The Synergy & Magic of Community Acupuncture
Blog post by Allyson Schurtz
Over the course of my 5+ years as an acupuncturist, I’ve worked in a variety of environments. I spent several years in Texas where there is no insurance coverage and access is limited to those in the community with disposable income. Then, for several years during the pandemic I worked in a busy group practice in the Baltimore/DC metro where the majority of insurance plans cover acupuncture.
It’s been interesting to compare the two, but what I’ve observed made one thing very clear: where there is access, there is high demand for acupuncture. Once people experience its benefits, they tend to prioritize it as a regular part of their wellness routine.
“A life of meaning and purpose, a life in balance with connection, community, love, support, and a sense of empowerment, are essential for health.” -Dr. Mark Hyman
The Beginnings
When I began my own journey into holistic medicine over a decade ago, I quickly fell in love with Chinese Medicine. First as a patient myself but even more so in my daily (yes, daily) reminders with patients, of its efficacy and ability to create powerful & sustained change across the physical, emotional, spiritual body. This 3000 year old medicine has withstood the test of time for good reason and I feel honored to make it available to my community.
Upon returning to my home state of North Carolina, I feel a strong desire to provide more exposure and access to acupuncture for the community. Acupuncture is cumulative in nature, meaning each treatment builds off of the previous one and it works best with consistency. It’s for this reason that I recommend 4-6 weeks of weekly treatments for anyone new to acupuncture.
Bearing this in mind, I’ve opted to offer weekly community acupuncture at a reduced rate for those who are new to it or who may be seeking a more accessible way to receive the full benefits of it.
Bringing Acupuncture to the Current
I very much resonate with The Current’s community-oriented mission and I am so excited to be a part of it. I’ve seen first hand how imperative community is to healing. My first time providing group acupuncture was working at an in-patient addiction recovery center. I provided weekly acupuncture to residents prior to their group therapy sessions and it was remarkable to observe the shifts that occurred in people. They were able to approach one of the most vulnerable, challenging times of their lives, more well-resourced, regulated, grounded and with a deeper sense of clarity. It changed the way I felt about group acupuncture forever.
Have you ever experienced a group meditation, therapy session, or a yoga or exercise class that felt like it was more powerful and effective because of the group synergy? Community acupuncture has a similar effect. Sharing a meditative, healing, intentional space with others tends to increase the effects of the treatment in my experience.
Wondering if community acupuncture is a good option for you? Head over here to learn all about community acupuncture, what to expect, and how to book your first session. I look forward to meeting some of you in person and co-creating a beautiful healing lunchtime hour with you!
Allyson Schurtz (She/Her) is Nationally Board-Certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. After graduating from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Allyson has spent the last 6 years practicing in larger metros like Austin, TX & DC/Baltimore before recently relocating back to her home state of North Carolina.
She specializes in Women's Health and provides evidence-based care to treat common reproductive and gynecological issues such as painful and irregular menstruation, endometriosis, PCOS, sexual dysfunction & trauma, postpartum, & hormonal imbalances.
To book a one-on-one session with Allyson, head over here.
