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Boulder acupuncture, Louisville, Broomfield, Superior Colorado
Acupuncture in Boulder with Dr. Jack Schaefer DACM LAc alternative medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine to the Boulder, Louisville, Superior Colorado area
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Education Opportunities for Practitioners
Education opportunities with Dr. Jack for health care practitioners
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jack schaefer
Jack Schaefer, founder of Mountain West Wellness, is commited to helping you achieve optimal health.
Mountain West Wellness Health Tips Newsletter
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Patient Self Care Resources
Information to help you take care of yourself without drugs or surgeries.
Boulder Acupuncture Clinic
Our Boulder acupuncture clinic serves Boulder and the surrounding communities.
Mountain West Wellness Health Online Store
The online store and resources.
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Comprehensive Chinese Medicine Telehealth Appointment
Learn about our comprehensive telehealth visits to help you reach optimum health and vitality.
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Acupuncture and Cancer Care
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be a great addition to traditional cancer treatments.
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
What does acupuncture treat? Click here to see a list of common ailments treated by acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
How to Choose an Acupuncturist
Making an informed choice is important when selecting an acupunctuist.
Why Turn to Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Simply put – because it works! Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offers numerous benefits that cannot be found in the western model.
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acupuncture related articles
This page contains many of our articles about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Treats Wrinkles!
by erin Hallstrom MSOM LAc
Did you know that there are two different kinds of wrinkles on the face? Static wrinkles are the ones that are there all the time. They are typically caused by perpetually tight muscles and habitual facial expressions, such as pursing the lips or furrowing the brow.
Dry skin, smoking, dry climate, and UV exposure tends to exacerbate the appearance of static wrinkles.Dynamic wrinkles are only seen during certain muscle movements or when facial expressions are being made. For example, you can see forehead lines on children (even though they have young skin) when they raise their eyebrows, but these lines disappear when they relax those muscles.
Acupuncture helps reduce the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, by increasing blood circulation, collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. When we insert acupuncture needles into the skin and muscles of the face, we create micro-trauma. This initiates a healing response, which stimulates collagen and elastin production. Collagen gives skin its volume and rigidity, while elastin helps skin maintain its shape and provides flexibility, like a spring. Hyaluronic acid is another lubricating substance within the skin that provides moisture, helps retain collagen, and keeps skin plump and firm. Needling also increases blood circulation to the face. Over time, this reduces the appearance of wrinkles because the blood provides the skin cells with the necessary nourishment and moisture.In Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation, we also work to correct internal organ imbalances. Adequate sleep and proper digestion are critical components of healthy skin.
By improving digestion, we can extract more nutrients from the food we eat and build more nutrient-rich blood. Improved blood circulation results in more moist skin, which is less prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
By optimizing sleep, the body has the opportunity to detoxify and regenerate. This is especially important throughout the course of Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation treatment, while we are encouraging the growth of collagen and elastin fibers, as well as the removal of waste products that can cause the skin to be congested and less vibrant.
If you’re interested in using Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation to improve your skin’s health and appearance, please call the clinic at (303) 499-1633
Kick Allergies to the Curb
According to forecasts on pollen.com, this week is going to kick off the start of allergy season! Rather than running out and stocking up on over-the-counter medications, consider acupuncture and herbal medicine as a natural solution to combatting seasonal allergies.
Attack Time v Non-Attack Time
In Chinese Medicine, allergies are treated differently depending on whether you are having active allergy symptoms or not. During attack time/allergy season we focus the treatment approach on reducing symptoms, while still supporting the organ system. This treatment approach is not unlike Western medicine; however, acupuncture and herbal medicine usually doesn’t have many (if any) of the negative side effects.
During non-attack time when you are asymptomatic, we work on addressing the underlying imbalances that cause your body to overreact to allergens. Each person is unique, but treatment could involve supporting the gut and its microbiome, managing the stress response, and/or boosting immune function. This treatment needs to start 6-12 weeks before allergies typically strike.
Root Treatment v Masking Symptoms
Allergies can be compared to a tree. The branches are what you see and experience—they are the allergy symptoms that typically affect the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Trees also have roots, which are akin to the underlying imbalances that cause the body to overreact to pathogens.
Chinese Medicine differentiates itself from Western Medicine in that it addresses BOTH the roots (underlying organ imbalances) and branches (symptoms) of seasonal allergies, whereas the Western approach focuses only on masking symptoms.
The Dreaded Histamine
When the body is infiltrated by an allergen, it triggers an immune response that causes histamines to be released in the affected area. Histamines cause inflammation and initiate a series of events that activate the immune system to kick the allergen out of the body. Histamines are important for a normal immune response, but when the body overreacts to an allergen and produces too many histamines, you begin to experience the classic allergy symptoms: runny nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, and itchy eyes and skin.
Antihistamines Aren’t Necessarily the Best SolutionSymptom masking gives you relief in the short-term, but almost always results in the condition recurring. Furthermore, you are also faced with managing side effects. Antihistamine medications, such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine), work by blocking the action of histamines. In addition to blocking histamines, they can also cause headache, drowsiness, nervousness, constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, sore throat, blurred vision, nosebleed, and skin rash.
There’s Still Hope for You…
Chinese Medicine and acupuncture give you the opportunity to make allergy season a time of year you don’t have to dread! Your reality doesn’t have to include allergy attacks. Call the clinic at 303.499.1633 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Acupuncture, what is it and how does it work?
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
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Bone Broth Recipe For Vibrant Health
Food is medicine. In our clinic, we prescribe bone broth as dietary therapy to patients with low immune function, bone and joint issues, digestive complaints, and skin problems. Animal bones contain minerals, amino acids, and collagen. Minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, are essential to building healthy bones and producing blood. Amino acids aid in detoxification, metabolism, and immune function. Bones are also an excellent source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy skin, aids in absorption of nutrients by nourishing the mucosal lining of the digestive tract, and promotes joint health.
Chinese herbs can be added to enhance the medicinal quality of bone broth. In this recipe, Chinese red dates and ginger root both support digestion. Chinese red dates also nourish blood and improve the overall taste of the broth. Customized modifications to this recipe can also be made, based on your unique symptoms and underlying health condition(s).
We have had patients raise concerns about the ingestion of heavy metals, such as lead, from bone broth. A 2017 study looked at the levels of heavy metals in several types of bone broths, specifically those made of chicken, pork, and beef bones. Researchers found that the levels of heavy metals extracted from all types of bones were minimal and posed negligible health risks.
If you’re still concerned, pay attention to the following recommendations:
Use high-quality pasture-raised or grass-fed, grass-finished bones.
Avoid the use of ceramic pots when cooking, as it can leach lead into food
Filter water to remove fluoride, as fluoride can also enhance lead accumulation
INGREDIENTS
5# beef knuckle / long bones / pig trotters
4-6 carrots
1 large onion
5-6 cloves fresh garlic
5-6 sprigs fresh rosemary
2-3 bay leaves
1 T apple cider vinegar
1-2” fresh ginger root
6 Chinese red dates (optional)
2 pieces kombu (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Thaw bones.
Rough chop onions and carrots.
Peel garlic.
Roast bones, onions, carrots, and garlic at 375F for approximately 45 minutes or until marrow begins to bubble out of bones.
Place all roasted ingredients (including pan drippings) in large crockpot with remaining ingredients.
Cover with water.
Simmer on low for at least 18 hours.
Strain liquid through fine mesh strainer into large vessel. Discard bones, veggies, etc.
Place vessel with liquid into refrigerator. Allow fat to rise to top and solidify. Skim fat off top and store in sealed container in refrigerator or freezer.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533136/
Osteoporosis and Chinese Medicine
Have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia? Are you hesitant to take Western drugs to treat it? Part of our clinic’s mission is to help our patients avoid unnecessary drugs and surgeries. Read on to learn more about osteoporosis and how we treat it at Mountain West Wellness.
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease characterized by reduced bone density. Postmenopausal women are the population most commonly affected by osteoporosis. As a woman ages, her body becomes less able to increase bone size and density. Consequently, the treatment and management strategy for osteoporosis primarily focuses on diminishing bone loss rather than on increasing bone size.
Bones require an adequate supply of calcium, vitamin D, and several hormones to stay healthy. They are constantly adjusting to changes in nutrition, hormone function, and mechanical stressors. Bone cells that are responsible for breaking down and rebuilding bones (osteoclasts and osteoblasts) are located in the bone marrow. Immune cells are also found in the bone marrow. Bone cells and immune cells share several molecules and proteins that help regulate their function and turn genes “on” or “off.”
A recent research study showed a connection between osteoporosis and immune system activation. It also demonstrated the effectiveness of treating osteoporosis using Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese herbs and formulas simultaneously regulate immune system function and promote bone health. Herbs such as Gu Sui Bu (kudzu root), Yin Yang Huo (epimedium leaf), and Du Zhong (rubber tree bark) are commonly used when treating osteoporosis. We use them in combination with other herbs to make custom herbal formulas that treat both the root cause of your condition, as well as your associated symptoms.
You can also enhance your body’s bone building ability through your diet. Calcium is a key mineral for bone health. It is found in dark leafy greens. If supplementing with calcium, calcium citrate is the best form to take. The body can only process 500 mg of calcium at a time, so keep that in mind when dosing.Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) helps with absorption of calcium in the GI tract. Dietary sources include pasture-raised eggs and wild-caught salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna. About 10 minutes of directly sunlight to the hands and face daily can also help with vitamin D levels.
Vitamin K is the It is found in grass-fed yogurt, naturally-ripened cheeses, natto, miso, dark leafy greens, avocados, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, parsley, and kiwi fruit. The recommended form is Vitamin K2-7 (menaquinone). Both Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2-7 are fat-soluble and are best absorbed when taken at the same time as a dietary fat source.Interested in exploring whether acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine could help treat your osteoporosis? Call the clinic at (303) 499-1633 to schedule a free consultation (valued at $55) to find out more.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5338252/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/2018/6345857/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4042573/
ICV Common Questions
What causes the ICV to function abnormally?
An imbalance of gut bacteria can cause gas and bloating, resulting in increased pressure within the intestines. The increased pressure can cause the ICV to stay open for longer than normal.
Dysregulation of the nervous system can cause the vagus nerve to lack tone. Low vagal tone results in lowered response to stressful situations, which can negatively impact the “rest and digest” functions of the body. The stomach and intestines are innervated by the vagus nerve and are thus affected.
How do I know if I have ICV syndrome?
Despite the condition having been first identified in the 1950s, ICV syndrome is still not well understood. For many, it is a diagnosis of exclusion, especially since its symptoms are like many other conditions, including Crohn’s. Western medicine will often diagnose via colonoscopy.
If you are not responding to treatment for digestive issues, impaired immunity, and/or low back pain, ileocecal valve syndrome should be considered as a possible culprit.
In the clinic, we palpate the abdomen. In cases where we suspect ICV syndrome, we palpate the abdomen to determine if increased tenderness and pain exists in the region directly over the ICV.
How does Western medicine treat this condition?
Western medicine commonly treats ICV syndrome by surgical resection. Although this can be an effective method of treatment in some cases, the likelihood of recurrence is high if the underlying cause of ICV dysfunction is not addressed.
How do you treat it with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine?
We treat both the associated symptoms and the underlying cause. By treating the symptoms, we help you to feel better now and we treat the root cause of the condition to keep the symptoms from coming back!We use acupuncture and custom herbal formulas to help promote normal digestion, reduce gas causing increased intestinal pressure, and improve vagal nerve tone. Manual body work to close the ileocecal valve can also be very helpful.
What can I do on my own to treat ICV syndrome?
Try doing a manual self-release of the valve. Lay on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Palpate for a hard or tender spot on the right side of the abdomen, about halfway between your hip bone and bellybutton. Press gently into the tender spot and drop your knees to the left and to the right in a windshield wiper motion for about 30-60 seconds. Repeat this 2-3 times per day.
References
https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/23-5-the-small-and-large-intestines/https://gut.bmj.com/content/gutjnl/29/3/390.full.pdf
The Great Mimicker - ICV
by erin Hallstrom LAc
Would you believe it if I told you that your back pain may be due to an intestinal problem? This suggestion may seem more reasonable if you are simultaneously experiencing digestive issues, such as right-sided abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and/or blood in the stool. These are the symptoms commonly associated with dysfunction of the ileocecal valve (ICV), the muscular sphincter that connects the small intestine to the large intestine.
The function of a healthy ICV is to prevent the backflow of feces from the large intestine into the small intestine. When the valve becomes blocked or prolapsed, problems often arise. The population most at-risk for ICV dysfunction is obese women over 40 years old.ICV syndrome is known as the “great mimicker” because its symptoms mimic those of more frequently diagnosed conditions, including Crohn’s disease, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), sinus infection, influenza, and low back pain. A research study by Pollard et al (2006) used muscle testing at the ICV point to determine a high correlation between subjects with low back pain and tenderness at a point directly over the ICV. In the same study, 32 of 33 subjects without low back pain reported no tenderness at the ICV point.Western medicine treatment of ICV syndrome is surgical resection; however, there is a risk of relapse and recurrence of the condition. In our clinic, we strive to help our patients be healthy without the unnecessary use of drugs and surgeries using Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. We have had success treating ICV syndrome using acupuncture strategies that promote normal intestinal motility, restore the “rest and digest” function controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, and flush the digestive tract with fresh blood circulation.
We want to help you both address the problematic symptoms now and keep them from coming back later. If you suspect that your health concerns may be related to ICV syndrome, please call us at the clinic at 303.499.1633 to see if we can help you.
References:
Bablis, Peter & Pollard, Henry & Bonello, Rod. (2006). The Ileocecal Valve Point and Muscle Testing: A Possible Mechanism of Action.. Chiropractic Journal of Australia. 36. 122-126.
Cold and Flu Prevention and Remedies That Work
by Erin Hallstrom
Cold and flu season is in full swing and Colorado is one of the hardest hit states. Here are some pointers for giving your immune system a fighting chance, as well as an at-home treatment to use if you do catch a cold:
Move your body. When the weather allows, get outside to exercise in sunshine. Vitamin D can help boost immune function. While moderate exercise is good for you, avoid over exercising, as it can create a negative stressor on the body, decreasing the body’s immune function.
Steer clear of alcohol. Alcohol is absorbed in the stomach and is known to damage the gut lining. Much of our immune system originates in the gut and its function is reduced by alcohol consumption. To reduce your risk of respiratory infection or pneumonia, moderate the amount of booze you drink.
Take probiotics. A recent study showed that participants who took probiotics had enhanced immune function and a significantly reduced incidence of upper respiratory infections and flu symptoms. Probiotics don’t work immediately and should be taken regularly over several months for full effects. Look for products that target immune function specifically.
Increase your glutathione stores. Glutathione is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the body and helps to decrease inflammation. N-Acetylene cysteine (NAC) is a precursor to glutathione. Both have been shown to help your body fight off bacterial and viral infections. Consider supplementing daily with either NAC or liposomal glutathione to give your immune system a boost.
Follow all of these suggestions and still get sick?
Get plenty of rest, stay well hydrated, and consider trying out the remedy below at the first signs of illness.
Nose Drops
2 cloves of garlic, peeled OR 1 Tablespoon grated daikon radish¼ cup room temperature waterSqueeze the juice from the garlic or daikon and mix with the water at about 1 part juice to 10 parts water. Apply as nose drops.
Note: Daikon is less intense than garlic.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are not just for when you are sick—they are also helpful in boosting immunity and preventing illness. If you follow the suggestions above and still get sick, give us a call at the clinic at (303) 499-1633 to schedule an appointment. The sooner you come in, the quicker you will get to feeling better!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5995450/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590612/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/50395943_Role_of_glutathione_in_immunity_and_inflammation_in_the_lung
Pain Treatment with Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be very effective in the treatment of pain located in Boulder Colorado.
What is the Problem With Your Sleep
by Erin Hallstrom
Do you struggle to fall asleep or have difficulty staying asleep? Do you wake feeling exhausted? If so, you’re not alone! According to the NIH, insomnia affects roughly 30 percent of the population. Recent research has found that artificial light disrupts endocrine function and reduces the sleep hormone melatonin, thus leading to acute or chronic insomnia.
What is melatonin and how does it affect sleep?When light enters the retina of the eye, it is first transmitted to a region of the hypothalamus called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is the part of the brain primarily responsible for circadian rhythms, including sleep-wake cycles. The signal is ultimately relayed to the pineal gland, where melatonin is produced.
The release of melatonin is triggered by darkness and inhibited by light exposure. When melatonin is cruising through your body, its purpose is to make you sleepy. Levels of this hormone should rise and fall in accordance with the natural light and dark cycles of a normal day. As such, melatonin secretion should begin to rise around sunset, peak at around 9pm, remain elevated throughout the night, and then taper off to undetectable levels by around 9am. When the eyes are exposed to excessive light after sunset, it essentially tricks the body into believing that it is morning and it down regulates melatonin production, thus leading to trouble sleeping.What are the side effects of decreased melatonin secretion?
Decreased melatonin secretion affects more than just sleep. It can also increase hunger, leading to poor food choices and late-night eating. Lack of quality sleep can also be associated with poor memory, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, high blood sugar, reduced fat metabolism, indigestion, heartburn, and reduced repair and detoxification functions.
Use light to your advantage to regulate your sleep-wake cycles.
At night, make your environment dark:Turn off electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, computers, and televisions, 1-2 hours before bed.
Install an app, such as f.lux, that coordinates the brightness of your e-device screens to your external environment.
Minimize light sources in bedroom by installing blackout curtains and either dimming or covering up alarm clock.If you wake to use the bathroom during the night, install a night light to avoid having to turn on bright overhead lights.
During the day, expose yourself to light: Get outside for 10-20 minutes in the morning to expose yourself to sunlight.
Eat breakfast in a sunny spot.
Open your blinds and allow sunshine to stream in.Light exposure (or lack thereof) is not the only contributing factor to insomnia.
If you incorporate these suggestions and are still struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, it might be worthwhile to explore the role of diet, exercise, stress, and emotional health to achieve a good night’s sleep.
References
Russart KL, Nelson RJ. Light at night as an environmental endocrine disruptor. Physiology & Behavior. 2018;190:82-89. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.08.029.
Diagnosis Methods used in acupuncture
We use several diagnostic methods in order to make an accurate treatment possible.
Acupuncture injection therapy
The injection of various healing substances into the body either under the skin or in the muscles.
How to Save Money on Health Care with Acupuncture
The use of acupuncture and Chinese medicine can save you money on your health care.
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Health Care For a New Age
This article describes how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be a solution for those who are unhappy with their current health care options.
Dietary therapy
Using the principles of Chinese medicine we are able to design a diet that is right for you.
Chinese Medicinal Teas
Most teas actually have some medicinal properties, here are a few recepies to try.
How Breathing Practices Can Improve Your Health
This article describes how breathing practices work and how they can benefit you.
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Acupuncture in the Treatment of Asthma
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be powerful allies in the management of asthma.
Acupuncture for arthritis
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are useful treatment methods for arthritis.