What is Community Acupuncture?
What is Community Acupuncture
While most Acupuncturists see one patient per hour at an average of $65-$175 per treatment, the Community Acupuncture model is where the Acupuncturist sees several patients per hour in a common area. This format allows us to treat our patients at a much more affordable rate while still providing optimal services. It also allows you to come in with your family or friends and receive treatments together.
The Community Acupuncture Movement was created by several acupuncturists in Portland, Oregon at a clinic called Working Class Acupuncture as a creative response to the economic inaccessibility of health care in the United States.
We use sterile, one-time use needles that are so thin you barely feel them. You will rest with the needles for around 30 minutes. Often you will feel very relaxed, even euphoric. It is best to take it easy for the next couple hours after a treatment. Depending on what you are being treated for and how long you have had the condition, we will recommend follow-up visits.
Note: during Covid, there will be a maximum of 2 patients in the community room. Masks are required.
What to expect on your first visit.
Come to your appointment wearing comfortable, loose clothing. It is best to have eaten something beforehand. Your first visit will involve filling out some paperwork, so arrive 5-10 minutes early. There will be an initial interview by one of the acupuncturists to determine your diagnosis. Then you will lie back in a reclining chair as needles are inserted. They may be placed anywhere on your body, including your ears!
We use sterile, one-time use needles that are so thin you barely feel them. You will rest with the needles for 20-30 minutes. Once they are removed, you are welcome to stay and enjoy a cup of tea. Often you will feel very relaxed, even euphoric. It is best to take it easy for the next couple hours after a treatment. Depending on what you are being treated for and how long you have had the condition, we will recommend follow-up visits.
Private sessions are available
Testimonials
Meet the Team
Kim Reece
Licensed Acupuncturist, CMT
Kim is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist , massage therapist, and esthetician. She earned her master’s degree from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Kim has spent several years of study and work in mainland China where she gained her initial appreciation of the medicine. Kim has studied extensively with many leaders in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Kim has worked at San Francisco Community Acupuncture, Community Acupuncture Works, the SAGE Project, Dr. Lifang Liang’s Fertility Practice, and the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Community Clinic. Kim treats an extensive scope of health issues with the aim of bringing the mind and body back into balance. Kim is grateful to have a sliding-scale community clinic in the beautiful town of Pacifica where she happily resides.
Shelley H. Lane
OMD, L.Ac., NTP
Dr. Shelley, has been practicing acupuncture since 1984 in the Santa Barbara area and became certified as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in 2014. In addition, she has been certified as a BioIndividual Nutrition Practitioner. She sees patients in clinics in Belmont, Menlo Park and now Pacifica.
Dr. Shelley sees patients in office for both acupuncture and nutritional therapy and also has an on-line nutritional evaluation program. She will evaluate your current nutritional needs, develop goals, provide recipes and a plan for your individual situation. If you are already working with an acupuncturist or other healthcare provider, she is happy to work with them and share this essential piece of the puzzle. Understanding your personal bioindividual nutritional needs and learning about real and nutrient dense food, will enhance and expedite your healing. There is a continual stream of research expanding our understanding of nutrition which seems to point us back to traditional diets. Learn how you can eat Real food, tailored to your specific needs.