I can't say enough good things about this place. Richard and Ali are very kind and caring and attentive to what ails you. They both are very well credentialed and I feel they really know what they are doing. The sliding scale is so helpful and the community room is very calming and relaxing. There may be others getting acupuncture at the same time but it is not at all intrusive. I feel each person has there own little private space. You can really tell they care about how you are feeling and are motivated by the healing that they are doing for you. I am so glad I took a chance and am continuing to go as I am seeing improvement. read more

I would highly recommend Brookline Community Acupuncture because the owner and master level acupuncturist Richard Mandell Lic. AC. is a really good person who is an expert in his field and has also had taught other acupuncturists their healing craft at the The New England Acupuncture School formally in Watertown. Ma. Richard has also found a way to make quality care acupuncture treatments accessible and affordable by having his clinic a community style clinic . This clinic has allowed someone like me and others who really need the care to access the quality treatment we so desperately need by using the community style model which allows the clinic members to get the quality care they need at a discounted rate based on your income and what you can pay. I also have had some treatments from some of the other acupuncturists who work at the clinic and have always felt better after my treatment. I would not hesitiate to go to anyone of them if Richard was not available at the time I needed a treatment. All of the acupuncturists at the Brookline Community Acupuncture Clinic are highly motivated to listen and work with someone to ensure a positive outcome and healing experience while they are receiving their treatment. I would highly recommend The Brookline Community Acupuncture Clinic to anyone in the Brookline area and beyond because I feel you are in good hands and will feel better afterwards. Thanks so much Richard and all the other staff for helping me along my healing journey. Hadassah Chavivah Zeltzer Tzedeck.com read more

I feel extremely lucky to have connected with Richard Mandell and his clinic. He is a long-time practitioner and educator with the knowledge, skill and ease that only comes from many years of experience with a great variety of people, conditions and situations. He has a wonderful manner - kind, down to earth, professional and always willing to both listen and answer questions. Our sessions have clearly helped with an issue now 90% resolved. And I really value getting sessions for staying well, too. The clinic itself runs extremely smoothly. Appointments are easy to make and adjust on-line or by phone. Everything is super clean, comfortable, peaceful and with great Covid prevention policies. The community aspect of the clinic is lovely - and a great service to hep make sessions affordable. I've also had a couple of great sessions with other practitioners filling in for Richard on the rare occasion he is away. Richard is a caring and gifted practitioner who is, I think, not only deeply committed to his craft but also to the accessibility of acupuncture and healing for all. He also has an impressive career educating acupuncturists and other health care professionals locally, nationally and internationally. I'm truly grateful both for the wonderful care I've received and for Richard's good work in the world. read more

I recommend this acupuncture clinic to everyone I know. It is conveniently located, affordable-- (a huge factor) i.e. sliding scale, and the care and expertise of both Richard, Ali, and the other practitioners I have received treatments from have been excellent. As others have said, the acupuncturists at Brookline Community Acupuncture are incredibly healing in their demeanor. Richard has over 30 years of experience providing acupuncture literally all over the world. He continues to go on trips to Mexico and Africa to provide acupuncture services to people in need. You can tell Richard, who is typically at the clinic 6 days per week, wants his clients to feel better by providing treatments as often is as necessary for you to feel better. Richard's intention, I believe, in starting this clinic was to help as many people as possible-- (as opposed to making money). It's hard to find people who are competent and provide high quality, comprehensive care that you can trust. You will find that here. Their recommendations around frequency of treatment is based solely on helping you feel better from your symptoms. I have been coming here for years for a variety of ailments and am so grateful this clinic exists. I have received acupuncture, cupping, blood letting, pressure point balls in my ears, and I have found these treatment modalities to help me with a wide variety of problems/symptoms including chronic pain, my mental health, headaches, nerve pain, and more. I think acupuncture is particularly helpful for symptoms that are both emotional and physical in nature. For example, psychological trauma often lives in the body, so moving that stagnant energy via acupuncture and cupping, helps the body heal. If nothing else, intentionally taking time to be still and relax, allowing yourself be taken care of, helps tremendously with stress relief and creates an opportunity to be more focused, productive, & relaxed for the rest of the day. Covid protocols are followed, and the acupuncture needles/pins do not hurt. I am terrified of needles but these are more like pins. Lastly, I love the online scheduling and the flexibility it provides in being able to move an appointment around if my schedule gets busy on the day of the appointment. Plus, no phone call necessary. In sum: best acupuncture EVAH! read more

Ive been going to Brookline community acupuncture for about 10 years it's incredible! Richard, the owner, teaches in Mexico and brought acupuncture to Uganda for labor and delivery. Community acupuncture is a different kind of situation where there are three people in a very very large room and you're treated in 15 minute increments so you can stay as long as needed. It's the way acupuncture was originally meant to be with you staying as long as needed instead of a pre-determined appointment. It's very convenient if you have a car right in Cleveland Circle. (617) 879-9992 I just love Richard so much. In 2015, while I'd only seen him intermittently and not recently, my back was out on a Sunday morning. He doesn't start til later. He called me at 7 am & told me to come right in. He's really a lovely man! & I feel so safe & well cared for in his care! read more

Thank you for both acupuncture and cupping, helping my body and mind!! Highly recommended.

Excellent, professional, clean and affordable. I try to go once per week. Richard and his staff are the best.

I've been a half dozen times now. I was unsure at first as I had never tried community acupuncture. But it totally works. Richard is a great listener and the treatment is very gentle. Less busy now during Covid, but it feels safe, clean, sterile. Big plus is that there is no fixed end time to the treatment. Well, I don't think you could stay there all morning or afternoon! But after 20-30-40-50 minutes you simply call Richard when you feel like you are done. The sliding scale of $25-$40 for repeat visits feels kind and generous. read more

I've only had acupuncture a few times in my life and I just started seeing Richard at BCA. He is terrific, I can't say enough good things an my experience there. I love the community acupuncture model (where several people are treated in the same room, creating a sort of symbiosis of healing) and the fact that it is affordable for the non-wealthy is really amazing. I feel that Richard is providing an incredible service for the surroundings communities, which is what medical / healing care should always be and often is not. I have only been twice and so far have experienced very satisfying results. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. read more

Richard is the most wonderful person you could ever ask for while helping you get through the process of acupuncture. I have been gone through many treatments in my life for my accidents/hand therapy/whole body spirits relax process. It probably takes more than 400+ needles in my body and I am confident to say that Richard is one of gentle and caring persons. I have been to this place for two months and his service is affordable and amazing effective on my case. ( De Quervain's Syndrome) I felt asleep during the treatment couple of times and needles fell off from my hands and I was still sleep. That's how relaxed I was. BCA is a wonderful community place. LOVE it. read more

The acupuncturist asked me about my tattoos while he was placing the needles and it made me feel completely uncomfortable. He was touching my calf and asking about the tattoo there, so I answered him not showing that I was uncomfortable or upset at all because I felt too vulnerable to have an uneasy situation with someone placing needles in me. He then asked about the tattoo on my knee, which made me really uncomfortable because it's a tattoo of a naked woman (I am also a woman not that it should matter - clients of any gender should be able to receive acupuncture without feeling like they need to discuss their tattoos). I just responded that it was my own artwork, clearly not wanting to discuss the subject matter of the tattoo. You would think he would be able to pick up that I didn't really wanna talk about tattoos, but he continued by asking me about one on my arm. He even mentioned that he had a female client who made it abundantly clear to him that she did not want to discuss tattoos and all I could think was "god I wish I was comfortable being assertive like her." If it made one client vocally uncomfortable, how many clients do you think you made feel violated at worst and self conscious at best by inquiring about a part of their bodies that has nothing to do with their treatment? read more

I began treatment with Richard Mandell in April of 2012, following visits from at least 15 different physicians within Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates. I had been sick for over three years. Although Harvard Vanguard acknowledged something was wrong, screening me for everything under the sun from parasites to lymphoma, they were unable to determine a diagnosis and were not able to alleviate any of my physical symptoms (enlarged lymph nodes, insomnia, painful heart palpitations, constant fatigue, frequent illness, intense itching all over, etc). I knew little to nothing about acupuncture before entering into sessions. Frankly, I had given up hope in terms of ever feeling better. Acupuncture was just something else to try. Since beginning my acupuncture treatments with Richard, I have not felt healthier, nor happier in years. Within a month of starting, some of my worst symptoms were lessened by at least 70%. Eight months into my acupuncture treatment, I would say my symptoms are 95% alleviated, & I've began to seek help for unrelated issues. Honestly, sometimes I go just because I find acupuncture truly relaxing, Richard is great company, and I feel completely replenished when I walk out of a session. I have no doubt that acupuncture is a strong, incredibly healing alternative medicine. Brookline Community Acupuncture is not only affordable, but helps support Richard's feed off non-profit that provides AIDS symptom relief for people in Africa. The price charged for a session is truly symbolic; I would readily pay twice that amount for this treatment, as it is healing in the most profound sense of the word. I give BCA my highest recommendation. read more

5-stars for expertise, ambiance, affordability, and RESULTS. I have been getting acupuncture for about 8 years. When I moved to Boston one of the things on my check list was to find a *great* acupuncturist because I knew I'd miss mine in VA. It took me a few mediocre experiences before I found Brookline Community Acupuncture in December 2011... and now the search is over. Richard is bright and listens carefully (the first good sign). In four months (and as many visits) he has helped me with my health on a maintenance level (I get acupuncture monthly regardless of how I feel) and on an as-needed level. Twice now I've booked an appointment when I'm feeling lousy, and twice I walked out of B.C.A. feeling great. I was inspired to write this review today after my experience of walking in with a migraine and getting relief within 5 minutes of my treatment. Amazing! Usually it takes about 24 hours and medication to get rid of migraines. I'll admit that before my very 1st visit, I was a little worried about the community setting since all of my acupuncture experiences to date were 1:1. Turns out I don't mind the setting at all since consultations are done privately in a separate room. After speaking with Richard, you go into a great space, where people (3 others max) are always quiet and respectful of each other. The icing on the cake is that this community setting makes it possible to keep costs down. I have paid as much as $75 for acupuncture, but B.C.A. currently charges between $25-$40 on a sliding scale. I really appreciate the setting here as well, it is totally conducive to healing. There are many great artworks on the walls, good music playing in the group treatment room, nice comfy furniture in the office, it is always super clean, and the lighting is soft. read more

Richard and Julia are incredible. I went to see them when I was desperate to get my labor kickstarted (I was 38 weeks when I started the acupuncture and was horribly uncomfortable), and while I didn't go into labor immediately, I rolled into the hospital very close to my due date at 5cm dilated with only mild and barely noticeable contractions (and gave birth 5 hours later). I did not feel an ounce of pain throughout my entire delivery (I also got an epidural), and only felt very little pain afterwards, and my daughter came out perfectly quiet and calm. She is now a few days over 2 weeks old, and she is still really calm and quiet!! I can't confirm whether all these things are related to the acupuncture (I did 6 sessions over 2.5 weeks), but all I know is that it is the only thing I did differently than with my first pregnancy, and the experience with the second one was by far much more enjoyable. I highly recommend Richard and his practice, and will keep getting treatments from him in the future. read more

I've had acupuncture treatments for various issues over the past five years. Now that I've met Richard and had four sessions, my search has ended. His manner is gentle and sensitive, he asks the right questions, and the results (in my case) are great. His is the "community" model. As you might see from the photos, all clients are treated in a darkened large room. It works very well, and once there, you're part of a group of persons receiving his fine ministrations. I give Richard my highest recommendation. read more

I've only done acupuncture twice before, so I came into my first session with a bit of trepidation. Richard immediately quelled my fears with his calm demeanor and clear explanations (I especially appreciated how he answered all of my questions from both a Western and an Eastern perspective). The session itself was amazing - I had horrible seasonal allergies, and they're almost completely cleared up now! I've already scheduled another appointment. Richard is amazing! read more

I just saw Richard today for my first treatment with him, and he is fantastic! He is extremely knowledgable, experienced, and caring. I even noticed immediate results and relief with my allergies, which is something I usually won't feel right away. I've been getting acupuncture for about 2 years. The woman I used to see moved to a different country, and since I have been looking for someone great. I've tried a few different acupuncturists in the area that weren't very good. I'm so happy I went in today and found the best acupuncturist in Boston! read more

I don't say this a lot, but if I could give six stars, I would. Richard Mandell is the real deal - he is tremendously experienced and gifted. I started seeing him in Feb 2021 and had immediate results after my first session, and I've continued with him every week since. Effective symptom relief would be enough to keep me coming back, but there's far more that makes this practice so special. His community-style model is a unique benefit and asset. I thought I would not like this model but I was definitely wrong. Also his pricing and sliding scale is unique and makes this effective treatment much more accessible to many. Location is easy, convenient and with plenty of parking. I recommend without hesitation! Book the appointment! read more

I've only gone twice so far to help heal from mild asthma, which I was just diagnosed with, and I do feel better. Hard to say if it's purely from acupuncture here, but I know it can't hurt. Actually, to back up, I went once before, years ago, because he offers a really affordable initial visit just to give you a basic, quick understanding of what acupuncture is and what it feels like. I think it's really important that he offers that for people who are curious but apprehensive. Richard is wonderful. Warm, gentle, knowledgable. He explains things very well, always gets clients in on time. I feel that I am in very experienced and capable hands, which is really important when someone is sticking needles in your forehead! He never hesitates or seems annoyed to answer my questions. Setting up appointments online is really easy and convenient and I've made appointments online with about a 15 hour notice and easily got in. There are some days where he doesn't have a very long day, meaning the last possible appt. might be around 10: 45 am (ending around 11:45), but so far that hasn't been a huge issue. He does offer early morning and evening appts. so he is trying to be as flexible as possible. The atmosphere is simple, relaxing. Even when you're in a room with upwards of 3 or more other people, it doesn't feel that awkward or cramped. There's always really relaxing music playing and honestly, if I can pay that fee to feel that relaxed when I leave, I'll take it! The community aspect/sliding scale makes this really accessible for someone like me who doesn't have a ton of money but really believes in a holistic approach to health and healing. I'm so grateful this place is here. The building it's in is a little retro, but the location is great. You can have your treatment then go grab lunch or tea or do a little shopping at Trader Joe's around the corner (if you're not too sleepy!). There is on-street parking in front, though that can be hard to come by, but there's a big lot out back/around the corner and I've found parking there both times, so it's pretty accessible. All in all, I'm so happy here and I'll definitely go back! read more

This was my first expirence with acupuncture and Richard was very welcoming and extremely helpful. When I came to Brookline Community Acupuncture, I was in the middle of many life transitions and had been experiencing significant levels of anxiety. After my first visit, I was blown away by how much calmer I felt. Although the effect was less intense as time went on, overall it had a significant impact on my mental health and in staying organized during a very busy period of my life. Richard was always willing to answer all my questions about acupuncture and took the time to understand what was going on in order to provide the best treatment possible. If it had not been for the sliding scale, I would have not had access to this wonderful alternative to the traditional Western approach. It opened my eyes to a new tool I can use when I feel necessary. I would highly recommend Brookline Community Acupuncture to anyone, and am very thankful he offers his services in a community atmosphere in order to make it a more affordable option to people who would otherwise not have access to it. read more

Highest praise and recommendation for Richard Mandell and Brookline Community Acupuncture, whether you're an acupuncture veteran or trying it for the first time. Been coming here for more than 2 years and have been continually impressed by Richard's calm/gentle manner, cleanliness and sterility standards, commitment to making acupuncture available to all income levels, flexible availability and consistent clinical results. Richard as a practitioner is highly skilled, incredibly experienced and truly cares about those he treats. Don't let the community-style (group) experience deter you - It is the most relaxing, quiet environment and honestly I now prefer it over solo acupuncture sessions. I recommend Richard/BCA to literally everyone and feel so fortunate to have found an amazing acupuncturist and practice in my community. read more

This is a very good place to go for affordable, effective accupuncture. Richard is kind and gentle and attentive, himself a transmittor of the healing power for good. Beyond that the setting is soothing, simple and quiet: a super easy place to fall asleep! If you're worried about the community aspect of treatment, you can be assured that it's a completely modest and appropriate place for treatment. It was explained to me that accupuncture can be administered from distant points on the body, so you can stay fully clothed at all times. The best thing is that I can look forward to long term accupuncture treatment to manage my pain since the price per session is something we can afford. Bravo to Richard for bringing this form of accupuncture to Brookline! read more

(long post - but informative - please read) My first session- Richard taught me all the basics of acupuncture in a brief, understandable ~5 min session. He then met with me individually for ~10-15 minutes to privately discuss the issues I wanted addressed. Acupuncture is a VERY relaxing experience and MANY people fall asleep during it! When I fell asleep at my last appt I was "OUT COLD" (so to speak that is - I woke up a little groggy but I felt SOOO great when I walked out!!!) Many people fear the word "needle" - but Richard and I have discussed a couple of times how they shouldn't even be CALLED needles - In most places it feels like somebody has just flicked you with their fingernail - VERY minimal pain!!!! This coming from a NURSE who FEARS needles coming at me!!!!!! The problems I went to him with were basically resolved for the next week or so - and of course I went back to make sure that it kept staying that way!!! In terms of the "community acupuncture" aspect - it REALLY isn't a big deal. You all have separate, PRIVATE, discussions with Richard regarding your issues/expectations/results so far/etc - and nobody else in the room ever needs to know what you are there for. Also, he can only care for 4 people at a time, and the one time I was there and all the chairs were full - I had passed out (again-only sleeping - not literally!!!) and had no recollection of who they were/where they had come from - so privacy is NOT AN ISSUE!!! Also most of his treatments can be done with shirt sleeves rolled up/pant legs rolled up - so you're not really exposed by any means!!! I HIGHLY recommend this service! Richard and so calming/gentle/informative and kind! I will continue to go back to him on a regular basis! (also - his payment method is on a sliding scale based on your income - so it's VERY affordable!!!) Many thanks to Richard and the incredible care he delivers! I hope you find this post helpful!! :) read more

I am not an Eastern medicine type guy. But, my migraines brought me to Richard. I feel like a new person after each visit. I don't know how he chooses where to poke and I don't care. I just know that I greatly look forward to my once a week relaxation where I come out fully rejuvenated. My health ins. doesn't pay but it's only $40! All good. I highly recommend. read more

Richard is one of the kindest, most empathic and most genuinely caring individuals I have encountered in my 8 month battle towards better health. Back in June I started having some health issues and I decided to try acupuncture to see if it would help. I haven't been doing it long enough to know if it has helped the initial issue I went in for, but it has helped with other problems! I decided to go off birth control and was having issues getting my cycle back after the fact. I went to see Richard for help, and my monthly arrived the next day. Amazing!!! Sometimes being in a room with others can be distracting but there have been plenty of occasions that I totally pass out and get an amazing hour long nap during a session! The community setting is a small price to pay in exchange for extremely affordable acupuncture by a kind and knowledgeable soul like Richard. I highly recommend Brookline Community Acupuncture! read more

I went to see Richard when I was in stalled early labor. He was welcoming, and his calm and caring manner put me at ease. I was in treatment for about 30 minutes before labor started up again with a vengeance and my son was born less than two hours after I walked out of his office. While I can't say for sure that acupuncture was the silver bullet, I will be recommending Richard to anyone who wants to jumpstart their labor! read more

Richard is wonderful. He's an excellent acupuncturist, and he's also accommodating, understanding, and kind. I echo all the other 5-star reviews. read more

I had a chronic knee pain due to an injury with no clear solution from modern medicine. After years of discomfort a couple of sessions of acupuncture resolved it entirely. Brookline Community Acupuncture is a professional, reliable, convenient, and affordable place to get excellent care. read more

I love Brookline Community Acupuncture! I always leave feeling better, no matter what's ailing me. I highly recommend it!

I have been seeing Richard for several months now as he has been treating me for multiple autoimmune diseases and hormonal problems. Richard is a true gem. Being sick a lot of the time is very stressful and emotional, and Richard is one of the kindest, most gentle and calmest people I know. I always know I will feel better after I go see him. He is so committed to his patients, and genuinely cares about my wellness and my health. I can't say enough wonderful things about my experience. I am a person who has difficulty sitting still for an hour, but there is something special about his clinic that makes it possible for me. I can't recommend him enough, and I can't thank him enough for how much he is helping me. read more

Being an acupuncturist myself, I am very picky about the practitioners I choose. That being said, I have been going to Richard for the past few months, and can't say enough good things about him and his practice. He is extremely knowledgeable and competent, and I get fantastic results from his treatments. His hours are extremely flexible, as well, which allows me to squeeze in appointments at a moment's notice (which is usually how I need to do things with my crazy schedule!) Now that he has moved to his new location on Harvard St, his air conditioning actually works-a huge bonus with the soul-sucking weather we've been having lately :) I would recommend Brookline Community Acupuncture to anyone looking for a low-cost acupuncture option. read more

To say that Richard, who runs Brookline Community Acupuncture is a miracle worker, is an understatement. Not only is he accommodating, but is very caring and each visit is like an educational experience. I have been going routinely for the past 4 weeks to treat asthma and IBS; without the sliding scale payment options I would not be able to seek this type of relief for persistent symptoms, and for that I am very grateful. The center is very clean, warm and inviting. I have never been so happy with the type of care and results since walking in to their free acupuncture Thursdays. read more

Richard is a tremendously helpful and thorough acupuncturist. I have been to other community acupuncture providers and none have taken the time to explain their process like Richard has. He is also a very caring and warm person, that makes the experience even better. I felt immediate results and relief due to back pain and stress, I am already signed up for my next appointment! read more

I started going to acupuncture in April because my husband and I are having trouble conceiving a child, even though our fertility doctors say there's nothing wrong with us. I thought acupuncture might help my body balance itself out or at the very least help me feel less stressed about the struggles of trying to conceive. Though I'm not pregnant, (yet), I do feel calmer after I visit Richard and the treatments have definitely lowered my stress level. Richard is kind, empathetic, and gentle. I'm new to acupuncture, and Richard explained everything really clearly to me when I first got started, and has continued to answer my questions well along the way. I also recently learned that Richard works at another clinic in Roxbury and that he makes frequent trips to Uganda to do acupuncture. His sliding scale and all the other work he does, clearly proves that he wants to bring acupuncture to everyone. I admire that. read more

Relaxing, professional and soothing in comfortable, supportive setting. Give it a try. Affordable prices as well

I am happy to give Richard 5 stars....his warm demeanor and caring personality have made me a believer in the world of acupuncture. I am just beginning my treatment but I have started to see results (chronic tennis elbow). He is intelligent, and thoughtful and the Community aspect makes the treatments affordable and it's not odd at all to sit in a room with others; since we are all there relaxing. read more

i never thought thank i could say i was pain free but since having weekly acupuncture treatments with richard mandell i am thrilled to say this is true... an incredible human being who has such compassion and empathy for his patients no matter how busy he is!!! thank you so much from the bottom of my heart as being a nurse i now enjoy my patients more which makes my job so rewarding!!! read more

Clean, professional and caring place and practitioners! I had been suffering with back pain for a long time and tried all kinds of different treatments. This is working, and the bonus is that it is affordable. read more

I highly recommend Brookline Community Acupuncture! Community acupuncture is the way to go. It is a great environment and allows for frequent treatment. Richard Mandell is incredibly helpful and caring. He asks questions and is very attentive. He works with you to find the best treatments that will be the most effective. If you are new to acupuncture, Richard takes time to explain it to you so you understand and are at ease. I always have the most relaxing time - I always fall asleep! It is a comfortable place with great chairs. If you are a little chilly, Richard will set the heater up beside your feet. I always leave feeling better. Acupuncture helps me with all my symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. read more

Richard is caring and gentle. I came to him by buying a certificate online. After the certificate was completed I continue to go for treatments because I am getting results. I appreciate the sliding scale for the visits. I am pleased with the new location to Harvard St. The location is clean and relaxing. I fall asleep just about every visit. I look forward to going there every week. read more