Neighborhood Acupuncture Project

Let me preface my review by saying:
1.) I am skeptical of acupuncture and eastern medicine as a whole.
2.) I hate needles.
3.) I never know what I’m willing to pay for treatment like this.
This place makes it VERY easy to get over all of those barriers above. It is a comfortable, relaxing community atmosphere. I saw them once last year for my plantar fasciitis, of which the practitioner helped me better understand my injury and how I could recover. Now, I have most recently gone to see Tony for gut pain I have been having.
Tony was fantastic, a great listener, and practical in his diagnosis and treatment. He walked me through why parts of the body work the way that they do, and how they relate to each other. Acupuncture needles feel nothing like what I originally expected (maybe a sharp stabbing like when you get shanked in a downtown alleyway), and they carefully placed them in areas to have the most impact.
Tony even prescribed an herbal tea mixture to help my digestive system be more at ease between appointments. All of this concludes with a sliding payment scale of $ 20-​$ 45 per appointment or $ 35-​$ 60 for first time patients. The only downside is that it is cash/​check, but you can always reimburse yourself from your HSA later if needed.
Even though I am still a bit skeptical and have yet to see 100% recovery purely through acupuncture, this place does a fantastic job serving as a piece of the recovery puzzle. I will definitely continue to come back, and I think that this place is great for acupuncture first timers who have no idea what to expect. Thanks for getting me back on the road to recovery!

My wife has had severe pain from a pinched nerve from a herniated disc. She’s tried countless prescription medications, none of which provided any relief, and only served to make her tired. We’ve got an appointment with a physical medicine doctor, but the process of going to one doctor and getting tests and then getting referred to another doctor and then waiting until they have an availability is slow. When my wife went to bed crying from the pain the other night, I decided to see if there was something else we could try while waiting for our next doctor appointment, so I remembered about acupuncture, and found NAP with a web search. We booked an appt. for the next day, and then the following morning my wife got worse, with extreme nausea and dizziness, possibly from stress.
What I know about acupuncture is that Western scientists are divided about whether it ever works, and even acupuncturists admit it won’t work in all cases. I had a treatment once for back pain (from a different provider) and it did nothing for me. Still, we had nothing to lose by trying (other than the cost of the appointment, which was affordable anyway).
Anyway, I was hoping in the best-​case scenario for my wife’s pain to be slightly reduced. But after her initial session she said that the pain (and the nausea and dizziness) was almost completely gone!
Full disclosure: She started a new medicine some hours before her appointment, so it’s *possible* that her relief was due in part or completely from the new med, but when every med failed her completely before, and when she had no relief for the few hours after taking the med before her acupuncture appointment, we feel her relief is primarily to exclusively from the acupuncture.
NAP charges a sliding scale, $ 35 – 60 for the first visit, $ 20 – 45 for repeat visits. We paid the max when we went; it was well worth it, and cheaper than a doctor’s visit, which didn’t provide any relief anyway. (Not to slight our doctor; she’s doing the best she can with the tools and training at her disposal.)

I wish I had 6 stars for this establishment. Joanne (I may have mangled the spelling) knows exactly what she’s doing. The environment is great — a couple of rooms with recliners, dimmed lights, and soothing music. In addition to acupuncture, they offer herbal remedies at the cheapest price I’ve ever encountered, and cupping therapy; although there may be a few other therapies of which I am unaware. They even operate on a, «pay what you can,» scale which shows where their priorities lie and is incredibly refreshing. Thank you NAP.

I love the Neighborhood acupuncture Project clinic. I actually enjoy very much going to my visits. I started going here in July and my practitioner is CIndy. Let me tell you, I have been to many acupuncture clinics with various practitioners and there is none better then NAP and my wonderful Practitioner Cindy! NAP works on a sliding scale as you may have heard which is awesome! I remember back in 2012 when I would drive 45 min from Fort worth to Dallas just to see a practitioner who would charge me $ 85 and hardly speak to me. The reason I love NAP and Cindy (and probably any other practitioner here) so much is because they truly care about you. I have been going since July to help ease my eczema flare ups in combination with my homeopathic treatment. From the beginning Cindy has always shown her utmost care for my health and betterment. Those are things you can’t pay for. I never feel rushed when I go here either (which is something I’ve seen from other community acupuncture clinics.) And I don’t mean rushed in the sense of how long you stay I mean of the detail of conversation before and after your visit. To me the initial conversations that we have before she puts in the needles are always thorough and high quality. Also when Cindy puts in the needles she has such a delicate hand that even in the most tender spots like on my face I don’t feel a thing!
The other wonderful part about NAP is the supplements they have. They are a reasonable price and high quality!
So if you are considering going to acupuncture for the first time and are worried about the community style or whatever the case may be I highly suggest you go to NAP! As for me, I look forward to the next time I am in Austin and can make my appointment.

I was a walk-​in and treated great! Tony was fabulous.

Since my first review 3 years ago, my acupuncture treatments have been addressing all kinds of concerns and solving them beyond expectations — it works! Neighborhood Acupuncture Project provides such an incredible service on a sliding scale to the Austin community — you really must take a seat in one of NAP’s big puffy chairs at their beautiful «new» location (in the same complex, just at the other end) and be prepared to feel so much better! You’ll probably end up taking a nap at NAP!

Tony is amazing. Hands down. Very caring. I drive over an hour to see him bc it’s well worth it. Tony is caring and will do whatever it takes to make you feel better that day and with a treatment plan. I’ve been there with endometriosis pain, a stiff neck, slightly torn IT band, runner’s knee pain, hip pain and probably much more. The acupuncture, cupping and herbs. I moved and am miserable without seeing Tony monthly (minimum).

I have to admit I was skeptical about acupuncture, but after four visits I’m forever a believer. I’ve been suffering from shin splints for over year. I tried everything — rest, ice, physical therapy, podiatrist, massage. I even saw a specialist… nothing worked. Acupuncture might not have cured my shin splints, but it has helped tremendously. I’m now back on the court and feeling much better.
I’ve seen all four of the acupuncturist– Joanne, Laura, Cindy & Tony. All are very knowledgable and have their own style. Highly recommended for any athletes with muscular injuries.

I was so glad to be able to make an appointment same day for some concussion-​related symptoms that had become very acute suddenly. Cindy was so kind, focused, and helpful, and the treatment (including an hour nap) relieved a bunch of pain and cleared up disorientation and dizziness. I’ll be back soon. Logistics notes: plenty of parking, off Airport blvd (look for sign that says NAP), super quiet and calm, water and tea available, big recliner chairs in open environment. Dress in loose comfortable clothes, stay away from caffeine ahead of time.

Have to add to my previous review. My husband is one of the most skeptical and analytic people you will ever know.
He doesn’t believe anything that he can’t see with his own eyes. I’m saying this, to paint a picture of a person who probably wouldn’t believe in acupuncture. He went reluctantly at first, and is a sworn a believer now. He goes every single Monday without fail just because he finds so much relief in the treatments. He has all but cured of his allergies and is living pain free without medication.

I cannot receommend this place enough. I was having severe pain in my right hip, which often shot down my leg. It hasn’t been diagnosed yet, but it is probably sciatica. It took about 3 treatments before I found great relief, even though I did feel relief the day following my first visit. Getting regular treatments has allowed me to go back to yoga which strenthens the muscles.
I have only been to Cindy, who is excellent, but the other therapists seem just as capable. Initially, I was worried about the communal aspect, but the low lights help me relax. Many patients go to sleep and often I can hear light snoring.
As others have noted, the cost is on a sliding scale, no pressure to pay any more than the minimum if it allows you to come back more often. So I often pay the minimum and return within a few days.
How lucky we are in Austin to have this afforable pain management option. I do think skeptics will have a harder time allowing the practice to work. Because I went into the therapy knowing it would work (from my experice with the benefits of massage and yoga), I found relief rather quickly. As with all treatments on the body, the mind must cooperate.

I’d gone to acupuncture one other time before, but I’d never direclty experienced the amazing benefits until I started going to Neighborhood Acupuncture Project more consistently this spring.
At the start of March, I thought I’d somehow escaped cedar fever, when my allergies returned with a vengeance! I’m still not sure what exactly it was that was causing me such awful sinus headache and cough, but several sessions of acupuncture and some herbs later, I was noticably better. In fact, I could see the difference from the beginning of the session to the end!
I really only return when I feel the need (also went for some extreme neck/​shoulder pain)… but I would go weekly if I had the money! (Also, I read a review saying herbs were included– they’re not, fyi. The first session starts at $ 35 up to whatever you are willing to pay and each session after that is $ 20 and up. herbs are an additional $ 9 – 20, depending on what you get)
I’ve gone with Cindy because that’s who they placed me with to start, and I thought she was just awesome! I have a friend who swears by Tony too.
Also, they are cash only so be sure to bring that! For my first session, I only had a card and they just made a note of it in their book and told me to just «pay next time». that’s just the type of kind, zen people you deal with when you go there (plus, I believe they are donating their services to this clinic? I could be wrong though)

For the first time in about twenty years I’m happy & healthy during cedar fever time, thanks to Tony’s acupuncture and cedar tea. For me, it takes both. Tony has also helped me overcome severe mold & cigarette smoke allergies, and I’m extremely grateful that he also volunteers at the Kerrville Folk Festivals and that N.A.P. is sliding scale.

I have been receiving acupuncture treatments from both Laura and Tony at NAP for a few years now, with excellent results. They have helped me with everything from allergies, depleted adrenals, sinus infections, endometriosis and digestive issues, and each time I’ve gone, I’ve seen a marked and noticeable improvement and shift with each of these conditions! I also really appreciate what they are doing for the community by offering acupuncture at such affordable, sliding scale rates! Good people doing good work here — go see them!

From start to finish the appointments at NAP Austin are pleasant. The treatments really work! Staff at the front desk is very friendly (they are mostly volunteers who have experienced the healing that this clinic has to offer for themselves and the community). And Paul Schwartz is a very knowledgeable practitioner with great bedside manner who has really transformed my life from a state of absolutely unbearable pain to a healthy and balanced state.
I had never had acupuncture treatment prior to be introduced to NAP Austin. I owe my colleague who suggested that I give it a try. This colleague is a family doctor in Austin who was aware of my health condition over time and the fact that it was not responding to any prescription.
I had headaches all my adulthood (average of 6 – 7 times a month). That wasn’t that bad considering that I could take medications and the headaches would be gone. The problem was when I started getting really intense migraine headaches that did not respond to any prescription. For about a year I was literally debilitated: the headaches would last for up to 22 hours, and I would get them few times a week. I wasn’t able to get out of my bed while I had the headaches except for once every few hours crawling to the bathroom while I was so nauseous and/​or vomiting out of my empty stomach. I was only 32 years old when this all started. These headaches lasted for about a year and were accompanied by sleep problems and tremendous anxiety. The sleep problems and the anxiety got under control with medication, but western medicine did not have an answer for my debilitating headaches. I was a mess, and that was when I set my first appointment with Paul.
He started off with taking a very thorough history that took well over an hour. He was so professional, kind, and empathic. I started with appointments once a week. Each session he would kindly offer to give me a second or even third round of needles if he realized that there were more chakras that he could work on that day. He really wanted to help me as his patient and went way out of his way to do that when I had lost all my hope in getting cured ever.
After the first month (four sessions), I had almost 70% improvement with my headaches! That was both in terms of frequency and intensity. I could not believe that this was happening so miraculously fast, so I started a log where I recorded my headaches, their intensity, and how often I would get them. Yes, the treatments were really working!
My sleep problems and anxiety took a little longer to respond though. About three months into my weekly appointments, for the first time in my entire adulthood I was headache-​free! And by that time I also had about 80% improvement with my anxiety and sleep problems:)
I didn’t stop going to Paul since I was somehow afraid that if I did, those dark painful days might come back to me again!!! That was when he started talking to me about helping myself with the healing process over the course of a lifetime. I have asked him for recommendations on books and resources to help me maintain a balanced life, now that I’ve got it back– thanks to Paul. The books he has mentioned to me have been bringing about a deep understanding and knowledge that I totally lacked. I am a physician myself, and with all the appreciation that I have for medicine, I have to admit that western medicine is not all there is to help us have a healthy balanced life. The combination of eastern and western medicine is what makes it complete, I believe. I owe Paul for all he has done to help me and have been calling him «The Healer»:)
Currently I keep appointments once every 2 – 3 weeks. The appointments are so pleasant and relaxing and I always look forward to them:) I like the environment and the staff and of course it’s always a pleasure to see «Paul, The Healer»:) Words can not express my deep appreciation for NAP Austin and Paul Schwartz.

i’ve been needing to write a review for NAP for a while.
this place is amazing. sliding scale prices, excellent staff, and effective outcome!
Tony was/​is my acupuncturist, and he was amazing. without going into depth on my medical background, he was able to regulate my period from a 90ish-​day cycle down to a 29-​day cycle. the change happened in a healthy gradual way, via once a week treatment and a daily dose of specialize tea. the process took about 3 – 4 months. now i am gladly 6-​months pregnant, and i owe NAP a massive thank you for making it possible. TMI? probably. but i think it is important for people to know what acupuncture is capable of, and that NAP is an amazing community resource. east austin is very lucky to have them.

I have been going to this clinic for years. I send all of my loved ones to these folks. The staff is compassionate and highly knowledgeable. They are understanding and kind. This is the best. The cost is very low, and the quality of service is extremely high!
I have a lot to thank Neighborhood Acupuncture for.

I have to admit that I was somewhat skeptical of the efficacy of acupuncture, but it was recommend to me as an alternative to medication for some chronic facial and neck pain that I had from jaw clenching while sleeping. From my initial point of view, I saw the steep prices of other establishments which was an instant turn off. Then I discovered NAP, and I couldn’t be happier with the results!
The pay what you can mantra got me in the door, but the hospitality brought me back! I never felt guilty about not paying the maximum fee, in fact, it was quite the opposite. Tony, my acupuncturist, genuinely seemed more interested in my recovery than in getting the fees for the service! After about four treatments, I felt rejuvenated and my neck pain had all but disappeared!
Of course, one could claim that this could all result from the placebo effect, but even today, months later, I still feel great. And at such a great price, how could someone refuse trying?

My friend Jeff lost 40 pounds going to accupuncture at NAP, per him, without any change in diet. That’s not happening for me just yet, but my allergies and back pain are a whole lot better, and my pocketbook isn’t lighter.
They describe the sliding scale as: enough to come see us once a week to treat what you need. That means you can pay as little as $ 15 or as much as $ 40.
The practitioners are wonderful, kind, they take a lot of time with you and you get to keep your needles in as long as you want. They say the record is three hours. Yea, I’m not that patient, but you getdaphoto.
Its kinda stinky right now becuase of the KOOP fire but in time, I imagine it will smell a bit better.

*Sliding scale* acupuncture (20 — 40 bucks) with caring experienced practitioners. Nicely appointed interior. The staff are personable and extend sessions regularly.
When my mother visits Austin she goes here several times a week and make a HUGE difference in reducing chronic pain/​aches, improving circulation and increasing her energy levels.
NAP is great for managing stress, PMS, fertility problems, smoking cessation, injuries, allergies etc. And they make it possible because it doesn’t cost $ 75 a pop (the going rate at most clinics).
It’s thousands of years old. And double blind lab-​tested to work.