Why a sliding scale?

For the past 5 years hemma has been using a flexible pay schedule for acupuncture services.  When we first started we saw two options: one, to create a fixed rate or two, to use a sliding scale.  Sliding scale was the primary choice for most community style acupuncture clinics throughout North America.  Most Canadians are not familiar with this type of fee structure, so we did have concerns about how our patrons would respond — having to choose how much to pay each time they accessed our services.  After 5 years I would have to say that the benefits have far outweighed any discomfort. The response has been positive.

How do I decide what to pay?

 Your purchase of services at hemma supports the existence of our community health center, it supports everyone who works at hemma, and it supports you. Select a place on the scale that allows you to access the services you need and at the same time support the existence of this community health model. The amount you choose may change from month-to-month, year-to-year. When you need a discount give yourself one, when you can contribute more remember that your helping others!  We want to give you the power to actively participate.

Still not sure?  We have provided an income scale that will help to give you a general idea. However, we recognize that other circumstances may also apply, use it simply as a guide.

The acupuncture sessions at hemma have been deeply healing for me over time.  My anxiety level has reduced dramatically.  I am a far calmer and more relaxed person then when I arrived 10 months ago which is very helpful to my overall condition…acupuncture puts me into a deep meditative state which is where I  believe that powerful healing can occur.  

The key is in taking the time for yourself — being regular and consistent about your treatment.  All healing requires commitment, focus, and determination.  When you’re feeling off it can be hard to move against the inertia.  Make the commitment, develop routines and show up.  When you slip, just begin anew.  Each day is an opportunity designed just for you!  So grace us all with your presence and Show Up!

–David Chang

I noticed this year that lot’s of people I spoke to about new year resolutions had sort of given up on the idea.  ”Why bother” “what’s the use”, they’d say.  Personally I like the idea of having one point in the year where I can think about the coming one and have a fresh start at some of my goals.  Winter seems as a good a time as any, doesn’t it?  Cold, still, dark, death before birth.

I have 3 goals that I am focusing on this year; one, to sing more, two, to practice a bit more hatha yoga — although I consider daily life my yoga practice, my body is appreciating this re-invention, and three, to face each difficulty with enthusiasm, excitement, and curiosity!  Warning, be careful about making goals like that last one, the universe has an odd sense of humor!

So here we are approaching the end of January already, and I notice that some of my wishes are starting to wane already.  What to do, what to do…  Avoid the middle!  I would change the above quote slightly, I say, “I am going for success, I am okay with failure…  As long as I am striving to do my best, I can accept failure.  Failure is inevitable some of the time and when viewed as a friend — a teacher, merely inspires us to try again, in the same way a child learns to walk.  The middle is more like that place we go where we give in to our complacency, our acceptance of “the way things are”.

So as February roles around take stock of your new year resolutions!  Strive for success, and be okay with failure, like a child learning to walk.  As soon as you say failure is not an option, you’ve just said innovation is not an option.  (seth godin)  Accept that you will have failures and use them to help you get back on track.

As for me, I am saluting the sun in the morning and singing at the moon.  The third one will come to me whether I choose it or not!

What are your new year resolutions?

After 3 years of working at hemma, I am starting a new chapter in my life.  I will be trading my needles in for pens and heading back to school in preparation for applying to medical school. These last 4 years practicing acupuncture have really fueled my passion for healthcare. I hope to integrate what I have learned as an acupuncturist into in my future practice as an MD.

My experience here at hemma has been wonderful and formative, and I will miss everyone dearly. February 11th will be my last day here at hemma. I welcome you to contact me by email if you wish (daphnemaud@gmail.com).

Warm regards,

Daphne

Beginning in January we will be making a few adjustments to our acupuncture schedule. Michael will be back to his schedule of MWF from 9-2, (note last appointment at 1), Daphne will be working on Tuesday/Thursday from 12-5 (last appointment at 4) and Saturday from 10-3 (last appointment at 2).  We are trying out the new hours on Tuesday/Thursday, so let us know what your preference is.  Steve is cutting back to take on a clinic supervisor role at the Pacific Rim College and will be working Wednesday and Friday from 2-7 (last appointment at 6).

I hope to have someone covering the Monday night shift soon!  But at least for the next few weeks we won’t be able to offer treatments during the Monday evening shift.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

We hope to have our on-line booking up and running this month and will keep you posted.  This will enable you to see available appointments and to book yourself in!

We are always eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and experiences at hemma and with that in mind, we are planning a customer survey in the near future to help us gain some understanding about how we can better serve you!  We hope you will participate!

Best Wishes,

Michael

Another question that gets asked a lot is “do I need to have something wrong?”  Simple answer, “no”,  ”absolutely not.”   Because acupuncture enhances and supports your bodies normal functions — digestion, sleep, circulation, immunity, mood  –  everyone can benefit from a session, regardless of whether or not they have something bothering them.   In the course of your daily life how often do you take time to pause, to recharge, to do something physical just for fun?  I imagine that many of us find it challenging to fit such a practice into our daily lives.  Spending 30 to 60 minutes in one of our comfy recliners is time well spent!