Admittedly, and perhaps like you, I was a bit skeptical about community acupuncture before my first visit. I've done quite a bit of acupuncture in the past, with a brilliant and highly qualified acupuncturist out west, but financially, at $60-70 a session, it wasn't very sustainable. After moving to Cambridge I had a few groupon acupuncture sessions at various places, which were decent, but overall not a great value. The acupuncturists were for the most part knowledgeable, but all of the places ended up being way too expensive and all the acupuncturists lacked real warmth and compassion because their main objective was monetary. I never felt like my health was really a priority. Instead of listening and hearing me, I was constantly talked at.
When I saw a groupon for Open Space acupuncture, I figured, why not - the price was very reasonable and I was still on the prowl for a good spot. Of course, I didn't expect much. I certainly didn't expect to continue after my groupon session expired. Before my first visit, I'd never done community acupuncture before, let alone acupuncture in a lazy boy instead of on a doctor's table. To me, it sounded a bit bizarre. And with prices being so affordable, I assumed the practitioners wouldn't be that qualified.
Of course, I couldn't have been more wrong. Daphne (the head acupuncturist who opened the place) is not only extremely knowledgeable and highly qualified, but she's also very personable, caring, gentle, and compassionate. She never talks at me, but instead always listens with attentiveness, patience and understanding. Daphne recently hired another acupuncturist, Dalit Waller, who I've had once and found equally outstanding. They have different acupuncture backgrounds, meaning they belong to two different traditions, so their techniques do vary. You might find one technique more in tune with your needs than the other, but I've found a combination of the two (seeing Daphne one time and Dalit the next) quite beneficial.
In terms of the community acupuncture approach, I actually don't mind it at all. Not only does community acupuncture enable affordability (you pay on a sliding scale between $15-$45(I think), it also hasn't had any negative impact on the quality of treatment I've received. And since everyone is so relaxed and pretty much passed out, it's very quiet (except for the occasional person who snores, or on Saturday morning when the farmers market is right outside - get some fresh flowers when you leave!). In terms of the lazy boys, they work perfectly well and are very comfortable - they're each different, so try a variety of chairs until you find the perfect fit. Or, if you have back pain like me, you might prefer the flat doctor's table, which they also have.
Needless to say, I've been going to Open Space Community acupuncture regularly (4-5 times a week) for almost two months now and I absolutely love it. You certainly don't need acupuncture that often to see results, but I've found it so relaxing and rejuvenating - both during the sessions and after - that I just can't help myself.
I have anxiety, severe allergies, asthma, congestion, back pain, stiff muscles after exercising, you name it - I'm riddled with issues - and I'm so grateful for the relief Daphne has brought me on all fronts. I was on numerous allergy medications and I was taking Advil for my back quite regularly, both of which I've been able to significantly reduce. When I went in after over exercising and not being able to walk (my calves were so stiff), an hour later they were relaxed and almost back to normal (which was hard for me to believe). And not only have I felt relief from my anxiety during the sessions, I've also felt so much more in tune with my body and mind since I've started the treatments and am able to manage my anxiety with much more ease.
Of course, acupuncture is generally not considered an instantaneous fix or miraculous cure and while you're likely to experience immediate relief from acute pain, it's more of a long-term process (in my opinion). And considering that it's a process, there's little point in starting if it's not financially sustainable. Open space is wonderful because it provides an opportunity for everyone, regardless of financial backing, to experience this process of healing and benefit from pr oven techniques that are otherwise way too costly. At the very least, it enables people who may be curious about acupuncture to try it out and see what they're missing (the first treatment is free at open space and there's no obligation or pressure to continue). So try it. Whenever you have time, go to Union square and pop in for a free treatment. You can stay as long as you like, and if you only want one needle because you're scared it's going hurt (which it doesn't), then do that. Open Space has been such an amazing and valuable experience for me and I hope it will be for you as well read more
