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

    • Relieves muscle tension: Helps soften and release tension in muscles and connective tissue.

    • Improves circulation: Stimulates blood flow to promote healing and reduce pain.

    • Promotes cell regeneration: Encourages the regeneration of cells by enhancing circulation.

    • Reduces pain: Can help alleviate chronic pain, particularly in muscles and joints.

    • Increases flexibility: Improves mobility by relaxing tight muscles and fascia.

    • Supports detoxification: Aids in the removal of toxins from the body by increasing circulation.

    • Boosts relaxation: Promotes a deep sense of relaxation and stress relief.

    • Improves skin health: Stimulates blood flow, which can promote healthier, more vibrant skin.

    • Supports immune function: Enhances immune system function through improved circulation and lymphatic drainage.

    • Aids in respiratory health: Can help with conditions like bronchitis and asthma by clearing out the airways.

  • 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

    • Relieves muscle tension: Helps reduce tightness and discomfort in muscles, particularly in the neck, back, and shoulders.

    • Improves circulation: Stimulates blood flow to the treated area, promoting healing and reducing pain.

    • Reduces inflammation: Helps decrease inflammation, especially in areas affected by injury or chronic pain.

    • Aids in injury recovery: Helps speed up recovery from soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains.

    • Boosts flexibility: Improves range of motion by loosening tight muscles and fascia.

    • Promotes lymphatic drainage: Supports the body’s natural detox processes by encouraging lymph flow.

    • Reduces headaches: Can relieve tension-related headaches, particularly those caused by neck and shoulder stiffness.

  • 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

    • Promotes circulation: Stimulates the flow of blood and Qi to improve overall vitality and health.

    • Relieves pain: Effective for managing pain from conditions like arthritis, muscle tension, and chronic pain.

    • Boosts immune function: Helps strengthen the immune system and increase resistance to illness.

    • Supports digestive health: Can aid in treating digestive disorders such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion.

    • Alleviates menstrual discomfort: Helps reduce cramps, irregular cycles, and other menstrual issues.

    • Improves energy levels: Promotes overall energy and helps combat fatigue and exhaustion.

    • Balances the body's energy: Restores balance to the body’s Qi.

  • 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

    • Improves blood flow: Boosts circulation, giving the skin a healthy, radiant glow.

    • Stimulates collagen production: Helps promote collagen and elastin production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

    • Tones facial muscles: Gently tones and firms the 43 muscles in the face, improving skin elasticity.

    • Reduces puffiness: Helps reduce facial puffiness by supporting the lymphatic system and promoting fluid drainage.

    • Enhances lymphatic drainage: Supports detoxification and reduces inflammation by encouraging lymph flow.

    • Improves skin texture: Can help smooth out uneven skin texture and improve overall skin appearance.

    • Relieves facial tension: Releases tension in the face, particularly in areas like the jaw and forehead.

    • Brightens complexion: Stimulates circulation, giving the skin a healthy, youthful glow.

    • Supports anti-aging: Regular use may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

    • Relieves sinus congestion: Can help with sinus pressure and congestion by improving lymphatic flow and clearing the facial area.

  • 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.