What is Community Acupuncture?

The community acupuncture movement began in Portland, Oregon. Some acupuncturists realized that their family and friends, even they themselves, could not afford acupuncture at the prices that were being charged here in the US. In China, acupuncture had long been a people's medicine but it was becoming a boutique luxury here. So "Working Class Acupuncture" clinic was born. Around four years ago they decided to share their resources and created the Community Acupuncture Network. We joined as CAN members in 2007 just as our clinic was a twinkle in Nityamo's eye. Nityamo set up shop at Highland's Senior Center in September 2009, and treated patients there and at the Albuquerque Birthing Center(part of the Albuquerque Birth Network) with whom we still have great relations. After a long search, we found our current clinic location on 2509 Vermont St NE in the Wyoming, Menaul area of Albuquerque and opened up in February 2011 when we treated a fabulous 80 patients over two free days. We have grown over the years and have given thousands of treatments and helped hundreds of patients feel better.

The Community Acupuncture movement has morphed into the People's Organization of Community Acupuncture. It is structured as a co-operative along the lines of REI or La Montanita food coop here in Albuquerque. There are clinic members, patient and community members, and there are acupuncturist members. Membership entitles you to several free treatments per year for friends and family, no new patient fees at any POCA clinics, and the opportunity to get involved, even to create a community acupuncture clinic in your own town. We are excited to see how this organization evolves and to be part of this new economic business model. Community Acupuncture Albuquerque acupuncturists treat in a communal setting using chairs gathered in a large, quiet, soothing space. We have eight zero gravity recliners and a massage table if needed. Treating patients in a community setting has many benefits: it’s easy for friends and family members to come in for treatment together; many patients find it comforting; we can be treated fully clothed, and a collective energetic ("qi") field becomes established, making individual treatments even more powerful!