What is Community Acupuncture?
Community Acupuncture represents a return to the traditional treatment approach used in Asia. Clients are treated in a group setting in comfortable recliners and remain fully clothed while needles are applied to the distal parts of the body (lower arms and legs). This treatment approach makes acupuncture more comfortable and accessible.
For acupuncture to be most effective, patients need to receive it frequently and regularly
-- far more frequently and regularly than most insurance plans will pay for. As acupuncture has moved toward the mainstream, it has been forced into a paradigm of one-on-one treatments and high prices. This has decreased patient access and treatment efficacy. Community acupuncture offers services via a low-cost, fee range making healthcare much more affordable and effective.
What can acupuncture treat?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture can effectively treat many specific ailments, including:
■ Low Back Pain | ■ Induction of Labor | ■ Adverse Reactions to Radiation |
Also, the WHO claims that acupuncture provides effective therapeutic relief for an additional 68 specific conditions (more clinical trials are being performed), and it reports some positive results for yet another 9 conditions.
Is acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Every effort is made to ensure proper placement and disposal of needles. We have received safety certifications as part of our state licensing requirements. Small hair-fine needles are used only once and then placed in a designated safety container for disposal.
Recliners?
Oh yes, recliners. Many clients have provided feedback that recliners are far more comfortable than massage tables, while offering equal accessibility.
How will you treat my back pain if my back is not accessible when I’m seated face up?
When treating pain it is always preferable to avoid going into the inflamed or injured area. From a distant access point, we can activate the specific pathway flowing to your area of discomfort or distress. Using "distal" points, below the knee and elbow and on the head and neck, also allows patients to remain fully clothed and in a comfortable position during treatment.
What about privacy?
On your first visit, we will discuss your health history with you in an area separate from the treatment rooms. For follow-up visits we will rely less on dialogue and more on channel and pulse diagnosis to determine the treatment plan. We will talk to you in a low whisper in the treatment room and then apply the needles. Most of the other clients in the treatment room will have their eyes closed and may even be fast asleep.
Will it hurt?
The needles usually do not hurt, with the exception of an occasional pinching sensation upon insertion. Acupuncture needles are thin, hair-fine solid needles, different than the hollow hypothermic injection needles that are used for shots. Most people find the experience very pleasant and relaxing, and often fall asleep during treatment. It's called “napping with needles”.
How often will I need to come in for treatment?
Every person has a different health history, health need, and recovery capacity. We will recommend a course of treatment that fits your individual health profile. Acupuncture is a form of therapy, so it's likely you will need more than one treatment to alleviate your condition. Typically acute conditions require less time to treat; often 3-5 treatments will suffice. Chronic, stubborn ailments will take more time and a typical course of treatment will include 10-20 visits.
How long does a treatment take?
The first visit will take a bit longer (75 minutes) as we will discuss your health history, and follow-up visits take about an hour. The needles should be retained for at least 30 minutes for maximum health benefit.
Do you accept insurance?
We want to make the treatment process as simple and pleasant as possible, therefore we do not accept insurance. It is our hope that this does not offend, and that our fee range fits into your budget much like an insurance co-pay. If you wish to bill your insurance company for reimbursement, please request a receipt and we will be happy to accommodate you.
