Room Set-Up

Private acupuncture is provided in a private room with only one table. Some find it easier to rest in this environment as, aside from peaceful music, the only sounds in the room will be the your own.
Community acupuncture is provided in a room with multiple tables and chairs. You will be resting with your needles in next to other people who are resting with their needles in. In this environment, the restful, healing energy in the room is amplified. Of course, sharing a room means ambient noise, such as snoring, may be present. Please feel free to bring earplugs or headphones.

Clothing Options During Treatment

In your private acupuncture session, I may ask you to disrobe to a degree of your comfort so that I may access points all over your body. I will always step out of the room while you change clothes. I will also always provide appropriate draping so that you feel comfortable during your treatment. Comfort and safety are key. It is never appropriate for an acupuncture client to feel uncomfortable or unsafe during her/his treatment. Be open in your communication with me regarding clothing options, I will never ask you to disrobe more than you feel comfortable.
In community sessions, most needling is done below the elbows and knees. Please wear clothes you can easily roll up to your elbows and knees. If needling is to be performed on your back or belly, I may roll up or remove your shirt, depending on your level of comfort. I encourage female patients to wear tank tops and/or sports bras for easier access to backs and bellies.

Private acupuncture sessions are scheduled in 1 hour slots. Community acupuncture appointments are scheduled in 10 minute slots. However, total treatment times are similar – I recommend setting aside 1 hour for your acupuncture treatment, regardless of style.
In private acupuncture, you have 1 hour with my undivided attention. Depending on the patient, the needles may stay in for the duration of the session, or they may be removed after about 30 minutes, allowing for additional modalities to be performed.
In community acupuncture, you will need to rest for a minimum of 25 minutes after the needles are inserted, resulting in at least a 35 minute session.

Private treatments consist of a wide variety of modalities, as appropriate for each individual patient. Every session will include a check-in with me as well as a Chinese medical diagnosis. Then, the possibilities expand. Acupuncture will always be included, but I may also employ massage, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, personalized nutrition/lifestyle counseling, herbal formula prescription, and more.
Community acupuncture consists of a check-in with me followed by acupuncture.

One of the biggest differences in community vs. private acupuncture is that of practitioner attention and focus.
In private practice, I have more time to focus my attention on each client, as I have an entire hour reserved for one patient. This allows me to spend more time focusing on your individual case and employ a wider variety of skills in your treatment.
In my community practice at The Acupuncture Lounge, patients are scheduled every 10 minutes. In community acupuncture, I have 10 minutes to check in with you, diagnose your current condition, and insert your needles. Then, you get to rest as long as you like (25 minute minimum) while I switch her attention to the other patients who arrive.

Private acupuncture is more expensive than community acupuncture. This higher cost is associated with a higher value as I am able to direct all of her attention to you during your private session and provide treatment modalities beyond acupuncture.
This is not to say that community acupuncture lacks value. On the contrary, I first experienced acupuncture as a community patient and she is committed to providing low-cost acupuncture through community sessions. The difference is that the more time I have one-on-one with you, the more I will be able to offer you.
When considering the monetary value of treatment, I invite you to visit the Choosing an Acupuncturist post to learn about the extensive graduate-level training I underwent to become a Licensed Acupuncturist.