What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture was originated in China over 3000 years ago. It has developed through the years and different Dynasties and surrounding Asian countries, and ultimately made its way in to the Occident and the rest of the world in the last century.

It involves the use of thin and sterile needles inserted in specific areas of the body to provoke a local reaction, that can be carried and affect many parts of the body, through a webbed system of meridians that carry Qi to promote healing and balancing in the affected area or in the entire body.

 In the United States, Acupuncture is a regulated profession. In Colorado, it can only be performed by practitioners who have had the extensive training in Acupuncture and/or Traditional Chinese Medicine, have passed National Certification for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Boards and acquired licensing through Department of Regulatory Affairs.

Acupuncture is considered a safe and effective way to heal the body and prevent diseases. It is natural, using the body's own healing power, along with natural remedies and foods to promote balancing, resilience and well-being, and it feels really good.

Potential side effects include: local tenderness, bruising, minor bleeding, faint, pain or discomfort.

Herbal supplementation can be added to the treatment plan as a great way to complement and extend the effects of the acupuncture treatment, in continuing the effects of the treatment beyond the office visit.

What is Cupping?

Also known as Miofascial Release, cupping is a therapy that uses suction cups over specific areas of the body, providing mild to intense suction sensation, working through the skin layers through deeper tissues, affecting fascia, muscle, sinews and organs in different ways depending on the condition being treated. 

Cupping is considered a safe therapy, used to relieve pain, reduce stiffness. It increases blood and fluids flow, to help release muscle tension, healing of tissue and toxin removal.

Potential side effects are reddened or bruise areas where cups were applied, mild discomfort, burns and skin infections.

Reddened or bruise skin should disappear within 1-7 days, depending on the treatment and the patients constitution. There are ointments that can help bruising fade faster.

Areas treated by cupping should remain covered from elements and patient should avoid showering for 12 hours post treatment.

What is Auricular Therapy?

Very small needles, tacks or a special smooth round seed are applied to specific points in the ear, stimulating areas that contain nervous stimulation that affect specific areas of the body. Auricular Therapy can be used as a stand alone type of treatment or as a conjunct treatment along with acupuncture and other modalities of Chinese Medicine. 

Ear seeds or tacks are applied with a "band-aid" type of adhesive that can be left in the ear for several days.  If the location feels too intense or turn red or get irritated, the seeds or tacks should be removed and discarded.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is an adjunct therapy that uses a straight rounded tool, that can be man made, shaped out of horns or even by using a Chinese spoon, that is used to scrape the skin surface in specific areas of the body to provide several types of relief.  

Gua Sha increases micro perfusion and blood flow in the area treated, which stimulates immune and anti-inflammatory response in order to treat local pain or inflammation, but can also be strategically used to treat common cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma and other disorders.

There could be temporary blemishes in the treated skin, they should last from 2-4 days. There are ointments that can help blemishes fade faster.

Areas treated with Gua Sha should remain covered and protected from the elements and patient should avoid showering for 12 hours post treatment.

Do you take Insurance Coverage?

Yes, we are in network with many insurance companies, such as, Cigna, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shields, Anthem and more.

Prior to your first visit, make sure to submit this form for insurance verification.

What can be treated by Acupuncture?

In many countries of Asia, Europe, and even in some places in the US, Acupuncture is considered a comprehensive medical system that can address many health issues, promote health and prevent diseases. Click here for a list that NIH and WHO have publish about conditions that can be treated by Acupuncture. 

Can Acupuncture be combined with other types of treatments?

In most cases Acupuncture is great in conjunction with other therapies, improving the outcome when used with massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, herbal medicine, physical therapy, nutrition, counseling or pre and post surgery. 

If you have any questions that are not addressed above or need any more specific information, don't hesitate to send me an email at info@riseholisticmedicine.com or call me at 720.507.7238