I love Poke and have been going there for years. It is my ultimate self care. It is affordable and very effective

Poke Community has been my frequent acupuncture clinic. Acupuncture can take frequent sessions to support healing and the sliding scale pricing has made this location affordable and accessible. All the acupuncturists have been super kind and professional. They definitely take the time to listen and provide compassionate care. If they aren't busy, they let you stay for over an hour. read more

I have been struggling with insomnia in a bad way, and have been visiting Poke Community Acupuncture intermittently since last spring. Although there are other underlying issues, the quality of my sleep is always better the night after I have had a session. The concept of community acupuncture is a godsend for those on a budget, but who still need the support and the benefits that regular acupuncture treatment can provide. The process is very stream-lined--you process your own payment at the front entry desk ($20-40 on a sliding scale, based on what you decide you can afford), put the payment slip in a little baggie, drop the baggie in the box inside the treatment room, and then find a recliner and wait for the acupuncturist to treat you. Even though you are in the community of others receiving treatment, the space feels very cozy and private. The lighting is tastefully lower, there is soft relaxing music playing, and you have the option to snuggle up among blankets while the needles are in. All of the staff members that I've dealt with have been incredibly caring and proficient--Darcy, Elnaz, and Winnie. The consultation is conducted in whispered tones, and still feels discreet and thorough. You are encouraged to stay for 45-60 minutes once you have the treatment, and believe me, that time passes in flash. Some people fall asleep--I go into this incredible quasi conscious state where I'm relaxed but not fully conked out. At a time when private acupuncture can easily run $100+ per session, this is an incredible resource, and I can't recommend it enough. read more

Ever since I stopped going to my acupuncturist in Richmond after my co-worker was sexually assaulted by him, I needed to find another practitioner. My chiropractor, whom I adore, recommended this place so I tried it out. I have been here twice now and am starting to figure out how everything works. It's a different concept from the one I'm used to where you're seen in individual treatment rooms, but instead share a communal space with others. So you come in, pay your fee of choice (anywhere between $20-$40) and lie down on their comfy arm chairs and relax. I don't like needles, but these are almost pain free. I developed frozen shoulder and it's amazing how a few well placed needles (third eye, forehead, legs) can make the pain go away. The space is nurturing and quiet zen like music fills the air. You're encouraged to stay as long as you like. Some have stayed as long as 3 hours!! I've yet to drift off to sleep like my chiropractor does, but I'm sure I'll be able to relax enough to do that. So sorry to the people who have to endure my snoring. read more

Poke Community Acupuncture - So relaxing. - Acupuncture Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Have been here for two or three visits. The practitioners really take the time to listen to your ailments before they begin the acupuncture. I thought that the location would be a problem given all the noise and construction outside but once I'm inside and the procedure has started the noise has never bothered me. It's a very relaxed atmosphere, and I've found the receptionists to be outgoing and friendly as well. I like their fee structure and intend to go more often but it is just a matter of finding time to do so. On my first visit, one or two needles gave a brief tingling sensation, but aside from that there was no discomfort whatsoever. Once they are in you are free to lie back and relax for as long as you feel comfortable. read more

Nintendo has nothing on this Pokestop. When my regular masseuse took an extended leave of absence, I was left with a sore neck and nobody I could trust it to. A couple of stiff months later, my brother told me about Poke and I was intrigued. I had acupuncture before but I no longer had extended health coverage - I wasn't sure if I could afford $80-100 per visit, knowing full well that you need a few treatments for effectiveness. I booked an appointment over the phone and I dropped in later that day. I was skeptical about their approach but I figured I hadn't much to lose. I paid $40 for my first visit (my choice of $30-$50) and I was invited by their friendly staff to enter the room full of recliners and patients relaxing in them. I couldn't understand why everybody was lying on their back since every other place I've gone to focuses a number of pins in your back. My skepticism grew. Upon preparing myself to get poked in my chair, I was approached with the very-friendly practitioner who listened about my issues in my neck. I really started to wonder if I had made a grave error in judgement when the first needle after this conversation went in my foot! Fast-forward 45 minutes later when I am awoken out of my needle-induced coma, and I don't think I've ever been that relaxed in my life. The first thing I did was twist my neck to test the pain and I was overjoyed to hear that "gotta crack 'em all" goodness in my spine that I hadn't heard in way too many weeks. So happy with the treatment and I can't wait to finish up with the rest of my appointments (which are on pay-what-you-feel $20-$40 scale). If I feel this good after a session, I'm going to drop in even when nothing is wrong! read more

This place is amazing. An excellent deal at a sliding scale of $20 - $40, a big bargain for acupuncture. There is a $10 fee to complete paperwork for the first time. You make an appiintment in advance. When you arrive, you pay first, and head back to the common treatment room. Recliners are arranged in a circle, there is soft ambient music playing, nice herbals smell, and soft comforting lighting. The acupuncturist on duty will approach you and discuss your condition and her recommended treatment. Don't freak out, but the first needle goes into your third eye, on your forehead right between the eyes! It is surprisingly calming, then the acupuncturist will apply needles gently to the appropriate parts of your body. She will arrange a fluffy blanket over you in such a way as to not disturb the needles, then you chill or sleep for as long as you want. Maybe 45 - 60 minutes. Acupuncture works - you will be flooded with chi/ prana/ lifeforce/ whatever you want to call it.. When the needles stop working, you have to go, or just have had enough, you make eye contact with the acupuncturist who will make her way over to you to remove the needles. So... it isn't private, but it is comfortable, convenient, high quality, and because there is no end time to your appoiintment, you can relax for pretty much as long as you wish... Strongly recommend this awesome community place!! Mostly women go, but dudes are welcome too. read more

After years of chiro, physio, and massages failing to completely treat my back problems, I decided to give acupuncture a try. Poke seemed like a great option for me since the initial cost was MUCH less, only $20-40 per session. After my first session I could definitely feel the tension in my back melt away. I will still be going back there for a few more sessions in the next few weeks to try and get it all sorted. Here's how my experience went: After filling out the paper work, I rounded the corner into a room full of comfortable lazy boys, blankets, and women napping with needles stuck in their face, head, arms and feet. There is a lemongrass scent in the air and calm Asian music playing from an iPod. I come to the conclusion that it's no coincidence the location is right beside a trendy gluten free bakery. I pick out an open chair and wait for the acupuncturist to come over and ask me a few questions about my condition, before treating me like a pin cushion. The first needle, meant to calm the whole body, is inserted right between my eyes. It actually worked! The following pins went into my scalp, arms and feet. No pins went into my back where my pain actually was, but I could definitely feel the stress flow into the pressure points. After 40 minutes of relaxing in the chair I felt a lot better. I definitely will be heading back over the next few weeks and would definitely recommend Poke! read more

I always walk by this place when i go to and from work. Finally i tried it out. When u walk in the door, you can feel the warmness in the air, scented aroma. Shoes must be taken off. Theres a black curtain paper that surrounds the room. When you walk on the left side of it, inside there are 7 recliners set-up in a circle covered up with cotton bed sheet. As i seated down and get comfy, talking quietly; you will be asked some questions to what kinds of pain you may have/aching muscles or any stress levels. I mentioned soarness/muscle pain. The needles starts between the eyebrows as she pinches the tension towards the forearm and down the calfs. Not alot of needles on me, but mostly on the arms. Then the relaxation starts, laying back on the chair i closed my eyes while the meditation sound fills my ears. Feeling the acupunture as it sits on my skin, i drifted into my sleep. You may stay for 2hours max. But i didnt realize the time flew by that quick. Theres a sliding scale $20-$40, but a $10 fee for first timers.. Its affordable and a community base oriented. Really friendly! Recommend to try ;) read more

I went to poke three yrs ago when I got whiplash from a drunk incident. haha oops. their clinic is comfy and clean. knowledgeable staff. very affordable. go poke! read more

Nothing but love for Poke Community Acupuncture: the practitioners, the volunteers, the clients, the energy of the space! If you're curious about acupuncture this is the place to go. If you're serious about acupuncture this is the place to go. And, choosing the community model means you're supporting practitioners who choose to offer sliding scale services, you're supporting the other clients who also benefit from this more inclusive model, and... you're supporting yourself! It's a win, win, win. I miss Poke terribly! It's a gem. It will be at the top of my to do list when I visit Vancouver. read more

I have been meaning to come here forever but put it off forever. I am so glad that i finally got here. I didn't make an appointment which i probably should have done but she fit me in anyways. Soft spoken, approachable, and very good at describing what was needed or wanted from me. She took me to the back room where i sat on a glorified lazy boy, talked for awhile, and got poked. Almost immediately i was relaxed, she poked me in the third eye spot which is known for grounding and relaxation and boy did i feel it! I was there for almost an hour. Fantastic. I am going back in a few days. What's nice is if your are on goverment premuim assistance $23 is covered for 10 visits a year making your visit free (you do have to mail it in and wait for the refund). There sliding scale seems to be there for that very reason, they don't want you not to come if you have no money. This is what community and taking care of yourself is about. People who care, and won't turn you away especially when you may need it the most. read more

Inspired by a beer & wine store in White Rock with the well-used nickname, "Hot girl liquor store" (referring to their staff of women who are gorgeous, inside and out, the kind people fall in love with everyday) - I've been calling Poke "hot girl acupuncture." (I'm a female myself and this is in no way intended to come off as creepy, just observational.) This is a young, female owned and operated community style acupuncture clinic with great prices - $20 per session, you can pay more if have the extra cash. The team of acupuncturists who work here are all amazing women; I think I've had a session with each one individually now and they are all compassionate, great listeners, and excellent at what they do. I've been coming to this clinic on a weekly basis for about a year now and it helps keep my health symptoms in check - I really start to notice them flaring up if I don't go there for awhile! A very relaxing way to heal in good hands with good people. Best, I am on MSP premium assistance medical coverage (most students should qualify for this) and so ten of my sessions were covered by medical - totally free! read more

Community acupuncture does not work for me. The place is nice and practitioners friendly, however the loud music which doesn't allow for a full rest or pushyness to leave bothers me. Unfortunately the treatment does not work for my health issues whether chronic or acute. I've seen 3 different acupuncturists at Poke and I've also been to one other Community Acupuncture practice in Vancouver and it did not help. Only traditional methods work for me where they lay you down and work on your back and front or basically points that cannot be accessed by Community Acupuncture. read more

I really love coming here! I've always felt comfortable and relaxed in this community setting. The chairs are so cozy and even though there are others sharing the space with you, I've never felt awkward or uncomfortable. The practitioners are all kind and knowledgeable. And the fact that its affordable means I can go often enough to really heal. I recommend trying out Poke! read more

This place is amazing. The space is soothing and lovely and the staff are kind and patient. I've been twice now and each time I've arrived in shambles and emerged happier and calmer than ever. read more

This is a brilliant idea for people that need continuous treatments. Clean, relaxing , community feel. Great sessions I find the consultation to be through the treatment effective. read more

I had been looking and looking for an acupuncture place where I felt comfortable, and that I felt helped me. This place met both criteria, beyond what I had hoped for. I have a low back and neck injury, and the treatments have been helping with that, in addition to the unexpected and very welcome side effect of helping me to relax and sleep better. I am one of those people who has a hard time relaxing, let alone falling asleep in a strange place. Yet I have fallen asleep for 2 hours during several times during my treatments, and still have great sleeps the same night. I LOVE this place! read more

Vicki left Poke Acupuncture soon after I wrote my review and have been helped by Julia ever since. I have nothing but praises for her. I look forward to every session. read more

So glad I found this place. It was my first time trying acupuncture. I find the space very peaceful and healing. The treatments have been really helpful for both mental health and physical health issues. If you are on provincial disability, you have to pay out of pocket, but you can get reimbursed for $23 per treatment, 10 times a year (unless you use other services like chiro, naturopath, etc.). You can stay in the chair for a long time while receiving the treatment. I've stayed for 2 hours and it's really up to you when you're ready to go. Appointment booking is self-serve, which I like (you just write your name in a time slot). read more

While I've lived in East Van & in particular Mount Pleasant for years, I had never ventured into Poke. I'd always walked by thinking it looked cool & liking the idea of a sliding scale clinic, but what finally got me through the door was a poem written by one of the acupuncurists (sp?) posted on the window for all to read. It is a very eloquently captured reading on why she does acupuncture & how she gains so much from the experience. I read it & the next thing you knew I walked through the door. I've had 2 sessions & have a third scheduled for tomorrow after work. I am not a good sleeper at the best of times, and both times I've managed to doze off but still be aware of my surroundings in a peaceful way. I agree the one drawback is the traffic & siren noises, but the music is soothing. The two different practitioners I have seen have both been very friendly, and professional. Thanks for being there! read more

Absolutely love this place. I love Darcy! Such great energy. I have had such amazing results from going to acupuncture here. I highly recommend it!!! read more

It used to be good when it was on a sliding scale for those of us living in abject poverty. They were even kind enough to offer free treatments which I didn't take them up on because I felt guilty. I cannot afford a minimum twenty dollar "donation" not when I've been told that I need to be seen at least 5 times a week. That's impossible. They have clearly gone down here, and expecting those of us who live on the absolute fringes to be able to afford their minimum donation is a little hurtful. "You don't have enough money, so you can't be treated here." I will go somewhere else. Clearly poke is not about the community and is merely about the almighty dollar. Thank you for the help while it lasted. read more

This is truly an amazing Acupuncture Clinic. I had a problem with my arm which happened 12 years ago and been feeling discomfort ever since until I encountered this clinic. I did not think it was possible to have normal usage of my arm especially after trying so many other kinds of treatment over the years. Actually this was my last resort for help and it turns out to be the best treatment choice ever as my arm is now functioning like normal. They listen to you and genuinely care. Thank you to everyone at Poke. read more

This place is amazing! I will not detail the ambience as they are very well described in the other reviews but I will say It was my first time trying acupuncture and my experience was so good. The staff was extremely welcoming and helpful to my needs, the acupuncturist I got was very knowledgeable and also gave me other recommendations on home remedies for my health issues which I appreciated. I will warn new comers to be quiet when entering I didn't realize that the front desk was just separated by a paper style divider. The experience of receiving acupuncture in a room full of people sounds weird but the staff there do an excellent job of making you feel calm and comfortable and you quickly forget your in a public environment. There is a bit of street noise so I would recommend bringing ear plugs if your the type of person that would be bothered by that. Otherwise the experience was relatively painless which I know a lot of people hesitate when the think of needles but I was surprised as to how smooth the process was. read more

Went for my first appointment and it was really great and relaxing for me. I like the idea of the sliding scale price as I'm unemployed due to an injury. They take payment in a box to make you feel more comfortable with the sliding scale pricing, but then make you put your name in with the payment. Which for me made me feel like I would be judged the next time I came in. So instead of just paying what I could afford I ended up paying more than I should have. I did appreciate the session though! read more