Sarasota Community Acupuncture Supports WSLR

Sarasota Community Acupuncture celebrated its first anniversary on Saturday, August 29, with an open house at their Towles Court practice, located at 200 South Washington Boulevard, Suite 1. The all-day celebration featured entertainment from local artists, food and refreshments, teas from Deja Brew, and acupuncture treatments. In gratitude for the support of their community, practitioners Gene Burgess, Melonie Burgess and Nate Mohler donated all proceeds from the day’s treatments to WSLR 96.5, Sarasota’s community-supported local radio station.

Guests at the event enjoyed acupuncture in a community setting, sitting in a quiet, soothing room with several recliners clustered in small groups. While most American acupuncturists treat patients on tables in individual cubicles, Sarasota Community Acupuncture feels the community setting has many benefits. “It’s easy for friends and family members to come in for treatment together,” says co-owner Gene Burgess, A.P. “Many patients find it comforting, and a collective energetic field becomes established which actually makes individual treatments more powerful.”
The clinic also sets itself apart with a unique sliding scale, reflective of the Asian method of practice. Most American acupuncturists see only one patient per hour, and charge $65 to $125 per treatment. The Sarasota Community Acupuncture philosophy is that acupuncture needs to be consistent, not expensive, to be effective. “The only way we can make acupuncture affordable and still make a living ourselves is to streamline our treatments and see multiple patients in an hour,” says co-owner Melonie Burgess, A.P. “This is the way acupuncture is practiced traditionally in Asia -- many patients per hour and very little talking.”

Saturday’s anniversary celebration at Sarasota Community Acupuncture embodied the spirit of community that makes this clinic unique, with local music, food, and support of WSLR 96.5. “We believe acupuncture can really make a difference in people's lives-it is really an untapped resource for many,” says Burgess. “It just needs to be more available and affordable and that is why we are here.”

The clients of Sarasota Community Acupuncture couldn’t be more satisfied. “The acupuncture I have been receiving has improved my sleep, digestion, energy and stamina,” says one client. “I feel so much better.” Says another regular customer, “(Sarasota Community Acupuncture) makes it possible for myself and others to afford acupuncture. Coming here makes a big difference with my health and wellbeing. What a difference in my life.”

About Sarasota Community Acupuncture: Sarasota Community Acupuncture is a famly practice committed to cultivating healthwith the practitioner and the patient in partnership. The mission of SCA is to provide the community with high quality and affordable acupuncture, and to create a treatment space that connects people and builds community. For more information, please visit www.sarasotacommunityacupuncture.com.