Community Acupuncture

Community acupuncture started in the 1970’s in the South Bronx of New York City as a response to the growing recognition of the benefits of acupuncture, and a way of overcoming the barriers of access by many who could benefit from this medicine, but could not afford it. Community acupuncture is a way of offering acupuncture in an accessible and sustainable way, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Treatments are offered in a setting where multiple patients receive treatment at the same time in a common room. While treatments are still private and individualized, the community setting provides affordable healthcare for many communities.

Cost of treatments are set on a sliding scale to make sure a person can get enough acupuncture to get optimal results, while at the same time being a source of livelihood for its practitioners who are a part of those communities.

The community validates acupuncture’s effectiveness, the affordable sliding scale, and the comfort and accessibility of a community acupuncture clinic. In return, it receives a reliable resource to maintain or improve the health of its members.

The first community acupuncture clinic in New Hampshire opened in 2007 in Manchester, NH. Manchester Acupuncture Studio, now with two locations in Manchester and Merrimack, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers affordable acupuncture to the Merrimack Valley and has given more than 300,000 treatments over the last 17 years. Besides the Manchester Acupunctures Studio, other community acupuncture clinics near us include Wild Roots Acupuncture and Wellness in Dover, and us here at Collective Stillness Acupuncture in Northwood.

The goal of this type of acupuncture clinic is to create a space where wellbeing and connection happens, supporting healing for and with the community.