When people think of acupuncture, they may picture one patient in a private room receiving treatment. However, this is not the only way to receive acupuncture. An alternative model of practice is called community acupuncture.

Community acupuncture treats many patients at one time in a communal space or group setting. In this model, acupuncture treatments can often be offered at lower prices and serve a wider population—community acupuncture sustainably serves those in the middle class who have a chronic illness, addiction, depression or painful condition. Patients are treated on recliners and the treatment focuses on the head, arms and legs. With per-visit prices based on a sliding scale, clients may have the ability to get treatments more frequently, which is often required to get better results. Like traditional acupuncture, community acupuncture offers licensed acupuncturists using safe and effective techniques.

While some people may prefer private sessions, receiving treatments in a communal setting can be powerful—it allows couples, friends and neighbors to schedule treatments together, often reducing the anxiety of a first-timer and promoting healing through fellowship and community.

Pamela Howard is a licensed acupuncturist and owner of River City Community Acupuncture, located at 1906 N. Hamilton St. For more information, call 804-200-4054 or visit RiverCityAcu.com.