What should I expect from my Acupuncture session?

For your first Acupuncture session, we will go over your intake in-depth and use tools such as pulse and tongue reading to determine the best course of treatment. Your first Acupuncture session ranges between 90-100 minutes and subsequent sessions are 60-75 minutes long. 

Please wear loose and comfortable clothing that is easy to move in, to facilitate the location and placement of acupuncture points.

Please make sure you eat at least an hour before the appointment; eating right before is not advised.

Additionally, recreational drugs are not recommended before Acupuncture. They directly alter your pulse, which is essential for creating a tailored treatment plan.

Do the acupuncture needles hurt?

No! Acupuncture needles are much smaller than those you are used to at the doctor’s office, and therefore limit how much pain you feel. You might feel a quick passing prick upon insertion of the needle, but that’s it. Most people often comment that they are not even aware of the needles. For those who are more sensitive, we use a breathing technique to help you relax before continuing.

What am I supposed to feel during and after an acupuncture session?

Acupuncture is a highly subjective experience. It is common, however, to feel good or fatigued after your first Acupuncture experience. Depending on your unique case, the results vary from person to person.

Additionally, it is also normal to feel nothing. This is not a sign that the treatment was ineffective; rather, it was much more subtle for you to notice. In such cases, the effect of the Acupuncture sessions might be noticeable only after additional compounded Acupuncture treatments.

I strongly recommend allowing some time after the Acupuncture session to integrate within yourself.

How long before I start seeing the benefits of Acupuncture? 

In most cases, we recommend a treatment of four to six consecutive sessions to address your concerns. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, in general, work better when the treatments are compounded. It takes time for the body to recognise “a new normal” and to ensure that it ‘‘remembers and registers” the new normal, we need to support and train it to remember a new normal.

Every individual reacts differently to Acupuncture. We tailor your treatment plan based on all the information gathered during your initial visit.

How is Acupuncture different at Somasana?

At SOMASANA, we try to understand you not just physiologically but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually. We are interested in the interplay between matter and energy. Therefore, our Acupuncture sessions are tailored to include the mind, body and spirit. This means every Acupuncture treatment is tailored to address not only your immediate concerns, but also you as a whole individual. Each treatment varies from one to the next. 

We believe that you are your best caretaker and healer. We co-create and hold space for you to encourage healing and wellness. We believe this work is collaborative and do our best to engage and uplift you in your healing process.

How does Cosmetic Acupuncture work?

Cosmetic Acupuncture helps boost collagen production, improve blood circulation to the face, and improve the skin’s elasticity. Cosmetic Acupuncture helps by slowing down and delaying the ageing process, resulting in a youthful and glowing appearance. We focus on reducing the appearance of fine lines (such as crows’ feet), healing acne and acne scars, and so much more. Due to Cosmetic Acupuncture being a natural, holistic approach to beauty, consecutive and consistent sessions are highly recommended to see the benefits. During your initial consultation, we will inform you of the number of sessions required for your presentation.

What is Cupping and how does it work?

Cupping is a healing technique that utilises glass, porcelain, plastic, or silicone cup-shaped devices placed on the skin to initiate a therapeutic response. Cupping is often described as an “inverse massage”, it pulls instead of pushing the connective tissue, muscles, and fascia in order to pull cellular toxic buildup out of the tissue. It normalises circulation in an affected area, which has a local and systemic effect. 

Are the marks after Cupping normal?

Yes, they are! Cupping marks are often mistaken for bruising on the skin, but they are not. The marks left by cupping are a result of the mobilisation of stagnant blood and cellular waste being drawn to the skin. It is often a good sign of the effectiveness of the treatment. The marks fade away anywhere between three to four days to two weeks. How fast the markings fade depends on the integrity of circulation.

What should I do after a Cupping treatment?

It is important to keep the areas covered and warm from any drafts immediately after treatment and for the next three days to ensure the muscles do not tighten or spasm as a result of the exposure to the cold and wind. Direct sun exposure should also be avoided. Drink lots of water, as this helps the body flush out all the stagnant material.

It is advised to avoid strenuous physical activities for the first 24 hours.

What is Moxibustion and how does it work?

Moxibustion, derived from the Mugwort leaf (Artemisia Vulgaris) is used topically (and internally) for conditions such as common colds and headaches, and fertility and digestive concerns. Moxibustion is typically placed directly or indirectly on the patient’s skin at certain Acupuncture points. Moxa brings relief to conditions sore joints, menstrual cramps, indigestion, and so much more… when used properly. It is often used with, before or after the insertion of Acupuncture needles. The use of Moxa and what to expect is discussed with you at the time of treatment.

How does Herbal Medicine (Phytotherapy) work?

Herbal medicine, Phytotherapy, is used as a concomitant treatment that supports the Acupuncture treatment. Phytotherapy is used for acute as well as chronic conditions. It is very effective for internal conditions that need a multi-faceted approach and continuous care outside of Acupuncture treatments. All herbal formulas are tailored to support and address your main concerns. Change of herbal prescriptions is common as your symptoms alleviate and change.

What is Harmonising Sound and how does it work?

Harmonising Sound utilises Crystal Singing Bowls tuned to 432Hz to help your nervous system relax. Many of us in the modern world are constantly bombarded with noise. The tone and the vibration of the singing bowls help our bodies and minds quiet the chatter, activate our parasympathetic nervous system and reduce our stress hormones. In many cases, the tones of Crystal Bowls have an instantaneous effect and invite people to slow down. It’s a wonderful supplementary therapy for beginners or long-term practitioners of meditation.

How is Harmonising Sound different at Somasana?

For one, the duration of sound therapy is longer. Through experience, we have learned at Somasana that the body needs to be tended to beforehand. We commence with a warm-up of movement that encourages introspection, stillness and a quieting of the mind and body. After movement, we then settle into the sound journey itself. Our sessions include the use of Crystal Singing Bowls, voice, flute and percussion instruments to invite the body and mind into deeper states of relaxation.

Where can I experience the Harmonising Sound Therapy?

Currently, we only offer the Harmonising Sound Therapy sessions as private group sessions. If you are interested in booking this therapy, please fill out the form below, and we will get back to you about your inquiry.

I am interested in booking a Wellness package. Could you tell me more?

Wellness packages are typically recommended for group events such as a Wellness retreat, small intimate experiences among friends (birthdays, a wellness bachelorette, a holiday with loved ones…), a team-building activity, etc. They are customised to suit your group’s requirements. The Wellness package usually includes Acupuncture and Harmonising Sound therapy services. Other services ( such as Cupping ) are dependent on group size among other factors.

The price is tailored based on duration, group size, travel and level of care.

Is the Wellness package a mobile service?

Yes! I come to you for this service. An initial complementary consultation session is required before rendering Wellness Package service. This introductory session allows me to know you and your group's needs. Based on the information gathered, I will put together and email you a detailed package for your wellness day!

*Please note, for the Wellness Package, we can and do decline offers that do not meet with our standards of practice*

What does Somasana mean?

The name SOMASANA is a reflection and fusion of many cultures; from Swahili- my mother tongue-, (ku)soma sana means to read a lot, in Latin Soma is body and Sana in Spanish is to heal. SOMASANA embodies body, soul, and spirit. By learning the language of the body, which includes that of the Spirit and Soul, we can heal holistically. I hope to journey together to bring authenticity, transformation, and the experience of being in our everyday lives.