Remember how a few weeks ago I won a gift card for acupuncture at a 5k? Well, after looking a little more into the clinic where I won the gift card, I learned that it was considered “community acupuncture”, and had the opportunity to give it a try last week. I’ll talk a little more about what that means and what I thought of it in today’s post!
We all know that acupcunture can be expensive, and for alot of people that is a barrier to receiving regular treatment. Well, Black Sheep Community Acupuncture strives to remove that barrier by keeping costs low and using a sliding scale model. The website says that prices range from $15-35 per session.
So how is this clinic able to treat patients while charging such low prices? Well, the model used is called “community acupuncture” which means that patients receive treatment in one room at the same time. I was a bit hesitant about this concept, but figured I would give it a try since I had a free session! I also figured that if it was something I liked, it would be reasonable to return for more sessions, knowing that the prices are affordable.
Last Tuesday I knew that I could get out of work at a decent time so I made an appointment online for my first session. When I walked into the clinic there was no one in the waiting room (no receptionist or anything) but there was a sign explaining how to begin filling out paperwork if you are a new client. Moments later the owner walked out to greet me and told me to continue with the paperwork and that she would be back in a few minutes.
From Black Sheep Acupuncture Website
When she came back she explained what would happen when I typically came in for a session. There was a wall with everyone’s first name and last initial who had an appointment that afternoon. I would place my payment (cash, check, or gift card) behind my name which was in a plastic case and then place it in a drop box. I could pay any amount between $15 and $35 if and when I returned for another session. You basically get to choose how much you can afford each visit and it doesn’t have to be the same each time. She assured me there was absolutely no judgment behind how much you paid.
She led me into the treatment room, and before entering said that I could choose any chair and to put my shoes and purse in the bucket next to the chair. When I walked in it was a dark and quiet room with about 10 chairs and 3 other people already in the room receiving treatment. I got comfortable in the seat and she checked with me about what I wanted to get out of the session.
From Black Sheep Acupuncture Website
I explained that I was a runner and looking to help promote recovery, and pointed out some areas that tend to bother me. She placed needles in different areas of my arms, hands, legs, and feet. (Before the session I had changed into shorts but I also could have rolled up my pants to my knees.)
She said that for the first session she recommended staying for 45-60 minutes. There was a clock right in front of me and I was worried that I would just stare at it the whole time. I was actually able to relax quite a bit and dozed off for maybe 30 minutes or so. Other people came in and out but were very quiet and I hardly noticed.
I ended up staying for an hour, which was fine on that particular day, but in the future I would probably opt for 30-45 minutes. I did feel relaxed from the treatment but didn’t necessarily notice any other benefit. However, I did have a great week of running last week so maybe it did help me recover!
Would I go back? Sure! I think that I would rather receive this type of acupuncture for a fraction of the cost of traditional treatment. I know that one on one treatment sessions are more personal and maybe they are better able to address your needs, but if I am going to pay $100 I think I would rather get a massage😄
Overall I think this particular clinic was great. It was clean, quiet, relaxing, and the owner was really nice and helpful. It seems really easy to make appointments and there are usually plenty of slots available. They do take walk-ins but you may need to be prepared to wait for a few more minutes than usual.
If you are on the fence about paying for acupuncture, this may be the perfect option for you!
Have you ever heard of community acupuncture?
Do you think it’s something you would try?
Thanks, Sara for hosting Tried It Tuesday!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
I had no idea this sort of thing existed! I’ve never really considered acupuncture seriously but also haven’t written it off. Sounds very cool 🙂
[email protected] says
It’s not something I ever considered doing regularly because of the cost, but if it really does help with recovery then at least this is an affordable option!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Community acupuncture… so interesting! As long as everyone is bonafide, then I’d be down! I’ve always wanted to try it. I know that it is great for a lot of people, and we used to do acupuncture on some of the horses!
[email protected] says
I know some people swear by it, and its a difficult concept for me to wrap my head around, but for these prices I would be willing to see if I noticed a difference!
Cody @ onehungryrunner says
That is so cool that they have community acupuncture!! Needles freak me out, but it sounds like an awesome idea!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
[email protected] says
I know some people just can’t do needles…luckily I don’t mind them. And it doesn’t hurt at all! I felt a little prick when she put them in but after that I didn’t feel them at all.
Jamie says
Interesting post… I’m not quite sure I would like acupuncture since needles aren’t my thing, but I like the concept of “community” treatment. Definitely a unique way to keep pricing low.
[email protected] says
Definitely! For something like this I didn’t mind the community concept at all. You don’t need the acupuncturist with you except to put the needles in and take them out.
Lesley says
I’m not good with needles so I don’t know how much I’d be able to relax.
[email protected] says
I know some people just cant do needles, so this probably isn’t for them! But I really only felt a prick when she put them in, and it didn’t hurt at all.
Suzy says
This is a pretty cool concept. I’d try it for sure! I love the string of light bulbs draped across the ceiling. So pretty! And those red chair things look out of this world comfy.
[email protected] says
The room was really relaxing! The perfect place for an afternoon nap:)
Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says
Lisa, I’ve never tried acupuncture but my husband has for his sinus issues; he really enjoyed it and got some relief after the sessions he had. I think this “community” idea is really great and allows so many people to have access who might not otherwise be able to afford it. I might be willing to get a massage with other folks around for this price – ha! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
[email protected] says
I was thinking the same thing about the massage idea…not sure how it would work because I could see some people wanting to get a massage without any clothes on, and that could be awkward for everyone else around! But yes, the community concept is a great way to keep prices affordable!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says
The idea of community treatment is so interesting! Definitely a great way to keep costs down. I’ve never done acupuncture because I just can’t handle needles.
[email protected] says
Sounds like alot of people can’t do the needles! It’s a great concept otherwise:)
Michelle says
Interesting post!! I’ve never tried this type of treatment as I am not a fan of needles, LOL!
[email protected] says
Haha then it’s probably not for you! But I will say it doesn’t hurt at all, if that makes any difference:)
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
I’m a little scared of needles so I’m not sure I’d want to do acupuncture, haha. But it sounds like you had a great experience! I’ve heard that it is really helpful for recovery!
[email protected] says
There’s really nothing to be scared of! You barely feel them go in, it’s just a little prick. But if you really don’t like them then you would probably be pretty miserable sitting around for 30-60 minutes with needles all over you:)
Nona @ RunningHigh says
Wow! I have never tried acupuncture, but was always curious about it. This seems like a really great option! Thanks for sharing your experience.
[email protected] says
It was pretty interesting! I hope you get the chance to try it at some point!
Niki @ Life With Niki says
I really believe in the benefits of acupuncture and have always wanted to try it! I am terrified of needles however, did it hurt?
[email protected] says
Not at all! I felt a little prick when she put them in but no discomfort or pain. I hope you can figure out a way to try it despite your fear of needles!
Annette @ Sweating Through Life says
I’m not sure if any place offers community acupuncture around here. It sounds like a pretty cool idea. I’ve never tried acupuncture before, and usually the price makes me steer clear. But for the price they charge, I would definitely consider that if it were in my area.
[email protected] says
I hope you can find something similar- it’s a great option!
meredith @ cookie chRUNicles says
I have never tried acupuncture but one of my good friends did it for a while for infertility and allergies. I agree that if I were going to spend $100, I would totally choose a massage – I love a good massage!
[email protected] says
Me too! I wish there was a way to make massages this affordable!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
Very cool! This is completely new as a concept to me. I have never tried accupuncture, but I may in the future. 🙂
[email protected] says
It is very different, but a nice set up! I hope you get to try it sometime!
Hailey says
Needles don’t really phase me, so I would probably try it! My only thing, would be the time, I don’t know if I could quiet my mind for that long! But like you said, maybe a 30-45 instead of an hour would be good!:)
[email protected] says
I was so nervous about relaxing for that long. I think that part alone has its benefits! Forced relaxation:)
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
This is such a great idea! I have been getting acupuncture since early this year for circulation issues and it has been an absolute miracle treatment for me(though an expensive one!) as I had absolutely no other options to help my circulation than getting botox injections in my veins or taking viagra (and I was NOT looking to do either hahaha).
[email protected] says
I’m glad that acupuncture has been helping you! I wonder if you would be able to find community acupuncture near you to save some money?
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
I’ve heard of community accumpuncture but you’re right, it sounds a bit intimidating. Thanks for clearing it up for me! I’d definitely consider going!
[email protected] says
I hope you get a chance to try it out! It’s really a great way of providing treatment at a lower cost.
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races says
This is really cool! I’ve never tried acupuncture before, but I think I would definitely try it in a form like this. The sliding scale doesn’t hurt either 😉
[email protected] says
These kind of prices are definitely way more appealing that typical acupuncture!
Amber says
Community Acupuncture…wow. That’s a great idea to make it more affordable to more people. I feel like I wouldn’t be able to relax with other people in the room, but from what you wrote, it sounded like a comfortable atmosphere.
I can’t say acupuncture is the first recovery method I’d be tempted to try though (if I’m paying 😉 ). I think I’d be more willing to try ART or a massage to at least feel a benefit 🙂
[email protected] says
I was a little worried about having other people in the room but they all are relaxing/have their eyes closed/are maybe even sleeping.
If massages were cheaper that would be my first choice as well!
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says
Wow this sounds awesome! I did acupuncture when I was a senior in high school battling my ankle problem. They used to hook me up to electricity and I used to pulse. I never could see it but my mom always said it was the creepiest thing. Thanks for linking up!
[email protected] says
That sounds really weird! I did something similar when I had trigger point and ultrasound at my chiropractor. But there were no needles involved!
Maria Haven says
Sounds great! Acupuncture is only something that has recently got on my radar after a friend from work started going regularly and now swears by it. I have to admit I still have my reservations but I guess you don’t know until you try, so I will have to search for local acupunturists!