I always thought acupuncture cost a lot of money and there was no way I could afford it for as often as I’d want to get it, putting it in the same category as massages. I was wrong! A friend of mine informed me there was such a thing as community acupuncture with a sliding scale for cost. I had no idea!
My initial visit I met with the acupuncturist briefly to go over my medical history and the main reasons I was coming in. I told her about my hard year and the fact that I want to maintain as much stability as I have or add to it if possible. Keep my energy up and remove any blockages for that. I also suffer from low back pain that flares up more lately than ever. She checked my pulse on my wrist, had me stick out my tongue and led me to take a seat in a recliner. The thing that’s different about community acupuncture is that you are in an open room rather than a private secluded one. It’s very quiet, with soft spa music or white noise. Everyone speaks in a very soft whisper if at all, and everyone’s there for the same reasons… peace and quiet, with a few needles.
After the first couple visits I noticed my hair and nails growing better and stronger. I also find it a great time to simply unwind and meditate. I typically go on Saturday mornings after a good yoga session. It’s another tool to add to my self care and it’s one of my favorites. Look on yelp to see if there are any near you!