Community-Style Acupuncture
How to Prepare for Community Acupuncture
Clothing
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, because we need to be able to access your elbows and knees. Tank tops and button-down shirts are helpful, too.
Fragrance-Free
Refrain from wearing perfume/cologne or strong scents, as some of our patients have sensitivity to fragrances.
Food
It is important to eat before your appointment (unless you are unable) so your body has energy to work with.
Calm and Quiet
To help us maintain this oasis of calm, we ask that you please speak in whispers and do not socialize with others while you’re in the room.
Turn off your cell phone.
Some of our patients fall asleep and snore. Bring earplugs or headphones if you wish.
Are you sick?
If you have had a FEVER within the past 24 hours, please STAY HOME.
You must WEAR A MASK if you have symptoms of a cold/flu.
Chinese medicine has great tools for treating illness, so you are welcome to get a treatment if you are well enough to come in.
We may be able to do an herbal consultation over the phone.
What Is Community Acupuncture?
Most acupuncturists in the U.S. treat patients on tables in individual cubicles. This is not traditional in Asia, where acupuncture usually occurs in a community setting.
At Asheville Community Acupuncture, we treat patients in a quiet, soothing common room in recliners or on tables. Also, with this more traditional style, we spend less time talking and rely more on tongue and pulse diagnosis to decide how we will treat you. This allows us to see more patients in an hour so that we can keep prices down for you.
—
The soothing atmosphere in our clinic exists because our patients create it by relaxing together.
—
The group setting has benefits beyond just affordability. As with any kind of intentional group endeavor—such as meditation or prayer, for example—when you do something with other people it raises the energy for everyone. It’s the same with acupuncture: receiving a treatment in a room with others raises the Qi dynamic and healing is enhanced. It’s also nice for friends and family to be able to come in together.
Another difference is that we let you decide when you feel ‘done’ before removing the needles. The ‘right’ amount of time will vary from patient to patient, and may vary for you from visit to visit. (If we’re busy we may have to limit the time.) This helps to empower you in your healing process by letting you listen to your body and have input in your treatment.
Read more about community-style acupuncture in this article from Yes Magazine. The Community Acupuncture Network also provides information on community-style acupuncture treatments and it has a clinic locator if you want to find a clinic like ours in another area.