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Frequently Asked Questions

Although the process of acupuncture is yet to be fully understood, the results are clear, and Acupuncture is endorsed by both the NIH and the WHO for multiple conditions.   Says Lisa Rohleder who inspired the creation of the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture:  “No matter why someone is seeking treatment, acupuncture seems to produce similar overall benefits: increased energy, 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

How We Practice

  • Practitioners guide hair- thin, sterile needles into points on the body to help a person address a variety of chronic and acute conditions.
  • The person relaxes with the needles in, usually  30-45 minutes before the practitioner removes & disposes them, sending the patient on their way.
  • For many, relief is immediate. Sometimes what one might notice is more subtle.  The treatment may “take the edge off” so that a person might function better. 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. 

Why it Works

  • Medical studies help explain how acupuncture is able to be so effective for so many:

    • 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.

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

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