body scan and release.
  3. Stage 3Neck and shoulders
    • A simple map of the main meridian lines.
    • Seated partner sequence with thumb pressure.
    • A desk routine for your own neck.
  4. Stage 4Safe places in the body
    • Find neutral and comfortable areas.
    • Move attention gently between discomfort and ease.
  5. Stage 5Lower back and hips
    • Side-lying partner sequence with palm rocking.
    • Ball work against a wall for your own back and hips.
  6. Stage 6Dropping into theta
    • A longer guided descent into deep rest.
    • Journaling afterward.
  7. Stage 7Legs, hands, feet and stretch-shiatsu
    • Partner hand and foot shiatsu.
    • Self-rolling for calves and feet.
    • Assisted stretches with breath.
  8. Stage 8Tension, release and shaking
    • Tense and release through neck, shoulders, back and hips.
    • Gentle shaking to let go of stress.
  9. Stage 9Craniosacral taster, arms and jaw
    • Light-touch holds at the head and neck.
    • Self-release for forearms, hands and jaw.
  10. Stage 10Sound, sleep and your flare plan
    • Humming and a short sound bath.
    • Build a plan for bad days.
  11. Stage 11Full-back flow and a pain kit on the go
    • Link the back, shoulder and hip work into one partner sequence.
    • A pocket routine with your hands and one ball.
  12. Stage 12Your pain-relief plan and tea ceremony
    • Compare your pain map with where you started.
    • Put your routines into one plan.
    • A Japanese tea ceremony.

12 sessions in the cycle, then it begins again on new ground.

Who leads it, and what is provided

Led by Dr. Jet of Hygieia Wellness: licensed pharmacist, herbalist and massage-school student.

Teaches each technique, adjusts every pair, and leads the guided somatic sessions.

On the table when you arrive

  • Yoga mats, blankets and bolsters
  • Massage balls to keep
  • Japanese tea set
  • Body-map worksheets

Before you book

Know before you go

  • Everyone signs a waiver and a health intake before their first session.
  • These are relaxation and self-care practices. Keep seeing your own doctor, and check with them first if you have a medical condition.
  • Work within comfort and stop at sharp pain. You can pause, keep your eyes open, or step out at any time.
  • Teas, potions and balms are small-batch, made for you, and described by their traditional use. They have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Not recommended for

  • Anyone with a recent injury, surgery or blood clot, unless cleared by their doctor
  • Anyone with schizophrenia or active psychosis, for the guided somatic sessions

Cancellations and refunds follow our cancellation policy, which is the same for every activity on this site.

Questions about this trip

Do I need a partner?

No. Solo members learn the self-massage version of every technique and can pair with an assistant or another solo member.

Is this massage therapy?

No. It is a class where you learn simple techniques for yourself and the people close to you.

Is there a gentler option?

Yes. Every technique has a lighter-pressure version and somatic sessions can be done in a chair.

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