Brooklyn Acupuncture Project

Ok… update!
After the weekend I had a chance to regroup and decided to call Brooklyn Acupuncture to see if I could speak to a manager or owner.
Well, I am happy to report that I just hung up the phone with the lovely, caring and very human Sarah, who is the owner.
She was eager to hear what had happened and really listened. She asked what she could do to make this right and (as you can guess) I asked for a refund of the cancellation fee. She agreed and for that I am very grateful.
Thank you Sarah. This human being really appreciates it and you.

I literally just walked out of this place in tears. I made an appointment for a 1 hour massage. I was SO happy to finally (as a disabled person) find a place near-​ish my place where I could actually afford a massage based on the slide scale. So, I walk in… start filling out paperwork and the girl at the desk says, «you know it’s $ 75 for the hour and a $ 15 membership fee?» I immediately burst into tears. I haven’t had a massage in 2 years as I am terrified of someone hurting me (which has happened). Oh and to top it off… I could have a half hour massage for $ 40 but would still have to pay the $ 15. Insult and injury now. I felt there is no way I’m getting a massage here… the vibe has been ruined by pettiness. So I say, I’ll just go and she says…“There’s a $ 37 cancellation fee.” By that time I couldn’t breathe so I just said charge my card… it’s my fault (secretly I was thinking… this is SO NOT OK). It is NOT blatantly obvious that the massage is not on a slide scale. I limped out $ 37 poorer (and I’m on a fixed income… I could throw up).

I have been receiving work from Serra at Brooklyn Acupuncture Project. It’s been a profound experience. She’s of the highest caliber. As both a patient and a practitioner, I highly suggest Serra and Brooklyn Acupuncture Project. JD

After a friend recommended BAP, I decided to try it. I’d never done acupuncture before and I have to say that going into it my expectations were low, but Kidada Fields is amazing! I felt like she was able to really listen beyond what I was saying, and within two days I felt much better, in a variety of ways. I have since gone back and definitely plan on making it a regular thing. Highly, highly recommend!

Great experience. The fact that the pay is based off of income and honors policy is enough to show the care and purpose of the business. Making an appointment online was so easy, as there are so many time slots and acupuncturist. I made my appointment a few hours before I went in. No wait. The acupuncturist was so kind and genuine. I felt very safe and she answered any questions I had. I had an intense pain in my neck when I arrived and it was actually gone when I left. I will be going again.

Great place for a relaxing acupuncture session for a great price. The price is based on an income honesty policy. I’ve been twice so far and had a great experience both times.
The views are great. The place is clean. The therapist are experienced, qualified, and friendly. I will be returning for further treatments in the future.

If you’re late (by 10 min. or more), they turn you away and charge you a $ 20 fee — no exceptions.
I had an appointment here, for which I left work 30 minutes early, but I was STILL late because the subways were tied up and I was stuck underground for 1 hr. 15 minutes waiting for my train to travel the whole whopping 5 stops from my office to the BAP office. The lights on the train kept turning on and off, and there were two high school kids joking about the apocalypse.
The people here were not even remotely understanding about it, nor was the explanation for their late policy very convincing. (Apparently I’m in the same boat as Laquisha V., Sarina D., and Monica R. on this!)
Conventional doctor’s and dentist’s offices often charge a $ 20 fee for no-​shows and last-​minute cancellations (which is quite understandable), but lateness is something they work WITH patients around because they know the patients need care, and they understand the role of compromise in scheduling for medical services. They know that there will be some fluidity in each day’s schedule, they understand that daily life has its ins and outs, and they also understand that they can ultimately sort it all out. If this person comes in early and that person comes in late then hey, just switch the order of the appointments and you’re back on track again. (When you’re working in 15-​minute increments like they are, it seems like this switch would be easier rather than harder?)
You’ll notice they commented to a previous Unilocaler that you are «affecting others’ experience» if you arrive late, which is true, but I DON’T know why these people think turning someone away and charging them $ 20 for being late is the ONLY way of ensuring that things run smoothly throughout the day. I don’t know why they refuse to incorporate even a little bit of flexibility into their scheduling process and make an attempt to work WITH patients to make sure as many people as possible get the care they need, within reasonable limits.
They sent me the loveliest e-​mail too, which included this line to justify their policy: «we work as a whole here, practitioners, patients, and receptionists alike; so we appreciate your understanding and collaboration in this project.» Are they serious? To use holism to justify a policy like this simply detracts from their credibility. Do they think we won’t notice how gimmicky it sounds because it’s also a subtle appeal to guilt, and they think it’ll have us feeling so guilty that we won’t realize there are probably other effective ways of meeting their monetary demands as well as client-​service goals? (Is there a latin term for this strategy of persuasion, of appealing to guilt? I bet there is!)
There are other places in the city that offer acupuncture on a sliding scale… I suggest doing additional research and making an informed decision therein. (I certainly am not coming back here, so I know I will be.) What’s unfortunate is that there are probably some good practitioners working here, who are not responsible for the culture of this establishment.

I can’t recommend them enough. I’m a huge fan of community acupuncture and this place is also that is great with them model. They make a typically expensive intervention accessible to more people. I’ve gone here for several issues, including menstrual problems, bloating, colds, asthma, and chronic pain. They’ve been a huge help. Even though it is a community treatment location, you get lots of individualized help.

Beware– if you are running even 10minutes late they can choose to charge you $ 20. This just happened to me, in my case because my dog literally barfed on my shoes right before I had to walk out of the door and I had to clean them! I know it is their policy but it felt really harsh. I’m in a lot of pain and was looking forward to seeing a caring practitioner. The «sorry this is policy» response I received via the phone made me feel like I was just a number. I don’t have much money which was why I was coming to this clinic that offers a sliding scale. I don’t think I’ll be able to visit BAP after this.

I really enjoy going to Brooklyn acupuncture project. The atmosphere is very pleasant, the place is clean and cozy and the music that they play is relaxing. I have seen Sarah and Jennifer and I liked them both; I felt much better after just two visits.

I had the best experience yesterday with Melissa Little. It was my first time getting acupuncture and she made me feel at ease. She listened and was very helpful, I could tell she definitely wanted to help get to the root of my problem. She was very gentle, I didn’t even feel the needles and I felt immediate relief. The clinic is very relaxing, a zen like feel. I can’t wait for my next appointment!

I have been to this business twice.
Pros:
— I was well cared for by the acupuncturist I saw.
— I enjoyed the bright and airy atmosphere.
Cons:
— As with others, I had a bad experience with the receptionist.
On my first visit, I entered and the receptionist from chatting with a friend. I admittedly was *six* minutes late, and she berated me in front of other people. When I explained that I had difficulty finding the place, she rolled her eyes.
On my second visit, I was called «Hon» about twenty times.
Just so unprofessional for a healthcare environment.
To the management:
I will so appreciate it if you will address these concerns.
We are coming to you for healing. Some of us are not well or physically/​emotionally «normal». We need to be treated with kindness and compassion from start to finish, not just on the table.
While I agree that structure and policy need to be adhered to for a successful business, your business is caring for people and the first person we see should hold this as a number one priority.
Thanks so much! I hope you will address and I will come back.

I am so saddened that I wasn’t able to have the same positive experience that so many others have had here, and I hardly ever write negative reviews.
From the moment I walked in the door, the place smelled clean and looked beautiful, but the receptionist was very cold to me off the bat.
I misunderstood their website, and got confused with when my appointment time is, so I was there at 12:30 instead of noon. I understand how busy they are, and that they have a late fee policy, but I was a first time customer who showed up in good faith, who also happened to be in a lot of pain. As I was leaving after rescheduling my appointment, I see from my emails that they charged me $ 20, which I thought was shady since the entire time I was filling out paperwork, the receptionist failed to mention that she was still going to charge me for the visit.
This place is supposed to be there for people who are in financial distress. Instead I feel like I was taken advantage of for an honest mistake. I wasn’t being disrespectful of their time, and considering I was a new customer, you would think they would’ve made an exception. I unfortunately will never go back or recommend this place to anyone.

I LOVE Brooklyn Acupuncture Project! It changed my life! Physically, my neck is healed after a year and a half of chronic pain from two herniated discs, my period cramps are no longer debilitating, my allergies are not as intense, my moods are more stable, I sleep better.
BAP is also a community of like-​minded people healing themselves in a safe and sunny space. The staff is so lovely and warm and their sliding scale makes committing to acupuncture accessible! YES! I am so thankful for this!
I regularly see Jen Becker and Sarah Chase. They are both incredible healers with the gentle approach to acupuncture that I need. Always look forward to seeing them because I know i will walk out changed and for the better.
Once, I came to Jen fully covered in hives from the neck down. By the time I left after an hour treatment I was completely clear! Another time, I asked Sarah if there was a way to make me grounded, flowing and razor sharp at the same time for an important audition. She took my request seriously, came up with a treatment and… I got it!!!
One more time: I LOVE BROOKLYN ACUPUNCTURE PROJECT.

I absolutely love this place! It is by far the best acupuncture place I’ve been to and it’s sliding scale! I used to go regularly when I lived in Brooklyn. Since moving to Berkeley, CA I have not been able to find anything nearly as magical. Great place. Great ambiance. It definitely does the job! Regular acupuncture sessions are great here. But if you ever find your body needing something more, I highly recommend booking a private session with Sarah Chase! Sarah is lovely! Very sweet. Very knowledgeable. Very talented.

This place is awesome. I went for a specific issue which has been 90% resolved so far. I continue to go back because acupuncture is great for so many other things, including just keeping my energy flowing. I’ve gone to both Sarah and Brittany and both were and are amazing. The community style acupuncture keeps costs affordable without sacrificing quality. I would recommend this palace to anyone looking to get treatments from attentive, knowledgeable and experienced people.

I love Brooklyn Acupuncture Project. Everyone here is warm, heartfelt and friendly. I’ve worked with four different acupuncturists and they’re all friendly, professional and overall nice people. The vibe is cozy and relaxed, with soft music in the background, light incense burning and a harmonious and soothing vibe enveloping the space. I always fall asleep during treatment because it’s such a cozy, quiet place.
Sarah is my primary acupuncturist here and she is wonderful. She is gentle and sensitive and always asks how my week or day was while she takes my pulse and reads my tongue. I can tell that she enjoys her work and believes in what she does which goes a long way for me and my treatment. She also gives me some nutritional advice from time to time which I appreciate since I am always trying to make the healthiest decisions for my body and welcome learning new holistic ways to take care of myself.
Jen and Kerry are also wonderfully skilled acupuncturists that I’ve had the pleasure of working with but due to scheduling can’t make the days they work.
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My schedule has changed again and since I’ve been working with Melissa. She is helping me tremendously.
I found my Brooklyn Acupuncture home :-) This is the center of my week.

I came here several times after my herniated disk. My first experience with acupuncture ever was with Sarah Chase (the founder apparently) and she was the best. Gave me a relaxing quick oil massage after (which I believe is typically extra). Afterwards, it was difficult to get an appointment with her due to my schedule (and now she’s in Ecuador giving treatment to others). She’s the best. Sometimes you meet new human beings and you can just tell what type of people they are by the warmth in their eyes.
Afterwards, I saw Rachel and the experience was just… ok. First time I felt something was lit on fire on my back. Melissa had also treated me as well and so did Po-​Hong. Out of the three, I think Po-​Hong suits me best as the amount of penetration? seemed to be just right. If the needle is too far in, there’s extreme twitching/​pain.

If you’ve never done kind of acupuncture I recommend this place as your first experience. This was my first experience and I felt absolutely at ease and comfortable.
The prices are extremely affordable in fact it’s a donation-​based system where they recommend how much you should pay depending on your income levels.
I’ll be coming back soon!

Acupuncture saved my life.
I had a debilitating chronic neck pain for close to 4 years– I thought I had tried everything in terms of detecting the problem and a cure (MRIs, CAT scans, steroid injections, physical therapy, massage to name a few) but to no avail. I was literally at my wit’s end when a close friend mentioned BAP to me in passing and said it had helped her with back pain.
The next day I scheduled an appointment. I was told treatment (and therefore results) were cumulative so I’d need to be consistent (at least at first) with my visits and patient with the results. I started off by going 2 – 3 times a week. As I gained relief (for the first time in years) I would go once a week, then every other. I have now been pain free for over a year.
I still make regular appointments because of how great I feel every time I finish a session– relaxed, refreshed and calm. I have seen several practitioners, all of whom have been wonderful, kind and really listen to your needs.
Thank you will never be enough.

«It sounds cool, but I hate the idea of having needles stuck all over me.»
This is generally what I hear from friends who’ve never tried acupuncture before. And I get it; I was once one of them. I hate needles myself. They’re painful and scary.
However, when you’ve got ailments that make pinpricks look like, well, just pinpricks, acupuncture starts to make sense.
Migraines first drove me into the arms of an Eastern medicine man in South Korea a few years ago, when the mysterious medications prescribed to me by the local Western clinician seemed too iffy and strong. Some crazy cupping bruises ensued, but the headaches vanished, along with the knots in my neck that were causing the problem.
I remembered this magic trick recently, when a spate of back and knee pains pulled me out of my yoga-​and-​running routine. Unilocal revealed that a sliding-​scale acupuncture center lay just around the corner from my new NYC apartment, so I immediately made plans to submit my posterior for pincushioning. And I’m glad I did. The folks at this Gowanus gem fixed me up good, for an affordable price.
When you first visit the BAP, you’ll come in through the unassuming doorway, head upstairs in the elevator, and check in at the front desk. (I recommend making an appointment online first.) You’re asked to pay based on your income level, then ushered into the low-​lit, relaxing back room for your session, which might last an hour or two depending on what you need.
The folks here get right to work, assessing your problem areas and pushing small pins into the offending tissue. After that, they’ll cover you up with a heat blanket and let the needles do their work. Sometimes it hurts a bit at first, but soon, you’ll find your tense muscles relaxing, in way that they won’t even with a good bubble bath or massage. In fact, perhaps thanks to the peaceful music playing and the warm, welcoming atmosphere, I’ve seen plenty of folks fall asleep after the pins go in.
After the pins come out, your acupuncturist might recommend cupping to move the blood around in your tissues, as a masseuse might with his/​her hands, which means that a suction cup about an inch across is dragged over the offending area. Don’t be scurred. Though you WILL look like you were mauled by a rabid octopus afterwards, you may well find that your back pain, shoulder pain or headaches are gone. Well worth it, in my book.
As with a massage or physical therapy, the effects of acupuncture don’t last forever. You kinda have to keep up with it, and obviously, if you’ve got chronic pain issues, you might need more serious help. But unlike strong meds that simply cover up the pain, acupuncture actually gets to the root of the problem, which is in and of itself a therapeutic thought for me. One that makes all that weird needle shi*t worthwhile.
I definitely plan to go back, again and again, and feel so grateful that this affordable, community-​minded organization exists in my ‘hood!