SOMATIC BODYWORK is a modern approach to well-being that uses touch, movement, awareness of breath, relaxation techniques and full body holding to help create a safe container for the receiver to relax more deeply and to stimulate the natural regenerative powers of the body allowing symptoms of disease to possibly lessen and vitality to grow. 

In the spirit of the Zen Shiatsu pioneer, Shizuto Masunaga, who has inspired SOMATIC BODYWORK, the practitioner is dedicated to “BEING WITH a person rather than doing something to a person”. All of the techniques and forms applied in a session arise from a place of the practitioner listening and responding to what is happening in the body and breath of the receiver. In essence, SOMATIC BODYWORKERS listen with their hands and hearts and respond from a place of openness and good practice.

A dedicated SOMATIC BODYWORK session is generally from 60 - 90 minutes in length. Both practitioner and receiver wear loose, comfortable clothing and the practice is given on a large futon or soft floor space with cushions and a blanket. The receiver may feel grounding contact, full body stretches and joint mobility, acupressure point activation, myo-fasical unwinding and release, energy body balancing, holding of the cranium to listen to the fluid aspects of the body and other simple massage methods.

Many yoga teachers, physiotherapists, psychotherapists and people in movement, healing, artistic and educational professions are finding ways to utilize the SOMATIC BODYWORK approach within their own modalities in unique and creative ways.

SOMATIC BODYWORK has been developed by ATEEKA from her 20+ years of experience in the movement and healing arts. This approach has been influenced from various healing and movement modalities such as Zen Shiatsu, Biodynamic Craniosacral, Tantsu (Tantric Shiatsu), Watsu, Thai Massage, Myofascial Release & Unwinding, Continuum Movement, Contact Improv, Somatic studies, Yoga and mindfulness meditation.

SOMATIC BODYWORK & HEALING YOGA

a one-year deepening with Ateeka

Somatic Bodywork & Healing Yoga Deepening with Ateeka is rooted in the awareness that bodies heal themselves. Somatic Bodyworkers have a role of supporting another (client or student) to realize one’s most adaptable and creative possibilities for integrated physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

A mindful attention to "being with a person, rather than doing something to a person" through neutrality and presence, the practitioner welcomes a deeper connection and healing potential for each session.

ABOUT THE FOUR WEEKENDS

Through all four meetings, we set the tone of “being with” another, rather than ”doing something to” another. Our touch and healing becomes an expression of listening, respect, empathy and kindness.

• Practices of touch that support grounding, centering, embodiment, stress reduction and relaxation.

• Touch, movement & breath as Nervous System Resets

• The magic of full-body holding (cradles) as a deep and restful containment practice.

• Hands-on and inner practices relating to the chakra system and energetic bodies.

• Myofascial (bindevev) unwinding, both for yourself and giving these movements to another.

• Embodied mindfulness meditation for cultivating stillness and inner peace.

• Meeting the fluid body and its healing potential

• yogaSOMATICS practices to help you rest deeper into your role as a teacher or practitioner

FOR WHO: Somatic Bodywork & Healing Yoga deepening is open to those who are curious about movement, health, creativity and meditative presence for their own personal enrichment.

It is also an ideal continuation of professional skills for bodyworkers, massage therapists, Watsu practitioners, yoga teachers, movement specialists, dance/somatic practitioners, healthcare professionals, physiotherapists, personal coaches, psychologists, counselors, creative arts teachers. Somatic Bodywork is a meditative practice that enhances well-being, connection and awareness in a wide scope of fields.

Certificate:

Upon completion of the four weekends, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for 48 credit hours.

Dates:

March 21-23 / June 6-8 / August 22-24 / Nov 7-9 (2025)

Times:

Friday 16 - 20 / Saturday & Sunday 10 - 16

Place:

YogaKollektiv Studio - Glads Vei 20, 0489 Oslo

This lovely studio has all the supplies you will need EXCEPT a wool yoga mat.

Each participant must bring their own wool yoga mat.

Price:

Early Bird Price: 13,000 NOK - register by 20/12/24

Regular Price 16,000 NOK - register after 20/12/24

How to Register:

This course is by application. Please fill out the application at the application link below and you will hear back from Ateeka shortly. Please keep in mind that we have limited places in the group.

Upon acceptance to the course, a non-refundable deposit of 2500 NOK holds your space in the group. Balance of payment is due by 10 March 2025.

A payment plan may be available in some cases, please inquire in your application.

Touch is fundamental to human communication, bonding and well-being.

Research and scientific studies have shown that safe, gentle grounding and affective touch has a very positive and health-promoting effect on us . . . physiologically, mentally and emotionally. SOMATIC BODYWORK is unique in that not only the receiver may experience the benefits of human contact but also the giver.

Studies have shown touch and bodywork benefits to include:

reduces stress levels and relieve tension

reduces pain and promotes muscle relaxation

supports enhanced immune functioning

decrease cortisol levels - the “stress” hormone

increase oxytocin levels - the “bonding” hormone

activate endorphins - the “pain-killing” hormones

improve circulation and mobility

support healthy social bonding and connection

enhance body awareness, proprioception and self-acceptance

 Dwelling in the fluid means to dwell in a state of creation, of becomingness, of possibility.

YogaSOMATICS in and with the water . . . invites the fluid, changeable, responsive nature of water and flow into personal and teaching practice. 

Our immersion practices are in warm water (34 - 36 C)  pools, hot springs and varied temperature natural water sources around the world.  We work individually and in partners to become intimate with the "soul of the waters".  As we immerse ourselves into the way of the waters, we also invoke its regenerative movements in our own bodies.  We become aware of ourselves as fluid beings. Our movements harmonize with the movements of the water and the meeting becomes a "water sutra".

What is a Water Sutra?

A water sutra is an appearing and disappearing thread of Knowing . . . that rises up to be experienced in one’s own body and consciousness through the movements of the element of water, and dissolves back into the mutable space of water.

In ancient times, sutras, or aphorisms of eternal knowledge have been written and recorded as words in sacred texts.   

Now, we rest into appearing and dissolving movements of water as our teachers . . . supportive, free, ever-changing yet eternal.

Like a ripple in a pond, we recognize the movement of a water sutra when we see it, feel it . . . and it melts back into the source it came from, yet leaving its watermark on our awareness.

A water sutra is mutable.

A water sutra is containing.

A water sutra is taking shape of its environment.

A water sutra is reflective.

A water sutra is flow.

A water sutra is stillness.

We simply can Know ourselves when experienced through the movements and qualities of water.