Community-Style 'Acupuncture Hive' Softly Opens Today on Taraval

Community-Style 'Acupuncture Hive' Softly Opens Today on TaravalTwo patients with acupuncture needles. (Photo: Gaurav Mishra/Flickr)
Fiona Lee
Published on July 06, 2016

Acupuncture Hive, the Outer Sunset’s newest business, is a community acupuncture clinic that aims to bring a modern twist to an ancient Chinese medicine practice. It's softly opening its doors today to the public at 1533 Taraval Street (between 25th and 26th Avenues).

Community-style acupuncture differs from one-on-one acupuncture in several ways. At the Hive, patients are seen every 15 minutes, and once their needles are inserted, they can rest for as long as they like with others in the same room.

The Hive's practitioner, Outer Sunset resident Eva Larson, says community-style acupuncture can be accessible and affordable for patients. Acupuncture Hive charges $25-$40 for treatments, whereas one-on-one sessions at other clinics can range between $50-$95 for consultations and treatment.

“Acupuncture is a process that takes a long time. With the one-on-one style, it can be hard for people to afford a series of treatments,” she says. "Here, people can come more often."

The fine needles, which are inserted into meridian points around the body, can be effective for a wide variety of illnesses. While acupuncture is traditionally used for pain and other long-term chronic conditions, Larson says that it can also help broken bones, colds, and even stress.

Eva Larson of Acupuncture Hive. | Photo: Acupuncture Hive

Larson first got into this specific style of acupuncture while studying for medical school. She had eczema, and tried a number of treatments, from seeing a dermatologist to using folk remedies, before turning to acupuncture.

At that first community session, “I didn’t think it would be something that I would like so much. How would I be able to dive into my complaints?” she says. “But it was so healing to be together in this space. It’s almost like doing yoga at home in a group. There’s something about that energy together.”

Inside Acupuncture Hive. | Photo: Acupuncture Hive

The Hive's name comes from Larson’s childhood nickname (her mother called her “honeybee"), and she notes that the stingers of the bees are similar to needles.

Hives, of course, are centers of activity for bees, which is what Larson is hoping to create with Acupuncture Hive as a space for the community.

“I love the idea of bees being so nurturing, integral to the balance of nature,” she notes. “I wanted to be part of this community acupuncture movement, put down roots, and make it accessible.”

Acupuncture Hive is located at 1533 Taraval St., between 25th and 26th Avenues. It will be softly open throughout the month of July, with a grand opening event in August.