By Erika Blauch Rusley
The resonant “om” at the end of a yoga or meditation class, the brilliant view from the top of a mountain, and the movement of chi through the body during an acupuncture treatment all feel exhilarating—and even more so when shared with a group of people who are experiencing the same thing.
The transformative power of these intentional group endeavors is the philosophy behind community acupuncture, an increasingly popular form of acupuncture in which treatment is given to multiple people at once. Based on the traditional Chinese setting for acupuncture, community acupuncture clinics use a group model for services. A number of comfortable recliners are set up in an inviting room. Couples, families, friends, neighbors, and complete strangers are welcome to fill those chairs, and each patient receives a full treatment that lasts 30-60 minutes, including rest or napping time. This shared treatment and resting time is an opportunity to relax, take a break from technology and the hectic pace of modern life, and to peacefully connect with others.
Community acupuncture’s mantra of “healing for all” extends to its cost. Services are offered on a sliding scale in the $20—$40 range, and patients decide how much they would like to pay within that range. There is no need to show proof of income, and no need for insurance. Some community acupuncture clinics care for a specialized population, such as veterans or the homeless, and may even offer treatments for free. This pricing model serves the goal of community acupuncture, which is to make treatment a part of normal health care.
Acupuncture is painless (really!) and has been scientifically proven to help alleviate a wide array of health problems, including allergies, infertility, migraines, stress, and tendonitis. In short, it will make you feel better—and that’s definitely something worth sharing with others.
