Last Updated on December 24, 2024
Breathing Easy: My Journey into Wellness with Silva Wellness
Tucked away on a quiet, cobblestoned street in Farringdon, Silva Wellness might not immediately catch your eye. But step inside the unassuming four-story building, and you’ll find a sanctuary of calm designed to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. Launched in September 2024 by Alex and Lucy da Silva, this wellness haven offers a thoughtfully curated range of treatments and workshops led by a team of skilled practitioners.
When I was invited to try a breathwork session with Alex, a spiritual wellness expert, followed by a lymphatic drainage massage, I couldn’t resist. As someone constantly looking for therapeutic ways to untangle life’s stresses, the promise of deep relaxation and emotional clarity was too good to pass up. Little did I know, this experience would go far beyond the surface, unlocking an entirely new perspective on well-being.
From the welcoming café on the ground floor to the serene treatment rooms above, Silva Wellness is a space designed with intention—perfectly reflecting its mission to harmonise inner and outer health.
Although my visit didn’t include Silva Wellness’s most talked-about offering – ketamine lozenge therapy, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by this cutting-edge treatment. Led by Charles Bown, an experienced Ketamine Lozenge Therapist accredited by the British Psychoanalytic Council, these sessions take a psychodynamic approach to healing. With a deep understanding of unconscious processes and their impact on present-day experiences, Charles specialises in treating complex psychological challenges, including addiction, grief, depression, and anxiety. It’s a pioneering addition to Silva Wellness’s roster, blending innovative methods with profound therapeutic insight. All these sessions are supported with follow-up appointments with Lucy de Silva, a highly experienced psychotherapist.
But now, onto my breathwork experience. My one-hour session with Alex took place in the serene basement workshop – a thoughtfully designed space equipped with soft mats, supportive cushions, and cosy throws to ensure maximum comfort. The atmosphere was calm and inviting, making it easy to settle in and focus entirely on the practice ahead.
What is Breathwork Good For?
Breathwork is said to offer a wide range of benefits, from emotional healing and stress reduction to enhanced self-awareness. Proponents claim it can help process trauma, boost immunity, and support positive self-development. It’s also believed to improve relationships, creativity, confidence, and overall joy, while assisting in overcoming addictions and letting go of negative thoughts. Harnessing the power of the breath can act as a natural tool for healing, helping to release trapped energy that causes pain and stress. Supporting emotional balance, reducing anxiety, and promoting overall well-being, breathwork is said to enable a healthier, more harmonious life. Intrigued by these claims, I decided to explore it for myself to see what it could offer.
Breathwork isn’t something I naturally gravitate toward. As someone with an overactive mind who struggles with meditation, I approached this one-hour session led by Alex with a fair share of scepticism. However, what unfolded was a deeply moving and unexpected journey into stillness, release, and emotional clarity.
The session began with a breathing technique that felt a little unnatural at first – continuous breaths in and out through the mouth. It took a moment to adjust to the dry throat and slightly awkward rhythm, but Alex’s calm, steady guidance quickly dissolved my initial reservations. He mirrored the breathing rhythm himself, creating an environment that felt safe and supportive. As I followed his lead, the breathing took on a life of its own. My body began to respond, first with a wheel-like sensation, as if energy were circulating through me, and then with a sense of lightness that felt almost otherworldly. My hands tingled and seemed to disconnect from my body, as though I were floating outside myself. It was both strange and rather beautiful.
Throughout the session, gentle, evocative music played in the background, encouraging a flow of thoughts, emotions, and images. Memories surfaced -some joyful, others painful. At one point, I encountered a deeply personal memory from my teenage years. Surprisingly, instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt supported enough to face it, reflect on it, and gradually release it. The calming environment and guided breathing fostered a sense of safety and healing, allowing for a meaningful moment of release. Emotions washed over me, and at times I felt tears forming. The trance-like state was so deep that when the session ended, it took me a while to reorient myself to the room around me. The session was more than just a breathing exercise; it offered an opportunity to reconnect with my body and emotions in a way I hadn’t anticipated. If, like me, you find meditation challenging or are unsure about breathwork, Alex’s clear and supportive guidance truly makes a difference. This session was not simply a period of relaxation but a valuable step toward healing. I would certainly consider returning.
Also at Silva Wellness, on the top floor, you’ll find Body Brilliant, a haven for cutting-edge treatments designed to elevate your physical health and vitality. Founded by former professional ballet dancer Gemma, the clinic combines her extensive experience in functional medicine, nutrition, and physical well-being with an impressive array of services. From vitamin booster shots to bespoke NAD IV infusions and compression therapy, Body Brilliant focuses on optimizing your health from the inside out.
Lympha Press lymphatic massage
On my recent visit, I met with therapist Mischa who guided me through a Lympha Press lymphatic massage, a fascinating treatment that redefines traditional massage techniques. Unlike the hands-on approach I had anticipated, the therapy involved donning a futuristic, half-body suit that stimulates the lymphatic system through controlled compression. Set at adjustable pressures, the suit delivers waves of pressure that begin at the feet, moving rhythmically through the calves, thighs, and hips, and finishing at the waist before repeating the cycle. The sensation was surprisingly soothing, both relaxing and oddly comforting.
Lymphatic drainage treatments combine detoxification, reduced swelling, improved circulation, and immune support through advanced technology. My experience was both relaxing and rejuvenating – an ideal way to restore balance while exploring a unique and innovative approach to wellness.
Silva Wellness offers a range of services blending traditional practices with modern approaches. Other offerings include yoga, meditation, cacao ceremonies, Kambo therapy, psychotherapy, and sound healing, all designed to foster balance and well-being. Complementing this, Body Brilliant provides innovative treatments like NAD, vitamin boosters and compression therapy for physical rejuvenation. Plus, Alex has even created his own range of natural creams, which you can buy to take a bit of the magic home with you. Together, they’re all about helping you feel your best, inside and out.
So, if you’re seeking holistic ways to restore your well-being, Silva Wellness could be the perfect place for you.
Silva Wellness
19 Briset St,
Farringdon,
London
EC1M 5NR
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