Colorado Community Acupuncture
  • Home
  • About Annie
  • Services
    • Private Acupuncture
    • Community Acupuncture
    • MicroNeedling & Cosmetic Acupuncture
    • Acupuncture for Fertility & Weight Loss
    • LED Light Therapy
    • Cupping
    • Additional Services
  • FAQ
  • Testimonials
  • Contact & Hours

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:

  • December 14th, 2022
  • January 11th, 2023
  • February 15th, 2023
  • March 15th, 2023
  • April 19th, 2023
  • May 17th, 2023
Our mission is to serve the community by providing acupuncture services at an affordable rate.  We believe strongly in acupuncture's place in healthcare and we want it to be affordable for everyone.  Acupuncuture's potential as a viable healing modality cannot be fully realized if it's inaccessible to most people, so we decided to create a way to make that happen.  We offer acupuncture on a sliding scale of  $40-$60 per visit (plus a one-time $10 consultation fee for the first appointment).  Our patients decide what they pay based on what they can afford, no proof of income necessary.  The sliding scale separates the issues of money and treatment.  We want people to be able to come in often enough to get better and stay healthy.  We recognize that everyone's situation is different, and our primary goal is to make acupuncture available as often as needed, for as long as needed. Also, the quality or length of the treatment will never depend on how much they pay.

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.
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: 
​
​
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.


Home

About

Services

FAQ

Contact

Copyright © 2022
  • Home
  • About Annie
  • Services
    • Private Acupuncture
    • Community Acupuncture
    • MicroNeedling & Cosmetic Acupuncture
    • Acupuncture for Fertility & Weight Loss
    • LED Light Therapy
    • Cupping
    • Additional Services
  • FAQ
  • Testimonials
  • Contact & Hours