Community Acupuncture with Sonja

Powerful and mysterious: Community Acupuncture - changing the face of health care

2011-01-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

This is an excerpt from Larry Gatti, community acupuncturist in Tucson, Arizona, writing about the importance of an upcoming Community Acupuncture Network conference. Punks = acupuncturists

It is the culmination of a vision first manifested in Portland, Oregon: accessible acupuncture for people of ordinary income. And that vision has proven to be contagious, spreading from mind to mind first nationally and now across the globe.

From punks to the people, community acupuncture is a radical social movement that is at once challenging the professional infrastructure and branding apparatus of acupuncture the product while creating a viable health care alternative for both practitioners as well as entire communities. And it is set within the context of social change, of digging at the roots of violence and exploitation. Of healing not only bodies and minds, but entire communities as well. The movement continues to evolve. In other words, we are at the end of the beginning of the community acupuncture revolution.

Is revolution too strong a word? I think not. I mean, lets take a brief look at what acupuncture can do. Not how it works using traditional or contemporary western medical explanatory models, but what it can actually do in peoples lives.

It has the potential to reduce or eliminate harmful drugs in the management of pain and disease simultaneously relieving the stress and strain on organ systems while also improving dramatically the quality of life in an individual and their family and friends.

It can handle many acute painful conditions bypassing the need for those toxic drugs reframing the very basis of what it means in our culture to take care of oneself after injury or illness. It can effectively manage depression and anxiety, again reducing or eliminating the need for powerful, mind altering drugs that most certainly have a place in many peoples care plan, but again limiting dosage.

It can breathe life and inspiration into people rather than drugging them up or doping them out of physical, emotional or mental pain. Acupuncture creates possibilities. And lets not forget that many of us do not have access to insurance that covers these drugs or basic health care and that the cost of managing pain and disease can and does bankrupt many families leading to the continuing destabilization of entire communities.

Acupuncture CAN change the world. Community Acupuncture IS changing the world. For many people, community acupuncture is the difference between acupuncture as an idea and acupuncture as a reality. Between hope and despair. Between life and death. One needle, one treatment, one clinic, one community at a time we as punks together with the people that sit in those used recliners are creating something powerful and mysterious. Powerful in that what we are doing together is positive as well as contagious. Mysterious in that we do not really know where this whole thing is headed.

Watch 4 short videos about Community Acupuncture!

2009-12-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

A great opportunity to learn about what acupuncture feels like, how it works, hear from patients and meet the practitioners. Check out our new videos on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/acupunctureforall

Pregnancy and Acupuncture

2009-11-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Lately my clinic shifts are booming with people with concerns and issues around childbirth. Some patients (people of all genders) have been trying for a long time to get pregnant and are coming to acupuncture to support their fertility process. Others are undergoing inseminations and are coming to acupuncture immediately before and after the procedure to help the process and support the body’s efforts to prepare for and then hold the pregnancy. Some people are coming for support while pregnant who are experiencing nausea, fatigue and back pain. We also have requests for inducing labor when the baby isn’t coming and the time is now; for helping turn over a breech baby; and for being present during labor for pain management. After birthing, we’ve had several people come to us for health concerns that arose including bells palsey, fatigue, recovery from C-sections, and post partum depression. Many patients are finding acupuncture to be a complementary tool to assist at all stages of this journey.

i love my acupuncturist

2009-10-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Help End World Hunger + Free Acupuncture

2009-10-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Join the Community Acupuncture Project of Columbia City and community acupuncture clinics across the greater Seattle area in honoring World Food Day on October 16th. Our clinic is gathering food for the Rainier Valley Food Bank now through October 16th.

Food - like health care - is one of the most basic human needs. That’s why the Community Acupuncture clinics of Greater Seattle have banded together to raise awareness for World Food Day. Did you know that 1 in 6 people on the planet suffer from hunger and malnutrition? That's 1.02 billion people, an increase of 105 million people from 2008.

To address the food crisis in our country and to thank all of you who donate food, we are offering free acupuncture treatments all day on World Food Day - Friday, October 16th. To make an appointment, visit www.acupunctureforall.org or call 206-760-6064
You can drop off food at our clinic at any time on or before 10/16 at 3811 S. Ferdinand @ Rainier

Ear Acupuncture

2009-10-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

I work at a methadone clinic, providing predominantly ear acupuncture to 30-70 patients a day. Patients are part of an interdisciplinary program of counseling, medical care, and methadone to support their process in ending their addiction to heroin. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (http://acudetox.com/) has been providing group acupuncture to chemically dependent patients for years and is used in hospitals, clinics and drug treatment facilities around the world. In many ways, community acupuncture models come out of NADA’s work.

Our ears have over 300 acupuncture points in each ear! Our ears are the only part of our body containing all 3 types of tissue that is present when we are a fetus. A group called Acupuncturists Without Borders went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and offered acupuncture to rescue aid workers, residents, community organizers and people experiencing the daily trauma of living amidst the destruction, racism, loss and rebuilding of their city. They did all ear points and were known to provide intense healing and recovery.

Many of my patients in community acupuncture receive ear needles – for anxiety, support in quitting smoking, to reduce the cravings for prescription drug addiction, and overall mental and physical health. Every part of the body is represented in our ears – ailments from jaw pain, toothaches and shoulder injuries to painful periods and allergies can be addressed by ear points. Powerful tools these healing ears of ours!

The power of group healing

2009-10-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

This week I gave acupuncture to a group of social workers serving low income communities. They were having a work retreat and looking for a few moments of relaxation and respite amidst a full schedule and a career of challenging and draining days. The group of colleagues sat together around an office table. After explaining some of how acupuncture works, I started placing needles in each persons ears. There are great points for stress, detoxification, anxiety and overall healing in our ears. At first the coworkers continued chatting and making small talk with one another. As I proceeded around the circle, putting ear needles in each person, the conversations lulled and a calm silence enwrapped the room. I went around again, adding body points specific to each persons concerns and then sat down with the group. It was powerful to feel the shift in the room. Folks clearly entered a different space – the realm between asleep and awake. A space internal and deep, different for each individual, yet magnified and enhanced by the group setting and communal experience. How quickly this happens. After about 30 minutes of peaceful silence, I removed the needles. Again, there was an energy shift. People appeared lighter, more relaxed - yet engaged, and full of questions about how acupuncture works and where to get it.

October Special!!

2009-09-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Bring in a new patient and receive a 2 for 1 treatment. Two people treated for the cost of 1 appointment!

All Tuesdays in October I will be running this special. You can split the cost of a treatment or work it out however is best for you.

Offer good for first time patients joining an existing patient. Bring in your friends, neighbors, colleagues, family members - people who've never experienced acupuncture or seasoned recipients.

Let me know if you have any scheduling questions or inquiries about acupuncture. Contact me at sonjajosund at gmail. com

Why do I get acupuncture?

2009-09-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

I first started getting acupuncture treatments from Sonja about four
months ago for pain and stiffness in my neck and congestion in my head and
ears. Several friends and health-care providers had suggested that I
try acupuncture as I had not experienced any significant relief of my
symptoms from any of the numerous medications I’d been taking. One
friend told me about Community Acupuncture in Fremont and I decided to go
there since it was affordable and convenient.

At my first appointment, Sonja went over my medical history with me
and asked me all about my symptoms. She took a great deal of care in
going over everything with me and was happy to answer any questions I
had. The clinic itself is very clean, quiet, and comfortable. The
treatments are done in a common area so you are in a room with other
people. Personally, this does not bother me; in my experience,
everyone has always been respectful and quiet. Before my first
treatment, Sonja explained what I could expect in terms of how the
needles would feel. I was a little apprehensive but it actually
didn’t hurt and I found the treatments to be quite relaxing.

After a few treatments, the stiffness in my neck did start to loosen
up. The congestion has been more stubborn, but acupuncture has helped
with the discomfort and I now experience fewer headaches. I also find
that acupuncture is a useful way to help manage stress and anxiety and
it seems to help with stress-related insomnia. I have recommended
acupuncture to other friends and family members who struggle with
chronic pain, headaches, and stress/anxiety. For anyone who is
hesitant to try acupuncture, either out of fear or skepticism, I would
definitely encourage them to give it a chance.

- Lindsey

Sleeping problems, infertility and more!

2009-09-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have always been healthy and active, but have had trouble sleeping and have taken over the counter medication to help me sleep for years. I didn't know that acupuncture could help. After speaking with Sonja about it (and hearing from others too), I was convinced to try some thing new. It was incredible the results after 1 or 2 sessions. There was no more need for medication. I continued to go for acupuncture knowing there were several other things that I thought Sonja could help with including ongoing issues with fertility. I had been seeing an MD but wanted to have some backup health care. After a couple more sessions focused on fertility I found out I was pregnant. All sounds like a bad infomercial, right?! I keep coming back because I feel relaxed and centered after leaving. I like the idea of it being a community room. Its helpful to see others relaxing, it helps me relax too. I like bringing along friends and family so that they can experience an alternative medicine where someone actually listens and its not in an uncomfortable sterile environment.

- Carla Tobens

Why should you try acupuncture?

2009-09-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

"My first time at acupuncture was amazing. I went to see Sonja to help me with some grief. Right from my first visit I felt some relief. The experience is very relaxing and Sonja is very welcoming. I always leave acupuncture feeling rested, rejuvenated, and empowered. She has helped me to sleep better and even eliminated some back pain I have been dealing with for years. Acupuncture will always be a part of my weekly schedule. I only wish I had tried it sooner. Thank you Sonja, and I will see you next week!"

- Naomi Gallagher
Community acupuncture patient

From the mouths of patients...

2009-08-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

"I wanted you to know that after acupuncture I fell asleep on the first try and slept without waking up once the whole night! I cannot tell you what a miracle this feels like- I literally cannot remember the last time I slept the whole night through- its awesome!
- Elizabeth Payne, patient at Fremont Community Acupuncture

Fremont patients, pictures and stories

2009-08-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

Tuesday afternoons and evenings I'm in Fremont offering community acupuncture to northern Seattlites. Folks come from Edmonds, West Seattle, Wallingford, Shoreline... looking for relief. Some people are coming for support during pregnancy - nausea, fatigue, pain, others come for support with headaches, anxiety and insomnia, others have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and digestive issues. Acupuncture helps all kinds of things. If you're interested in checking out community acupuncture in Fremont, you can email sonjajosund at gmail.com for an appointment at the DragonFly Clinic at 760 N.34 th. Just around the corner from the Troll!

Stop smoking with the help of acupuncture

2009-08-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

The Community Acupuncture Project of Columbia City is offering treatments as an aid to giving up smoking this summer. Throughout August we will be offering unlimited acupuncture treatments (every day, Mon-Fri if you like!) on a sliding scale between $30-$50 per week*. You pay what you can, come in as often as you can and get valuable support as you withdraw from that addictive nicotine. Contact us on (206)760 6064 or visit our website at www.acupunctureforall.org to make an appointment… it's simple and effective. If this is YOUR time to quit, give us a call!

*one time only initial paperwork fee of $10 not included

Community Acupuncture in the Streets!

2009-08-10T18:08:00.001-07:00

Saturday, August 8th, patients and practitioners of the Community Acupuncture Project of Columbia City marched in the Rainier Valley Heritage Parade. We pushed a recliner down the street and spread the love about community acupuncture to the neighborhood. And we made a lot of people laugh as we wheeled our patient and her dogs down the street.

Try it out and see... its painless!

2009-08-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

Most of my patients who've never had acupuncture before are afraid the needles will hurt. When I ask people how they feel after a treatment, one of the first things people say is how surprised they are that they didn't feel any pain as the needles went in. And how relaxed and calm they feel after the treatment. Try it out, you'll like it!

Relaxing with needles

2009-08-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

At community acupuncture clinics across the country, including Columbia City and Fremont, patients rest together in recliners while the needles do their work. The collective healing energy is palpable when a group of people experience acupuncture together.

Evening Hours in Fremont

2009-07-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

Live in the north end? Tuesday nights I'm in Fremont doing community acupuncture. If you've never tried acupuncture, you want to! Check it out! For appointments, email sonjajosund at gmail.com

Acupuncture and Kids

2009-06-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

At the Community Acupuncture Project of Columbia City, we've had patients as young as 7 years old coming in for treatments. One 13 year old with foot pain, described his first experience with "needles inside me" as "weird!" and the sensation was as if someone were "pushing on a bruise." A seven year old boy found that after two treatments his daily nose bleeds were completely cured. We also have a lot of kids and babies in our waiting room, hanging out and playing while their adult and parent figures get acupuncture. If you know or have kids with a health concern, acupuncture can be very effective in quickly addressing the child's health issue.

Pulses, Needles and Linaments

2009-05-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

Sonja and Angie giving treatments

2009-05-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Open House Photos

2009-05-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Friends, family and neighbors all turned out for a great evening on Friday, May 1st. We missed all of you travelers and out of towners in New York, St. Louis, Barcelona and all over! Folks were able to come celebrate from Portland, Pullman, Chelan and Olympia. It was a warm night for Seattle and people were out in full force to hear local musicians performing all over Columbia City.

Our Clinic!

2009-05-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

This is the outside of the Community Acupuncture Project of Columbia City! We are located in the lower right unit, in the oldest apartment building in Columbia City - over 100 years old!

May Day!

2009-05-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

For International Worker's Day, we offered free treatments all day. It was the end of our third week, and Angie and I saw 29 people on Friday! It was busy! At one point Angie was practically laughing at me because I was dripping in sweat! We try to keep the clinic warm because you often get cold, lying still with needles in, but man! After 30+ people are in a small space, with the thermostat cranked up HIGH, and I'm concentrating hard and juggling a lot of people, I get hot! I hope it was only Angie who noticed the sweat! Oh well.

Folks from the neighborhood who walked by and saw our signs came, as well as previous patients and friends of friends. Somehow our outreach efforts reached many nurses - ER and general hospital types. We probably saw 5 nurses in one day! Many of whom had never had acupuncture and were a bit nervous about the prospect. As one patient left, she said that she thought she could send us many referrals in the future because nurses don't go to the doctor, don't want to take pharmaceuticals, and don't trust the western medical system. Interesting. I hadn't realized this as such a potential base of people to introduce to acupuncture.

Another highlight of the day was treating someone who was quite pregnant with a breech baby. She was interested in gently inviting the baby to turn into a different position in the upcoming weeks before birth time. In school, we learn a lot about acupuncture points that are contraindicated for pregnant people as well as how to induce labor in people who are past due and labor support during the actual birth. There is a point on the little toe that with moxa (a Chinese herb that you burn over and/or on acupuncture points for different health concerns) and needles has proven to be very effective at turning breech babies. I put 5 needles in this patient, including the 2 toe points. After the treatment, my patient said she felt the baby moving a lot while the needles were in, not flipping around, but moving. We sent her home with moxa to burn above her toes for the upcoming days. We'll see how it works for her!

Our Open House was a great success. So many lovely people from both Angie and my lives came by to see the space and welcome us to the world of community acupuncture. There was a Desi caucus + Briggs watching over the front porch and organizing people from the street who were out and about celebrating Beat Walk to come in and learn about community acupuncture. At one point passersby thought both Uma and Nitika were acupuncturists because of their comprehensive and enthusiastic explanations of why community acupuncture was such a good model and how it could benefit these peoples lives. And then Uma or Briggs would run and find me and tell me to come talk to an interested neighbor who had questions. I am lucky to have such good people helping me out!

Columbia City Community Acupuncture

2009-04-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Experience affordable acupuncture in a group setting in Columbia City!
Open Monday - Friday
Sliding scale $15-45
3811 B South Ferdinand @ Rainier
Seattle, Wa 98118
Schedule appointments online or call:
206-760-6064
www.acupunctureforall.org

Fremont Community Acupuncture

2009-04-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Come experience affordable acupuncture in a group setting in Fremont.
Tuesday afternoons from 12-5pm
760 N. 34th St
$20-$45
Call to schedule an appointment:
206-319-5323 ext.5
communityhealingfremont.blogspot.com

How is Community Acupuncture different?

2009-04-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

Similar to how acupuncture is done in China, my treatments are done in a community setting, instead of a private room. Patients sit together in a circle of comfortable recliner chairs. This style allows family and friends to come together for treatment and encourages collective healing energy of the entire group.

My sliding scale fees of $15- $45 allow for more of our community to access this powerful medicine. Acupuncture is incredible effective if people are able to receive treatments often and regularly. These lower rates allow our patients to engage in a full sequence of treatments to receive the maximum potential that acupuncture has to offer.

What does acupuncture treat?

2009-04-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture is effective in treating a wide range of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Stress
Anxiety
Sleeping problems
Back pain
High blood pressure
Edema
Sports injuries
Depression
Whole body pain
Pregnancy concerns
Allergies
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Infertility
Addictions and cravings
Side effects to medications
Post surgery healing
Digestive problems
PMS
Irritable bowel syndrome
Fatigue
Gynecological issues
Post Stroke effects
Labor support
Dermatological conditions
Chemotherapy support
Support for chronic illness including MS, Diabetes, HIV, Cancer, and ALS
Disease prevention and overall wellness