Frequently asked questions
what is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations: 24 hours notice is required for all cancellations to avoid being charged for the cost of the appointment.
How does acupuncture work?
Systemic balance is critical to one's health and wellness, in western medicine this is known as homeostasis. Any imbalance can result in disorders such as pain, injury, insomnia, digestive issues, stress, gynecological disorders, allergies, depression, colds and a myriad of other complications. Acupuncture helps restore one's nature balance so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own optimal health. From a Western medicine perspective, research has shown that acupuncture treatment triggers different physiological responses, such as:
- Stimulating the immune system and increasing white blood cells, which defend the body against infection.
- Regulating blood sugar metabolism, which helps the body use energy more efficiently.
- Increasing blood circulation and producing beneficial changes in blood pressure, while decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Increasing stomach peristaltic activity and regulating digestive fluids, thereby improving digestion.
- Regulating and stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is directly related to sleep, appetite, and moods.
- Increasing the availability of receptors in the brain that process and weaken pain signals.
- Affecting both the brain’s short- and long-term ability to reduce pain sensation.
What is community acupuncture?
Community Acupuncture is offered 1 day a month, 11am-5pm, Please call/text 970-963-2159 to schedule.
Community Acupuncture dates:
Our practice is modeled after acupuncture clinics in China, where patients are treated in a community setting. Each person receives individualized treatment, and several people receive treatments each hour allowing us to make it more affordable.
For the first community acupuncture appointment, a private intake is done giving Annie an opportunity to meet you and discuss your health. You will discuss your health history and and talk about your current condition. The intake form can be filled out online - you will receive an email prompting you to Manage My Appointment where you can access the forms. This will h It’s a good idea to fill it out ahead of time so you can take your time with it. It covers many aspects of your physical, mental and emotional health. You’ll be asked to stick out your tongue and Annie will check your pulse. She’ll determine a treatment plan and you will be treated the same day of the consultation in the community acupuncture room. The initial visit lasts about an hour or more. Once the needles are placed, many people relax or fall asleep.
Community Acupuncture dates:
- December 14th, 2022
- January 11th, 2023
- February 15th, 2023
- March 15th, 2023
- April 19th, 2023
- May 17th, 2023
Our practice is modeled after acupuncture clinics in China, where patients are treated in a community setting. Each person receives individualized treatment, and several people receive treatments each hour allowing us to make it more affordable.
For the first community acupuncture appointment, a private intake is done giving Annie an opportunity to meet you and discuss your health. You will discuss your health history and and talk about your current condition. The intake form can be filled out online - you will receive an email prompting you to Manage My Appointment where you can access the forms. This will h It’s a good idea to fill it out ahead of time so you can take your time with it. It covers many aspects of your physical, mental and emotional health. You’ll be asked to stick out your tongue and Annie will check your pulse. She’ll determine a treatment plan and you will be treated the same day of the consultation in the community acupuncture room. The initial visit lasts about an hour or more. Once the needles are placed, many people relax or fall asleep.
What is Private Acupuncture?
Private acupuncture involves a more individualized intake and allows a more time-intensive treatment. It can often involve other modalities in addition to acupuncture. These may include essential oils, cupping, guasha, moxibustion, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle coaching. Rates are $150 for the first treatment, $135 for each follow up treatment.
Is there anything I should know for my first appointment?
For your first community or private acupuncture appointment, be sure to wear loose comfortable clothing and eat something at least one hour beforehand. Try not to come hungry or full. Your first appointment will last an hour and a half, with all other appointments lasting one hour. We will go through a thorough interview process as we discuss the main reasons for your visit and all else relating to your health, past and present. Annie will then take your pulse and look at your tongue, two tools used for diagnostic purposes. We will end the session with the acupuncture, in which the needles are retained for about 30-45 minutes. The treatment room is comfortable with music and dim lighting. It's very relaxing and most of my patients fall asleep for a restorative power nap.
The benefits of acupuncture start immediately. After your first treatment you could experience an excellent night of sleep, higher energy, more focus, less stress and a reduction in pain.
The benefits of acupuncture start immediately. After your first treatment you could experience an excellent night of sleep, higher energy, more focus, less stress and a reduction in pain.
Where can I park?
There is plentiful parking located on either the north or south side of the building. Handicap access is on the south side of the building.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles can have a certain sensation after they are inserted, but few would call it pain. Unlike hypodermic needles which are used for the delivery of liquids and have a hollow edge to cut the skin, acupuncture needles are solid and part the tissue rather than cut it. Acupuncture needles are also much finer then hypodermic needles. About 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle! Due to the acupuncture needles being so fine and the swiftness of the insertion, the pain reflexes on the nerve endings are not even stimulated. There are some areas of the body that will always be more sensitive including the fingers, toes and palms, but it's generally nothing more than a quick little prick. By the time all the needles are inserted, you generally do not feel any of them and are consumed with a sense of calm relaxation.
How often do I need to come in for treatment?
Typically acupuncture treatments are given 1-3 times per week. The exact duration of treatment varies case to case but generally depends on the condition, your basic level of health and how well you respond to acupuncture. Usually frequent treatments are done for the first few weeks; after that, the frequency of treatment may be reduced as wellness is restored. Average cases take around 6 treatments to resolve, while more challenging chronic cases can take 10+. You can never have acupuncture treatments too close together, but you can have them too far apart. Acupuncture works cumulatively and we want to continue building on your progress.
Do you treat children?
Absolutely! I treat children of any age with excellent results.
Do you have to be certified to practice acupuncture?
Yes. The state of Colorado has strict guidelines in order to practice acupuncture. It requires three years of study in a graduate degree program and then passing the national board exam overseen by National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). The L.Ac. after my name stands for Licensed Acupuncturist. My Colorado license number ACU.0002019.
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is extremely successful in the treatment of a multitude of conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified approximately 40 diseases that are effectively treated with acupuncture. However Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of diagnosing and effectively treating a wide range of conditions including but certainly not limited to:
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Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders
Arthritis Neuralgia Sciatica Back Pain Bursitis Tendonitis Stiff Neck Bell's Palsy Trigeminal Neuralgia Headaches and Migraines Stroke Cerebral Palsy Polio Sprains Muscle Spasms Shingles Circulatory Disorders High Blood Pressure Angina Pectoris Arteriosclerosis Anemia Gastrointestinal Disorders Irritable Bowel Syndrome Spastic colon Colitis Constipation Diarrhea Food Allergies Ulcers Gastritis Abdominal Bloating Hemorrhoids Respiratory Disorders Asthma Emphysema Bronchitis Colds and Flus Cosmetic Issues Fine Lines/Wrinkles Uneven Skin Tone Improved Texture Acne |
Immune Disorders
Candida Chronic Fatigue HIV and AIDS Epstein Barr Virus Allergies Lupus MS Hepatitis Addiction Smoking Cessation Drugs Alcohol Emotional and Psychological Disorders Anxiety Insomnia Depression Stress Gynecological / Genitourinary Disorders Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation Endometriosis Menopause Fibroids Chronic Bladder Infection Complications in Pregnancy Morning Sickness Kidney Stones Impotence Infertility in Men and Women Sexual Dysfunction Acupuncture Also Treats Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects Diabetes Dermatological Disorders Weight Control Pediatrics Prenatal Care Preventative medicine for the prevention of disease and to promote health, energy and vitality. |