Discount treatments
If all else fails, you may be able to find affordable treatment in your area. Alternative medicine colleges often offer treatment from students or interns at reduced rates. The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, for example, has clinics in Chicago, New York, and San Diego, where you can receive acupuncture treatment or herbal medicine consultations for a fee ranging from $10 to $60. Similarly, the National College for Natural Medicine in Portland, Ore., which offers graduate professional degrees in naturopathic medicine, oriental medicine, and acupuncture, has 11 community clinics offering free or low-cost medical care by naturopathic physicians in and around the Portland area.

For affordable acupuncture, try what is known as a community acupuncture center, where treatments are usually offered on a sliding scale ranging from $15 to $40. Patients often receive treatment while sitting in recliners in a shared room. “The community acupuncture model is an option offered primarily to low-income or underserved populations,” says Borges.

Act now! Spa Week (with massage and other treatment discounts nationwide) is October 12 through 18.