The Community Acupuncture Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization with a grassroots foundation bringing acupuncture back to its traditional treatment setting and making it affordable and accessible. Acupuncturists treat several individuals in a community clinic with varying conditions and complaints by accessing points on distal parts of the body located on the arms, legs, head/scalp, and feet. Community acupuncture clinics have comfortable seating available in reclining chairs rather that treatment tables to offer a soothing and inviting environment to begin the healing process. CAN member clinics offer acupuncture treatment on a sliding scale ranging from $15 to $40 with an initial new patient fee around $15. An amazing part about the sliding scale is that no proof of income is required---you are able to decide what you can afford to pay.
Acupuncture is based on the philosophy that there is a universal life force, often referred to as Qi (pronounced chee) present in every living being. The energy passes through meridians along the body which are pathways for this life force to travel to internal organs and organ systems. Everyday stress, illness, and chronic conditions can affect the balance of this energy in our bodies. Acupuncture alters the flow of qi, blood, and electrical impulses along these different connections and points on the the body. Regardless of what people hear about acupuncture, those who have tried it cannot deny that it works. This form of medicine exists outside of the allopathic (Western medicine) realm of treatment modalities yet acupuncture has and continues to help those with specific ailments as well as overall improvement in mood, sleep, energy, and stress reduction.
Providence Community Acupuncture (PCA) is located in the heart of College Hill at 144 Waterman Street. There are four rooms with various types of reclining chairs and they are now open 7 days per week. Currenlty, their fee is based on a sliding scale of $15 to $35 per treatment with a one-time $10 new patient fee. There are three skilled practitioners that are at the clinic during various times and days of the week. Check out their website or call to make an appointment (401) 272-2288.
To locate a CAN member clinic outside of Rhode Island, visit the CAN website .
For more information about community acupuncture and the affordable acupuncture movement check out the following:
The Remedy: Integrating Acupuncture into American Health Care
