Bread for the City proudly announces a new collaboration with the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (VUIM) to provide free acupuncture services to our medical clinic patients! This partnership marks a significant step forward in delivering accessible, holistic, and culturally resonant healthcare for DC residents living on low incomes.

“What’s been so incredible is patients don’t just come back saying their shoulder or back pain is improved, but the way that they come in the room and they’re smiling and happy to see us, they’re able to bloom,” says Haley Parker, Director of Clinical Operations at VUIM.

Acupuncture, a practice deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, not only offers numerous health benefits but also holds profound cultural significance. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. The practice embodies a holistic approach to healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

Bread for the City medical patient Mr. Jerry has received weekly acupuncture sessions with his daughter. “I have these lower back problems, and the pain just gets absurd. I would be limping around, and I’m also limited in how much weight I can carry. This helps a great deal; the pain subsides for four or five days after treatment,” he says.

Bread for the City is dedicated to empowering our community by offering alternative medical services and allowing our patients to choose their treatments. This approach ensures a dignified and empowering experience where patients are active participants in their healthcare journey.

Acupuncture services are only available for those who receive primary care at Bread for the City’s medical clinic. To become a patient of our medical clinic, call (202) 386-7020 during business hours.