Frequently Asked Questions
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most consistently used health care methods on earth. Practitioners insert sterile, hair thin needles into specific points on a person’s body to address a range of chronic and acute, physical and mental issues. While there are still a lot of unknowns as to how acupuncture works, 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.
“No matter why someone is seeking treatment, acupuncture seems to produce similar overall benefits: increased energy and circulation, reduced stress, lower levels of inflammation, better sleep, improved moods, and often, a general sense of well being and relaxation.”
-Lisa Rohleder founder of the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture:
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.
Am I mising out on the best points if I do community/ not private acupuncture?
You aren’t missing out on anything. No matter what style of acupuncture you receive or with whom, there will be excellent points used, and good points that are not chosen. No one treatment uses all of the acupuncture points possible for any given condition – and nor should they. A 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 best results.
How long are treatments?
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.
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. Having as inclusive a community as possible is healthiest for all of us!
Prepare for a visit
We may not be answering phones during active clinic time. Please see our map below to double check your directions ahead of time.
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Our skilled acupuncturists have delivered over 30,000 acupuncture treatments since we opened, May 1st 2011.
Sunday
9 AM- 12 PM
Monday
9:30 AM-12 PM, 2-4 PM, 6-8 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM-12 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM-2 PM, 6-8 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM-12:30 PM, 2-5 PM
Friday
9:30 AM-12 PM, 2-4PM
Saturday
9 AM-12 PM