Poke. cringe. poke. cringe. poke. Ahhhh. That feels WEIRD. okay, better now. poke. poke. whhhoa. Wow, I'm awake. How long has it been? I'm ready to go, go, go! I've gotten a couple of acupuncture treatments at Grassroots (with/from Marit), and... well, I've definitely been enjoying the unique experience. Grassroots has a sliding scale ($15-35) fee and they want you to come in as much as you need to and feel better. There is not as much one-on-one interaction as I'd imagine you'd get on a more expensive appointment at a clinic that doesn't offer "community acupuncture," but you can always schedule a time to talk and you do get a chance to check in before the needles go in. So the "big thing" that has kept me from trying it for many years is: Fear of pain and needles. Was it a worthwhile worry? Not really. I think it feels like a pinch when they're inserted, but that doesn't last longer than a couple seconds. Some areas are more sensitive than others. I did have a weird experience the first time where the needle in my left hand (near thumb) felt like a shot of pain went through my palm and then a hot marble rolled around in the skin of my palm for a little while... but that went away within about a minute. And it was kind of cool in a weird kind of way. Wondering what all happens when it comes to an appointment? 1. Go to their website and set up a first appointment with their handy online scheduling system. (Please note that there's a $10 processing fee for the first appt, so the scale for that day is $25-45.) 2. Come in with paperwork filled out or fill it out there. Chat with the practitioner for a little while and then head into the treatment room. For return visits you can either hand money to the practitioner at the desk or (if they're not there) make/grab a small orange envelope with your name on it (sitting on desk) and deposit the payment (cash or check, let them know if you need change) in the black comments box near the restroom before heading into the treatment room. (I do believe they also accept insurance.) 3. Choose one of the 8 cozy recliners in a big room separated into two sections (by a curtain). Put your shoes, coat, purse, etc in the basket next to your recliner. Roll up your pants so the leg up to the knee is exposed. Recline. Relax. Wait a moment for the practitioner to arrive and/or finish helping another patient. 4. Talk to the practitioner (quietly) about what aches you, your current stress level, bowel movements, etc. This information helps them learn how you're doing and where to put the needles. 5. Relax and... experience. They ask you if you need to be "woken" at a particular time and, if you don't, you can be there as long as you need to (as long as they're open, of course). Apparently some people feel "done" pretty quickly. My experience so far is that I start feeling either drunk/dizzy or like waves of heat/energy are washing through me, and... pass out. About 1-1.5 hours later I wake up and am ready to go, go, go! 6. Catch the practitioners eyes and attempt an "I'm cooked, please take them out now" look. They briefly check in with you as they remove the needles. 7. Go eat some dinner or space out for several hours or whatever! I believe Marit said it's normal for blood sugar to drop during/after the session, so make sure you have some food or a good beverage or something after your treatment. So far I find myself to be in something of a daze for a few hours after. I'm not sure what kind of lasting benefits I have received from acupuncture, but my shoulders do feel a lot more loose today than they did yesterday. It feels good. I also like the experience and like the place I'm in after, so I definitely plan to go back for more. Cool bonus: They are located across the street from Theo Chocolate Factory, so the street usually smells like delicious chocolate. /end of Inna B's wordy review #700 read more

I came here because acupuncture sounded cool and I wanted to check it out. I was so lucky to find this place. I didn't know a lot about acupuncture and they did a great job keying me into what it would do and how I could benefit from being seen. During each session I've gotten a lot of good information. A unique thing about Grassroots is that they're a community acupuncture location. I didn't know what that meant at first - but (for other n00bs) it means you'll be seen at the same time as others. At first I was thinking nail salon where you're only being partially paid attention to. This is not the case at all. There are two adjoining rooms with 4 recliners in each. You pick a seat and one of the acupuncturists comes to talk with you. You tell them everything that's wrong with you. really, everything. From, you're depressed to your shoulder aching and they'll determine where to stick you. The actual poking part is hardly an issue. Most of the times I can't really tell that a needle actually went into my skin, it just feels like a gentle tap. They're really good about hitting however many points you need in a visit. After your consultation and poking, you relax (or take a nap) for however long you can/want to be there. My first visit I was there for 2 hours before I woke up (feeling AWESOME). Each time since then I've given them a time limit because I should do other stuff than nap. The price here is ridiculously reasonable. It's a trust-based system. Pay what you can (between $15-30) and get treated. I love the sense of community and well being here. I definitely recommend coming here whether you're new to acupuncture or have been doing it for years. read more

Okay, so this may seem like an odd choice for a great place to take a date. But trust me on this one: it's a creative locale for a memorable outing, and one that will leave you both excessively relaxed and happy - and at a price that will leave plenty left over for some of that delicious Fremont food. If you've never tried community acupuncture, it's time to give it a whirl, date or no. The community setting not only allows one practitioner to take care of many patients at one time (thus dramatically lowering the price of the service), it creates a wonderfully open atmosphere that is perfect for sharing with a date, with friends, or just with a roomful of strangers. And it means you can fall into a deep, blissful sleep for just as long as you need/want to in the incredibly comfy recliners. Trust me, when you wake up with that delightful aroma of lemongrass wafting around you, you'll feel like a brand new you. If you need a gentle touch, go with Lisa. If you have a tougher issue that requires a more aggressive approach, try Amanda or, my personal favorite, Marit. She strikes a perfect balance between the two approaches, and she was able to help me solve some long-standing chronic low back pain that baffled every other MD, ND, PT, and LMP I went to. Keep up the excellent work, ladies! And you? Yes, you. Go make an appointment for your next OKC meet-up. Your date (and your body) will thank you! read more

I'm an RN, so I'm a "I'll believe it when I see it" kind of person when it comes to healing and medicine. Well folks, I've seen it and I believe it. I'm not going to question it or think about it too much, because it's all kind of a little unbelievable. My Western-Medicine brain can't handle it. I've never been anywhere else for acupuncture, and I can't imagine doing so. I originally started going to help with stress and sleep, but I've been "caught" with other issues that they can tell I have just by feeling my pulse and/or looking at my tongue. Weird. Why 5 stars: -Marit & Amanda: attentive, thorough, knowledgeable, and so nice. -affordable -no time limit on appointment length (my record: 1 hour 45 minutes "unconscious" - brain completely shut off - no post-nap grogginess. I woke up and there was an Alaska Airlines pilot across the room from me, in his uniform, mouth hanging open, completely out. Hilarious.) -comfortable ambience and chairs I encourage Grassroots for everyone, even if you're healthy with no "issues." Find some alignment and open your mind. read more

Went again 8/13/13, I know with most preventative Healing care it takes more than 1 visit. Anyway this time I had Marit, I liked her style very gentle insertion of the needles. She told me she goes intense and let her know if any need to back off. I let her go intense. I was fine. I've been a few times. It was wonderful. I've now tried all 3 acupuncturists. It's kinda funny I usually choose the room where no one is sitting. Take a recliner when I wake up all the recliners have filled up around me. It's pretty interesting how relaxed I feel that I can just pass out for an hour with random strangers around me. I barely can sleep on a plane or in an airport. But here, with treatment I find my Zen and pass out as long as my body feels it needs. When I wake up. I'm ready to get up and go-go-go and I feel great! read more

Can I just say-- Grassroots Community Acupuncture is fantastic! I've received treatments from Lisa, Marit, and Amanda, and each of them have slightly different styles. They're all highly skilled and caring people. Give each of them a try and you'll find a good fit. The clinic is very peaceful and welcoming. I always feel relaxed there. If your condition warrants it, they will also recommend a course of Chinese herbs which you can either purchase from them or from the Bastyr Clinic. And, if that wasn't enough, sometimes when you leave the clinic, you are greeted with the smell of warm chocolate in the air (from the Theo Chocolate factory across the street)! This place is a real gem. read more

Is it possible to forego all my other reviews stars and just give them all to Grassroots?? Life changer. Stop reading this and just make an appointment right now. I had suffered for about 18 years with heavy allergies to pollen/ dander/ hayfever etc - and i have tried everything. Acupuncture was the very last resort - If only i had taken a chance oh so long ago I feel my days in the sunshine would have been much more enjoyable. Marit is incredible and the community setting is unreal - I was honestly a little taken aback by having 7 other people sleeping around me... but i figured, what the heck? And laid down to unwind and get the best relief i have ever had in my life. Acupuncture is incredible, Grassroots is a wonderful place. My life is better after coming across this amazing practice :) read more

There is a very good reason that this place has nothing but 5 star reviews. It's because the healing energy of it's space and practitioners (I've only had Susie, but she is amazing) is invaluable and yet they charge an extremely humble fee. I am currently going there for prenatal/labor inducing treatment and have already felt a lot of progress and change in just two appointments. Planning on going as long as I can until it brings on baby! read more

Never having tried acupuncture before going here, I have very little to compare with Grassroots. I feel lucky and happy to say that I'll probably never go any place else anyway, because this place is perfect. They operate on a sliding scale, starting at $15, which I know is between 5 and 10 dollars cheaper than most other places in town. They also have a really comfortable, clean, and serene environment. I love waking up to the sun coming in softly through the gauzy curtains. But what I love most about Grassroots is that the acupuncturists there are really good listeners. They are completely attentive to the smallest verbal and non-verbal cues. I've been there almost every week for a couple months and I feel physically and emotionally nourished every time. read more

I moved out of Fremont and I already miss this place being right around the corner from my apt! I started going a while back. I'd always wanted to try it plus I was super stressed out when I decided to go. For my stress, it's been great to say the least. Get a few needles in me, and just like a switch, I'm out! I've been to Marit and Lisa the most, and both are absolutely wonderful. If you need to relax, or whatever ails you, try this place. P.S. When I first walked in, I wasn't sure how I'd like the communal setting, but all my fears were put to rest quickly. In fact, I think it's a great way to provide a service like this. A win-win! read more

I decided to trust my fellow yelpers when choosing a place to have my very first acupuncture experience. I was nervous at first as I'm not very good with needles, but as soon as she started to put them in and I realized it felt odd but not painful at all, it was all good from there. I don't think I have relaxed that deeply while still being awake, in a really.. really long time. My acupuncturist was Marit, she was gentle, professional yet empathetic, and you can tell that she really enjoys helping people. I've already made my next appointment! Hurray for Grassroots Community Acupuncture. read more

I just recommended Grassroots to a friend who has a pinched nerve in his shoulder. It's about time I give the feedback they deserve. A few months ago, I had a painful neck. I couldn't sleep and couldn't turn over in bed without lifting my head like a bowling ball and placing it on the pillow. The last time this happened I went to a massage therapist and spent hundreds of dollars and it took over 2 months to get on the other side of the pain. Grassroots had me able to fly to New York after just 3 treatments. It was awesome. I'm going to go there to get acupuncture to help prepare my body for the cold season and as a means of prevention, as it strengthens the immune system. Do yourself a favor and do it just for the "health" of it. :) read more

I adore Grassroots Acupuncture. It is an incredibly effective and affordable way to get treatment for an unlimited variety of ailments. The Grassroots space is an approachable sanctuary that allows you a chance to relax and let go (you can stay for as long as you want - no time limit) while receiving top notch care via practitioners that really listen and care about your personal needs. Do yourself a favor and try it out - you can do it at no cost I think still - Free First Fridays... read more

Finding Grassroots Community Acupuncture has been a gift in my life, and to my health. Marit and Karah are awesome, and the flexibility of hours 6 days a week makes it impossible to make excuses to not go! It's a warm and cozy space, and they are truly building a community experience. I love that it's a shared space, and that the intent of others there receiving treatment is the same as my intent, it makes me feel like all our energy combines together to make everything just a little better. I also love the affordability, I've been with other clinics where I just couldn't afford to build on treatment, I felt like I was always just hoping they could get me back to zero on the two visits a month I could afford. With Grassroots sliding fee scale, I feel like we're not just "putting me back together", it's actually giving me an opportunity to build on each treatment and the advancements in several chronic conditions have been amazing. I consider Marit & Karah and Grassroots Community Acupuncture part of my own personal village, in keeping with the axiom that it takes a village to raise a child. It's a rough world out there, and having a dedicated team of caring professionals that helps me make my life a little bit easier is a gift. Thank you, Grassoroots Community Acupuncture! read more

I am so glad that I found this place! I have been looking for an affordable acupuncture option for a while and now I have found it. Not only is this place affordable, but Marit has been wonderful at helping me with my health concerns and after just three weeks I am seeing major positive results. Every week, I look forward to my visit and am sad that I will have to miss a couple sessions while on vacation next month. Grassroots is making acupuncture available to a wider range of folks as well as offering an alternative to individualistic western medicine. read more

This place is amazing, especially if you get acupuncture from Nick! I went to Grassroots Community Acupuncture when I was vacationing in Seattle, and I had a lovely treatment from Nick. He made sure he had a full understanding with what was going on with me before he started with the needles, and he did a lot to make sure I was comfortable. I had never experienced community type acupuncture in a group setting before. After experiencing it here though, I must say I recommend it whole-heartedly! If you're looking for an excellent, relaxing, beneficial, as well as affordable, acupuncture experience, look no further! Grassroots Community Acupuncture is the place for you! I especially recommend you get a treatment from Nick! read more

Have been going once or twice a week, which is still cheaper than getting a massage once a month (and, frankly, this is more relaxing for me). I come in, relax, get pins stuck into me, drop into a meditative/passed out state, and "wake up" feeling refreshed and vitalized. My headaches have lessened, and my energy is great. However it works, I like it. read more

Grassroots Community Acupuncture is wonderful. After struggling with a hormonal imbalance that was causing a myriad of symptoms for me, I turned to acupuncture for the first time after having less-than-ideal experiences with both a hospital clinic and naturopath. I saw good results with another acupuncturist over a period of about 3 months before a change in my insurance coverage prompted me to look for other acupuncture options in the area. After just 4 sessions with Amanda and Marit, I am feeling better than I have in years. I highly recommend Grassroots and am incredibly grateful for their excellent wellness services. read more

This place is great. Marit put four needles in my hand and lower leg, quick and easy, and after 45 minutes the pain in my back was substantially reduced. I'm going back tomorrow! read more

I can't say enough good things about my experiences with Grassroots. I felt very welcome and comfortable. This was my first experience with acupuncture and it's been very valuable to my overall health and wellness. Thanks for gentle approach and bedside manner! Marit is amazing. read more

Great place for acupuncture at a reasonable price. Love sitting in the lazyboy chairs and reclining back and falling asleep as the needles do their work. Recommend to folks whom would like to try out acupuncture. Marit and the other folks there are welcoming and nice people. read more

I love this place, just wish it wasn't so far away (yet I'm still willing to drive from Kirkland for an appointment). I've seen both Marit and Amanda multiple times and they both are great. I always leave feeling better than when I arrived! read more

I love, love, love Marit and her acupuncture. I'm a midwife and I refer my clients to her. read more

I am so excited to be joining the Grassroots community as an Acupuncturist! The space is serene, warm and soothing. The affordability allows for people to get the care they need to manage stressful times, chronic pain and illnesses. And the community has a wide variety of people who are taking time to care for themselves! read more

Grassroots is awesome! It is calm, cozy, comfortable, and beautiful, almost like relaxing at home. Marit was born to be a practitioner. Not only does she deliver amazing and effective treatments, her presence, care and concern catalyze the healing process. I highly recommend Grassroots! read more

I have to say that going to Grassroots has been one of the best experiences in my life. It is a journey each time. I have been going at least 1 time per week since the beginning of February. I went as a recommendation from a yoga instructor and my doctor to help with migraines and I also get treatments for anxiety, stress, and back pain. I too was afraid the first time (needles) but Marit is unbelievable. She is calm, knowledgeable, and guides you through it each time. She makes sure that you feel comfortable and OK. Each time i go it is different as far as what the needles feel like and how i feel during and after the treatments. But I always leave feeling better, relaxed and looking forward to the next treatment. I do feel that the community based approach is good and it has helped me greatly due to the sliding scale --but the treatments and Marit are what keep me going back...and the results. I cant say enough about Grassroots..... read more

I found this place online from the great reviews after I had slipped and fell last week and was wanting something to help with my lingering back pain. I made my appointment online easily and I also printed out the medical history/new patient form to fill out beforehand. I arrived about 20 minutes early since I was new and the place was very easy to find, parking was pretty seamless too. The receptionist was super nice and explained about Grassroots and how it works. Payment is taken before going into the room with the acupuncturist, Marit, and it's encouraged to stop by the restroom, too. For new clients, expect to stay about 90 minutes and if you have to be out by a certain time, just let them know. This helps because most people do pass out and need to be woken up, haha. Once I was ready to head in, I found the first huge recliner and quietly made myself comfy. The room is very spacious, warm and inviting, you feel like you're at home. Marit made her way over to me eventually and quietly asked me about my health history and explained about the needles and what was going to happen. She also said if I needed anything at all, blankets, if the needles hurt at all, etc., just to open my eyes or clear my throat to signal her. The needles were nearly painless and after they were set, Marit walked away and I passed out as expected. I had told her I wanted to get up about 7:30pm and right at that time, Marit stopped by and woke me gently. I felt pretty good afterward and got my things together and walked back out to the reception area. Marit said she'd like to have me back next week if I could and I said I would love to come back. I like how they run everything at Grassroots and the sliding scale payments are a great idea. I can't wait to go back. read more

Please do yourself a favor and take part in this healing space. Grassroots Community Acupuncture is a sustainable community business model that is designed to help all types of people take charge of their health and well-being. I used to think that acupuncture was unrealistic and unattainable for the non-wealthy (like me), because I could never afford to go often enough to make a difference. With Grassroots CA, however, I can afford to go once or twice a week since you pay what you can realistically afford. Also, Marit, the acupuncturist, is so kind, with such a calming energy and she stressed that payment was a non-issue. I felt very reassured and was able to relax and enjoy my first appointment! I wasn't sure how I would like being a room with other patients, but it is so nice and creates a collective energy field that makes you feel relaxed as soon as you enter the room. Also, because the room is soothing and cozy, and you are in a big, comfy, soft recliner, it feels less like a clinical doctor's office atmosphere, which adds to the relaxation. Oh, and you can stay as long as you like, and many people tend to fall asleep. I had a two hour parking limit, so I just told Marit and she made sure I was up. So good. I also felt like she gave me her full focus and asked me many questions about my issues. I felt safe and comfortable discussing these with her. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and will be going back next week with my fiance in tow! read more

A true godsend! The environment of the facility is comfortable and allows for a person to become incredibly relaxed and embrace all that acupuncture has to offer. Marit is amazing and I really appreciate her gentle manner and technique. The entire staff is caring and professional and the sliding scale of payment makes it affordable to have treatment on a regular basis. A+++ to Grassroots for having such a great website that allows you to schedule appointments online. read more

This is such a great place to go when you're stressed out and have a weak immune system. They are very caring people. I just had a session with Susana for my first time yesterday and her treatment made me feel great and she's so gentle! Great new addition to the team. Thank you. :) read more

Grassroots was my first experience with acupuncture and I'm serious when I say it was life changing! I was incredibly nervous, both because of the needles and also not being familiar with the procedures of a community acupuncture clinic. Marit was very thorough in explaining things at my first visit , and I felt right at home. The way she described acupuncture to me really made sense and helped me stay calm while experiencing the strange, though not really painful, sensations that occur when the needles are in. The treatment room is a really cozy space, and well heated with optional blankets and heat lamps for your feet. It also smells amazing in there! I have mostly used acupuncture for pain relief in my neck and back, and have had great results with treatments from both Marit and Amanda. Amanda offers a shiatsu neck release that has really helped open up my neck and shoulders where I have so much tension. I highly recommend this clinic for almost any complaint you can come up with, I bet acupuncture will help it! read more

i love Grassroots CA and really credit acupuncture for helping to regulate my menstrual cycle so that my husband and I could conceive our first child. I am now 5 months pregnant and still go as it is helping ease some of the discomfort of pregnancy and help me relax. I have worked mostly with Marit, who is totally wonderful but other staff that have helped me on occasion have been awesome too. feels like a totally physically and emotionally safe place and I have felt very comfortable being totally honest about communicating-voicing where my mind/body was at every time I go in. which is sort of remarkable that they can set that sort of tone in a room with other people in it but it totally works and i can't recommend them enough! read more

The Seattle Community Acupuncture Network is comprised of Washington's low-cost community acupuncture clinics. For more information on a affordable clinic near you, visit the website! read more

I never had acupuncture before going to Grassroots. I was apprehensive about the needles. No worries though. On my first visit Marit averted all of my fears and began to fix some serious problems. My chronic problems are getting better and along the way, she has chased away colds before they could catch hold.and quickly fixed muscle spasms in my back. Soon I will have less frequent visits as I get better but I will always look forward to visiting the safe, comfortable, healing atmosphere at the clinic. read more