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When times are tough, it’s especially important to stay healthy, and for many people, acupuncture and massage are part of their treatment or health maintenance program. But if you’re like a lot of people, you feel like the economy is “sticking it” to you and making it difficult for you to preserve yourself financially while seeking alternative health care. Here are some solutions.

Acupuncture and massage on a budget
Folks living in the Phoenix or Tucson metropolitan areas are fortunate in that there are several highly regarded schools that teach acupuncture and associated healing modalities. Some of them offer acupuncture and/or massage treatments at a reduced rate. These treatments are typically administered by students who are supervised by a licensed or otherwise fully qualified acupuncturist. Here are a few you can contact for more information and an appointment:

Schools offering low-cost acupuncture, massage
Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture. The Institute’s Community Clinic offers student treatments administered by a pre-graduate student intern under the supervision of a licensed acupuncturist or faculty member at reduced rates.

Cortiva Institute. Cortiva is a massage school with locations in both Scottsdale and Tucson. Both have Student Clinic sessions during which the public can get a massage at a discounted price from a student who is completing his or her classroom and practical instruction. Faculty members provide consultation and session planning to assist their students.

Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Located in Tucson, this fully accredited school offers a discount on acupuncture treatments on follow-up appointments to students, senior citizens age 60 and older, and low-income eligible individuals. Occasionally there are opportunities for free treatments in Clinical Classes. For additional information, contact the Clinic Office Manager.

Providence Institute. Located in Tucson, the Institute offers professional massage at its community clinic at a reduced rate. The treatments are available Thursday and Friday 11:30 AM – 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday 10AM to 5:30 PM.

Community acupuncture
Tucson Community Acupuncture. Individualized acupuncture treatments are offered on a sliding scale basis ($15 to $35). There is an additional $10 one-time fee for paperwork.

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