Acupuncture Denver Blog

Acupuncture Denver currently sponsors Selam's 4-year program at the Hamlin College of Midwives located outside of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Weema International was kind enough to send us another update about Selam: 

October 3, 2014

Hello Acupuncture Denver!

This September, the WEEMA team met the Hamlin midwife students for a delicious lunch in Addis Ababa.  The students had just returned from their summer break and were eager to get back to their clinical clerkships.  All were beaming with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming school year.

Selam was her usual happy, upbeat self.  She, like her fellow scholars, is already dreaming about the future as her service to her home community is now only two short years away.  We discussed the idea of becoming a “master midwife” - as a Hamlin trained midwife is extremely well educated and has much to offer.  We now envision these women as master teachers supporting the clinical work at the new district hospital as well as associated health centers.  Sharing skills and knowledge will have a ripple effect throughout the area!  High quality care for moms and babies from all health care professionals will save even more lives!

Selam thanks Acupuncture Denver from the bottom of her heart.  WEEMA, thanks you, too. 

Photo from September 2014.  Selam is the second from the right.

Jane, Merry and the team at Acupuncture Denver are amazing!  Their expertise and empathy shine through in every interaction.  This incredible locally-owned business is for those interested in getting onto the path of wellness.  Not only do they offer acupuncture treatments, they also offer nutrition insight and educational classes in a  supportive, loving community.   Although Acupuncture Denver specializes in fertility, I would not hesitate to go to them for anything.  Through their support I was able to change my lifestyle to reduce stress and we are now happily expecting due to their efforts.  I was referred to them by one of the top fertility docs in town and I now know why, they treat your body as well as your soul.

- Denver P. 3/23/2014

As soon as I walked through the doors I started to feel better.  The environment at Acupuncture Denver is warm and welcoming. All of the staff make you feel at home.  I worked with both Merry and Jane during my journey to motherhood and always felt better after a treatment.  It was so helpful to me to work with these 2 women who have such expertise in fertility issues because my nurse at the fertility office didn't always have the time to explain things to me.  Jane and Merry have so much experience that they were able to give me a greater understanding and reassurance throughout the entire process.  I also took advantage of the yoga classes offered where I met 2 amazing women who are still my close friends 2 years later, we are all mothers now.

- Tracey D. 10/8/2013

I have nothing but great things to say about Acupuncture Denver. Jane, Merry and the rest of the staff were such an amazing support system for me while going through my infertility and they played a pivotal role in my success with IVF.  Everyone is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and friendly.

- Amie N. 5/17/2012

I highly recommend Acupuncture Denver. Jane and her staff are the warmest, deeply caring team of professionals helped us through the difficult path of infertility. I am now pregnant with twins and I truly believe they were an important part in our journey to achieve this pregnancy. Thanks again!

- Lorena L. 3/19/2012

Finding Jane and Acupuncture of Denver has been a true blessing and a wonderful experience. After suffering 3 consecutive miscarriages and no known cause I was emotionally exhausted. My Doctors suggested fertility treatments, but I was determined to try acupuncture first before any medical treatments. I initially felt connected to Jane and felt confident and positive in trying to conceive once again. I was overly impressed with her overall knowledge and guidance. The entire experience was refreshing and gave me an overall sense of calmness. I am happy to say I am successfully pregnant and having a beautiful healthy pregnancy. Thank you Jane and Acupuncture of Denver for being such a great place for women to find their peace and happiness.

- Kara G. 12/22/2013

I started doing acupuncture primarily as a fertility treatment after suffering from several miscarriages and being diagnosed with low ovarian reserve. After acupuncture treatments my antral follicle count greatly improved. I also noticed that I had fewer migraines. I did an IVF cycle in conjunction wtih the acupuncture treatments and 17 eggs were retrieved when I once had an antral follicle count of only 4. I am now pregnant with twins as a result of that cycle. The acupuncture treatments were incredibly beneficial in so many ways. Thank you Acupuncture Denver!

- K.P. 10/7/2011

Trying to conceive at 40 isn't easy but seeing Merry every week for 3 months along with Jane's guidance helped me conceive from my first IUI with Dr. Albrecht. I left a fertility clinic two years ago devastated because I was told my FSH was high and probably would need an egg donor!  I did some online research and eastern medicine made sense. I tried another fertility acupuncturist but glad I kept searching for the right one. Luckily I was really impressed with how thorough Jane was during the consultation and how genuinely they seemed to care. Trying to get pregnant is a very delicate matter and an emotional journey and each weekly visit with Merry always gave me comfort. She never was rushed and took to time to help me see everything in a positive light and release my fears that I couldn't do with anyone else.  They both are so attentive and go beyond the normal means to make sure you are well and are getting all the help you need! They always quickly responded to my emails too!  After 3 months of acupuncture my FSH went down to 10 from 14 and like I said earlier I conceived the end of the 3rd month!!

- Andrea M. 7/24/2011

Jane and Merry have been invaluable to me! Both ladies are so comforting, reassuring, incredibly knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. I look forward to my appointments every week. Being able share with them any questions or concerns I had, combined with my treatments, made for the most relaxing and peaceful hour of my week. Seeing these lovely ladies, without a doubt, helped us conceive. My first trimester has been so smooth and calm. Since this is my first pregnancy I have nothing to compare it to but I like to believe that acupuncture, at the very least helped, if not was the sole reason it was so easy. I'm just entering my 2nd trimester and will continue to see them throughout my pregnancy. We can't thank you enough Jane and Merry!!

- Saadi D. 4/28/2011

Jane and Merry are so wonderful!!!  They are compassionate, caring and great practitioners! They helped and supported us in our journey through infertility...and IVF...and now we are expecting twins in two months!! Jane was an integral part of the process for both of us...and we are so grateful!

- Brian M. 3/25/2011

When I first came Acupuncture Denver I was still reeling from the loss of my 3rd pregnancy. Jane made me feel relaxed and validated my pain, something doctors hadn't done at all.  She worked with me to heal both my body and my heart, and along with Merry, who is awesome, helped me get to a place where I was excited to try again.  For me, the 4th time was a charm, this January we welcomed a beautiful daughter into our lives. I attribute Acupuncture Denver and the loving care of Jane and Merry with helping me achieve the healthy body and open heart that allowed her to come. I highly recommend Acupuncture Denver.

- Marti R. 3/4/2011

I am very glad I found Jane and Merry. I was told by doctors that my chances to get pregnant were very slim. My body was a mess coming out of cancer treatment. They put me right on track and a year later I have a wonderful beautiful baby girl. My current doctor called my pregnancy and my baby a miracle. I am very grateful to them and even after having my baby I still have sessions with them. They helped me with lactation and post partum recovery. They are caring, supportive and very knowledgeable. They are truly wonderful.

- Denise P. 2/4/2011

I cannot say enough about Jane Gregorie and Merry Reasons.  Not only are they extremely knowledgeable about infertility and acupuncture, they are great listeners, empathic to this disease, and are people who can keep you calm and as stress free as you can be.  After 3 1/2 years and an IVF cycle, I am now pregnant and feel that I owe a lot of my success to Jane and Merry.  Infertility is such a struggle and sometimes doctors can make you feel that you are just one in thousands.  Jane and Merry make you feel like a person.  They care about your success and give you hope.  I appreciate all their help and would recommend them to anyone who is trying to get pregnant.

- Nicole B. 12/18/2010

Without a doubt I attribute my success in getting pregnant to Jane Gregorie. After a year and a half of being told by the endocrinologists that I was not ovulating and would not be able to get pregnant without infertility treatment, I decided to go see Jane. I didn't know if or how the treatments were working but I felt at ease and relieved to be working with someone who gave me hope. Today I have an amazing son who is my little miracle baby. And I couldn't be happier or more grateful.

- Brooke L. 12/16/2010

Thanks to Acupuncture Denver, we are celebrating the holidays with a precious new baby boy. I had never been to acupuncture, and was quite skeptical when I first began treatment with them. Their knowledge is remarkable to say the least when it comes to female reproduction and fertility. I came to them very hopeless and lost, and they turned our world around with their care!

- Jen N. 12/15/2010

Jane Gregorie and Merry Reasons are incredible practitioners who specialize in fertility enhancement and women's health. After a year of trying to get pregnant, I started receiving regular acupuncture treatments from Jane and was pregnant in just a few months. Both Jane and Merry are incredibly caring, compassionate and supportive. I highly recommend this clinic if you are struggling with fertility challenges.

- Shanna G. 2/5/2010

I visited Acupuncture Denver in 2013 to help me with two egg retrieval procedures.  Before that, I had one retrieval in late 2012, and though I had 13 active follicles, that first retrieval yielded only 9 eggs, 3 of which were mature, and 2 of which fertilized.  Combined with a change in stim meds protocol, with four weeks of acupuncture treatments, my second retrieval yielded 15 eggs, 12 of which were mature, and 10 of which fertilized.  An improvement of 500%!  I was able to do 12 weeks of acupuncture treatments for my third retrieval, which yielded 17 eggs, 12 of which were mature, and 10 of which fertilized.  Of the 22 total, 12 lived to blastocyst stage, and 4 of those passed genetic testing – one from the first cycle, one from the second, and two from the third.  Clearly, the more acupuncture treatments, greater the quantity and quality produced.  We are looking forward to doing successful embryo transfers with the assistance of Acupuncture Denver!

Jane, Merry, and staff are fantastic at what they do.  Not just in terms of technical skills, but also, they provide such an ambience of support and empathy. As a fertility patient I think this is of utmost importance, and I felt blessed to find such a sensitive and caring practice.  I had never tried acupuncture before so this was a wonderful introduction to how good it can make you feel and how healthy it is for the mind-body-spirit connection.  When you first arrive you are offered tea or water, which is lovely.  I especially love the Rose Petal. They are never behind schedule, but also never in a hurry, so you always get to go in on time, and you never feel rushed.  Once in the treatment room, the visit begins with a discussion about how you have been feeling in the interim since your last appointment.  They are very interested in knowing whatever you have to say and they keep notes from visit to visit.  When it’s time to begin they explain everything to you before they do it, so there are no surprises.  The needles go in and you begin to feel relaxed.  They rarely are uncomfortable, but when that happens they are moved right away. Then the music or meditation CD comes on and you drift off peacefully.  I would highly recommend Acupuncture Denver, without any reservation.

First time ever fertility online event...and you're invited!  

You've probably heard that acupuncture and Chinese medicine works for improving fertility to get pregnant naturally or to be successful with your fertility treatments but you don't understand why or how it works.

Whether you've seen an acupuncturist yet or not, there's a lot of mystery around how it can help you. You may have heard from a friend or co-worker that they got pregnant with acupuncture, or maybe you researched it online, or your doctor recommended that you try it.

Chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years and has been used as an effective healthcare solution by billions of people all over the world so it's certainly not just a passing trend.

And what you may not realize is that Traditional Chinese medicine is so much more than just getting acupuncture at your acupuncturist's office.

If you want to learn how Chinese medicine can help you get pregnant, you're not going to want to miss this first time ever special online event!

We're pleased to invite you to the Chinese Medicine for Fertility Virtual Summit. It's completely FREE to attend live! Sign up here for FREE and reserve your spot at this event: Click here to register.

During this event, you can watch 19 video interviews of the top experts in the field of Chinese

medicine for fertility from around the world. Even acupuncturists pay hundreds of dollars for their trainings. In fact, even celebrity, Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives, Dallas) will be sharing how her StrongYoga for Fertility stimulates flow throughout the acupuncture meridians.

These interviews will cover topics including using Traditional Chinese Medicine for:

• Balancing hormones
• Natural conception
• Implantation issues
• PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis
• Optimizing egg and sperm quality
• IVF and Donor pregnancy success
• Thyroid issues affecting your fertility

And much much more!

The summit includes world renowned Chinese medicine experts like Dr. Randine Lewis, author of The Infertility Cure, which is the go-to book for learning about Chinese medicine and fertility. We also have two lead acupuncturists from the Yin Ova center in Manhattan (Dr. Oz has invited the Yin Ova center acupuncture team several times to teach his audience about the wonders of acupuncture). Also on our panel is Dr. Dao, a 38th generation Chinese medicine doctor who's an acupuncturist to celebrities in Los Angeles and published author of The Tao of Fertility.

You can WATCH all the information-packed VIDEO interviews online every day of the Virtual Summit for FREE, starting on Monday May 19th. Grab your free place now to attend this exciting event, and learn how you can use Chinese medicine to balance your health and get pregnant- Be sure to sign up here for FREE and reserve your spot at this event: Click here to register for free!

I was so honored to hold space for all of the courageous women who attended our National Infertility Awareness Week group treatment and sharing circle event. It was moving, inspiring and powerful. Sitting in a circle of women who can understand the grief of infertility and pregnancy loss is always such healing experience. Many women commented on how much more resilient they felt having found space at Acupuncture Denver to open up (sometimes for the first time ever) with others who have "earned the right to hear their story, " as Brene Brown writes. Bringing women together in the safe space we have created has become one of my biggest priorities at the clinic. Some women even commented that they wished they had found us sooner since making this connection has lifted their spirits, helped them handle the roller-coaster of infertility and, most importantly, made them feel less alone. 

I am continually awed by the strength I see in the women I treat on a daily basis at the clinic. And when we come together in a circle of women, this power is palpable. One attendee at the event commented at the conclusion of the sharing circle that she could "feel the hope that filled the room." We are all healed when we come together with shared intentions and struggles. Even though the uncertainty of the fertility journey can be scary, overwhelming, and painful, touching in to our common humanity through our shared experience is a beautiful thing. Gratitude to the women who came to this lovely event and to all whose journeys I have shared over the years. You amazing women continue to inspire me! 

Each year, we are honored to participate in Resolve's National Infertility Awareness Week by offering a free event. This year, Jane Gregorie, owner and clinic director at Acupuncture Denver, will be hosting a women's sharing circle and group treatment for those struggling with infertility and pregnancy loss. Based on Randine Lewis' powerful group treatment ritual that concludes her fertility retreats, this is a great opportunity to come together with other women who have "earned the right to hear your story." 

A few words from Jane: "My experience in working with thousands of women over the past fifteen years of private practice dedicated to fertility enhancement is that so many women feel isolated and alone in their experience. Friends and family are announcing pregnancies weekly (or daily!) and with the advent of social media, the constant reminder of other people's family-building success can be devastating. After interning at one of Randine Lewis' fertility retreats in 2005, I experienced the power of bringing women together to share their stories, heal their losses, and rekindle their hope. I started my Fertile Ground yoga classes shortly thereafter and ultimately created the space in my clinic to host free support groups, classes, mini-retreats and events like the sharing circle and group treatment. One of my proudest achievements professionally has been bringing women together to share in their struggles, joys and gain resilience through recognizing that none of us are alone. Reaching out and sharing your story in a group takes courage and incredible bravery. I hope that you will join us as we come together on Thursday, April 24th from 6:30-8:30PM to share our stories and find strength, healing and understanding." 

Space is limited, so be sure to sign up here online! 

It's mid-December, and the new year is almost upon us. I find myself excited to take time to recount 2013 in my journal; I plan to list the challenges, triumphs, and ways in which I have grown. 2013 definitely had its highs - and lows - and I feel grateful for the strange, wild ride I have gone on! 2013 energetically felt like a year of big balances; often that balancing came with upheaval and loss. In retrospect, I think of the year a bit like a needed fire: sometimes the forest periodically requires the underbrush to be cleared away to allow for new growth. Some thoughts for reflection I've had (going with this metaphor) are: What was cleared away this year? What can grow in its place?

A friend of mine mentioned the word "loam" last night, and its symbolic quality. Loam is rich, quality soil: perfect for planting. Soil needs work to get to the loam state; I think we're like that as people, too. Preparing ourselves to be more receptive, more nourished, deeper in our wisdom and with greater understanding of our complexities is a journey - a journey into a richer, more rewarding life. I don't think the journey stops; we just find ourselves at different signposts and with different road maps. Remembering - acknowledging - our existence is part of the loam-building process.

I have a new journal for 2014, and I plan to begin it with an intention, rather than a resolution. I've been meditating the past few days on the concept of "deserving". I think of the word less in terms of reward or punishment, and more about claiming (and insisting upon) what is rightfully ours. What's ours is not tangible, exactly: it's more of a sense of agency and ownership in expecting what is best for ourselves. We can hold ourselves and others accountable to this, but ultimately it's our choice to walk away when what we deserve is not being fulfilled. The thought is incredibly liberating!

What's your intention for 2014? What steps will you take to turn your intention into a practice?

Acupuncture Denver has some wonderful offerings for 2014 that will support the new cycle of growth for the coming year. There's the 4-series Fertile Ground yoga class that begins Sunday, January 5th. The free monthly infertility support group meets Thursday, January 16th. And the free meditation session happens on Sunday, January 19th. We hope to see you!

*first image courtesy of Famartin 

 

By Erica Adams, Office Manager

I’ve been reading tarot for 11 years, and use it as a tool for self-examination and personal development. I find the archetypes represented by the cards to be a never-ending source of wisdom. The Tarot itself comes from the Middle Ages; it was originally a card game with imagery based on the spiritual viewpoint of the early Renaissance. Most historians believe it was not used for divination (“fortune-telling”) until the late 18^th century. She appears content – completely present and accessible.You’ll notice that she’s by herself. Her energy is utterly self-contained; her power comes from her own life-force energy, not other people. To me that’s the key to her fecundity. It raises the important question: how often do we find ourselves seeking strength through our personal interactions? Where do we get our nourishment from?  What feeds our spirit? 

When we embody the archetype of the Empress, we realize we have our own personal kingdom to draw from. We are present in our bodies, we take time to appreciate nature, and we understand the cycles of life. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, we connect ourselves to the rhythms of the earth. We slow down; we listen to our bodies. We pause before we give; we pause before we commit ourselves to anything. We know that we as women – in all cycles of our lives – hold the keys to creation, and that is a responsibility: to have the wisdom to say no, to know when to retreat, when it is time to nurture ourselves. We make ourselves a priority because we know that it is for the greatest good: we cannot give to others unless we give to ourselves first.

The Empress embodies fertility; she is fertile precisely because she is able to take time to be present, to appreciate and enjoy her body (represented by the nature around her). She ensures her personal kingdom is well-cared for.
   

Acupuncture Denver currently sponsors Selam's 4-year program at the Hamlin College of Midwives located outside of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Weema International was kind enough to send us an update about Selam:

Selam is super excited to start her second year at Hamlin College of Midwives! She was at home in Mudula, Ethiopia with her family for her summer break and is ready to return to Addis to study and to learn. Her dream is to become a midwife.

Her second year classes include pharmacology, pediatrics, psychology and breast feeding/infant nutrition. However, her favorite course is "Building Midwives' Skills", the hands-on, interactive sessions as well as clinical practice working directly with patients.

In May 2013 Selam responded to these questions -- and demonstrated her growing proficiency in English!

Why do you want to become a midwife?

I am interested in this profession because in my community maternal mortality is very high because of the lack of professional midwives. I can reduce this [high mortality rate] by learning this profession, and I will enjoy this profession.

What do you want to say to the people who are supporting you?

Really thank you so much for giving me  this opportunity. I have no words to express my gratitude. But I say to you, "Thank you so much!"

In rural Ethiopia, only 3% of deliveries are attended by skilled professionals and the lifetime risk of dying in childbirth is 1 in 27. Yet most maternal deaths can be prevents if competent midwives assist women before, during, and after childbirth. As Dr. Hamlin says: "A midwife for every woman!"

Weema International wants to thank Acupuncture Denver and its community for supporting Selam at the Hamlin College of midwives. Because of your support, Selam will fulfill her dreams and will save lives.

Please also watch these two great video clips of Selam here and here.

September is shaping up to be a busy and fruitful month for us here at Acupuncture Denver. As fall begins to approach, now is the perfect time to nourish your body, mind, and spirit for the months ahead with our fantastic upcoming classes!

We're so excited that Fertile Ground yoga is back! These classes are for women facing fertility challenges and are looking for a safe place to nurture their bodies, minds, and spirits along the way. Sign up for all four classes or just drop in. Classes start Sunday, September 8th! 

We know infertility is an enormous challenge and we want you to know you're not alone. Join others in our free monthly infertility support group on Thursday, September 19th.

Another great way to nurture yourself is with our Stress Less class. Everybody experiences stress at times and it's important to find healthy ways to manage it. Our 4-week Stress Less class will provide simple yet powerful tools to improve your stress management skills. Classes start Wednesday, September 11th at 5:30 pm. 

Meditation is great for stress relief, and we're offering a free meditation class on Sunday, September 29th! During your journey it's always good to get in the habit of mindfulness and our free meditation class will do the trick. Breathe, relax, and unwind with us!  We wish you a September filled with peace and possibility.

We hope you can join us for some of our offerings!