Putting "gas in your tank"

Once upon a time, a long time ago, I used to stand at the gas pump every week getting gas for my car. As I stood there each week with the numbers flashing by, the same thought would pop into my head: “Oops! There goes my money for acupuncture!” “Next week,” I would tell myself, “next week, I’ll save up my money and get a treatment. I sure am tired and my back is hurting me like crazy, but no acupuncture this week.” 

Of course, next week would roll around again, I would be standing at the gas pump, filling up my car while my tank remained empty. How short-sighted was that? We’ve all heard to adage “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” Pain, insomnia, illness rob us of our ability to work, play, and enjoy life. But I’m sure you all can relate: kids always need new shoes, cars always need to be fixed, and $75 per week for acupuncture just gets put on the back burner. 

When I opened my practice, it was important to me that I adopt a business model that made it affordable for people to come in to get treated often enough that they A) got results B) didn’t break the bank getting them. Thus, the sliding scale. We trust you to choose what works for you on the sliding scale. Even at $45.00, it’s still at least $15.00 less expensive than what many acupuncturists charge in this area and $75.00 less than what the highest fees can be!

Now I'm faced with discontinuing our popular "Six Pack": six treatments for $100. I know that some folks will be upset because this will make it a little harder to afford acupuncture. I know that other folks have been using this as the mother-of-all-never-ending-Groupons: a nice little splurge for themselves and a great deal to boot. It's there, so why not?

To be honest, a lot of my colleagues think my business model is terrible because it allows people to "devalue" acupuncture. I can see their point. Psychologically, people feel that things they've paid a lot for are more valuable or effective. It's why we're willing to pay more for face creams at an upscale department store than those at the drug store. Are they that different? Probably not, but because they are valued more highly, they are perceived as superior. 

As a healer, I don't want to make it harder for people to come in and see us, but as a business person I'm struck by the reality that this should have been a limited time promotion. I ensure the sustainability of my business so that it will thrive and survive. I hope you can understand my reasons for this decision and continue to support my endeavor of affordable acupuncture. 

Caroline

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Left Hand Community Acupuncture is located in the heart of Old Town Lafayette 

at the corner of Simpson St. and Michigan Ave. LHCA offers an affordable sliding 

scale of $25-$55. We do not ask for proof of income. You decide what you feel is 

fair to you and fair to us. We treat patients in a relaxed, group setting that promotes 

an atmosphere of healing. Caroline Adams is a Licensed 

Acupuncturist and nationally board certified. Acupuncture can help with a wide range of health 

issues including pain, stress, insomnia, arthritis, allergies, depression, headaches, 

fatigue, cold and flu, digestive issues, PMS, infertility and many other health concerns.

http://lefthandacu.com 
720-248-8626