Gleaves says the acupuncture treatments have reduced her knee pain by about 60%. But with regular treatment sessions costing $95 each, acupuncture was also reducing her bank balance.
That's why she was thrilled when the Myrna Brind Center at Jefferson Hospital started group acupuncture.
Instead of $95 per session, the group sessions cost $70 for the initial consultation and $35 for follow-up treatments.
"It's wonderful, the cost difference is really wonderful," Gleaves says. "That's what allows me to continue my treatements."
Dr. Jingduan Yang is a fifth-generation acupuncture practitioner. He supervises the group sessions, which are administered by experienced acupuncturists.
"All our acupuncturists are really well-trained graduates of acupuncture programs, licensed acupuncturists," Dr. Yang says. "And doctors of chinese medicine who have had many years of clinical experience."
Aside from the cost, the main difference between the group acupuncture and traditional treatments is the fact that other people are in the room with you.
But the patients don't seem to mind.
"We just kind of zone out because it's very relaxing, so what you're coming for, you want to relax and let the needles to its work," Gleaves says.
Group acupuncture is offered on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. until noon. To make an appointment, call 215-955-2221.
The Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is located at 925 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.
