Capitol Hill’s leading affordable acupuncturist (slogan courtesy CHS) has upgraded. The Pin Cushion significantly expanded its services this January when the clinic moved from a renovated one-bedroom apartment on the corner of 12th Ave. to a comfortable clinic on E. Olive Way and Boylston. Now, The Pin Cushion offers two community acupuncture rooms and more space for a reception area and private consultations.

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“We nearly tripled our treatment capacity and now have an on-site receptionist. This way we can accommodate walk-ins and people can call in with questions or to schedule appointments,” said senior acupuncturist and owner Julie Johnson.

Johnson says Capitol Hill is the perfect home for an affordable acupuncture practice.

“I opened The Pin Cushion in Capitol Hill because I wanted to bring affordable health care to as many overworked, uninsured, and stressed out artists/students/worker bees as I could. This neighborhood is dense, diverse and in need of affordable acupuncture,” said Johnson. “Since The Pin Cushion opened in 2008 we have given over 2,500 acupuncture treatments to the people in the community.”

Stressed? Dealing with physical injuries? Suffering from allergies? Facing depression? Lack affordable health care on a tight budget?

Johnson says that all of those ailments – even the financial ones – can be met and treated with care.

“I find that most people’s health issues are the result of untreated stress. We simply don’t make room for enough restorative therapy,” said Johnson. “That is the beauty of acupuncture. It’s so relaxing and noninvasive. This is why our tagline is, don’t just do something, sit there!”

New patients consult with Johnson or fellow acupuncturist Susie Fanslow to determine what the therapy needs and goals are, and individual treatment plans are mapped out. Herbal formulas for further healing at home are available, too.

The acupuncturist strategically places pins and you “cook” in a quiet meditation room shared with other clients. Community acupuncture means that everyone remains fully clothed, with needles placed in the lower arms and legs of the body.

The Pin Cushion offers 45 minute to an hour therapy sessions on a sliding scale – $20 to $40 upfront – no insurance, no bills. They also offer free acupuncture sessions to new clients on the first Friday of every month.

“I decided to open an affordable community acupuncture clinic for several reasons. First of all, I could never reconcile practicing a medicine that I nor any of my friends could afford,” said Johnson. “Most acupuncturists see patients one-on-one and charge between $65- $100 a treatment, making it difficult and expensive for patients to commit to a recommended treatment course.”

“It is extremely frustrating to practice such a versatile healing modality that offers such effective relief and yet cannot be accessed by the average person because of the price barrier,” Johnson said.

You can schedule appointments online, or call The Pin Cushion at 206-324-3650.