About Acupuncture


Acupuncture works by using needles to access the Qi (pronounced "chee") or vital energy at acupoints, and manipulating that energy in specific ways. One can either supplement, drain, or move the Qi in order to restore the proper flow of energy through the meridians (pathways for Qi) in the body. Meridians are similar to rivers or little energy highways in the body. They are all interconnected and correspond to specific organ systems and flow in designated directions.

Whenever Qi is stuck in a specific area, something happens like a logjam in a river or a traffic jam on a highway, and that part of the body will react, becoming painful or manifesting signs of pathology in an area associated with its correspondent organ system. Similarly, when there is not enough Qi flowing in a certain meridian, symptoms such as weakness and fatigue may occur, signaling that not enough nourishment is being circulated to all or part of the body. 

Experience matters when it comes to acupuncture treatment! While generally safe, receiving acupuncture from those with limited education can be dangerous (FYI, chiropractors and Physical Therapists can wield acupuncture needles with very few hours of training in Colorado). Licensed acupuncturists receive thousands of hours of training and practitioners with many years of experience, like our providers, know how to get the best results without a heavy hand or painful insertion. Book now! 

Acupuncture & Modern Research  

When Jane started to practice in the 1990s, acupuncture was still considered very "alternative" (or maybe even full-on woo!). Over the past two decades, more and more research and outcome studies have been published, especially in the area of infertility and women's health. Many hospitals now integrate acupuncture into their services and doctors routinely refer their patients to us. One of our favorite studies by a colleague and friend investigated how "Whole Systems TCM" impacts fertility outcomes. Some other great resources where you can find the down-low on acupuncture research include Evidence Based Acupuncture and Jane Lyttleton's wonderful Research & Reviews webpage, which highlights many studies on acupuncture for fertility, women's health, and in pregnancy.