SHEN & SOMA

An independent acupuncture studio bringing effective, natural healthcare to the community of Lewes.

Shen: The spiritual element of a person's psyche.

Soma: The body as distinct from the soul, mind, or psyche.

Shen & Soma brings together the wisdom of East and West to nurture the whole. Shen, from Chinese medicine, represents the spirit or consciousness. Soma, derived from the Latin for body or vessel, symbolises the physical form that carries the soul through life. Through acupuncture, we care for both the vessel and the spirit, creating balance and harmony for a life well-lived.

SERVICES

During acupuncture sessions, I incorporate a range of therapeutic techniques to complement the treatment, tailored to the specific goals of the session and your individual needs. If I plan to integrate any additional methods into your treatment, I will inform you in advance and provide a brief explanation of how they work and what to expect.

Cupping

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  • Cupping is a technique that involves placing specially designed glass cups on the skin after creating a vacuum with a brief flame. The cup is then applied to the target area, and depending on the treatment, it may stay in place for up to 20 minutes or be moved along the body using oil. Cupping works by lifting the connective tissue, or fascia, that surrounds the muscles, helping to soften and release tension. It also stimulates circulation, promoting cell regeneration. You can think of cupping like a deep tissue massage, where the pressure is created by the cups rather than by hands.

Gua Sha

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  • Gua Sha is a technique especially effective for treating musculoskeletal issues, including muscle tension, injuries, and improving circulation. A flat stainless steel tool is gently but firmly scraped over the skin on the affected area. Many patients report feeling immediate relief from Gua Sha, and it’s often described as a pleasant sensation—similar to the deep, "good pain" of a deep tissue massage. I will always check in with you to adjust the pressure according to your feedback, ensuring the treatment is comfortable while still effective.

Moxibustion

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  • Moxibustion is a technique that uses moxa, a soft, woolly substance made from Chinese mugwort leaves (Artemisia argyi). In this practice, moxa is either placed directly on the skin or held just above it with a moxa stick (pictured above), targeting specific acupuncture points or meridians. The herb is lit, and as it smoulders, it generates heat that penetrates the skin, promoting the flow of Qi and blood in the treated area. I like to combine both moxa cones and moxa sticks, depending on the treatment needs. While there is minimal smoke, my studio is well-ventilated, and I can also use smokeless moxa if you prefer.

Facial Cupping

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  • Facial cupping is an ancient practice rooted in Eastern healing traditions, including Chinese, Korean, Tibetan, and Unani medicine. This gentle technique helps relax and tone the 43 muscles in your face, improving blood flow, stimulating collagen production, and supporting your lymphatic system.

    By creating a light suction on the skin, facial cupping boosts circulation and encourages natural healing—similar to micro-needling but without the need for invasive treatments. The result? A plumper, healthier, and more radiant complexion.

    You can book facial cupping as an add-on to your acupuncture treatment for £25, with each session lasting 25 minutes.

SAY HELLO!

If you are not quite ready to book and you’d like to find out more about what acupuncture could do for you, ask a question or request a FREE 15 minute phone consultation.