Renewal of the body, mind, and spirit is important to an overall sense of well-being. The time to rest and nurture the body is vital from a whole health perspective. The art of therapeutic massage and bodywork creates space to promote balance and aid various energetic systems of the body.
Hello and Welcome! My name is Rita Shahi and I am here to guide you on your journey to well-being. From an early age, I sensed the healing power of touch. My earliest memories as a healer was at the age of six massaging my eldery aunt's deformed fingers that were stricken by rheumatoid arthritis. I hold vivid memories of sitting on the floor in front of her in her living room and applying lotion to her hands to ease her pain. Later in life, during a somatic psychology class in college, I was stricken by the power of the body. The body holds memories! From that point forward, I realized the mind-body connection is key to a wholistic lifestyle. These two events propelled me on my career path to integrate the mind-body connection for a truly fulfilling life. My specialty includes firm therapeutic massage with intuitive touch. My work is reputed for being deeply effective and energetically attuned as I gently listen to your body's unique and varied needs. My hands sense the body's natural rhythm and its internal pulse. Each client's goal is unique. I am here to support and nurture your individual process.
What to Expect
To get the most out of your massage experience, clear communication is vital. Before each session, I will ask how your body is doing and if there is anything you would specifically like me to focus on. Sometimes, there is a specific focus while other times the body wants to just rest and relax. Whatever your needs are prior to your arrival, take a moment to center and tune in to your body. This will aid in surrendering to the process so that you may get the most out of your experience. While most sessions are done primarily in silence, some clients choose to speak. Each client makes a determination that is right for them. Sometimes talking is part of the healing. At other times, guided visualization may be incorporated to bring you into a deeper state of consciousness. Each session is tailored to personal preference and present needs.
Education
I have been a practicing bodywork therapist for 30 years. In 1994 and 1996, I acquired certifications in Therapeutic Massage and Subtle Touch Healing Systems for vulnerable populations through the McKinnon Institute of Professional Massage & Bodywork. In the Fall of 1994, I achieved Reiki III Master Level by Laurie Grant and my Energetic Healer certification from the Diamond Light School of Massage in 2001. In the early 2000's I taught the Swedish massage course at the Mckinnon Institute for several years. My background in Somatic Psychology from the Hakomi Institute of California (2015) and a Master's Degree in Depth Psychology from Sonoma State University (2017) inform much of my professional spiritual coaching work. Somatic and Depth Psychology aim to bridge a relationship between an embodied self by tracking the psyche for continuous healing to unfold.
Priestessing
In addition to massage and bodywork therapy, I am an Ordained High Priestess in the San Francisco Bay Area. I serve womyn by tapping into life's Magick & Mystery. Spiritual and Life Coaching sessions are separate from my bodywork practice. Coaching sessions may include dreamwork, meditation, astrology, the use of oracle, tarot cards, and private ceremony to unlock unconscious content and integrate psychic processes. Advanced notice is required for this particular work and you must speak directly to me ahead of time. I am also available for one-on-one personal rituals, weddings, marriage blessings, baby blessings, menarche rituals, house blessings, and more. Working with womyn to reclaim wholeness and transform their lives is truly at the heart of my work. I offer womyn-only public rituals eight times a year. For more information about personal rituals or my group ritual schedule, please inquire within.
I very much look forward to working with you soon.
Bright Blessings,
Rita Shahi, C.M.T., M.A.
solasbrigidstudio@gmail.com
510-593-1040
