Allergies, Hiring an Office Cleaner, Waiting List & Student Interns [April '24 Newsletter]

Spring has sprung! The sun is out, Flowers are going crazy and people are rushing to get their gardens planted. Sunny days can mean a higher pollen count, so if you have allergies it may be helpful to keep windows closed and after you spend time outside be sure to change your clothes and take a shower to keep allergens out of your living space. Check out what’s happenin’ at ACUPUNCTURE for the PEOPLE…

WE’RE HIRING A NEW OFFICE CLEANER
We’re looking for new OFFICE CLEANER, It’s just 5-6 hours a week split between two days and all the supplies are provided. Cleaning needs to be done when the office is closed, so the ideal candidate will be available to work early mornings, evenings and/or weekends. This is a paid position and includes free acupuncture treatments. If you’re interested in the position, let us know and we can send you the application.

SCHEDULE CHANGES – STUDENT INTERNS
For the last 6 months, we have had POCATech Student Interns earning their clinic hours treating clients at our clinic. It has been a successful endeavor that helped new acupuncturists learn valuable skills while offering more affordable treatment options for our clients. The exciting news is that they are wrapping up their required shifts and graduating soon! We are getting new Interns this Summer, but in the meantime there may be some changes to the schedule. Tia is finishing up first and starting in May she will no longer be seeing clients Wednesday afternoons. For now we will continue to have Student shifts on TUESDAY EVES (4-7:30) with Jen K and FRIDAY AM (9-1pm) with Tiffany.

GOT ALLERGIES?
Everything is starting to bloom and if you have seasonal allergies that’s bad news. You don’t have to suffer though, acupuncture can help with the sneezing, runny nose, stuffed sinuses, itchy eyes and scratchy throat. We can also work on boosting your immune system so that you are less sensitive to allergens and can enjoy the outdoors. Don’t let allergies keep you inside – get regular treatments this Spring! If you come in now you’ll be suffering less later, preventative treatments can boost your immune system and delay the onset of your allergies. You can check local pollen levels at www.pollen.com, just enter your zip code.

WAITING LIST
Our schedule has been filling up and it can be challenging to find the appointment times you prefer. But don’t despair, we have an active Wait List we use when there are cancellations. You can add yourself online through your client account or we can add you to the list in the office or over the phone. Be sure to specify your day / time preferences and how much notice you need to get here if we have a last minute opening.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PEOPLE
www.AcupunctureForThePeople.org
(541) 521-6285

P.S. We have lots of clients who travel to the clinic by bike. It’s a healthy option that we support and riders can lock up their bikes on the rack in front of the building. Due to space limitations we cannot offer indoor bike parking. Ride safe!

Visit us on Twitter & Facebook:

http://twitter.com/Acu4thePeople

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Eugene-OR/Acupuncture-for-the-People/112362105456076

Holiday Hours, New Friday Shift & Gift Certificates [Dec '23 Newsletter]

Winter is here, the leaves have fallen from the trees and the natural world begins to hibernate. With the shorter days and cold rainy weather you may feel like hibernating too! It’s natural to need more rest this time of year, but don’t forget to stay active and keep your qi flowing. Come visit us at ACUPUCTURE For The PEOPLE and take a much deserved nap in our warm community space!

HOLIDAY CLINIC HOURS
This year we will be closed on Xmas Day (12/25), Boxing Day (12/26) and New Years Day (1/1). This year Xmas Eve and New Years Eve fall on Sundays, but we will be open the Fridays before (9am-1pm) if you need some self-care and rest before you celebrate. There will also be some schedule changes as practitioners take some holiday time off. Our online schedule will reflect any changes and if you’ve already booked, we’ll let you know if the regularly scheduled acupuncturist is off and who will be covering the shift.

NEW FRIDAY SHIFT WITH TONYA
The clinic has been busy lately and the schedule has been filling up, so we’re excited to expand our hours in the new year. Starting in January 2024, we will be adding a NEW shift on Friday afternoons (1-5pm) with Tonya Tigart L.Ac. It’s already been added to the schedule, so you can book ahead and reserve a spot now. https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/nxd23r8/10 If you are having trouble finding an appointment at the time you want, join our Waiting List and we’ll call you if there is an opening (click the wait list link in our online schedule or give us a call (541) 521-6285).

GIFT CERTIFICATES
The holidays are just around the corner - this year, give the gift of health! We offer acupuncture Gift Certificates that are the perfect gift for the holiday season. It never felt so good to give - do all of your holiday shopping at Acupuncture For The People. You can even purchase certificates for yourself.

STUDENT INTERNS & DISCOUNT TREATMENTS
We have been hosting Student Interns from POCATech (a Community Acupuncture school based in Portland) and it’s going really well so far. Appointments with the students are more affordable ($15-$50 sliding scale + $10 for New Clients) and participation in our Student Clinic supports the future of community acupuncture. Jen K: Tues Eve, Tia: Wed PM & Tiffany: Fri AM.

We look forward to seeing you all soon, of course IF YOU ARE SICK OR EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS - STAY HOME! Call if you are unsure. Be sure to check your email appointment reminders for important information.

Happy Holidays,
ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PEOPLE
www.AcupunctureForThePeople.org
(541) 521-6285

P.S. The weather change can aggravate certain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, eczema & asthma. Come in for acupuncture now to prevent your symptoms from flaring up.

Visit us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Eugene-OR/Acupuncture-for-the-People/112362105456076

STUDENT INTERNS & DISCOUNT APPTS ($15-50), EXPANDED HOURS [Sept '23 Newsletter]

Wow, Summer went by fast! The intensely hot weather has given way to cooler (and wetter) days and nights. We hope you had a relaxing Labor Day Weekend, kids are heading back to school and the days are getting shorter. Now is a good time to take advantage of the sunny weather and spend some quality time outdoors before the rain starts in earnest.

STUDENT INTERNS & DISCOUNT TREATMENTS
We are proud to host Student Interns from POCATech (a Community Acupuncture school based in Portland). We will be offering discount treatments during the Student Shifts where trained Interns (under the supervision of a Licensed Acupuncturist) will provide quality treatments in a supportive learning environment. Interns are versed in a variety of approaches and may apply different methods based on your symptoms and the clinical requirements of their education. Participation in our Student Clinic supports the future of community acupuncture while providing care you can afford. ($15-$50 sliding scale + $10 for New Clients)

EXPANDED HOURS – STUDENT SHIFTS
With the addition of Student Interns we are able to expand hours and add shifts so you can get the treatments you need. On Tuesdays we’re offering appointments later in the day with Jen Kehl [3rd Year] treating clients 4-7:30pm, Jenny Moore L.Ac will be supervising and shifting her hours to 12:30-4pm. On Wednesdays, Tia Seran [3rd Year] is seeing clients 1-5pm, Supervised by Tonya Tigart L.Ac. And Finally, Tiffany Marquez [3rd year] will be supervised by Rob Singer L.Ac by taking over his shift on Fridays 9-1pm. See the full schedule on our website.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION & ARRIVING EARLY
Summer in Eugene means good weather and unfortunately…road construction. The city is taking advantage of the clear skies and repairing several major streets all over town, you can find updates here: https://www.eugene-or.gov/1191/Road-Work-Advisories Prepare for traffic delays by giving yourself extra time to get to your appointment. Also, our parking lot has been filling up certain times of day so leaving a little bit early means you aren’t frazzled when you arrive for your treatment.

Enjoy the rest of Summer!

ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PEOPLE
www.AcupunctureForThePeople.org
(541) 521-6285

P.S. Masks are now optional in the clinic. You are welcome to continue wearing yours and staff will try to match your choice, you can always request us to wear one while you are here.

Visit us on Twitter & Facebook:
http://twitter.com/Acu4thePeople
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Eugene-OR/Acupuncture-for-the-People/112362105456076

MASK POLICY LIFTED, ROAD CONSTRUCTION & STAFF VACATIONS [July '23 Newsletter]

STAY COOL…

Oregon can experience some serious heat during Summer. Temperatures in the 90’s and over 100 degrees can be hard on your health. Make sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. If the warm weather is aggravating your symptoms – acupuncture can help you to be more comfortable. Come relax in our climate controlled treatment room, we keep it cool on the hot days, so you can escape the extreme weather.

MASKS WILL BE OPTIONAL STARTING AUGUST 1st 2023

We still prioritize reducing the spread of disease at our clinic and you are welcome to continue wearing a mask (we have a limited supply of paper masks if you forget). We want everyone to feel safe and Practitioners can mask up during your treatment upon request. Of course, IF YOU ARE SICK OR EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS – STAY HOME!

LIMITED SCHEDULE AVILABILITY

Our schedule is getting full, we have fewer afternoon shifts available but are still seeing clients in the Mornings 9am-1pm as well as later shifts on Tues & Thurs. Summer tends to slow down with kids out of school, vacations and awesome weather. Even with a reduced schedule we still have availability and there are often openings midweek- Schedule ahead to get the time that works for you - https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/nxd23r8/10

TRAFFIC & PARKING

Summer in Eugene means good weather and unfortunately…road construction. The city is taking advantage of the clear skies and repairing several major streets all over town, you can find updates here: https://www.eugene-or.gov/1191/Road-Work-Advisories Prepare for traffic delays by giving yourself extra time to get to your appointment. Also, our parking lot has been filling up certain times of day so leaving a little bit early means you aren’t frazzled when you arrive for your treatment.

Have a great Summer!

ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PEOPLE
www.AcupunctureForThePeople.org
(541) 521-6285

P.S. Some staff will be taking time off August 1st – 11th, there will be some closures & schedule changes during that period. Check our online schedule or give us a call to check availability.

Visit us on Twitter & Facebook:
http://twitter.com/Acu4thePeople
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Eugene-OR/Acupuncture-for-the-People/112362105456076

Jenny is Back, Ari is Departing, $20 Welcome Back Special [June '23 Newsletter]

Summer is finally here!

July 4th is just around the corner. It’s not only Independence Day, it also marks the 17 year anniversary of ACUPUNCTURE For The PEOPLE! We are committed to making Chinese Medicine more accessible and since we opened our doors in 2006 we have provided over 130,000 acupuncture treatments. Thank you to everyone who has helped make our clinic a success! We will be OPEN half day for the holiday Tuesday 7/4 (9-1pm)

WELCOME BACK SPECIAL - $20

If you haven’t been in for a while, we would love to see you. We are offering a $20 Welcome Back Special for your first visit back. If it has been more than a month since we’ve seen you, come back in for just $20. Offer good until 8/1/23.

JENNY IS BACK, ARI IS DEPARTING

Jenny Moore L.Ac is back from medical leave and is recovering well. She is returning to her regular shifts Tuesdays PM (1-5pm) & Thursdays EVE (4-7:30pm). Come get a treatment and welcome her back. In other news, Ari Shapiro L.Ac is leaving the clinic to pursue other endeavors. He was new to Community Acupuncture and found it wasn’t a good fit. We wish him the best with what comes next.

REDUCED HOURS M, W, F

With Ari departing, we will have fewer shifts available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. We will still be seeing clients in the Mornings 9am-1pm. Summer tends to slow down with kids out of school, vacations and awesome weather. Even with a reduced schedule we still have availability and there are often openings midweek- Get a treatment with Tonya Tigart L.Ac on Wednesdays! https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/nxd23r8/10

KEEP COOL WITH OUR AIR CONDITIONING

It’s hot out there! Summer in Eugene can be short, but what it lacks in longevity it makes up with awesomeness. Hope you’re enjoying time outside, drinking plenty of water and taking advantage of the Oregon weather. If it’s too hot outside, come in for a treatment and relax in our air conditioned office.

Have a great Summer!

ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PEOPLE

www.AcupunctureForThePeople.org

(541) 521-6285

P.S. Allergy season will be winding down soon but if you’re still experiencing symptoms, acupuncture can help your immune system so you can enjoy the outdoors.

Visit us on Twitter & Facebook:

http://twitter.com/Acu4thePeople

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Eugene-OR/Acupuncture-for-the-People/112362105456076

$20 Special w/Ari, Jenny's Leave & Allergies [May '23 Newsletter]

Spring has sprung!

The sun is out, May flowers are going crazy and people are rushing to get their gardens planted. Sunny days can mean a higher pollen count, so if you have allergies it may be helpful to keep windows closed and after you spend time outside be sure to change your clothes and take a shower to keep allergens out of your living space.

[RETURNING] NEW ACUPUNCTURIST SPECIAL - $20 TREATMENTS WITH ARI
Our newest addition to the staff - Ari Shapiro L.Ac is getting acquainted with the flow of the clinic and has already met many of our wonderful clients. We want to encourage more folks to get to know him, so we're extending the $20 SPECIAL for treatments with Ari until May 31st. He is working our new weekday afternoon shifts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 1-5pm. Come on in to say "hi"! and enjoy a relaxing treatment with Ari for only $20.

TAKE OUR SURVEY ABOUT YOUR ACUPUNCTURE EXPERIENCE
We want to provide the best quality service to our clients so we need your feedback about your experience here and help reviewing the performance of our Acupuncturists on staff. You can take the survey online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TZLLM79 or on paper in our office. Each survey reflects the performance of a single practitioner that you have been treated by, you choose which one to review.

JENNY IS TAKING A SHORT MEDICAL LEAVE
Our well-esteemed Acupuncturist Jenny Moore L.Ac will be taking a short sabbatical for a medical procedure. It’s nothing to worry about, but she will need time to rest and recover and will be needing some time off. Right now we are planning for her to be gone 5/25 to 6/22. We are not able to cover her Tuesday Afternoon, so that shift will be closed. Although we will still be seeing clients on her normal Thursday Eve 4-7:30pm with Ari Shapiro L.Ac taking over while she is out. We wish her a quick recovery and aim to take good care her regular clients while she’s gone.

GOT ALLERGIES?
Everything is starting to bloom and if you have seasonal allergies that’s bad news. You don’t have to suffer though, acupuncture can help with the sneezing, runny nose, stuffed sinuses, itchy eyes and scratchy throat. We can also work on boosting your immune system so that you are less sensitive to allergens and can enjoy the outdoors. Don’t let allergies keep you inside – get regular treatments this Spring! If you come in now you’ll be suffering less later, preventative treatments can boost your immune system and delay the onset of your allergies. You can check local pollen levels at www.pollen.com, just enter your zip code.

Be safe & take care of yourself,,

ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PEOPLE
www.AcupunctureForThePeople.org
(541) 521-6285

Visit us on Twitter & Facebook:
http://twitter.com/Acu4thePeople
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Eugene-OR/Acupuncture-for-the-People/112362105456076

P.S. As the days get hotter, cool off with an acupuncture treatment. We keep the treatment space a comfortable temperature and have air conditioning for those scorching hot days.

THOUGHTS ON OUR SLIDING SCALE

The mission of Acupuncture For The People has always been to provide access to alternative Healthcare regardless of income or class. Our sliding scale has made that possible, some people pay more, some pay less depending on their means and it all averages out. In the changing economic landscape we are finding that our current sliding scale fees are not meeting expenses like they used to. One solution is to raise our rates, but we still want to keep the medicine affordable so we are only raising the top end of the scale. NEW SLIDING SCALE - $25-65. You can still pay $25 for visits but if you have the financial means to contribute more it will help us provide quality care to those who might not otherwise afford it while keeping our clinic financially healthy & stable. Everyone’s situation is different and what’s most important to us is that you are able to come in frequently enough to get the treatments you need to feel better. We sincerely appreciate the support of our diverse community and hope to continue sharing acupuncture with the world. [*New Client Fee will also change to $20, 1st visit = $45-85]

A Perspective on Vaccines...

Vaccines have been around for a long time and are effective at limiting, reducing and even eradicating deadly diseases – Smallpox, Polio, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Whooping Cough, Tuberculosis, etc. They are designed and intended to prevent the spread of disease – VACCINES ARE PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE. They aren’t drugs, but more like a warning to your immune system “Hey, watch out for this Covid guy, he’s bad news!” So when your body encounters the disease there will be a robust immune response using your natural defenses to fight off the sickness before it can take hold, keeping you healthy and preventing you from spreading it to someone else.

We have devoted our practice to natural healing for over 15 years, helping clients to reduce or avoid medical intervention like surgery or drugs. Even though we deliver alternative medicine we are also healthcare professionals working in a public health environment and have been clinically trained on safety procedures to prevent the spread of disease. Global pandemics like Covid-19 pose a very serious threat and should not be trifled with. We have an ethical responsibility and duty to protect our clients and community from harm.

We trust everyone to make the best choices for their health but there is a lot of dangerous misinformation and erroneous myths out there about the Covid-19 vaccines. It can be confusing and scary to make important decisions when there’s conflicting information. Let’s try to clear some things up…

COVID VACCINES ARE NOT EXPERIMENTAL – It’s true that the technology behind the Covid vaccines has not been widely used before now. That doesn’t mean that it’s new or experimental. The science and techniques have been in development since the ‘90s under scientific scrutiny but there hasn’t been an urgent need until we were faced with this pandemic emergency.

WAS IT DEVELOPED TOO FAST TO HAVE PROPER REVIEW? The covid shot was developed quickly (it’s amazing actually), vaccines usually take years because the steps for development, testing and approval are done sequentially where one phase cannot be done before the other. This one was developed concurrently with teams working on different parts at the same time so when one phase is approved the next is ready to go. No steps were skipped and all the shots have been completely tested, reviewed and approved (for most adults) by the relevant scientific agencies and organizations through expedited review and emergency authorization.

I’M WORRIED ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS – The job of vaccines is to promote an immune response, which is good! Most folks will experience a sore shoulder, fatigue and mild symptoms for a day or two. Everyone responds differently and people with autoimmune conditions, fibromyalgia, allergies or chemical sensitivities can have a stronger reaction to the shot than others with symptoms lingering a bit longer. Plan some time to rest, most healthy adults do fine and if you have serious concerns about a adverse response, consult your doctor or seek a provider that offers an observation period like with allergy shots.

CAN’T YOU STILL GET SICK EVEN AFTER IMMUNIZATION? Yes, it’s possible but it is rare, very rare, very very rare. The vaccines are 90-95% effective (depending on brand) so the chance is small. And if you do happen get infected the chance of getting sick is even smaller, with the likelihood of hospitalization or death hardly a risk at all. You may see scary numbers like “9,000 people got Covid after being vaccinated”, but that is out of over 95 million total which is only 0.0094% (less than one tenth of one tenth of one percent).

I HEARD THAT PEOPLE DIED AFTER GETTING THE SHOT – Safety is a big concern with the CDC (et al) and they are collecting lots of data to make sure that the vaccines do not cause harm. They track post-vaccine morbidity to make sure that those deaths are not related to the shot, but it can be misleading. There have been many people who have died AFTER taking the vaccine but NOT BECAUSE OF IT. It’s a hard fact of nature that people die every day – car accidents, old age, cancer, heart attacks. Statistics will show that thousands of people die within a week of getting Starbucks, but that doesn’t mean the coffee killed them.

IF I’M IMMUNE WHY DO I STILL HAVE TO WEAR A MASK? Be patient, this is a transitional period where not everybody is immune yet. ‘Herd Immunity’ - when enough people are vaccinated to protect those who are not is 70-85% of everybody. So right now the people who can’t get the shot (organ transplant, cancer, immune deficiency, etc) are vulnerable while we wait for enough healthy adults to get immunized; and after the cases drop -  the masks can come off.

At ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PEOPLE we encourage our clients to make the best choices for their own health and offer recommendations in good faith letting you decide based on the information available. The science shows that getting more people vaccinated is a big step toward ending this pandemic and enjoying more freedom in our lives.

CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC NEAR THE CLINIC

The city is taking advantage of the better weather and planning some work on Willamette St. near our office (23rd to 29th Ave). If Willamette is congested or the driveway is blocked, use the rear entrance to our parking lot on Oak St. It can be accessed from Amazon Parkway via 27th or from the south via 29th Avenue. Prepare for delays by giving yourself extra time to get to your appointment. Traffic can be stressful, so leaving a little bit early means you aren’t frazzled when you arrive for your treatment.

CLINIC HOLIDAY HOURS & CLOSURES

The clinic will be closed following Thanksgiving (Th 11/26-Sat 11/28) and for an extended period after X-Mas (Fri 12/25-Friday 1/1). Plan to come in before and after to maintain continuity of care during these closures.

HOLIDAY PLANS & POLICIES

Thanksgiving is coming up & the Winter Holidays are just around the corner. In the era of Covid-19, experts are recommending staying home and celebrating only with members of your household. Everyone’s plans are different and if you choose to travel (especially by plane or train), gather indoors or have prolonged contact with those outside of your household we ask that you wait to get acupuncture for 10-14 days. If you need to get in sooner, consider getting a Covid test to make sure you aren’t contagious. Drive through testing is available at Autzen Stadium with quick results. https://www.novahealth.com/covid-19-drive-through-testing/

~OREGON HAS MANDATED A TEMPORARY ‘FREEZE’ OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES DUE TO COVID-19 (11/18-12/2).

Our clinic is NOT affected and we will remain OPEN: “Services such as hair salons, barber shops and massage services can all continue under their current operations. Gov. Brown said that’s because state experts haven’t seen clear ties between rising cases and those sorts of businesses if patrons and employees wear masks and social distance, and because many provide services that help Oregonians keep up their mental and physical health.” https://www.opb.org/article/2020/11/13/oregon-governor-kate-brown-covid-19-restrictions/ Of course we understand if you choose to stay home during this time.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION ON WILLAMETTE STREET

There is road construction on Willamette Street and the entrance to our parking lot may be blocked. There is a rear entrance to our parking lot behind the building on Oak Street. Either way, it’s a good idea to plan extra travel time to get to your appointment.

WE WON BEST ACUPUNCTURIST(s) IN R-G 2020 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

Back in March we asked for your vote in the Register-Guard’s 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards and finally after things got turned upside down the results are in and we won Best Acupuncturist(s) in the Beauty & Health category. https://registerguard.gannettcontests.com/2020-Readers-Choice-Winners/gallery?group=359704 Thanks to everyone who voted to help us become #1!

WELCOME BACK SPECIAL - $20 for Return Clients

We’ve missed seeing all of our wonderful clients and understand that our raise in sliding-scale ($25-50) has made treatments more of an expense. To encourage folks to come back in we are offering a $20 WELCOME BACK SPECIAL for your first visit back since the re-opening.

Acupuncture is Nourishment

For some people acupuncture may be the only way to manage chronic symptoms or reduce debilitating pain. For others it is an essential part of their mental well-being; calming anxiety and helping their nerves relax for just a moment during these uncertain times. If you are limiting outings unless necessary and saving shopping trips until you’re out of groceries, think of Acupuncture like nourishment that helps to improve your quality of life - which is of vital importance these days. Be safe, stay home if you must, just know that we are here if you need us and your comfort & safety is our highest concern when you are in our care.

COMMUNITY IMMUNITY

We don’t treat COVID-19 at our clinic, but Acupuncture can be great for boosting the immune system. Regardless of what we’re treating, the needles create a positive immune response to encourage healing. We can also support specific organs like the spleen or the respiratory system to increase resilience to disease. It won’t magically protect you, but in addition to following the Public Health recommendations of masks, distancing & hygiene - acupuncture can help your body to fight off whatever is coming your way.  The whole community benefits when more of its members stay healthy and reduce the spread of disease.

Is It SAFE To Get Acupuncture Right Now?

Everyone feels different about their level of risk with different activities during these uncertain times. We are making every effort to keep Clients & Staff safe while in the clinic and want you to feel comfortable coming in for a treatment.

Consider the difference between EXPOSURE & SPREAD as it relates to Covid-19. Because it takes 10-14 days for symptoms to show and some people have no symptoms at all - You could be exposed anytime you’re around other people. That doesn’t mean that you will get the disease, though - It has to spread. We have given this a lot of thought and worked to reduce Exposure AND Spread throughout the clinic and your acupuncture experience.

The chairs are spaced about 8ft apart with UV light HEPA air filters between them. There are fewer treatments per hour and we escort everyone in & out to maintain social distancing. Everyone is screened, masked and sanitizes their hands on entry & exit. There are many no-touch options around the clinic and we disinfect shared surfaces after every use. Receptionists are behind a plastic barrier and do not share headsets or pens.

We wouldn’t be open and seeing clients if it couldn’t be done safely for our clients, staff and community. It’s up to you to decide what you feel comfortable with and if you’d like more specifics, view our CLINIC SAFETY MEASURES or watch a VIDEO TOUR of the changes we made.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PEOPLE WILL RE-OPEN JULY 1ST

We are excited to announce that we will be re-opening our doors (literally) on July 1st after a considerable period of closure due to the Pandemic. We hope you all have been managing well during the ‘lock-down” and coping with the absence of Acupuncture in your life. It has been a challenge to figure out the best way to provide Community Acupuncture during this public health crisis while honoring and protecting the safety of our Staff and Clients. 

In addition to our regular cleaning and disinfecting we have implemented many new policies and procedures following the Public Health Guidelines of the Oregon Health Authority and Acupuncture practice recommendations of the CCAOM including requiring Masks, Social Distancing, Temperature Screening, Hand Washing and a myriad of No-Touch solutions. All of our efforts are to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to protect the most vulnerable in our community. We can’t guarantee 100% that you won’t be exposed to the virus in our clinic, but our safety measures aim to keep it from coming home with you.

Because of the demands of social distancing, we’ve moved the treatment chairs further apart and taken out a lot of the furniture to open up more space, allowing enough room to safely move around the clinic. We’re seeing fewer people per hour, limiting treatment times to an hour, and with fewer chairs, we will have to have less people in the space at any given time. 

Reduced capacity, added supplies, and increased expenses means that we will have to raise our rates to cover costs and weather this unusual time. Our new Sliding Scale is $25-50 - you still decide what to pay. We continue to be committed to making Acupuncture accessible and keeping treatments affordable to everyone and hope we can lower prices again as the restrictions lift. Your support makes our Clinic possible, if we all work together this virus doesn’t stand a chance!

Before July 1st we won’t be in the office to answer calls, so we ask that you book online if able or send us an email.  If you do call, leave a message and we will return your voicemails remotely as we get to them. We plan on starting slow - our schedule will be limited to just a few shifts and expand as we iron out the wrinkles. Our website & online schedule will reflect any changes. Thanks for your patience as we chart this new territory - it’s worth the wait.

As you prepare for your first return visit, there’s a few important changes you need to be aware of. Check out WHAT TO EXPECT NOW… on our new Pandemic Info tab on our website, where you’ll learn about bringing your own clean blanket and water bottle. Read about CHANGES TO CLINIC POLICIES like the new sliding-scale or limited bathroom use. The PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS page will tell you about our Mask Rules, and you can look at our COVID-19 SCREENING QUESTIONS to learn what symptoms & risks to look out for. 

We look forward to seeing you all soon, of course IF YOU ARE SICK OR EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS - STAY HOME! Be sure to check your email appointment reminders for important information. We’re excited to get back into the clinic!

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

5/13/2020 -
We’ve missed you and all our wonderful clients here at Acupuncture For The People during the pandemic closure. It’s been over 6 weeks and folks are getting restless staying home and loosing work. I hope you are staying safe and healthy while maintaining mental and emotional well-being during these challenging times. We’d like to get back to work too, providing care for our community at a time we need it most.

Unfortunately it’s difficult to say when the clinic will re-open. We are committed to making sure that staff and clients are safe; so it’s vital that we have all the supplies and measures in place when the doors open again. We are lining up suppliers for PPE (masks, sanitizers, gloves, etc.), getting new air purifiers, maybe UV lights, planning for social distancing in our clinic, signing up for laundry service and thoughtfully exploring all the details of operating a community acupuncture practice in the age of Coronavirus.

LOOKING AHEAD
We are still sorting out all the details, but things are going to change a little when we get back to providing treatments at our clinic. Nothing is certain yet, and there’s lots to think about. We may have to reduce the frequency of appointments so there are fewer people in the office at one time. We’ll have to use fewer chairs to maintain social distancing and have time limits so that staff can disinfect between clients. And because of reduced capacity and extra expenses we’ll likely have to raise our sliding scale (at least at first). We’re committed to keeping acupuncture affordable while providing for our staff and keeping the clinic afloat.

TAKE OUR RE-OPENING SURVEY !! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F8FDYL5
Your input & feedback is important to us now more than ever. The decision to open back up is tricky and there’s lots of factors to consider. You can help by taking our Re-opening Survey to let us know what you need & expect from us going forward. Respond soon if you can, we appreciate your thoughts.

PRIVATE ACUPUNCTURE FROM OUR PRACTITIONERS
Some of our Acupuncturists are still seeing clients in their private practices and have offered to see clients at a reduced rate during this time. Contact them individually for more info:
Marco Cauregli L.Ac – in Creswell, OR will be waiving initial consultation fee and offering a sliding scale starting at $50 www.creswellwellness.com (541) 895-4464 or (541) 214-8902 cell
Gina Dang L.Ac – Housecalls starting at $40 within Eugene. Email: ginadang@freedomcrow.com
Jenny Moore L.Ac - Housecalls for established patients. Free telemedicine for herbs, lifestyle, and acupressure. Email: fifthseasonom@gmail.com  (505) 314-6767

WE’LL KEEP YOU POSTED
We’ll give you plenty of notice as we prepare to start offering services again. Our website – www.AcupunctureForThePeople.org will have updates and our online schedule will be adjusted to match our availability We’ll send out a newsletter detailing the process when the path is clear.

In the meantime, stay safe and healthy by staying home, washing your hands and limiting contact with others – 6 feet apart is a safe distance. Follow news and recommendations of the WHO (World Health Organization) https://www.who.int/
And the CDC (Centers For Disease Control) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
For local info Lane County Public Health www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus

4/7/2020 - 
Three weeks into our temporary closure, we wanted to update you on our current status as the situation with the Coronavirus continues to evolve.

Oregon schools will be closed through at least April 28, and a statewide stay-at-home order is in place until Governor Brown withdraws it. National social distancing guidelines have been extended through the end of April. In light of these recommendations, we plan to extend our closure through at least the end of April and are cancelling all previously booked April appointments at this time. 

It is difficult to predict when we will be able to open our doors again, but we are looking forward to reopening when it is safe and in alignment with official recommendations. When we reopen, we will announce it on our website - www.AcupunctureForThePeople.org - and send out an email newsletter. Our online schedule will be adjusted to match our availability. 

Several of our acupuncturists are offering housecalls and telemedicine:  

Gina Dang L.Ac – Housecalls starting at $40 within Eugene. 
Email: ginadang@freedomcrow.com  (323) 283-1368

Jenny Moore L.Ac - Housecalls for established patients. Free telemedicine for herbs, lifestyle, and acupressure. Email: fifthseasonom@gmail.com  (505) 314-6767

3/17/20- CLINIC WILL BE CLOSING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The situation with the Coronavirus is changing rapidly, sometimes by the hour. We have tried to provide services and stay open during this time but it has been increasingly difficult to keep up with the demands of risk prevention for our clients and staff. We have weighed all our options and have decided, with a heavy heart, that we must temporarily close the clinic as our community faces the challenges of this pandemic.

We plan on closing for 2 weeks, following the lead of our local schools, but it is hard to predict what is in store and when we will be able to safely open our doors again. Our website – www.AcupunctureForThePeople.org will have updates and our online schedule will be adjusted to match our availability. We’ll be canceling and notifying everybody on the schedule.

Some of our Acupuncturists will be maintaining their private practices and have offered to see clients at a reduced rate during this time. Contact them individually for more info:

Mary Thimmesch L.Ac –Not seeing private clients at this time.

Marco Cauregli L.Ac – in Creswell, OR will be waiving initial consultation fee and offering a sliding scale starting at $50 www.creswellwellness.com (541) 895-4464 or (541) 214-8902 cell

Gina Dang L.Ac – Housecalls starting at $40 within Eugene. Email: ginadang@freedomcrow.com (323)283-1368

Stay safe and healthy by staying home, washing your hands and limiting contact with others – 6 feet apart is a safe distance. Follow news and recommendations of the WHO (World Health Organization) https://www.who.int/ And the CDC (Centers For Disease Control) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html For local info Lane County Public Health www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus

3/11/20 - The Coronavirus is big news these days, but there is a lot of confusing information about it out there and it changes daily. It’s important to stay calm, don’t panic and prepare for disruptions in normal life. What we know so far - the virus is contagious, but it is mostly spread by contact rather than airborne.

The best way to stay healthy and stop the spread of disease is to WASH YOUR HANDS; regularly and frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face and if you have a cough – cough into your elbow, cover your mouth or wear a mask.

*Even though Acupuncture is great for your immune system - We will not treat Coronavirus at our clinic! If you think you have it – contact your Doctor or Urgent Care.

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK, HAVE A FEVER / CHILLS, ARE SNEEZING / COUGHING UNCONTROLLABLY OR ARE CARING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS.
*We are waiving No Show Fees for missed appointments and late cancellations due to illness.  

The Coronavirus is not particularly deadly for everyone (most people who contract it will get very sick but will recover). Vulnerable populations like the elderly, those with respiratory disease or immune-compromised are at high risk and in danger of death if infected. If you are in this category it is best to stay away from large groups of people and we understand if you choose to avoid the clinic during this time.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE PEOPLE will be stepping up the sanitation procedures we already have in place at our clinic. We are washing our hands more frequently, wiping down/sanitizing surfaces regularly, washing blankets and changing linens more often, as well as replacing air filters in our HVAC system.