Acupuncture

If there was ever an ancient, traditional, and time-trusted medicine, it most definitely is acupuncture. Acupuncture is a limb of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that relies on moving your Qi (loosely thought of as energy). Growing up in the culture we have, we are instinctively compelled to understand the why behind how things work, and many of us can become very skeptical when words like “energy” are uttered. So, let’s just get that out of the way first, shall we?! 

Acupuncture from a Physiological (more scientific) Point of View

Acupuncture works with a meridian system that runs throughout the body, there are nerves, lymphatic vessels, mast cells, capillaries, and muscles that also run along similar pathways. Biochemically, when an acupuncture needle is inserted into a point, it stimulates the sensory receptor there, which in turn stimulates the nerve, which then transmits impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. This feedback loop between the brain, hormones, and glands is responsible for regulating a number of bodily processes. Because acupuncture helps to regulate the various feedback loops in your body, it actually allows your body to heal itself of whatever is wrong. This amazing trait in acupuncture is unique from nearly every other medical system and has sustained acupuncture as a complete system of medicine for over 5,000 years. 

Read more about acupuncture's efficacy here. 

Acupuncture from the Lens of Eastern Medicine

Now let’s step out of our left brains for just a moment so that we can view acupuncture from the lens it was originally created. The classic texts tell us that acupuncture originated 3,000 + years ago and is rooted in Asia. 

TCM works to balance Yin and Yang in our bodies, in simple terms you can think of Yin and Yang as your masculine and feminine energy. Everything can be classified as either Yin or Yang and we all possess both. As a result, this medicine has the ability to rebalance the system which allows the body, mind, and soul to heal itself in a beautiful, organic way free of drugs and other invasive modalities.  

A lesser-known fact is that acupuncture is only a part of a larger system of medicine that includes many other limbs.The following limbs/components of TCM are listed in order from the most basic, in other words, ones that are best integrated into every day life, to the most invasive which are in fact, acupuncture and herbal medicine! Imagine that, TCM’s most invasive modalities are some of the least invasive things you can do from the lens of modern medicine. From this list, one can deduce that this is more than a system of medicine, it is in fact a way of life. Through our sessions, I hope to broaden your vision and open the door to this balance, peaceful way of life for you. 

  • The Eight Limbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

  • Meditation
    This includes prayer or any other spiritual practice that resonates with you.
  • Exercise
    Traditionally, Tai Qi or Qi Gong fit into this category but over time it has broadened to include practices like yoga, walking, and so on.
  • Nutrition
    Eating according to your constitution and patterns, and using food as medicine. 
  • Feng Shui
    Living in accordance to the Chinese 5 Elements, and cultivating a harmonious, clean space around you. 
  • Astrology
     Learning your chart can help you with your overall health. Over time this has expanded and includes other tools like psychology, numerology, and human design. 
  • Myofascial release
    Traditionally, Tui Na, Gua Sha, and Cupping were in this category, overtime massage has gained popularity and can be placed here as well. 
  • Acupuncture
    Used to prevent illness and return your body to balance. 
  • Herbal Medicine
    Used to balance the body internally and correct early stages of imbalance and disease. This can be expanded currently to include vitamins and supplements. 

Developing a course of treatment (together)

The way I practice has developed and changed greatly over the years, needless to say, this is not your typical acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture at Holistically Inspired works with the whole person, including lifestyle, nutrition, mental & emotional health. Depending on your main areas of concern, take-home practices, a thorough review of labs and/or extensive coaching may be recommended.

When determining a treatment course, I like to keep an open dialogue factoring in your schedule, budget, health goals, and the severity of your reason(s) for seeking out acupuncture.

We'll put our heads together and devise a plan that is tailored to your needs and desires.  

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Diving in deeper: 
What makes Holistically Inspired holistic?


We work on a physical level. 

The “physical” is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment with acupuncture. There is a wide held belief that acupuncture is primarily for the treatment of pain, and while acupuncture is wonderful for pain, it’s reach is much broader than that. The physical body is where we see the symptoms surface that are indicative of what is going on inside--chronic pain lingers or stubborn issues surface again and again. In reality, and in most cases, these imbalances run much deeper than surface level but oftentimes it is seeing them manifest in our physical body that drives us in for treatment or that pushes us to the edge and motivates us to try a different modality. 

In addition to acupuncture, we highly recommend coupling your sessions with massage. Massage is a wonderful adjunctive support for the pain our body carries. 

See booking options for our Fort Collins Office. 

Common physical conditions that are supported with acupuncture include:

  • Arthritis
  • Adrenal Fatigue
  • Colds/flu
  • Digestive issues 
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia 
  • Neuropathy
  • Nightmares
  • PMS
  • Urinary problems 
  • Acute injuries/falls/car accidents 
  • Autoimmune
    conditions
  • Chronic illness/viruses
  • High & Low Blood Pressure
  • Perimenopause/menopause 
  • Hormone support 
  • Various pain complaints throughout the body 

We work on a mental level. 

From my experience in the clinic I’ve observed that mental support is the second most common category of ailments people tend to seek treatment with acupuncture for. The “mental” category holds a special place in my heart because psychology was and always will remain, my first passion. Collectively, we are beginning to realize more and more how much our mental health actually does affect us. Stress, anxiety, repressed grief and depression are some of the main causes of disease in Eastern medicine and until past traumas–both micro and macro are worked with and processed then healing will stagnate. 

If your primary area of concern is mental support, oftentimes a longer session with a more thorough coaching program will offer the most relief. Depending on the area, a referral out to a therapist may also be discussed. 

Common mental conditions that are supported with acupuncture include:

  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disporder
  • Chronic Stress
  • Depression 
  • Eating Disorders 
  • Grief
  • OCD 
  • Panic attacks 
  • Phobias
  • PTSD
  • Rumination
  • Trauma
  • Support alongside therapy/EMDR

We work on an emotional level. 

One of the primary causes of disease in TCM is emotion. Western medicine does not typically give much weight to the link between emotions and disease etiology, but when you look back far enough, there is often a clear connection. Long, repressed, and intense emotions get stored in the body and working with them can be a painful process. Many of us push them down and numb via addictive tendencies. If a disease is stubborn or long-standing, and not healing with conventional methods, this is one of the most important places to examine more deeply. 

Emotional imbalances are treated best with a combined approach. This may include a longer session with coaching a referral to a therapist, take-home yoga poses, or seeking an adjunctive session with our Fort Collins' Reiki master, Jordan. 

Common emotional conditions that are supported with acupuncture include: 

  • Addiction 
  • Anger
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Grief & Loss 
  • Irritability 
  • Sadness 
  • Trauma
  • Worry
  • Strong mood changes with hormonal fluctuations (including PMS)

We work on an energetic level. 

This category has morphed and changed over the years and now, the main area I think of in regards to your energetic body is the etherical chakra system that resides on the astral plane. The Chakras are a tremendous healing tool and they contribute more to our everyday life than one could even imagine. Once I began working with the chakras in conjunction with acupuncture, people made dramatic improvements in their mental, emotional, and physical health and cleared blocks that they didn’t even realize were holding them back. 

Rarely a session or a treatment plan is devised that doesn't include some energetic work. It's oftentimes the missing link you never knew you needed. Acupuncture works beautifully on an energetic level, and commonly Reiki is often recommended alongside. 

Common energetic conditions that are supported with acupuncture include: 

**anything physical, mental, and emotional also lies in this list as it is the root of everything.

  • Getting clear on your life path
  • Manifestation and leveling up your desires 
    Poor boundaries 
  • Lack of worthiness
  • Lack of self-love
  • Lack of confidence 
  • Unblocking your chakras
  • Existential dread/worry
  • When needing to make a difficult decision
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