Community Acupuncture // An Introduction

Community acupuncture was first introduced as a treatment option in the US from what I can gather in the early 2000’s.  It’s a model based on traditional community style treatments often offered in Asia and commonly how acupuncture is experienced in places like China.  In the US it offers practitioners a way to offer much needed health care and treatments to their communities at a reduced financial investment.

During my schooling in Seattle I was able to experience internships in several different community acupuncture settings.  Working at Asian Counseling and Referral Services with low-income families, Evergreen Treatment Services helping with addiction control and symptoms of withdrawal from opioids, as well as several Japanese community clinics in our school clinic.  It’s a system I wasn’t expecting being drawn to, but I loved the pace, the patients and concept; A small group of people receiving treatment and quietly healing together.  Isn’t that beautiful?  And powerful?

Decorah is a community with a wide range of income levels.  While I recognize that not everyone will be drawn to this model, I do see it fitting a much-needed niche in the community for affordable alternative health care.  I want everyone who wants to experience acupuncture to be able to in this community.  Traditionally acupuncture was a people’s medicine and I really believe this is where it belongs.  I hope you’ll understand what’s happening with your body, be curious and be engaged. 

Here in the US we have become more accustomed to experiencing acupuncture in a spa like setting, which is absolutely lovely and definitely offers a deeply nourishing experience but for folks who need frequent treatments, live on a tighter budget or just want to try acupuncture out, community acupuncture provides a really great service. 

There are 3 chairs in the Community Room. If there are other folks ‘stewing’ in the room, our intake will be conducted in my office so you’ll be able to talk about what you need in privacy.  Sessions are done completely clothed and points on the scalp, face, ears, lower arms and lower legs are used.  These are called distal points and while it might seem strange to needle points on your hands and feet for neck pain, it usually works really well!!  There is a LOT that we can do using these body areas! 

I encourage you to open your mind and try something new!  How often do you make time to relax in the company of other people?  While you may think that community clinic lacks privacy, I encourage you to think about this as an opportunity to heal with friends, family and your community.  Stop in to grab a chair or schedule online and I hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised!