Athens Acupuncture - Shams T. Deckter, L.Ac.

SHAMS Deckter Wesley, L.Ac.

Welcome to my website! I'm so glad that you are interested in Chinese medicine and how it can benefit you. Please don't hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do to serve you. Currently, I am a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist practicing in Athens, Georgia. I help others using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, shiatsu massage and nutritional counseling.

My journey as a healer began after a personal tragedy in the early 1990's. After seeing firsthand how fragile life is and how it is not to be taken for granted, I went through a period of soul searching. I realized that I wanted to serve the world in a larger way as I re-discovered my immense love for the world. In this spirit I became a healer. Below is a summary of my training and experience.

Five Element Shiatsu - 500-hour certification, Meridian Shiatsu Institute, 1997.
Five Element Acupuncture - Master's degree, TAI Sophia Institute, 2000.
Spiritual and Medical Healing - 500-hour certification, University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism, 2003.
Teacher's Training - 250-hour certification, University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism, 2004.
Chinese Herbal Medicine - 500-hour certification, Academy for Five Element Acupuncture, 2005.

I teach a class on acupressure as a part of the University of Georgia's Continuing Education program, and I have been an assitant teacher at the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism and Meridian Shiatsu Institute. Over the years I've led a number of workshops on topics ranging from how to live in harmony with the seasons to women's spirituality.

My name, Shams (rhymes with Brahms), is unusual here in America. It literally means "the sun." My spiritual teacher gave it to me, and when he did so he said, "Shams is the one who gives the healing and the love to all the people." This statement has provided inspiration and healing for me in so many ways. It is my touchstone, and every day I do my best to live up to it.

I hope that my healing practice in Athens benefits those in need. If you feel drawn to experience my work, or if you want to see if Five Element medicine is right for you, call me and arrange for a free, 30-minute in-person consultation.

Peace be with you.

Testimonials

“Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I truly believe that acupuncture had a huge impact on becoming pregnant, my pregnancy, the birth process, and the overall well-being of my daughter and myself. I believe that acupuncture would be beneficial for any pregnant woman.”
—Shontel Loyal-Crawmer, armed forces officer, a non-ART patient

“I wanted to thank you for everything you did to help accomplish my ultimate goal of getting pregnant. I feel so lucky and blessed, and I know in my heart that you played a huge part in helping me get pregnant. I will remember and cherish this time for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything.”
—Ann Richardson, entrepreneur, a patient using ART

"Shams Deckter's skills as a practitioner are without equal. During and after her treatments I always felt safe, comfortable, and willing to explore places inside myself that really needed healing. She helped facilitate this healing in a gentle, light-filled and complete manner. Most importantly, though, Shams insight in acupuncture and Chinese herbs helped cure a 2-year chronic condition. Again, she is without equal as a healing practitioner."
—Craig Carpentieri, educator

"Shams is a truly gifted healer. I have worked with numerous acupuncturists, and my time with her has been most profound - a healing of my body's chronic fatigue and a nurturing of my being."
—Ruth McGinnis, Ph.D., psychologist

"My work with Shams gave me a gentle space to perceive a deep sadness that I wasn't aware of. Through acupuncture she helped me clear it within a space of absolute love, mercy and tenderness. I highly recommend receiving regular treatments with Shams."
—Camela Kraemer-Miller, singer and songwriter

"I requested an acupuncture treatment from Shams with the intention of getting relief from my shoulder pain. I not only received what I hoped for (a decrease in pain and a significant increase in range of motion), but I also received a healing for all of the other parts of my being that are so closely connected to the physical. I experienced Shams as a very strong healer who has a deep understanding of and sensitivity to my emotional needs. Her ability to care for this part of me supported my ability to relax and open to the full benefit of the treatment."
—Linda Resca, teacher and consultant

"Acupuncture treatments with Shams are unlike any others. Before a treatment she enters a very holy state. Then, with every needle inserted she prays deeply and her prayers penetrate deep into the body. It's a uniquely sacred experience and indescribable. I can't recommend her enough."
—Nura Laird, M.Ed., spiritual teacher

"Shams Deckter is a very holy beloved of God. Her ability to contain what is harmful and guide it back to a place healing, love and mercy is profound. Shams has helped me physically and spiritually in this way. Shams is intuitive, compassionate, gentle and generous."
—Beth Shay, artist

"Shams Deckter, L.Ac. is a brilliant practitioner. She has a profound understanding of the healing process, along with a loving, caring and compassionate heart. I feel very blessed to know her as a patient and a fellow healthcare professional. I trust her judgment and skills completely, and am grateful to have such an excellent colleague to offer my patients who need acupuncture and herbal therapy."
—John Laird, M.D., physician and founder of Great Smokies Medical Center and Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab