As clients enter Shoreline Community Acupuncture, the cool sounds of a rock fountain greet them as they come into the serene darkness.
Mary Baskin-Thompson’s passion for the ancient art of acupuncture led to her to start the business, which aims to provide the service to as many people as possible at the lowest cost.
The community acupuncture movement that started in Portland, Ore., is a business model that is “taking off across America,” Baskin-Thompson said.
The Shoreline resident and her business partner, Jennifer Christian, both state-licensed acupuncturists, opened the business last month at 18505 Firlands Way N in Shoreline. They held an open house on Sunday, Sept. 13; nearly 75 people came, including friends and relatives. About 40 people laid back in used recliners covered in colorful sheets and received free acupuncture treatments. Practitioners insert disposable sterile needles into acupuncture points, making adjustments as needed.
The business is part of the Community Acupuncture Network, a national network of providers.
“We believe in getting acupuncture out to the people,” Baskin-Thompson said. “You don’t need health insurance at all. It’s a radical idea.”
Baskin-Thompson, who studied at the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, worked in private practice for seven years.
Customers can drop in for sessions as short as 15 minutes. The cost for treatments is on a sliding scale, ranging from $15 to $40. Clients pay what they can.
“It’s quick and convenient and affordable,” she said. “We can treat a person every 10 minutes.”
Maddy Aroney of Olympia, a past client, called Baskin-Thompson “absolutely amazing.”
“It gives you a little zing,” Aroney said of acupuncture.
Jane Barnes of Everett, a natureopathic physician, whose practice is across the street, stopped in for a treatment.
Her acupuncturist is leaving soon and she said she looked forward to having a place to send her patients.
“Some people respond very well to acupuncture,” she said.
Charlotte Keyes, a chaplain for Providence Hospice of Seattle, got treatment as well. Many of her clients live in the Shoreline area.
“Doctor’s appointments are inconvenient,” she said. “This is convenient for me.”
The business is open from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.shorelinecommunityacupuncture.vpweb.com or call 206-542-1700.
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