This is a great question and one that we tend to get a lot here at Mend, as we are lucky to have the ability to offer both options! The short answer is: YES, DEFINITELY! But the reasons can be nuanced and individual in the reason why it works so well for different people and conditions.
Community Acupuncture treats all conditions.
Community Acupuncture can treat anything that private acupuncture can treat. You know how needles are typically inserted in places other than where the pain is located? The reasons for this vary depending on the style the acupuncturist uses, but in general, Distal Acupuncture is a powerful tool in pain management. We call it Distal Acupuncture because points are “distal to” where the pain is experienced.
For example, some of the best points for chronic low back pain are on the hands and feet. We do not always need to access the low back to treat low back pain! When the condition being treated is not physical pain, perhaps we are working on anxiety or insomnia, the point selection rarely differs from what would be done in a private room. If you are coming in exclusively for acupuncture (without adding modalities like cupping, moxa, etc), Community Acupuncture is a great choice!
Group Healing.
Community regulars know about the power of Group Healing. While conversations and treatments are private, the syncing of relaxation is palpable. “Going deep” in an acupuncture session with others can be both comforting and strong. Another benefit of Group Healing is the power of introduction. If someone is new to acupuncture and a bit nervous about the experience, it can be reassuring to see others blissed out or snoozing at a distance. One is never actually left alone in the room, but the experience can still feel private due to our room design, white noise, and request for all interactions to be in a quiet voice.
Length of time.
Community appointments are quick and a wonderful option when time is an issue. Expect to have a very short conversation with your practitioner with 30 minutes of rest time.
Excellent option to maintain acupuncture results.
Often people like this option once they are on a maintenance plan, it is easy to pop on the schedule for a “tune up.” This is especially relevant if insurance coverage is an issue.
Community-based.
Community Acupuncture is not just about the patient/practitioner relationship, it is more wide reaching to the community-at-large. At the heart of Community Acupuncture is the desire to make healthcare accessible to everyone. Community Acupuncture becomes affordable because it is offered as a shared experience. Furthermore, the community experience involves everyone – all staff, practitioners and patients participate to create an atmosphere that is conducive to peace and healing. We are all in it together, and that feeling of warmth wraps around everyone who participates.
