CommUnity

​     Acupuncture

​
​Community Acupuncture is a specialized style of treatment which allows our "Punks" to provide care for 5 - 6 people in an hour.

This popular treatment originated in China and began in this country in Portland, Oregon in 2002. It has since grown to as many as 500 clinics across the country, all providing affordable acupuncture on a sliding scale. We are proud to be a member of POCA (the Peoples Organization of Community Acupuncture!) which leads this movement.

Acupuncture works with the principle that you are an integrated whole in body, mind and spirit. Rather than just eliminating symptoms, it focuses on remedying the root causes of the illness or disease and restoring the body's balance.

Our Acupuncturists specialize in quickly identifying the needs of our patients using traditional assessment techniques, then treating them based on their comprehensive knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the community model, you will receive your treatment in a room where other patients are also receiving acupuncture treatments. This creates a synergistic healing experience and keeps acupuncture affordable. Our unique affordability makes it possible for you to receive treatments as frequently as you may need.

What to Expect

• Please arrive for your first appointment 20 minutes before your appointment time to fill out forms. Your first acupuncture session begins with a 10 minute private consultation with our acupuncturist who will review your forms and talk with you about your major health goals. You will receive treatment in either a recliner chair or on a massage table. Your acupuncturist may take your pulse and/or assess your tongue.
• We use sterile, very thin, single use needles and all of our Acupuncturists are certified in clean needle technique. Acupuncture is typically not painful, although you may feel a little sting when the needle is inserted. This should subside quickly but if it doesn't, please tell your acupuncturist.
• You will rest with needles in place for about 30 - 40 minutes. 
• ​​Please wear clothes you can easily push above your knees and elbows. You will remove your shoes and socks.
• ​Acupuncture works best when it is received with sufficient frequency, as is the Asian tradition. You may be suggested to return for treatment a specific number of times per week or month for maximum effectiveness. Once your health is balanced, you can then enjoy acupuncture regularly to stay healthy. Our community model makes this affordable for you and your whole family!
• Depending upon your unique needs, in addition to Acupuncture we offer other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques that include cupping, Chinese herbs, auriculotherapy, electrical stimulation, dietary and lifestyle recommendations. ​

Acupuncture for Addiction

We are pleased to offer specialized acupuncture for people dealing with or in recovery from addictions and related problems. As a service to our community we are making this ear only therapy available two days a week for only $10, between noon and 2:00 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in both our Fort Collins and Loveland locations. No appointment, walk-in only. Appointments last approximately 15 minutes.

These treatments are the same five-ear-point NADA Protocol now delivered in over 40 countries, as well as used or endorsed by the US Department of Defense and Veterans Affair, the US Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the US National Institutes of Health and the United Nations. 

About Cupping

Cupping is an ancient healing therapy that traces back not only to the Chinese, but also to Egyptian and other middle eastern cultures. The practitioner places specialized cups directly on the skin following the acupuncture meridian lines. Then suction is applied pulling the skin into the cup. The cups are left in place for 10 minutes or less, or sometimes a cup is moved gently to massage an area. Cupping is most often done on the back, but can be done on other areas as well such as wrists and ankles. The benefits of cupping include pain relief, detoxification, and increased circulation to the arteries and veins in the area. 
​​

About Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine can be used by itself or in combination with acupuncture. Chinese herbal medicine is the “internal medicine” of Traditional Chinese Medicine (also known as TCM). Chinese herbs are prescribed for acute conditions as well as general health and wellness.

During one of your visits, your acupuncturist may suggest that you have an herbal consult. This special appointment is scheduled for 30 minutes to allow time for the acupuncturist to fully assess your needs. After your appointment, your acupuncturist will order your herbal supplement which you will receive in a short period of time.

​Most of the time herbs can be used alongside western medications, however, there are certain cases when they should not. The utmost care will be used in prescribing herbs for you.

Acupressure - No Needles

Acupressure uses all the same theories of acupuncture, but uses hand-work manipulation techniques (like in massage therapies) instead of needles. This means we can bring powerful, needle-free treatments to you using the same meridians and principles as acupuncture.

Treatment is done on a massage table and can be fairly vigorous. The majority of treatments will be focused on working with acupressure points the back and the extremities. As with any deep tissue work, the treatment itself can be uncomfortable and release many toxins from the body. 

A rest period of 10 minutes or more is recommended after a session to allow the work to move though the body and for the body to settle. Acupressure is ideal for people who are needle sensitive or who want to avoid needles.

Health Benefits of Acupuncture

Disease and illness result from imbalances in the body systems. Chinese medicine works with the body's energy and meridian system to restore that balance, hence its effectiveness in treating many conditions. It is excellent for treating both acute and chronic pain, digestive issues, including nausea, gynecological imbalances, anxiety, stress, fatigue and addiction. 

It is important to stress that acupuncturists are not medical doctors and do not provide primary care medicine or diagnostic medical procedures. Acupuncture is a complement to Western medicine, not a substitute for it. Acupuncturists do not diagnose health conditions according to standard Western medical protocols. 

A “Chinese Diagnosis” should not, therefore, be considered a replacement for standard medical evaluation or testing. If you think there is any possibility that you may be experiencing a serious health concern, it is important that you see a primary care physician prior to acupuncture treatment. 

As a complementary care provider we are pleased to communicate with your physician at your request.
    
The World Health Organization has listed over 40 conditions that are treatable by acupuncture. Many other diseases can be treated as well, especially when acupuncture is combined with Chinese herbal medicine. This list, seen below, gives some indication of the power and scope of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). 

Women's Health

• Painful menses 
• PMS 
• Menstrual irregularity 
• Infertility 
• Fibroids 
• Discharge 
• Mastitis 
• Urinary tract infections
• Habitual miscarriage 
• Nausea of pregnancy 
• Delayed or difficult labor
• Post-partum care 
• Menopause

​Acute and Chronic Pain

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Toothache
• Post-operative
• Dental pain
• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Low back pain
• Sciatica
• Muscle injury
• Tennis elbow

Immune System

• AIDS complications 
• Autoimmune disorders 
• Ear infections 
• Low immunity 
• Tonsillitis
• Infectious Diseases 
• Bacterial Pneumonia 
• Bronchitis 
• Cough 
• Influenza
• Common Cold 
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Shingles 
• Dysentery 
• Infectious Hepatitis

Nervous Disorders

• Stress & Anxiety
• Depression
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• Stomach Ulcers
• Varicose Veins 
• Hemorrhoids 
• Boils 
• Dizziness 
• Shock 
• Strokes 
• Bell's Palsy 
• Vertigo 
• Acne 
• Psoriasis
• Thyroid condition

Gastrointestinal 

• Nausea & vomiting 
• Hiccups 
• Gastritis 
• Stomach aches 
• Ulcers 
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Enteritis 
• Irritable bowel 
• Hemorrhoids 
• Crohn's Diseas

Men's Health

• Impotence
• Prostate problems
• Low sperm count
• Low sex drive
• Urinary difficult

Respiratory Disorders

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Common cold
• Sinusitis

Cardiovascular Disease

• Hypertension
• Palpitations
• Low or high blood pressure 
• Arrhythmia
• Stroke rehabilitation

Internal Diseases

• Allergies
• Conjunctivitis
• Insomnia
• Edema
• Incontinence
• Jaundice
• Tonsilitis
• Paralysis
• Tinnitis
• Gall Stones
• Kidney Stones
• Hiccough

Infectious Diseases

• Bed wetting 
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea 
• Mumps 
• Ear infections 
• ADD / ADHD