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When people learn about community acupuncture (CA) they are often interested in how this treatment style differs from the more typical 1-on-1 treatment environment that we focus on at Watershed Wellness. While the situation is more complex than a simple chart can convey, here are the most obvious differences between the more typical 1-on-1 treatment style we offer here and our new community acupuncture offering.
| Community Acupuncture (our new offering of acupuncture in a group setting) | 1-on-1 Care (the regular appointment type at WW) | |
| Setting | Open area with several patients, less private, more communal, your practitioner is working with several patients simultaneously | Individual private consultation space, practitioner sees only one patient per hour in normal circumstances – more 1-on-1 attention |
| Treatment posture | In a heated reclining chair that can go significantly far back, but can never be flat. Side lying and face down posture is impossible. | Multiple options including massage table where you can be completely flat, side-lying, or face down as needed. Chair also possible in this setting. |
| Treatment options | Acupuncture only, Only conditions that can be treated with points on the arms & legs. | Acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, guasha, herbal medicine (additional treatment options depend on practitioner & diagnosis |
| Payment methods | No insurance accepted, credit card required to sign up for an appointment. | Insurance billing available for many plans, including VA benefits (with referral) |
| Cost | $30 | Varies based on treatment rendered, treatment time & insurance company requirements (if insurance). If cash at time of service, new patients are $140 and returning patients are $115. |
| Duration | ~45 minutes, with 30 of that being resting with needles in place. | ~60 minutes, depending on practitioner and situation, with 30 of that being resting with needles in place |
| Availability | Only one day per month for now. Interested in seeing our offering expand – answer our survey!. Only 2 of our practitioners are available at a time. | 6 days a week, many options available, all practitioners available. |
| Well suited for | Uninsured and underinsured people. Musculoskeletal pain conditions. Symptoms of stress & overwork. Increasing treatment frequency in the context of a more traditional treatment plan in the 1-on-1 setting. | This treatment style is well suited to a wide variety of conditions, depending on the practitioner and their expertise. You can learn more about our practitioners here. |