Laura Case

First Name
Laura
Last Name
Case
Credentials (Display)
PhD
Institution Affiliation
UC San Diego
REACH Roles
Mentor
Scientist
Headshot Image
Laura Case, PhD
Focus Areas
Compassion
Integrative Medicine
Mental Health
Mind-Body
Trauma-Informed Care
Research Areas
Functional brain imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to study affective touch and pain; neural mechanisms of pleasant touch, deep pressure, and endogenous opioid modulation; massage, osteopathic manipulation, guided imagery, and weighted blanket interventions for pain.
Research Profile URL
https://profiles.ucsd.edu/laura.case
Organizational Roles
Faculty
Short Bio

Laura Case, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego. Her research uses functional brain imaging, pharmacology, and sensory and behavioral testing to probe peripheral and central mechanisms of pleasant touch and pain perception. She is PI of an NCCIH R01 on mechanisms of affective touch perception, Co-I on the Neurons_MATTR U24 grant to advance the neuroscience of massage and manual therapies, and PI of a VA MERIT Award on weighted blankets for pain and sleep.

Bio

Laura Case, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego, where she directs the CASE (Case Affective and Somatosensory Experience) Lab. Her lab uses cognitive and affective neuroscience methods to understand how we experience touch as pleasant or painful, using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), fMRI, and psychophysical testing to identify the brain areas causally involved in perceiving the affective components of C-tactile touch.

Dr. Case's research has demonstrated a role for endogenous opioids in modulating pleasant touch perception and characterized the pathways involved in affective perception of pressure, as found in hugs and massage. Her current research examines the modulatory effects of affective touch and pressure on perception of acute and chronic pain. She is PI of an NCCIH R01 on mechanisms of affective touch perception, Co-I on the Neurons_MATTR U24 grant to advance the neuroscience of massage and manual therapies, and PI of a VA MERIT Award studying weighted blankets for pain and sleep in Veterans with chronic pain.

Dr. Case is very interested in mechanisms of mind-body and touch-based therapies including massage, OMT, bioenergy healing, and guided imagery, and has a strong desire to contribute to bridging the worlds of research and complementary/integrative health practices. She received her PhD in Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Science from UC San Diego and completed postdoctoral training at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), NIH.

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5-Week Guided Meditation iRest Yoga Nidra Program March 2026

Join us online for a 5-week deep dive into guided meditation with iRest Yoga Nidra. iRest is a meditation practice based on the ancient tradition of Yoga Nidra and adapted to suit the conditions of modern life.

This course is designed to help you meet each moment with greater well-being. Through guided meditation and discussion, participants build a personal resource toolbox that can support better sleep, clarity when experiencing difficult sensations or emotions, navigating stress and anxiety, and reconnecting with a sense of joy and balance.

No previous meditation or yoga experience is required. This inclusive, accessible course welcomes both new and experienced practitioners. Each series is adapted to the class, and each session is unique.

What You’ll Learn
  • Nurture resilience, inner peace, and well-being.
  • Integrate mindfulness and meditation into daily life.
  • Use strategies for navigating stress, anxiety, and challenging emotions.
  • Experience deep relaxation and a greater sense of safety and balance.
  • Reconnect with your essential wholeness and remember your true nature.
  • Apply the 10-step iRest protocol in your own life.
  • Support self-regulation and inner calm.
  • Use practices that promote restful sleep and relaxation.
Who Should Participate

This course is for everyone. New and experienced practitioners are welcome and will benefit from the class.

Schedule and Registration

Note: CFM requires a minimum of 10 registrants per program. Classes with fewer than 10 registrants will be cancelled and provided a refund. Please be aware of this when making arrangements to attend this program.

The sessions will be recorded and available for a limited time. You must register to receive these recordings each week.

Orientation Recording

Watch the orientation session recording

Lisa Oakes

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Short Bio

Lisa Marie is a Certified iRest Teacher, 500-RYT yoga teacher, massage therapist, and co-owner of Oakes Healing Arts specializing in seniors and clients with complex health concerns. She leads chair yoga, gentle yoga, and sleep and stress reduction classes, creating inclusive programs and workshops that deepen mindfulness and well-being.

 

James Oakes

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Short Bio

Jim is a Certified iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher, yoga instructor, and co-owner of Oakes Healing Arts who leads meditation and movement classes integrating yoga, Yoga Nidra, and somatic practices. A former Navy officer, athlete, and coach, he is passionate about helping others cultivate balance, health, and well-being.

 

Cancellation Policy

A refund (minus your $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit) will be made for cancellations submitted in writing up to 7 days prior to the event start date by emailing mindfulness@.ucsd.edu. No refunds will be allowed within 6 days of the event start date.

Please be aware that the registration fee, deposits, and funds are non-transferable to other programs.

In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is responsible only for a full refund of the registration fee. In regards to in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.

Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).

Contact Email
mindfulness@ucsd.edu
Primary Center
CFM
Program Format
Online
Focus Areas
Sleep
Stress Management
Trauma-Informed Care
Event Dates
March 20, 2026
March 17, 2026
Schedule
Fridays, 12–1 PM PT
Pricing Details
$275 if paid in full 30 days in advance.

UC San Diego employees may take the course for $275 ($255 if paid in full 30 days in advance).
Registration Link
https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=867277
Registration Dates
Audience Type
Public
Program Summary
A 5-week online guided meditation program using iRest Yoga Nidra to support deep relaxation, better sleep, resilience, and practical tools for stress and emotional regulation.
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