All In Community Acupuncture Peace Dale, RI

22 Years of Community Acupuncture

Community acupuncture emerged as a distinct model of acupuncture
practice in the United States in the early 2000s. It was inspired by
the community-based acupuncture clinics that have been traditionally
practiced in China for centuries.

The modern movement of community acupuncture began in 2002 when a
licensed acupuncturist named Lisa Rohleder co-founded Working Class
Acupuncture (WCA) in Portland, Oregon. WCA aimed to provide affordable
acupuncture treatments to individuals who may not have had access to
or could not afford regular private acupuncture sessions. The clinic
operated on a sliding scale payment system, allowing patients to pay
what they could afford within a suggested range.

The community acupuncture model gained momentum and began to spread
across the country as more acupuncturists recognized the need for
accessible and affordable healthcare options. In 2005, Lisa Rohleder
co-founded the Community Acupuncture Network (CAN) to support and
connect like-minded acupuncturists who were interested in practicing
in a community setting. CAN provided resources, training, and a
platform for acupuncturists to share their experiences and best
practices.

As the community acupuncture movement grew, more community acupuncture
clinics opened throughout the United States. These clinics typically
operate in a group setting, with multiple patients receiving
acupuncture simultaneously in a shared space. This approach allows for
lower treatment costs as practitioners can treat multiple patients in
the same time frame.

The community acupuncture model not only made acupuncture more
accessible but also emphasized the importance of community and
collective healing. Patients in community acupuncture settings often
experience a sense of support and camaraderie as they receive
treatments alongside others, creating a healing environment that
extends beyond the physical benefits of acupuncture.

Over time, community acupuncture has expanded its reach beyond
individual clinics. It has become an influential movement that
promotes social justice, healthcare equity, and community empowerment.
Many community acupuncture clinics actively participate in community
outreach programs, work with community organizations, and advocate for
affordable healthcare policies.

Today, community acupuncture continues to grow and evolve, with
numerous clinics operating across the United States and other parts of
the world. The model has proven to be effective in providing
accessible acupuncture services to diverse populations and has played
a significant role in broadening the reach of acupuncture as a
valuable healthcare modality.

Nancy Graham founded all In Community Acupuncture in 2013 after her high school age son Max remarked to her, “You are guilty of all the good you do not do.” After 25 years of practicing in a private room setting, Nancy became inspired by the community acupuncture movement. To the practitioner used to the one-on-one setting, community acupuncture feels more like hosting a party, where all come to take a healing nap together. She continues to practice at both Spring Lotus in North Kingstown and at All In in Wakefield.