Think acupuncture. What comes to mind? I picture faces full of needles, cryptic charts, and expensive doctors’ offices. Thankfully, The Community Acupuncture Network is here to change all that. The movement is sweeping the country, and it’s the Network’s goal is to make acupuncture more accessible and affordable, bringing it to communities and offering treatments on a sliding scale, starting at as little as $15.

The Philly branch, located in the firehouse at 50th and Baltimore just above Dock Street Brewery, was one of the first and has been open for almost two years now. The airy space is tranquil and inviting, with comfy couches, books, and tea in the waiting area.

True to its name, a treatment at Community Acupuncture doesn’t involve antiseptic white rooms – instead, people recline in special chairs in a communal space, with calming plants and whispering overhead fans. There were only three people currently undergoing treatment when I stopped by, and two had dozed off (it’s very relaxing!), but the large space often holds many more patients. The specialists here practice a form of acupuncture that involves putting needles only in the feet and legs up to the knees and the hands and arms up to the elbows, so no disrobing is necessary. A typical treatment lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, but people often use it as a re-charging naptime for grownups, which is encouraged – no one will wake you up and kick you out!

The Community Acupuncture studio most commonly sees patients with complaints about neck and back pain, as well as anxiety and stress, but they have the expertise to deal with all sorts of issues. (Check out their website to find out more or to schedule an appointment.) So if you’ve never had acupuncture before – and aren’t scared of needles! – stop by and discover the therapeutic art that the ancient Chinese started using thousands of years ago. For just $15, what have you got to lose?

Community Acupuncture
701 S 50th St
Philadelphia, PA 19143-1689
(215) 729-2995
www.phillyacupuncture.com