Embodied experiences in community acupuncture

This is a selection of artworks created by graphic design students after experiencing acupuncture in a community clinic. In the accompanying written reflections, students connected physical sensations to an increased sense of well-being and relaxation. Many mentioned gaining clarity of thought and improving their quality of sleep.

Ear Acupuncture in support of body mapping processes

As part of a Participatory Body Mapping project, a group of community-based doulas and health visitors experienced ear acupuncture: a protocol that uses 5 needles in the ear to promote relaxation and increase well-being. The experience was part of a session where we explored situated meanings of well-being, offering participants an embodied experience as a starting point for the conversation.

Research findings: The power of Community in Holistic Healing

In collaboration with Urbana Acupuncture, we conducted a research study over four months to explore how patients describe the value of healing in a community space. We explored the role of space, relationships, and shared rituals, and experimented with evocative images and illustrations. Through literature reviews, a survey, and the design of multiple physical artifacts, we gained a rich understanding of how people perceive their experience in community acupuncture. This project culminates with a series of design artifacts that will be exhibited in the clinic space.

Challenging Normative Body Representations in Acupuncture Diagrams

We organized a public talk by Josh Milowe and Jane Terrana: the creators of the Good Point Project. The intention of the project is to create acupuncture posters and other educational materials that represent the broad spectrum of human bodies. The poster is an educational map for acupuncture students and practitioners and aims to inspire awareness of acupuncture points for everyone. Jane and Josh discuss their unique collaborative approach to designing the first acupuncture poster of its kind, from inception to the walls of clinics around the world.

Instructions for using ear seeds: A DIY method for stimulation of acupuncture points in the ear (Spanish and English)

As part of multiple embodied experiences designed in the lab, we discuss the role of the ear as a microcosm, since we can map all organs of the body on it. By stimulating key points in the ear we can promote overall well-being. The instructions make this protocol accessible to people by using ear seeds, available online.

Connecting Community Acupuncture and Health Equity

As part of a recruitment strategy in a local Community Acupuncture clinic, we designed this series of four stickers that aim to synthesize the ways that this healthcare model has a larger impact on the social and political structures we live in. On the back, we invited patients to voice their experience healing in community in the clinic.