FAQ

Affordable and effective acupuncture in the heart of Harvard Square Sliding scale $25-$60
New Sliding Scale Beginning Jan 2025-$30-$75
If you have questions that are not on the list, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Health Precautions:
Masks are optional for patients at the clinic.  We will expect  you to wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.  And if you have a fever, please stay home! We will never charge you for an appointment cancelled due to illness.
We are using air filters at the clinic to help create a safer environment.

What should I expect?

Most people feel very relaxed during and after an acupuncture treatment.

You will be in a room with other people* who are also receiving treatment.  Many people are skeptical about this until they experience it first hand.  The relaxation effect of the acupuncture seems to be enhanced by the group setting.  There are many things that are enhanced by a group experience and it turns out that for many people acupuncture is one of those things.


How long is a treatment?
The first time you come to the clinic you should allow 90 minutes*, so that you will not feel rushed, but you may need less time.  For follow up treatments you should allow 1 hour.  Most people like to rest for 30-60 minutes with their needles in.


What if I’m afraid of needles?
Acupuncture needles are very different than hypodermic needles.  
Acupuncture needles are solid and not much thicker than a piece of hair, hypodermic needles are hollow and are much thicker.  So, acupuncture needles are more comfortable for most people.

Does it hurt?
Most people feel nothing or a pin prick during placement of the needles.  

Some points may feel achey when the needle is placed, and then calm down while you rest.  The acupuncturist will ask if everything is comfortable before they leave you to rest and make any necessary adjustments so that you can rest comfortably.

Where do you put the needles?
Needles may be placed on the head, neck, ears, abdomen, and limbs.  

Are needles re-used?
NO!  Needles come in sterile packaging and are only used one time.  They are disposed of in special containers as medical waste.Is it effective?

How many treatments will I need?
Acupuncture is very effective for many conditions.  How much treatment you will need depends on your overall health, how long you have had the condition, and what type of condition it is.  Your acupuncturist will discuss a treatment plan with you so that you can get the best possible result.

Do you take insurance?
No.  This is one of the ways that we can offer such affordable pricing.  For most people our sliding scale is equal to the cost of a co-pay.

Is there parking?
On street parking is by meters ($1.50/hour) or city of Cambridge Resident Permit Parking.  
The closest garages are Propark Boston’s Holyoke Center garage at 1350 Mass Avenue and Harvard Parking Garage at 1033 Mass Ave. An app like Spot Hero can be very helpful for findiing affordable garage parking around harvard Square. There is permit parking within a few blocks radius for Cambridge residents.

Is the clinic near the T?
Yes!  we are 0.2 miles from the Harvard Square Redline station, across the street from the #1 bus.


Do I have to take my clothes off? And what Should I wear?
You do not have to disrobe.  You should wear loose comfortable clothing.  You should be able to roll your pants up above your knees, and your sleeves up above your elbows. It is best to bring shorts or a skirt to change into.

Other things to know:
New patients please come 10 minutes early
It is best not to be too hungry, or too full when you come in for a treatment.
Drink plenty of water afterwards.
If you are being treated for pain, and you feel better, don’t over do it just because you feel better.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We take cash, checks, and credit cards (including HSA cards).

Open and welcoming space. I had done acupuncture before but if you haven't - this is a great place to try it for the first time. I've been back a couple of times this summer and will continue to go until I leave Cambridge.
-Meg M
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Harvard Square Community Acupuncture
1208 Massachusetts Avenue – 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138