New to acupuncture?
We’re glad you’re here. Below are answers to common questions about your first visit, community acupuncture, pricing, scheduling, and what to expect.
If you don’t see your question, feel free to contact us at 617-627-9700
What To Expect Your First Visit
Once you arrive, enter the clinic silently without knocking. Your acupuncturist will meet you at the front of the clinic and help you settle into a recliner or onto a table. There may be ongoing treatments so everyone is asked to silence phones and speak in a whisper. After a brief intake the needles (prepackaged, delicate, sterile, hair-thin) will be in within minutes. For many, relief is immediate. You then relax for 20-50 minutes until the acupuncturist takes the needles out. At any point you can choose to have the needles adjusted or removed.
How do I Get There/ Parking?
Take a look at our map and directions page for full details- we are easily accessible by foot, bike, bus, train or car. There is metered and off street parking. Our building has one free accessible parking spot with accessible entrance by the back door.
What Should I Wear?
Wear loose, comfortable clothes: pants loose enough to roll up to your knees (the higher the better) and sleeves loose enough to roll up to your elbows or shoulders. Bring a slight blanket or throw if possible, for us to drape over yourself during treatment.
Does it Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, the width of a few human hairs.
Most people are deeply relaxed once all the points are placed, and don’t feel the needles at all. They feel calm and refreshed after treatment. If a needle is uncomfortable, speak up so your acupuncturist can adjust or remove it.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
30 minutes is a good minimum for the needles to stay in; most people keep them in for 45 minutes and allow an hour for treatment.
Should I Eat Before Acupuncture?
Yes, it’s good to have a bit of food and be well hydrated before acupuncture. You may want to hold off on caffeine to better be able to enjoy the relaxation effect of acupuncture. If you are fasting or unable to eat before, please let your acupuncturist know that.
Is Your Building Accessible?
Building Accessibility:
The back door is accessible, and leads to our business through hallways. There is an accessible bathroom which we share with other businesses on the first floor.
Parking:
Our building (which we share with other businesses) has one accessible parking spot next to the back door. We cannot guarantee it will be available but it tends to sit empty. To get there drive up the ally immediately to the right when facing our business. This takes you to the parking lot in the back of the building.
Prior to Your Visit:
When You Book Your Appointment: note your practitioner’s name. Send us an email at staff@openspaceacupuncture.com with ATTENTION: (practitioner’s name) in caps in the subject line. The practitioner will need to let you in through the back door and so needs to arrange with you when you are coming in. If you take the first appointment of a shift this will make things easiest. In case you don’t get a timely response to your email please call us at 617-627-9700 to arrange.
Community Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most consistently used forms of medicine in the world. It is simple, safe and effective. Practitioners guide hair- thin, sterile needles into points on the body to help a person address a variety of chronic and acute conditions.
Why are treatments in a shared room?
The shared space makes acupuncture affordable so that you can come with the consistency that brings best results. A second real benefit of community acupuncture is the healing atmosphere created by multiple treatments happening in a shared meditative space. It’s an atmosphere conducive to deep relaxation and nervous system reset.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
While there is no scientific consensus on how acupuncture is able to be so effective for so many, we do have some clues:
- NIH studies using ultrasound show that acupuncture increases circulation & blood flow in treated areas.
- Thermal imaging shows it decreases inflammation.
- Neuro-imaging shows acupuncture calms areas of the brain that register pain and activates those involved in rest and recuperation.
- Dopplar ultrasound shows that acupuncture increases circulation & blood flow in treated areas.
How Often Should I Come?
- We recommend following up the first treatment with a second treatment in 2-3 days. Frequent treatments are helpful in the beginning to keep momentum going. After a couple of weeks we check in. Usually at that point the patient will spread their treatments out.
How Does the Sliding Scale Work?
Treatments are $35- $60 sliding scale, with a $30 hardship rate. There is a one-time $10 intake fee the first visit. Choose along the scale the price that works for you. If you need the hardship rate, please take it. No proof of income or discussion necessary. Those who can pay higher on our scale, thank you! You are helping us include others who can’t pay as much.
Prepare for a visit
Book Your Appointment Here.
Things To Keep In Mind For Your First Treatment:
- Clothes: Wear pants loose enough to roll up to your knees and sleeves loose enough to roll up to your elbows
- Scents: Avoid perfumes/scented products as some of our patients have allergies
- Ear Plugs: We have white noise / meditative background sounds & you are also welcome to bring a headset with your own music, or ear plugs
- Blankets: Please bring a light blanket to drape over yourself if you can
- Double check our directions and map ahead of time
What are you waiting for... book an appointment today
Our skilled acupuncturists have delivered over 30,000 acupuncture treatments since we opened, May 1st 2011.