Somatic Acupuncture

A Unique Approach to Emotional Healing

Somatic informed acupuncture is a body-based psychotherapy that focuses on addressing emotions and traumas not only in terms of their impact on your mental state but also where they reside within the body. This approach helps to release the built-up tensions and discomforts that maintain a traumatic response, encouraging a holistic healing process.

What to Expect in a Session

Sessions typically begin with a conversation where we delve into the issues at hand, gradually exploring them. The goal isn't to repeatedly retell your story, but rather to gently touch on the edges of it—exploring how and where it affects you, both emotionally and physically. This process helps to identify repetitive feelings and coping mechanisms that may linger from past traumatic experiences.

Following this initial discussion, acupuncture is applied to help you feel more deeply connected and relaxed in these areas. The physical release facilitated by acupuncture, combined with the mental exploration during the consultation, makes it a genuinely holistic session. To enhance relaxation and calm the mind, sound therapy or guided meditation/hypnotherapy may also be used. After the treatment, there is a brief conversation to discuss any feelings or thoughts that have emerged during the session.

A Tailored Experience for Every Client

Somatic informed acupuncture incorporates the psychotherapeutic elements of acupuncture, providing a unique treatment tailored to each client's needs. Unlike standardised acupuncture models, there are no fixed diagnosis protocols or obligatory points to needle. Instead, the treatment is customised based on where the emotions and neurological sensations reside in your body. As a result, fewer needles are often used compared to more conventional acupuncture approaches.

Acupuncture vs. Massage: Which is Right for You?

The key difference between somatic informed acupuncture and massage lies in the nature of physical contact. Massage involves more direct contact between the practitioner and the client, whereas acupuncture involves only minimal contact, primarily to locate the areas for needle placement. If you are unsure which treatment is best suited for you, there’s no need to worry. Both are offered by the same practitioner in the same setting, and switching between the two can be done seamlessly.

Feel free to contact James if you have questions or need guidance. Many clients choose a combination of both acupuncture and massage, as each can facilitate profound healing—it ultimately comes down to what feels most comfortable and effective for you.