Labor Day Weekend 2019 News

Andrew Cheever substitutes on Saturday, Aug. 31

Andrew Cheever sits in a chair and smiles. He is a white man with short brown hair and a trim brown beard.
Andrew Cheever, LicAc

Licensed Acupuncturist Andrew Cheever usually practices at Open Space Community Acupuncture in Somerville, MA – another POCA clinic – and also treats problem substance use at Fenway Community Health Center’s acupuncture program.

On Saturday, August 31, Andrew offers appointments at Boston Acupuncture Project from 10am-2pm. You can book online with Andrew by clicking here, or read more about Andrew on BAP’s website or on OSCA’s staff page.

Free Sample Treatments at Roslindale Farmers Market

Oren “Ren” Pilinger, LicAc, offers free sample treatments at nearby Roslindale Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 9am-1pm as Boston Acupuncture Project visits the Market for one last time in summer 2019. This event is also on Facebook – click here to view it and invite your friends.

Clinic Closed Monday, September 2, 2019

Boston Acupuncture Project’s Hyde Park clinic closes for Labor Day on Monday, September 2, 2019 and re-opens Tuesday, September 3 to resume regular hours. Click here to make an appointment.

Farmers Market Visits

Every month this summer, Boston Acupuncture Project offers free sample acupuncture at a local farmer’s market. Here’s the travel schedule:

May Free Day and membership drive

MAY DAY FREE DAY WEdnesday, May 1, from 2-6pm at Boston Acupuncture Project, 74 Fairmount Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136

May Day Free Day

Come celebrate May Day and kick off the May membership drive for the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA) with a FREE acupuncture treatment on Wednesday, May 1, from 2:00-6:00pm. Our May Day Free Day event is on our website (click here) and also on facebook (click here).

Ren treats Vitalis at BAP's kickoff event at 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness in Dorchester, MA
free treatment at BAP’s kickoff event in July 2017, hosted by 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness

Also known as International Workers Day, May Day is acknowledged worldwide as a commemoration of the social and economic achievements of the international labor movement. POCA Community Acupuncture clinics like Boston Acupuncture Project are social businesses dedicated to affordable healthcare.

Whether or not you have ever been to Boston Acupuncture Project, you can click here to reserve your May Day free treatment online or walk in from 2:00-6:00pm on Wednesday, May 1st, at 74 Fairmount Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136.

UPDATE, 4/30/19: it is likely that no more appointments are available when you click the link. You can still stop by the day of, to see if we can squeeze you in – just in case someone does not show up to claim their spot. But we can’t guarantee this will happen. Thank you for your interest and understanding!

Walk-ins are always welcome as long as there is space – just wait for someone to greet you before going in past the waiting area.

Remember that acupuncture appointments through the end of May are 25% off for all POCA members. Find out more and join POCA at pocacoop.com/join-page

What’s POCA?

The People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA) is a multi-stakeholder cooperative working to make acupuncture available to as many people as possible. POCA members are acupuncturists, clinics, and – the largest membership group – patients/community members!

POCA members believe everybody should have access to the many benefits of community acupuncture. For that to happen, we need more acuPUNCturists (a.k.a. ‘punks’) in more places! That means a community acupuncture clinic in every town, everywhere.

green logo with recliner and words POCA People's Organization of Community Acupuncture

POCA works toward this goal by funding micro-loans for new clinics, running a fantastic, affordable community acupuncture school called POCA Tech, and supporting volunteers in many other projects promoting access to affordable group acupuncture.

Strength in Numbers

Boston Acupuncture Project, a clinic member of POCA, regularly provides acupuncture treatment for everybody on a sliding scale of $20-$40. With over 150 Community Acupuncture clinics across North America, thousands of individuals are expected to receive free services on May 1st.

In May, Boston Acupuncture Project participates in POCA’s Membership Drive. We wish everybody, everywhere who had an ache or a pain had a local acupuncture clinic to turn to, so we’re making that happen – and you can join us. This year’s theme is “More Punks in More Places”.

“POCA Tech students come from all over the country to study liberation acupuncture in Portland, Oregon” – Janis Aura, photo from 2018

A POCA membership is an opportunity for you to help others receive care, while also benefiting yourself. By paying once-a-year dues on a sliding scale from $25-$100, you directly support the creation of new community acupuncture clinics, and the graduation of more acu-punks from POCA Tech, so more people can get more acupuncture.

Just like our acupuncture treatments, POCA membership is the same no matter what you pay on the $25-$100 sliding scale. We appreciate any contribution you can make. To sign up for a membership go to: https://www.pocacoop.com/join-page

Membership Perks

A POCA membership can pay for itself in a few treatments, because perks include a free treatment on your birthday, 3 “free first treatment” coupons to share with loved ones, and having all new patient paperwork fees waived at any POCA Clinic (click for a map)!

Our new patient paperwork fee of $10 is always waived for all POCA members, but in May 2019, POCA members get 25% off all month long. That means you can pay just $15 for any acupuncture visit when you show your POCA membership card.

As POCA members we are creating jobs, creating community, and creating a healthier future for everyone. We hope you will join us. If you have any questions please check out POCA’s mission and vision at https://www.pocacoop.com/our-mission-and-vision, or ask your acupuncturist how much POCA means to them!

Solidarity with Stop & Shop workers on strike

image of people holding signs edited from Mario Lopez on Pexels to say Free Acupuncture for Striking Stop & Shop workers at Boston Acupuncture Project 617-506-3868 74 Fairmount Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136 through May 1, 2019 or til the strike ends if that's sooner.

UPDATE April 21, 2019: congrats to UCFW workers on a tentative contract agreement with Stop & Shop! Our offer (details below) is extended one week, through April 28, 2019.


Boston Acupuncture Project offers free acupuncture treatments to all Stop & Shop workers currently on strike in our community and across New England. Workers on strike are welcome to up to 3 free treatments per week through May 1, 2019 (or until the strike ends, if that’s sooner)! Just show your Stop & Shop name badge or UFCW membership card.

While we can’t do much to help with the uncertainty of being on strike, we want to offer a concrete opportunity for stress relief (plus treatment for anxiety, trauma, pain, and many other health concerns) at a very stressful time!

If you or someone you know is a Stop & Shop worker on strike, just make an appointment by clicking here or stop by when we’re open.

For an overview of what’s going on, you can read this article about the Stop & Shop strike from Uprise RI (click to open).

Some ways to support Stop & Shop workers on strike:
1. do not shop at Stop & Shop grocery stores while the strike is happening
2. bring water and food to striking workers on the picket line at your local Stop & Shop
3. sign this petition to tell Stop & Shop to listen to worker demands: bit.ly/supportSSworkers
4. give to the fund for striking Stop & Shop workers in need: https://www.gofundme.com/supportstopandshopworkers

Give us a hand

focus on peoples hands clapping at a meeting

Have you had a good experience at Boston Acupuncture Project? Would you like to help more people find out about Boston Acupuncture Project, and the benefits of acupuncture? One of the best ways to spread the word – and help us out – is to review BAP online!

When you sit down to write a review, here are some questions you can think about:

  • What got you to try acupuncture at Boston Acupuncture Project?
  • How did you feel when you started coming to acupuncture?
  • How did you feel after getting a few treatments?
  • What was the main benefit you experienced from getting acupuncture at Boston Acupuncture Project?
  • Who do you think should come here to get acupuncture?
  • What would you say to someone who is hesitating about coming to Boston Acupuncture Project?

Another way you can think about writing a review is:

“I started getting acupuncture because [your health concern]. After [a number of] treatments, [here is what changed.]”

For example, you might name an activity that you stopped doing but could start again after getting acupuncture, like a hobby. You can also talk about more basic things that acupuncture helps you with, like taking a walk without pain, or sleeping through the night.

Most people come here because someone in their life told them to come get acupuncture with us. But an online review is the next best thing. You can review us anonymously on our own form, or find Boston Acupuncture Project on any of the following sites:
Thumbtack
NextDoor
Yelp
Facebook
Google <— our preference!

Thanks for reading and thinking about writing a good review!

(If you did not have a good experience here, please talk to us – or leave anonymous feedback by clicking here.)

2-for-1 February special

large heart over happy people with text: 2-for-1 special when you bring a friend Feb. 14-24, 2019. More details at bostonacupunctureproject.org

When you make 2 appointments for you and a friend, right next to each other, on the same day, between Feb. 14 and Feb. 24, 2019, and pay for those treatments in the clinic, you will get 2 treatments for the price of 1.

2 brand new patients: each pay $15, or $30 together
2 returning patients: each pay $10, or $20 together
1 new and 1 returning: $15 + $10 = $25 together

Sorry, this special cannot be combined with any other offers, including “5 for $85” packages.

How to use this special:
1. make 2 appointments for the same day*, right next to each other, for 2 different people
2. come in for your appointments on time (or 10 minutes early if you’ve never been here before)
3. say “we’re here for the 2-for-1 special!”
4. get your treatment
5. pay in the clinic by cash or card

*This special applies to the following dates:
Thursday, Feb. 14
Saturday, Feb. 16
Tuesday, Feb. 19
Wednesday, Feb. 20
Thursday, Feb. 21
Saturday, Feb. 23

We are closed Fridays, Sundays, and on Monday, Feb. 18.

Click here to make an appointment online!

Happy new year! Special offers January 2019

Often acupuncture works best when you get a lot of treatments in a short period of time. Usually we recommend the minimum number of treatments that we think you will need, based on clinical experience – but sometimes even that amount of treatments seems like a LOT.

For example, quitting smoking – a popular new year’s resolution – often works best with acupuncture when you can come in several times every week for a few weeks!

So, in order to help support your new year’s resolutions, we’re offering a special all month of Unlimited Acupuncture Treatments. This package is good for 30 days from the date of purchase. Feel free to ask after your first treatment if this option could be right for you. Fine print is below!

Also check out Newbie Tuesdays – click here for more details! Brand new visitors get a free first treatment on Tuesday mornings at Boston Acupuncture Project, 9:00am-1:00pm, every Tuesday in January 2019.

You can make an appointment online by clicking here. Tell your friends, loved ones, anyone you know who might be able to use these specials! Best wishes for a healthy, happy new year.

Background shows someone smiling in a recliner. Text reads: Happy 2019! Unlimited month of acupuncture treatments for $190 at Boston Acupuncture Project, 74 Fairmount Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02137. 617-506-3868. Book online anytime: bostonacupunctureproject.org
Available in the clinic – please sign for and purchase in person.
Terms and conditions:
– one month unlimited means one treatment per day for every day during a 30 day time period that Boston Acupuncture Project’s Hyde Park clinic is open
– visits are not transferable and may only be used by the patient purchasing and signing the agreement
– the unlimited period is consecutive and cannot be broken up or paused and re-started
– there is no guaranteed number of visits during the unlimited period
– any refunds will be pro-rated at the rate of $10 per visit used
– if the clinic is closed unexpectedly for any reason, your end date will be extended to account for the missing day(s)
– this special may not be combined with any other offer or promotion.

Gift certificates available

Yes, we get the message – you want to give your loved ones the gift of an acupuncture treatment! We now have gift certificates available for easy purchase online. Anything you see in the Boston Acupuncture Project online store that says Gift, and any Special Offer Package, will have a gift certificate you can print out. You can also scroll down here to see our special packages.

Image: green and white cloth behind a paper that says: Boston Acupuncture Project, 74 Fairmount Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136. 617-506-3868. GIFT CERTIFICATE. To: blank space From: blank space The bearer of this certificate is entitled to: blank space Never expires! Easy online scheduling at BostonAcupunctureProject.org


If you need us to give you a physical gift certificate, just stop by when we’re open. This week, we are here Thursday, Dec. 20, 9:00am-2:00pm and Saturday, Dec. 22, 10:00am-3:00pm. Happy holidays!

December 10: International Human Rights Day Fundraiser for City Life/Vida Urbana

This year, on International Human Rights Day, POCA clinics across North America are fundraising for local groups fighting for human rights in a variety of different ways.

Boston Acupuncture Project pledges 10% of our total income on Monday, December 10, 2018 to City Life/Vida Urbana. Come in and get an acupuncture treatment to help us make a significant donation to this organization doing important work in Massachusetts! (Click here to make your appointment now.)

City Life/Vida Urbana is a grassroots community organization committed to fighting for racial, social, and economic justice and gender equality by building working class power through direct action, coalition building, education and advocacy. Through organizing poor and working class people of diverse races and nationalities, City Life/Vida Urbana promotes individual empowerment, develops community leaders, and builds collective power to effect systemic change and transform society.

For over 45 years, City Life/Vida Urbana has organized communities against the forces that fuel displacement in our city. Read more on their website: http://www.clvu.org

Support housing justice while getting acupuncture by coming in on Monday, December 10. We encourage appointments, but walk-ins are very welcome, schedule permitting. Book online at https://bostonacupunctureproject.org/schedule/ or call us to claim your spot!

Grand Opening a Grand Success

Hyde Park warmly welcomed Boston Acupuncture Project to 74 Fairmount Avenue with a bustling Grand Opening Free Day on Small Business Saturday, November 24, 2018. Neighbors, friends, and family enjoyed snacks, socializing, and tours of the space in addition to free sample acupuncture treatments. 

Tj greets people coming to the Grand Opening.
happy visitor relaxing during a treatment

Directors Shoba Narayana and Angie Wolfrum greeted visitors and organized the waiting list while Director LaTeisha “Tj” Johnson – expecting her Masters in Acupuncture degree in May of 2019 – helped pull needles from guests after their free treatments. Licensed acupuncturists Oren “Ren” Pilinger (executive director of Boston Acupuncture Project) and Steve Kingsbury (Board of Directors chair) gave 39 free sample acupuncture treatments in just under 4 hours. 

Ren Pilinger and Chris Rassias smile at the camera as Chris cuts the cake
Ren Pilinger with Christopher Rassias of the Fairmount Grille in Hyde Park

When it came time to cut the cake, organizers realized there was no knife. Mrs. Pilinger, visiting from Florida on the occasion of the Grand Opening, went across the street and asked for a knife from Fairmount Grille. Owner Christopher Rassias lent a knife along with his skills and expertise to cut the cake.

Tj and Ren cut the ribbon, held by Steve and Shoba, to signal the official opening of the Boston Acupuncture Project’s first clinic. This is the first community acupuncture clinic in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston. Oren “Ren” Pilinger is seeing clients 5 days per week including Saturdays. Walk-ins are welcome and appointments are encouraged! Book online anytime at: https://bostonacupunctureproject.org/schedule/

Tj and Ren laugh as they hold scissors and cut ribbon
Tj and Ren cut the ribbon in front of Boston Acupuncture Project, 74 Fairmount Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136
BAP, Inc. Directors (left to right) Steve Kingsbury, Shoba Narayana, LaTeisha “Tj” Johnson, and Angie Wolfrum with executive director Oren “Ren” Pilinger in front of the new clinic in Hyde Park, MA on Nov. 24, 2018
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