Community Acupuncture & the benefits for you
MORE TIME SLOTS FOR COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE WILL BE RELEASED SOON
“Community Acupuncture” is a similar setup to how patients experience acupuncture in China.
Community Acupuncture is a unique model of healthcare in Australia. Being popular in the eastern states, we hope to support more patients here in Adelaide (Christies Beach), offering treatments in a relaxed, communal setting at a heavily discounted price. This makes acupuncture accessible for all…
Step by step - your treatment
When you arrive, you can fill in a short form to complete outlining your current concerns, so we have any up-to-date info we need.
You will then wait to be called when a your position becomes free. Until then, you can read a magazine, scroll social media or have a cuppa we have on offer. Just sit and relax!
Once called up, you will be taken to a treatment table to prepare for your session. Pop your things down on the chair, hop on the table, get comfy and set yourself up for the next 30mins. REMEMBER……sssshhhhhh! These sessions run at low volume so others can remain in their zone.
We will ask a few simple questions to ensure treatment is approriate, assess your tongue/pulse for diagnosis and then begin with acupuncture.
You will be invited to rest for the duration of your time (30mins) and then one of the practitioners will remove the acupuncture treatment. Then you can sit up slowly, and take your time to get up and return to reception to relax before you leave should you need to.
** We have two treatment rooms available for standard, 1-1 private consultations with your practitioner. This is the standard model of acupuncture treatment and may be what you are used to. Please consider this option also if this doesn’t sound like your vibe :)
Will my treatment be the same as a 1-1 consult (standard consult)?
Community Acupuncture differs from standard consults because this setting offers acupuncture only, and in the presence of others. If you prefer your own quiet & private space, then individual 1-1 consults are best for you.
Both Community Acupuncture & standard consults involve patient-centered care, however the standard consults integrate all aspects of Chinese medicine including optional use of cupping, guasha, heat lamps, and manual treatment (if indicated). If your practitioner in the Community Acupuncture clinic feels you would benefit from a standard consult, they may refer you on.
How many people are usually in the room?
During your session, you can expect up to four or five other patients in the same room. There is space between each treatment table, and patients remain fully clothed (see the section on “What to wear” for more information). There is the option to use towel or blanket coverings also.
How is the room set up?
Our tables are laid out evenly throughout the larger space we have set aside for Community Acupuncture. You will have box to put your items/shoes/bags in. You will be able to see the other patients in the room, and we aim to have a small privacy screening between each patient on days where space allows or depending on the session we are running.
What should I wear?
Loose-fitting clothing is useful. Short sleeves are good too in warmer months.
Women-skirts are perfect as they allow easy access to the legs.
Men-shorts are handy, t-shirts etc
We understand during winter it’s cold, so wear what keeps you warm. We will adapt treatment to the areas we can access.
What should I bring?
Bring along your own headphones should you wish to listen to your choice of music.
Some patients like a larger throw rug or towel, so bring one if you wish to feel extra comfortable.
Also, bring your quiet voice - considering the proximity between patients we keep talking to a minimum.
Am I covered during the treatment?
We use small towels or light fabric sheets to cover you, and the room is kept at a consistent temperature. But as your body may cool down during treatment we recommend bringing something extra if you’re a cold-type person!
BUT! We have heat mats on each table so you can keep warm too :)
How long are treatments?
Your treatment will be 30mins in total. Once you are on the table we will assess tongue/pulse under Chinese Medicine principles. Then your acupuncture treatment will be performed, and you have a rest!
At the end of the session, your acupuncture points will be removed, and you will be invited to return to reception and have a sip of tea before you leave.
Do I need to be a current patient?
We require ALL patients in the Community Acupuncture clinic to have had their initial consult before participating in the sessions. We have options here
If you have been a patient we will already have your medical history on file. Sweet!
You can come in and have a double session (if we have two practitioners on and one can do your initial consult-please check before attending)
You can book an online initial consult specifically for the Community Acupuncture setting. This means you can complete your medical intake form online, and your practitioner will discuss the gathered info with you before you attend Community Acupuncture
Are the practitioners qualified?
All Acupuncturists within our clinic at Beach Acupuncture are AHPRA Registered and degree qualified Dr’s of Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturists. Some of our practitioners are also TCM Herbalists too. Others hold other qualifications in addition to their Bachelor degree, including postgraduate studies and other special interest courses.
We may occasionally have Student Practitioners in clinic also. Please let us know should you not wish to have a student contributing to your treatment.
Can I claim with my health fund?
YES! This is the amazing part! With the cost being $45 for your treatment, if you wish to still claim with your health fund you will receive a receipt upon payment, which can then be forwarded to your health fund to get your rebate.
Do you run specific group sessions?
Yes. We have specific sessions available so keep an eye out for these on our social media @_beachacupuncture on Instagram. These may change intermittently, however see the below list of current allocated sessions available.
If you would like to hire our Community Lounge for a group session, get in touch via email rebeccabrookacupuncture@hotmail.com as this can be a great option for workmates, friends, sporting clubs etc.
Why does the treatment table look different in Community Acupuncture settings?
Main reasons-costs and time! This model of acupuncture/healthcare is meant to be a low-cost session. The $ to provide full sets of linen for each patient for shorter sessions would outweigh our ability to balance out costs/expenses.
We want acupuncture to be affordable to all.
It is also a shorter session so time taken to re-dress table linen (because we’re perfectionists in making the tables look amazing!) can take us too long. We have a busy Community clinic so time is a factor too :)
SESSION TIMES
Pregnancy Community Acupuncture - Tuesdays 11am - 2pm
General Acupuncture - Friday mornings - 10am-1pm
COMING SOON - Sound Immersion Community Sessions
Please keep an eye on our social media page, @_beachacupuncture on Instagram for updates on Community Acupuncture times in Christies Beach.