Working Class Acupuncture

They aren’t very learning challenged friendly and mentally challenged being sensitive and not understanding exactly the what can’t do. They made acupuncture as if can treat anything. to come in regardless of issues that they treat the body as a whole. banned me for life. For leaving me hanging basically on the account they didn’t feel comfortable with question can acupuncture decrease lobido that thoughts I felt affected it that could be only a step possibly that could help. Tho no guarantees thought worth a try. Stated felt uncomfortable yet online it does in fact state can treat that and the natural college of natural medicine had no problem when mentioning same thing and when trying that with acupuncture for myself. Pretty sad. wonder if their child had similar issues if they’d ban them to. Likely not.

This is a very special organization of caring dedicated individuals
I’ve been helped a lot by this peaceful haven of healing
I prefer this environment over private sessions, because it makes my healing feel more like a community, and is way more efficient
Watch for punch card specials, sometimes like in January
Thanks WCA!

My daughter got a concussion in soccer and I brought her here. She was treated with kid gloves and respect and given care that helped her heal so much faster than she could of without this vital treatment. Thank you.

I love the community acupuncture model– low cost, little pressure, and high quality. I’ve seen Kelly twice in the last two weeks and both times she has done an incredible job! Great listener to what I was going through and my needs. She turned me into a pincushion, needling several different points on my body, which I loved.
WCA’s sliding scale of $ 15-​$ 35 makes it so I can get treated to acupuncture regularly. I love my two acupuncturists at Kwan Yin, but their sliding scale is $ 75-​$ 150, for an hour visit max! The fact that I can sit and marinate with the needles in me for as long as I want is fantastic. They also have a white board to put your name and the time you need to get up if that is important to you, which is nice!
There are two rooms, one with pretty loud music and one with silence. I like the silence, and will probably bring some ear plugs next time because some patients are better than others at whispering. That is really the only remotely challenging thing about the community acupuncture model.
I am really impressed with this clinic, and can’t wait to keep going back for treatments!

Can’t say enough good stuff about this place. The acupuncturists have always been caring, professional and highly skilled and have really helped me with sleep, depression and anxiety. I have insurance and have used my insurance for acupuncture at other places but my insurance copay is $ 40, higher than I would pay at working class. Love this place, so glad I started going here.

I had sprained my neck and was unsure of what to do and where to go to get help. I’d only had acupuncture twice before and I had pleasant results. I don’t have a ton of money to be paying upwards of ($ 75 – 150) out of pocket for chiropractic/​massage/​acupuncture which I had been quoted previously.
So I took a chance on the working class. They have a sliding scale and I was able to get in the same day, during my lunch hour. They provided reading materials and tea. The room was a community area with low light and tons of recliners. They have a sound machine and only the acupuncturist and patient speak in very low tones. They set you up on your recliner and then when it is finished you may rest or leave. It didn’t cure my sprained neck but it did help alleviate a lot of pressure is built up in the surrounding muscle areas and allowed me to just sit and rest a while. I felt rejuvenated. The only downside is the recliners and most of the pillows and blankets aren’t new or fresh looking. No worries though, next time I’ll bring my own pillow and blanket. I purchased the October special of 5 treatments for $ 65 and will be back soon!

I had been searching for a good, legitimate acupuncture clinic/​acupuncturist for a few months. I had my list narrowed down to an expensive oriental medicine/​naturopathic clinic & Working Class Acupuncture. I have searched high & low, far & wide for at lees at ONE bad review. Guess what, not one single bad review, or dirt or scandal article on this company. Making an appt was so easy. I just went on their website, made an acct (free) & booked appt!
Upon my arrival I was greeted by a gem of a German/​Austrian lady. Filled out my med history & met with the acupuncturist in the lobby. We went over goals on what I want to get out of acupuncture & we got started. If you get the honor of having Whitsitt as your acupuncturist you are blessed! He knows his acu points! I had a husband/​wife imbalance & adrenal fatigue & low back pressure. After 2 sessions a week after 3 weeks I feel like my old happy self again! This month my monthly was late. I had told him that this past Friday when I went in. He picked some points & here I am 3 days later & all is back on track!
This place is a blessing. I could not find one ill thing to say against them. I’ve improved in a matter of 3 weeks. They are knowledgable, compassionate & so affordable ($ 15 a session!) Thank you, Whitsitt!
Ps. It’s super comfy in there. Like another Unilocaler described it, you feel like you’re in a womb!

Affordable acupuncture. Such a treat to relax in their chairs. Grateful to have found them.

This place is absolutely fantastic. I was looking for an acupuncturist but hate the high fees they charge. Then my back went out, or locked up and my chiropractor had done all he could do for me. I had to walk with a cane and very slowly. This was difficult because I am normally a very active 50 year old. My wife and I drove past WCA and stopped thinking we might get an appointment sometime soon. I got one that day with Michelle and within minutes of her inserting the needles, my pain was gone. Gone! I tried moving around to make it come back, but it didn’t. I was able to walk out carrying my cane. I still had some pain but not like it was. My chiropractor was able to adjust me and I later had another acupuncture treatment and now my pain is very minimal and fading daily
Michelle and everyone at this clinic are wonderful people. I encourage everyone to go for whatever ails you.

I love acupuncture but my insurance doesn’t cover it and I normally cannot afford the expense most places charge. (75.00 per visit is about average). So when I moved here and found WCA, I was thrilled!
No, it is not a spa type environment with tranquil fountains in the front running and white robes in your own room. It doesn’t claim to be. It is comfortable chairs in the presence of others pursuing their own healing, and it was made affordable to the masses.
This location is my favorite. The staff is great and I enjoy coming here, even though it is farther away than the Hillsdale one. If you’re new to acupuncture, give this location a try! It is 15 – 35 sliding fee scale, with a one time 10 dollar new patient fee. There are WCA clinics all over the country as well.

I am known for being overly wordy… so let me say at the start that I am stressed out about keeping this review brief! There are just too many amazing things to share about WCA. During the holidays I wanted to bring in a thank you gift but was unsure how to proceed… I’m not into baking… a card? Needles? What could express my gratitude? Well, I got distracted so here I am writing a review to say thank you and save face.
Speaking of saving face… WCA actually SAVED MY FACE!!! I woke up with Bell’s Palsy November 17^th and made it into WCA four days later after a recommendation from a friend. Bell’s Palsy is a strange inflammation of the facial nerve where half your face becomes paralyzed. Most people take about four months to recover from what I researched, but many people do not recover or only partially recover. I could deal with looking «different» but the discomfort was really hard to ignore. I wanted to get better.
Not having health insurance that covered acupuncture at the time, I was unsure how to proceed. Most acupuncturists charge a minimum of $ 75 a visit in my experience. This is a lot to take on for an acute condition that requires repeat visits. I’d driven by WCA many times, as it is in my neighborhood, so I decided to stop in and see if it was «for real.» How could they charge a sliding scale of $ 15-​$ 35 and stay in business? The short answer is that unlike most Western acupuncture offices, WCA practices the community acupuncture model (which they developed). Community acupuncture more closely resembles what you might find in places where acupuncture is more traditionally practiced. There is a room with recliner chairs and blankets where many patients are seen at once. In this way, the acupuncturist can see more patients in one day than a typical Western practitioner and the patients can gather in what becomes a true place of healing. Business is better for acupuncturists in community acupuncture and patients get access to affordable health care. Check out the documentary made about WCA and the growing co-​op of community acupuncture clinics:
At this point you may have left the review… but I warned you I get wordy!!! Okay so I went to WCA for the first time and met Adrian, an acupuncturist beyond enthusiastic about her work. She was so positive and caring and gave me a lot of hope. She said I should try to come in as often as possible at the beginning –at least seven of the next ten days. So, I did. I went into WCA as my schedule permitted and stayed for an hour each time. I was not particular about which acupuncturists I saw, as I knew each one would have his or her own style and method of treatment. I appreciated each and every acupuncturist who helped me and felt their individual gifts as healers. Some are deliberate and take their time, but most are lightning fast. Before you know it, you have tons of needles working their magic all over. Sometimes I’d wonder. when did she even put that needle in?! All the acupuncturists offer you blankets and check on you often. It’s extremely comforting, relaxing, and restful.
The interior of WCA Cully has reminded me of a womb from the first day. The ceiling, walls, chairs, etc., all look soft and comforting. This might seem weird but I really think it taps into a nurturing that is very basic and relatable. The acupuncture’s efficacy is a mystery and this swaddled up atmosphere fits right in. There is also just a wonderful and powerful communal sense of healing here. So many people coming in to take care of themselves and be healthy.
WCA is relaxing, welcoming, comforting, but does it actually work? YES. My face began improving from the first visit! I could feel immediate improvements! Besides that, it just gave me such relief from the discomfort and pain involved with the Bell’s Palsy. I felt very cared for each and every time I visited and the acupuncturists were always congratulating me on the improvements in healing. I feel very vulnerable when I sit down and begin talking to each acupuncturist. It’s not always easy to share what worries or troubles you. Some people are scared of the needles. I recommend everyone give it a try if you are curious. The acupuncturists will go at your speed and make sure you are always comfortable.
WCA wants everyone to feel empowered to take charge of their own health and have access to affordable care. I am so appreciative and have recommended countless people visit. It took me about 45 days to achieve almost full recovery of my facial paralysis. This is SO fast compared to what I’ve seen and heard from others!!! I am so appreciative and now 3 months later and with my face 99.9% functional, I find myself back at WCA for help with other issues. Maybe I just like resting in the womb in a recliner with blankets. But really, I know WCA is my best option for healthcare. And how lucky am I to have them close by!

This place saved my husband. We didn’t have enough money to go to acupuncture and my husband was vomiting from a intense migraine all day! He was literally crying I looked for hours on a Sunday for an appointment somewhere we could afford. we found this place when I called they had no appointments available I explained the serious nature of my husbands situation and I was greeted with the kindest receptionist in the world who figure a way to see my husband immediately the acupuncturist was the sweetest gentlest woman who was completely kind! This place saved our day! Thank you so much for having integrity and love in your business! Go here and be ready to be treated like a fellow human being

Ok, here goes… I am grateful for WCA. I was really hurting & was referred to them by another acupuncturist’s office… I needed affordable healing care.
I went in for the first visit and first acu treatment on a Tuesday. I was seen by Whitsitt. He was extremely thorough in explaining how it worked as well asking me about my health concerns. I repeated my visits on and off 7 X over the next 10 days. It worked! Acupuncture really is a amazing medicine!
This health clinic is spacious, comfortable, clean, relaxing and affordable. It take a sliding scale of $ 15.00 — $ 35.00.

3 reasons why Working Class Acupuncture is the best place in the world accompanied with testimony:
Bullwinkle is a skeptical guy. He doesn’t trust magical remedies or things which are supposed to heal random stuff. He doesn’t like being sold a bunch of nonsense.
Reason #1: no one tries to sell you a bunch of nonsense. They even state that they don’t really know how/​why acupuncture works. I like honesty.
Bullwinkle also has a tiny little moose wallet as he is poor, like most people, and can’t afford quality health care.
Reason #2: it is affordable. Sliding scale starts at $ 15/​session and sessions can run as long as you like. I settle in around an hour and a half.
Bullwinkle had never had acupuncture before coming to WCA. He was skeptical and poor but it was highly recommended. He had pain like every working class person does and wondered what he could do to relieve it.
Reason #3: it works. Seriously. It’s not going to heal your cancer or the ligament which you strained reaching for last salted caramel which fell behind the couch, but it will confront and relieve chronic pain from repetitive motions (work) and stress from life. At least, it does for me.
This is why once a week I head in for an hour and a half of relaxation. Sure it’s kinda hippie and takes some getting used to but all the people who work here are super nice and, what can I say, I feel better when I leave. There is also one person who is the best at acupuncturing (or whatever you call the act of filling you full of needles) but I will not tell you who s/​he is as you will then take up all their precious spots and I will be sad.
Yay for community acupuncture!

If I can’t get in to see Ben at the Hillsdale WCA location, I see Adrian. She is lovely, funny, and knows her stuff. She’s not just sticking needles in, but listens to what I have to say and «pokes» accordingly…

After a couple of frustrating (and costly) tries with the conventional Western model of acupuncture, I’m a recent convert to community acupuncture, with all the zeal that implies. So of course, on this trip up to Portland, I had to visit the mother ship (and by «had to», I mean both that I was really curious and dealing with a significant amount of stress and exhaustion from travel).
I love love love Working Class Acupuncture! From the warm greeting as I entered to the peaceful vibe of the treatment room, I felt immediately at home. Like all CA centers, the treatments are affordable and there’s no shame with wherever you are on the sliding scale of ability to pay (currently low-​end for me).
Whitsitt gave me a dreamy treatment – as in, it both left me feeling wonderful and I actually fell asleep for the better part of an hour, a highly unusual thing for me. Can’t give high enough marks for these people!

Wonderful acupuncture experience, my favorite that I’ve had so far. Sarah did a wonderful job and I felt very calm and relaxed throughout the session.

I’m not sore today thanks to my good friends at Working Class Acupuncture, and I’d like to give them a proper shout out.
First, Acupuncture rocks. If you’ve never been, I can’t recommend it enough. It is a no-​brainer if you’re experiencing Any pain Any where in your body: physical or mental.
Second, for acupuncture to work you have to go regularly — something most of us can’t afford to do. Enter Community Acupuncture. Their mission is to make acupuncture affordable for the middle class, and I can’t thank them enough.
Third, if you want the best possible community acupuncture experience, make your way to Working Class. I’ve only been to the Cully location, but it is my favorite acupuncture experience by far, private or community. I love the design of the space and have always found each of the 3 treatment rooms to be very clean and sublimely peaceful. I’ve been there many times now and have been treated by every practitioner except for the newest, Haley (who I look forward to seeing soon). Every experience has been positive and professional. …and So relaxing… :) I have my favorite practitioners, of course — but they’re all so well-​trained that it doesn’t feel necessary to advise heading toward a particular «acupunk.»
This was easily my greatest discovery of 2013 and I’m happy to finally spread the word. Affordable healthcare for all!

Stick a fork in me, I’m done!
Wait, no, stick a needle in me, I’m just getting started!
After I woke up recently with excruciating shooting back pains I went to urgent care and got prescribed medication, which provided instant relief but no long term health improvements. I was at a loss on how to move forward (or move at all! So painful!) so I surveyed my friends. After the 90^th person recommended acupuncture, I decided to face my fear of needles head on (get it?) and try some natural healing. I went to Working Class Acupuncture at the behest of a friend since I don’t have insurance or an endless stream of disposable income. Treatment sessions are sliding scale and start at $ 15 with a $ 10 one time paperwork processing fee. They had a sale on punch cards when I was there, which brought the treatment price down to $ 13 a session. I can barely get my favorite martini in town for that price (Hendrick’s gin, up, stirred, twist, if you would like to buy me one).
I called the clinic and was able to get an appointment the same day. Note: their online booking system is a breeze. I met with John, who went over my areas of concern and reassured me my needle fear was unfounded. He then led me into the community treatment space, which was a bizarre experience. The room is filled with 7 – 10 recliner chairs per treatment space (three total spaces though two of the rooms are directly attached and open). It was so surreal to walk into a room full of people passed out with needles sticking out of them while ambient music is playing. I was wondering if I was about to join a legal junkie culture. Spoiler alert: I was.
John was right, my first set of needles, though a bit unusual of a sensation, weren’t bad at all. The feeling while you’re getting treated can best be described as euphoric. You can feel the sensation running through you and then an hour or two later, you’re done. It’s addicting. I’m hooked. I have since gone to Working Class Acupuncture 10 times and barely notice I’m getting stabbed like a pin cushion. Though I have been treated by 5 acupuncturists so far, John is my Dr. Feelgood, he’s the one that makes me feel all right. I do recommend the rest of them as well though I think I’m attached to the holder of my first needle for starting me on this intoxicating journey.
I can proudly tell you that my back pain is completely gone. I have tested the strength of my healing by dancing in heels all night (poor choice, fun night) and can assure you I am fully recovered. I threw in a few more requests while I was being treated such as congestion (poof, gone), insomnia, (oh, sleep, hello!) and anxiety (I’m cool man, I’m cool) and was impressed to see almost immediate results for all of these ailments.
If I wasn’t a believer before, I am definitely a card-​carrying, needle-​toting, acupuncture enthusiast now. If you don’t mind being treated in a room with others (it’s ok, they’re all passed out), then I suggest you support Working Class Acupuncture. They’re doing all they can to support the community back and ensure there’s affordable treatments available for all Portlanders. Ok, NOW stick a needle in me, this review is done.

I’ve been receiving acupuncture for chronic pain and fatigue for the last eight months that I’ve been on long-​term disability. I was in Portland recently for medical evaluation and had a Couchsurfing host who lived one mile from the Cully WCA location. My goal was to continue my treatment since I was away from my Shoreline Community Acupuncture clinic. While I was away for five days I had acupuncture at a community clinic once a day, which was a very, very good thing. The first time I was here I saw Whitsitt and I had the deepest treatment in my whole life. I don’t know if it was the drive from Seattle to Portland that did it but I went deep. For a first treatment it should take about 90 minutes. I was out for 2 hours and 45 minutes before emerging from my acu-​bliss! I didn’t even know that was possible for me. The atmosphere here is super relaxing as there aren’t any windows once in the treatment room. There’s a sound machine or music here and I joked to myself that this is what I would imagine being in a womb all safe and protected (minus the needles, of course). They have blankets for those wanting them. Not all the recliners were comfortable but two out of three that were comfortable was good. The second day I was there John did the acupuncture. I should mention that it is really dark in there and two needles were left in me. I’m used to checking for needles left behind so after telling John about the first one, then finding the second one still in my right ear, just dropped it in the red container near me since he was with someone else already. The third day Adrianna did my acupuncture. Out of all the people I saw she was really present and very friendly. I’ve never seen a community acupuncture that’s this huge. Mine in WA State only has 12 chairs whereas this place has two separate rooms for group treatment. I really enjoyed the second room where it looked like clouds or an upside-​down bouncy house. Very comfortable, nice merchandise to help the WCA, good tea, friendly people, excellent acupuncturists, yummy treatments, and in general… Acu-​bliss! Thank you!