Community Acupuncture FAQs
What is Community Acupuncture?
Group Acupuncture Sessions for Preventative Health Care & Promoting Wellness
If you’ve been wondering “What is Community Acupuncture” and how can it help me? Here are some answers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Community Acupuncture is acupuncture treatment delivered in a group setting rather than in a private room. The acupuncturist will typically choose acupuncture points located on the forearm/hand or lower leg/feet, allowing patients to remain fully clothed for treatment. Patients relax in chairs or on treatment tables. Treatments can be individually tailored or common to each participant. For example, a group can come together to receive support for a common situation, such as support in recovery or caring for an aging parent.
The focus of Community Acupuncture is on acupuncture point treatment; ancillary treatments such as moxa, gua sha, and cupping are not included. Similarly, the points selected are on the forearms/hands and lower legs/feet so that the participant remains fully clothed. Treatments are tailored to the individual, although the verbal intake process is shorter than in a one-on-one session.
Treatments focus on accessible points, like arms below the elbows and legs below the knees—no need to undress! Quiet relaxation is encouraged while needles are inserted and retained.
- Accessibility: The low cost means you can receive more frequent treatments, making healing affordable.
- Convenience: Treatment points allow you to remain fully clothed.
- Efficiency: Sessions are shorter without compromising the benefits.
- Allows for more frequent visits and increased cumulative healing.
- Promotes a sense of community and amplifies healing through shared experience.
Yes. Many patients chose a one-on-one session for an initial treatment, then follow up with Community Acupuncture sessions. The lower price of Community Acupuncture allows for more frequent treatment and increased cumulative healing.
Anyone and Everyone! You don’t have to be ill or in pain to receive the benefits of acupuncture! Community Acupuncture is an effective way to enjoy deep relaxation, general stress relief, and a greater sense of inner peace. The mental and emotional benefits of treatment are amplified when a group is sharing the healing experience.
The acupuncturist will assist you in getting comfortable on a table or in a chair. A short intake session will follow, with a pulse evaluation. Sterile, disposable acupuncture needles will be inserted and retained for approximately 30 minutes. Once they are removed, the acupuncturist will do a quick verbal assessment and pulse check before you leave the clinic. The entire process takes between 45 minutes and an hour.
Once you are relaxing with your needles, you may be aware of others entering and exiting the treatment space. Conversation is kept to a minimum with peaceful music enhancing the sense of calm. If anything feels uncomfortable at any time, you can raise your hand to get the acupuncturist’s attention.
The Community Acupuncture model has been used very successfully as an element of Twelve Step and other recovery support programs. There is a specific protocol of five needles inserted in the ear that is typically used for this purpose.
Other groups which gather for a particular purpose or while experiencing a similar situation (caregivers of partners with dementia, new parents, etc.) can benefit from a shared treatment experience. In this case, group members may briefly gather before treatment starts to share their intent with perhaps a short group meditation led by the acupuncturist. This sets the framework for the community treatment.
- Wear loose fitting clothes that can be rolled up past the knees and elbows.
- Silence your phone and minimize conversation.
- Rest comfortably while waiting for the practitioner to reach you.
I offer Community Acupuncture in northern Virginia at The Virginia Acupuncture Center, 19415 Deerfield Avenue Suite 201, Lansdowne, VA. You can book directly online at vaacupuncture.com or call me at 703-623-8340. Group sessions at The Center are limited to six participants at the center so you must book ahead to secure your spot.
To find out more about Community Acupuncture offered by Acupoint Comfort Care (Sharon Crowell, Licensed Acupuncturist) please call 703-623-8340.
What Makes Our Practice Unique?
At the Deerfield Avenue clinic we provide a calming and private environment:
- Comfortable Massage Tables: Unlike many community/group acupuncture settings, you’ll relax on massage tables (chairs available upon request).
- Privacy Options: Screens separate some tables for added comfort.
- Small Group Size: Sessions are limited to six participants, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere.
How to Schedule
To book an appointment for a community acupuncture session, call 703-623-8340 or Book Online (credit card required).
- Availability: Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00 PM and 5:30 PM, and Fridays, 12:00–5:30 PM
- Payment: Cash or check is preferred
Can’t find a time that works? Other practitioners’ community acupuncture sessions are also listed.