What is acupuncture:

Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as is herbal medicine, qi gong and cupping to name a few.

Acupuncture focuses on the meridians which are communication lines on your body that correspond to different organs and tissues in the body. The purpose of acupuncture is to simulate the movement of qi (pronounced chee). Qi is energy. We acquire qi from the food we eat, air we breathe and what we inherited from our parents. Qi circulates in our meridians. Acupuncture needles are placed along points on the meridians where qi collects. This helps to disperse the qi (energy) and remove blockages that could be contributing to our symptoms. There are different styles of acupuncture beyond our meridian system. There is auricular acupuncture (ear), sports acupuncture that focuses on trigger points and motor points in muscles, scalp acupuncture and many more.

​

​

What are the scientific benefits to acupuncture:

• Acupuncture causes a release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

• Insertion of acupuncture needles can interrupt the signals from the sensory nerve endings to the brain and have an analgesic effect (reduce pain).

• Acupuncture has been demonstrated to activate a number of the body’s own opioids as well as improving the brain’s sensitivity to opioids. A number of other biochemicals involved in pain reduction have been found to be released or regulated by acupuncture stimulation, including ATP and adenosine, GABA and substance P (1).

• Acupuncture has a direct effect of the central nervous system- stimulating muscle relaxation and creating changes in our visceral organs (1).

• Acupuncture has been shown to decrease activity in our limbic structures associated with stress and illness. Acupuncture has been shown to improve the regulation of our hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal axis-which are involved in our stress response.

• Acupuncture has an effect on our parasympathetic activity- the branch of our nervous system that is associated with rest, relaxation and tissue healing (1).

References:

Evidencedbasedacupuncture.org (1)

​

​

Conditions I can support with acupuncture:

Stress

Anxiety

Acute pain

Chronic pain

Depression

Migraines

Headaches

Immune support

Menstrual pain/ PMS

Injuries (sports, car accident, etc. )

Sleep disturbances (more acute than long standing)

​

​

Conditions I do not treat:

SIBO

Crohn's

Diverticulitis

Ulcerative Colitis

Skin conditions

​

Fertility- there are excellent acupuncturists in Fort Collins and Longmont who specialize in fertility, I am happy to share their information with you.

 

If you have questions about a specific health concern, fill out the contact section below.

​

​

What to expect at your first appointment:

I will go over your health history form that you filled out online, prior to your appointment.

I will check your pulses and look at your tongue, this gives me diagnostic information to help guide your treatment.

​

Wear loose clothing that can be rolled up to your elbows and knees.

I may use an adjunct during your treatment, if its appropriate for your condition(s):

•  fire cupping

• moxibustion

• gua sha

• electro-stimulation

• plum blossom

• infrared spectrum heat lamp

For more information on these adjuncts please go to my FAQS page.

I will offer recommendations on diet, lifestyle, herbal therapy (topical or oral) and supplements if it is appropriate for your condition(s).

A treatment plan will be given at the end of our first session together.

​

​

​