Brooklyn Open Acupuncture

Lovely people, affordable treatment, & a soothing atmosphere. Don’t let the open environment stop you. After 2 minutes you forget you’re not in a private room. I’m especially impressed with how respectful of noise the other patients are… a total rarity in Brooklyn.

I checked out BOA for the first time yesterday, and had a wonderful experience. The space is clean, welcoming, and peaceful. It was so calm and peaceful, I fell asleep with needles in my head.
The space is on the small side, and it’s in a group setting, but it didn’t negatively impact my experience at all. This is a viable option for someone on a budget or without health insurance. Or anyone looking for great acupuncture in Fort Greene.

It’s my first time doing acupuncture in a long time. My acupuncturist and I met briefly for a consultation then we moved into an open room with the option of either a comfortable, reclining chair or a traditional table. The acupuncture is light and feels lighter than a mosquitoes’ bite. But the real perk of the experience I had was the heightened meditative state that I embodied… I recommend it just for that

Went for my first acupuncture session today at Brooklyn Open Acupuncture and it was an awesome experience. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but was thoroughly satisfied with the process/​procedure, the space, and the service I received there.
On your first appointment they have you fill out forms to get a picture of your medical history as well as determine any issues you’d like to address during your session. There’s definitely a yoga-​studio feel and I felt compelled to whisper for some reason when I was speaking to the woman at the front desk (She had the whisper thing down to a science too, speaking at her normal volume but it was quiet enough to not compromise the tranquil energy of the space).
They had tea and water for you in the waiting area if you wanted it which I thought was a great touch (details yo, details). Once your designated acupuncturist is notified, they take you into a little room to speak with you briefly about any issues, etc.
My acupuncturist was Jules. She was very present and attentive but not making it seem like a doctor’s visit. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about the practice as well as the body. She made entering the unknown a warm and comfortable experience.
After that, it was off to the races. I imagined looking like Pinhead from Hellraiser during the session but it was far less dramatic. I laid down, face-​first on a massage table and she begin inserting the needles. It was painless! Jules was very in tune as to where I was, asking me as she went along whether or not I was experiencing any discomfort to which I let her know that I did not.
Shortly thereafter, I found myself drifting off. I was in and out throughout and Jules checked on me on several occasions even offering to cover me up with a sheet/​blanket thingy when she thought I may have been cold.
Felt very relaxed and at ease afterwards. While I was waiting to begin, I saw a couple people go and sit on the benches after their sessions. Think I’ll try that next time rather then rushing immediately back out into the world afterwards.
Already scheduled my next appointment and I would encourage any Unilocalers who are seeking to invest in their health and wellness to do the same. Awesome experience from beginning to end! Thank you Jules!

I love this place, and I’m so glad it exists! It’s helped me with a few health issues already. The practitioners are so helpful, and the volunteer staff is always nice, too. It’s a sliding scale fee — when you walk in, they ask you how much you want to pay, no other questions asked. They save money on having an open room format where different stations are set up (either bed or reclining chair) for treatment, instead of people having individual rooms to themselves. As long as you’re OK with somebody being next to you, you’ll be fine. Count on hour-​long appointments, and book 2 – 3 weeks ahead of time. Best results several times a week. Right by the C train Lafayette stop. 2^nd Floor, up a flight of stairs.

After years of trying everything ethical known to man to treat my insomnia my doctor, (a highly respected M.D.) looked my straight in the eye and said «You need acupuncture.» My problem is that I am sick and live on disability. Here in Manhattan an individual session can run from $ 80 to $ 150! You can get a discount if you are in a room at the same time as other people, which is very common, but even they start at $ 40 ! Brooklyn Open has a sliding scale that makes it possible for me to go more than once a week. It has a cozy, little warm reception room and then a larger back room for the treatment of multiple clients simultaneously, and of course the staff is super friendly. I have been to a number of acupuncturists and this is the first place that right up front asked me if I preferred being treated on my stomach or back. Many place have only one or the other. This vastly opens the treatment options for the practitioner. I live in downtown Manhattan and it is a short hop on the N train (not the R). It’s a confusing little neighborhood and I had some trouble finding it but on the way home I found it is a very short walk to the Hanson Street entrance/​exit from the Atlantic/Barclay’s station. Yes, I can hear many of you saying «But I am afraid of needles!» The needles used are much. much thinner than a sowing needle and many times you don’t feel it going in at all. Rarely does it actually hurt, and when it does it is a ‘One’ on the «One to Ten pain scale» used in many ER’s. The amount of symptoms acupuncture can help with is seemingly endless. So if you have ever considered it now is the time to try. On your first visit there is a $ 10 evaluation charge. This is an industry standard to be expected but most places charge from $ 20 to $ 50. Your first visit must be scheduled on the phone but after that you can easily do it online. But if you can, do as I did, and book as many as you can in advance because last minute or short notice requests are difficult to come by.

I love the ethos and vibe of this business.
Professionals who are passionate about their field and wish to share it with the world, for an affordable amount.
What could be better!
And they encourage clients to become regular volunteers, in exchange for treatment! That’s what’s better!
The treatment occurs in an open environment. So one shares the room with other clients. But once you get started you really do not notice.
At your first visit an extra $ 10 is paid for the xtra time. This is the one time you go in a private room and share your concerns and what you wish to gain from acupuncture.
Also, each practitioner works a specific time slot. So if you want to eperience the same person you must specify this when booking an appointment.

I started going to Brooklyn Open Acupuncture about a month ago and I really like this place so far. I had never had an acupuncture treatment before so I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been seeing Rebecca for the past few weeks; she made me feel really comfortable and like I was in good hands during our initial intake appointment. (The first appointment is an additional cost because they sit down with you and talk about symptoms, treatment, etc.) I really appreciated that she let me know what acupuncture could and could not do, and helped me to manage my expectations. I’m a grad student and my budget is a bit tight (especially over the summer months) so the sliding scale is super helpful (I believe that you can also volunteer at the front desk for 4 hrs to cover the cost of a session). My only concern is that I’d like more one on one time so that the acupuncturist can explain the treatment and acu-​points a bit better but in a shared space where you don’t want to interrupt others it’s a little hard to chat.

you get what you pay for…
i went in thinking i would get a good session but cheaper (because of their sliding scale). however, i had acupuncture points based on HOW MUCH i paid. the more i paid, the more needles/​treatment. its frustrating, because i don’t have the funds to pay for the treatment i need.
how do i know and it isn’t me imagining this? well, i paid $_​_​and the acupuncturist alternated a side. (ie-​left side of stomach/​pelvis and nothing on my right). she would place a needle on 1 side when usually it is supposed to be done symmetrically.
Never returning.

Acupuncture has improved my quality of life dramatically! I’ve been getting acupuncture at BOA for several years now and I’ve never met a practitioner that I didn’t like. They are ALL amazing.
I’m very grateful that they have made acupuncture accessible to my community.

Just to update because Timothy left in the summer…
I’ve been seeing Liz twice a week since July 2013 — and occasionally someone else on the staff if she’s out — and I couldn’t be happier. She is incredibly intuitive, kind, always in good humor, and manages to fix everything! Rebecca is great for herbs as well. Whatever — see anyone there. You’ll feel better instantly. I promise.

I love it here!!! :) I’ve been reluctant to write this review because it’s now so popular! I’ve been at least ten times and always with Jenny, who’s the best!!! (but haven’t tried the others who I hear are great also).
I’ve gone with all different types of stuff: mostly nyc stress but some fitness instructor issues of overuse, random pains, etc.
I always feel better after I go. I enjoy the acupuncture, the personal attention, and though I never knew this before, apparently your body naturally wakes itself up from its session when you’re done, which in my case tends to take longer than say half hour or alotted times at other places, so this is a benefit for me: P
In terms of aesthetics, the place is not as pretty as Olo, yes I love Matthew there too! ;) But that doesn’t take away from the experience, they have white noise machines, soft music playing in the background, if you get cold they cover you with these li’l foil blankies for lack of a better term ;)
Basically, I feel extremely cared for here, I’ve received extremely professional and effective acupuncture, and the sliding scale makes it easier to come in more often, which turns out is when I can feel more consistent results (duh :P)
I love Brooklyn Open Acupuncture! They are really doing a great service! Thank you!!! :)

I LOVE this place. What a wonderful idea — opening up acupuncture to those of us who may not be able to afford it otherwise. It can be so expensive because most insurance companies don’t cover «alternative medicine». Such bull!
I’ve gone 3 times so far, and I must say that I’m very impressed. Very calming atmosphere. Once you get inside, you pay your fee (sliding scale $ 15-​$ 40) at the receptionist desk, and head into the open space to find a recliner or a bed. I find the recliners to be more comfortable. Then your practioner comes over and asks you where you have pain. Then she will place needles in the appropriate spots. You get to decide how long you want your experience to be, although most people seem to feel «done» after about an hour. I prefer working with Elizabeth, although I am willing to try someone new at some point. I had Rocio once, but I think maybe our energies didn’t click because my needles didn’t sit well and I was uncomfortable. She’s very sweet though so I’d like to try her again.
Booking is very easy as well. You just set up an online account and book directly through the website. You click a time frame that best suits you and get a conformation email as a reminder.
The location is easy to get to as well. I live in Queens so I just transfer to the G which is right down the street from BOA. The C is nearby, and it’s close enough to Barclays for all of the other trains. Lots of good food nearby as well. They recommend that you come to your appointment not starving, but not necessarily stuffed. Needles might make some people uneasy so having too much food in your belly is not a good idea. Also, stay hydrated! They have water for you there but in glasses so you probably can’t bring that into the room with you.
Enjoy!

Amazing. Just go. Effective. Affordable. True healing experience. Gorgeous environment, master practitioners, convenient.

Once upon a time, I went to Olo Acupuncture in order to deal with the stress of law school and a knee injury I suffered playing softball. I loved going to Olo since it is at a convenient location and the sessions were very helpful. I even had a crush on the acupuncturist, Yuka. However, each session cost $ 40. It was worth every penny, but I simply couldn’t afford it.
I searched Unilocal and Google for a more affordable option. I took three factors into consideration-​price, proximity to the subway, and customer reviews. After a meticulous search, I decided to try out Brooklyn Open Acupuncture. The building is a nice loft. I don’t think it has an elevator (this would’ve been an issue in August when I suffered the knee injury and could barely walk up stairs). The co-​tenant of the building is Occupy Wall Street. When I entered, I was greeted by this hipster-​looking girl (Liz). I filled out a bunch of medical forms. After I used the bathroom, I got ready for the session.
I reclined in the chair. Liz stuck needles in my feet, legs, arms, ears, and upper temple (I don’t remember Yuka sticking needles there). The needles hurt like hell. However, they were effective. I took a 45 minute nap. When I was done, Liz asked if the session was helpful. I replied, «yes.» This place clearly isn’t Olo Acupuncture, but it meets my minimum standards. Let me use a simple analogy: Olo is Columbia, Brooklyn Acupuncture is City College. The tuition at Columbia is higher, but you get a better education than City College.
Liz was the only person working there. Brooklyn Open Acupuncture is looking for volunteers to work as receptionists. In exchange for working a 4 hour shift, you get 2 free sessions. If I have free time during the Spring 2013 semester, I’m definitely going to look into this.

I’ve been seeing Liz, Rebecca, and Timothy since they opened BOA for a variety of reasons, stress reduction, to help with chronic repetitive strain, various vauge heath issues, etc. Most of my other acupuncture work has been done at schools or with private practitioners and the practioners at BOA are among the best I have found. As a massage therapist, I recommend the clinic to many of my own patients who I think I would benefit from acupuncture. They are all amazing at what they do in different ways that complement each other in a way that there’s really something for everyone at that clinic. They really listen and care and are literally GENIUS ANGELS for working at the breakneck speed they do in the clinic and with the sliding scale people should run, not walk there.

I was lucky to find this spot being new to Brooklyn! I have been to other community acupuncture spaces, many schools and practitioners and found this clinic to be very professional and accommodating. I was impressed! I believe in health care professionals getting their full rate but am very thankful for places like this. It is such a blessing. I worked with Elizabeth, she was very caring, competent and her technique was wonderful and effective. She put me at ease and gave me an excellent treatment.

I’ve been looking for an affordable acupuncture option for years. I decided to try community acupuncture and have not regretted. Brooklyn Open Acupuncture has a wonderful space. It is a large open room, but the chairs/​beds are placed in a way that you are unaware of most of the other people there. Despite the other clients, it still feels private and confidential. Rebecca and Liz are both wonderful. Over the past few months, my medical concerns have gotten better. I also get migraine’s, and an acupuncture treatment helps resolve them faster than anything else I’ve tried.

This is community acupuncture at it’s finest! Rebecca and Liz (the two acupuncturists) are both amazing. They create a calm and welcoming environment that feels like an escape from the craziness of the city. They really listen to what you need and treat you accordingly. With a sliding scale fee from $ 15 – 40 it’s completely affordable, and the acupuncture really works for all that’s ailing you :) I can’t say enough great things about this place. Just go and see for yourself!

So relaxing and Rebecca is a really skilled practitioner. It’s so important to be able to get acupuncture regularly and this place is really affordable and still very high quality.
I haven’t received herbs from them, but I know others who have and they also seemed great.
This is a very supportive acupuncture center, I recommend it highly.