What is community acupuncture

The ancient Chinese recognized the vital energy behind all of life’s processes. It is believed that this energy, called “qi” (pronounced “chee”), circulates throughout the body along meridians or channels; if this energy flow is disrupted, normal physiological function can be affected, resulting in pain or chronic illness.

Community acupuncture makes acupuncture accessible for all. Enjoy a quiet, collective environment where you will receive acupuncture for various conditions such as stress management, anxiety, depression, smoking cessation, hormone balancing, pain management, insomnia and other imbalances. Acupuncture points will be chosen based on easily accessible areas around clothing with face-up treatments only.

What makes it community acupuncture

Community acupuncture happens in a group setting, where treatments are focused on face up maintenance points.

WHAT to EXPECT

Each session is about 30 minutes in length. Please check in at the Wellness Lounge desk with your acupuncturist to quietly discuss your treatment goals you have outlined on your online intake. The setting is meant to be quiet and soothing, so there will be very little talking between patient and provider.

You can expect anywhere from 5-20 needles anywhere on the front of your body. This could include ears, scalp, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, and stomach. You will then sit and zen out for around 20 minutes allowing the treatment to take effect.


Meet your Community Acupuncture Team

Hi there! My name is Ashley Martinelli, LAc, and I'm one of the acupuncturists over at elevate wellness center and at our new community clinic! I'm super excited that we are able to offer a more affordable and accessible approach to alternative care here in Lake Tahoe. Throughout acupuncture school in San Diego I could never afford private sessions, so I relied heavily on community acupuncture. I also have experience working in a similar setting in a PT clinic, seeing patients every 15 minutes. It is a quick and efficient approach, but it does the job! Some of the things community acupuncture can help with are sleep, stress, anxiety, digestion, pain, hormones, menstrual pain/irregularities, etc. Hope to see you in the clinic soon!

Nice to meet you! I'm Holly DeWitt, Lac, one of the acupuncturists at elevate wellness center and the wellness lounge. I am passionate and thrilled about the new offering of community acupuncture here in Lake Tahoe. After completing acupuncture school, I spent over two years serving the San Diego community through this powerful model. With that experience, I developed a deep skillset rooted in precision and compassion. Whether you are seeking balance, pain relief, or a deeper sense of well-being, I'm here to support your journey.


Community Acupuncture vs. Private Acupuncture

Private Acupuncture

At Elevate Wellness Center

$150 for new patient consult

$100 for return patient                                                                 

60 minute sessions | 90 mins new patient

Private room

Laying down

Cupping therapy included if needed                                           

Back treatments if applicable

Herbal supplement recommendations with protocols

Electric stimulation if applicable    

Some insurances taken & billed, superbills can be supplied with insurance coding

Scheduling changes with 48 hours notice

Community Acupuncture

At the Wellness Lounge

no new patient consult     

$55 for all sessions   

30 minute sessions 

Shared space with up to 7 other people 

Sitting in a chair 

No cupping therapy

No back treatments 

No supplement recommendations     

No electric stimulation     

No insurance billed, no superbill supplied, no insurance coding

No schedule changes

FAQ’s:

  • Can I do both community & private acupuncture?

    • Yes! Community can further support your healing journey and complement your private acupuncture treatments.

    • Utilizing community acupuncture in between your private acupuncture treatments allows you to see your provider more often, receive additional treatment at an affordable cost, and boost progress. 

  • Which is more effective?

    • BOTH are equally effective - it comes down to the patient's preferences - things to consider when deciding which path is best for you.

      • Are you using insurance?

      • Do you prefer to have a private, personalized space?

      • What is your desired outcome?

  • What do I wear?

    • Comfortable loose clothing that gives easy access to your legs, arms and torso.

Looking for a more focused Acupuncture treatment?

Come see us at Elevate wellness center for injury recovery, pain management, cupping therapy, gut health, fertility, or more in depth treatments.

Community acupuncture is suitable for tune-ups, maintenance, or generalized symptoms & conditions. Private acupuncture sessions are more suitable for detailed, complex conditions and ailments that may require additional modalities used in the treatment plan to obtain desired results.


Pricing

Each treatment is $50 .

No insurance will be billed for this service. No superbill given.

Payment is processed when your booking is confirmed.

No refunds will be given for missed appointments.

No schedule changes with community acupuncture.

Book a private party

Private parties may be scheduled to include community acupuncture, massage, IV therapy, workshops or talks with beautiful beverages!

Just a small group looking to get treatments together? Call the front desk at (530)541-9355 and we will try to accommodate your group.