New office for Affordable Acupuncture

NORTH CANAAN — Affordable Acupuncture has relocated, moving just down Main Street in North Canaan. Just as notably, they have maintained their original fee: $30 for a drug-free, ancient healing technique that is rapidly gaining acceptance in the West.

Alan Rivenson, a licensed acupuncturist, and his wife, Michele, who assists and runs the office, originally opened their practice  in January 2006 on the upper floor of a medical building in the center of town.

Last month, they reopened in more spacious quarters at 25 Main St. at the former travel agency. Fewer stairs â€” and a more homey atmosphere — are perfect for the type of healing they practice. Chinese influences in the decor and soft lighting make for a calming atmosphere in the waiting and treatment rooms.

Like most businesses, they have experienced a downturn in the number of customers, but they say it hasn’t been bad. They base their practice on a model that accepts no health insurance. Payments are by cash or check only, which cuts down dramatically on overhead — such as added employees to process claims.

“The model works because people are able to spend $30, which is about what their insurance co-pay would be, as opposed to $90 elsewhere,� Alan Rivenson said.

�The first six months of this year were not off from last year,� Michele Rivenson said of the number of patient visits they have had. She added that more doctors are now referring patients to acupuncturists, and more insurance plans are covering it.

“I think what we’re really seeing here is, first, word-of-mouth referrals from people who have been successfully treated and recommend it; and people taking better care of themselves.�

In an unexpected way, the economic downturn (and more people without jobs) seems to be bringing in new patients.

“People who are working less have more time to do something about health issues,� Alan said. “I give them a thorough exam and reassess them every time they come in.�

If he sees an abnormality or a condition that concerns him, he will send a patient to see a doctor, but he noted that a visit to his practice can offer a patient “an affordable way to get a medically knowledgeable person to take inventory of your health and to listen to your concerns.�

About half of his patient base of more than 700 patients comes to see Rivenson because of lower back pain. He says he is able to get them past the point of acute pain — and to help many of them become pain free.

He is also a life coach and often works with patients on making life changes that might improve their physical health.

“One of the reasons acupuncture works is because the body wants to be healthy,� he said. “It is looking to heal, and we work with the body to make that happen.�

Affordable Acupuncture is open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 6 p.m. Call 860-824-7727.