More clinic than spa, Shen Shen employs the healing techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, massage and herbal therapies.

After years working for a Chinese herbalist, owner Kyla Huber was so impressed with the scope of ailments that TCM could help heal that she branched out on her own with Shen Shen.

Expect a lengthy chat with your therapist before you start your treatment. TCM identifies and targets underlying conditions, such as blood stagnation and Qi (vital energy) deficiency, so the treatment regimen you receive will be highly specialized to your personal needs. The more thoroughly you describe your discomforts and your goals for your treatment, the better your therapist will understand how to help. "Any symptom you think isn't important, in Chinese medicine can be very important," says Huber.

Shen Shen's certified practitioners offer an array of treatment options and specialize in women's health issues. They cheerfully welcome questions from those new to TCM. Clients range from injured athletes seeking one-time therapy to chronic sufferers from ailments like asthma or depression. The studio is intimate, clean and minimally decorated, with small, comfortable rooms equipped with heat lamps and CD players to help soothe.

Acupuncture treatments include traditional needle techniques, as well as cupping (Gwyneth P. made this luscious, suction-based treatment famous by sporting its telltale bruises at a premiere). Massage options ($85-$95/hour) include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Thai, Pregnancy/Post Partum or Tui Na (Chinese medicinal massage). Additional therapies ($35-$95 per session) include Reiki, Shiatsu, Structural Therapy, Trager Approach, Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage and the Infrared Sauna.

Consultation services in both herbal therapies and holistic nutrition ($45-$149) help you develop the best regimen for maintaining your health, and Shen Shen carries a wealth of TCM products and herbs in its Wellness Store. The staff will work with you and your insurance company to determine coverage (therapies can be subsidized in many cases). Gift certificates are available as well.

Centerstage Reviewer: Julia Steinberger