Our Acupuncture and Clinic Blog

Germ Warfare!

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:46:16 GMT

You never have to wonder when the “cold and flu season” is around the corner. Big Pharma will be sure that you are reminded of its impending arrival no matter where you turn.

When the dreaded season of doom drapes its black curtain over us, whatever you do, don’t come within sneezing distance of anybody, don’t even think about shaking anyone’s hand or otherwise engaging in bodily contact, and NEVER, EVER touch a doorknob, shopping cart, or any other object that might have possibly come into contact with any human at any point during its existence. Buy into the hype and you’ll find yourself locked away in a dark room waiting for the hazmat team to give the “All Clear.”

Big Pharma and the medical community at large are depending on you to buy into the hysteria; to leave the fate of your health and well-being up to the questionable workings of chemical-laden pills and shots rather than the innate power that runs your body and the living world around you.

The reality is that germs don’t make you sick. Rather, your body’s inability to fend off germs and foreign invaders is what results in you succumbing to illness.

Think about it… How is it possible that a family of 5 people living under the same roof can have completely different reactions during flu season? Assuming that everyone is exposed to the same germs and viruses, if the sickness were attributed completely to the virus, everyone would get sick and exhibit the same reaction and symptoms. What happens in reality is that one or two family members get ill while the others don’t. Clearly the issue is not the germs, but the body’s response to them.

Chances are the last time you got sick you were running yourself ragged; missing sleep, eating improperly, slacking on your nutrition, all stressed out from work, skipping your acupuncture sessions, and neglecting your workouts. This is a vicious pattern that many of us fall into and it’s one that weakens the body and allows germs to take hold.

Your best defense against the flu, colds, or any other germ-borne illness is not to drug yourself, but to bolster your internal defenses. You stand your best chance of being at your healthiest when you have an optimally functioning nervous system and immune response.

So come in for an acupuncture tune-up, keep your lifestyle habits in good order, and maintain a positive attitude. Do so, and those pesky little germs don’t stand a chance!

Commit... Then Follow Through

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:06:08 GMT

Let’s get right to the point. There is no magic bullet, the easy way out is the wrong way, and quick fixes never stand the test of time. We all know this to be true yet, astoundingly, we have been led to believe the exact opposite when it comes to our health and well-being. Medicine has become our magic elixir, our get-out-of-jail-free card. Why exercise your bones and joints when you can pop a pill instead? Sure you risk abdominal cramping and bone death, but at least you don’t have to get off the couch. Hair loss, obesity, short temper, shyness, itchy skin, dry eyes… You can bet that whatever ails you, no matter how trivial, there is a pill marketed for it.

The reason acupuncture continues to thrive for the past 2,500 years, even at times in the face of fierce opposition, is because it is built on solid, lasting, time-tested principles and theories.

The health of your body is in direct proportion to the health of how your bodies innate healing energies travel throughout your meridian system. Energy flows throughout your body by way of an intricate network of pathways called the meridian system.

Taking migraine medicine for a headache requires that your body not only fight the cause of the migraine, but now also the dangerous chemicals you are dumping into it. We have essentially been trained to put out a fire by dousing it with gasoline. We have been led to believe that the work that the body has been accomplishing over thousands of years with amazing efficiency is suddenly no longer possible in the absence of drugs.

As much as we tend to overcomplicate it, staying healthy is really pretty simple. Getting well requires that we optimize the function and flow of energy within our meridian system and then maintain its integrity to allow the body to do what it was created to do. The reason that so many of us struggle with our health is because as simple as the concept is, actually following through requires a high level of commitment and necessitates specific action steps on a daily basis. Everyone knows the formula for losing weight is to cut out the bad calories, watch your portions, and exercise daily, but few people can commit to following through. It’s easier to look for the pill that requires no work output or the exercise video that promises miracles after 2 weeks, or to simply give into temptation.

Your body is a masterpiece and it requires consistent attention and respect. If you’re ready to make the commitment to getting well – not just feeling better through artificial means, but truly getting well – then welcome aboard! We’ll do everything we can to help you get there.

Acupuncture in Boulder, Louisville, Broomfield, and Superior Colorado

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:25:44 GMT

Acupuncture Boulder by Jack Schaefer MAcOM providing alternative medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine to the Boulder, Louisville, Superior Colorado areas.

Testimonials About Acupuncture

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:40:29 GMT

Our satisfied patients testimonials about acupuncture.

What to Look for in Healthy Body Care Products Part 2

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:54:28 GMT

Fourth is to avoid the use of dioxane which causes cancer.

Fifth is to avoid the use of parabens which estrogen mimic. According to the lead researcher of the recent study, in Edinburgh, these preservative chemicals form are found in 18 of the 20 tumors tested in the study. This indicated that they originated from something applied to the skin, the most likely candidates being deodorants, antiperspirants, creams, or body sprays.

Sixth is to avoid products containing propylene glycol, aka antifreeze. This is put in many body care products as a preservative. This substance can lead to liver and kidney problems.

Seventh, avoid chemical fragrances. Most chemical fragrances are highly allergenic and toxic. They often use multiple chemicals as carriers and when inhaled go straight into our sensate mucous membranes and lungs.

This may sound like a lot, but it really is only a small drop in the bucket. Many body care products are made from petroleum products and more. Just read the labels and keep these things in mind. There are lots of great safe and effective products out there.guidelines - usda certified, non toxic, no animal testing, no alcohol preservatives, no petrochemical

What to Look for in Healthy Body Care Products

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:33:17 GMT

A topic that has been coming up a lot around our clinic has been safe body care products. Many people seem to be concerned about just what is safe, but don't know how to decide. The following are a few little tips that can be helpful to you.

First, with regard to organic body care products the only organic labeling that you can count on is the USDA certified organic label. Cosmetics are regulated differently than foods and many products call themselves organic, but truly aren't.

Second is to avoid the use of triclosan. This substance is used a lot in antibacterial products. The first problem is that it can actually increase the numbers of super bacteria by simply not killing everything. The bacteria that survive and their progeny become more and more powerful. Next it is an endocrine disruptor, and may interfere with normal functioning of your thyroid hormone and estrogen. It’s associated with allergies and can become contaminated with dioxin, a known carcinogen. In addition triclosan stores itself in fat and steadily accumulates in your body fat.

Third, avoid sodium laurel sulfate, a surfactant that when combined with nitrosamines is a cancer causing chemical. This substance cleans by corrosion and dries skin by stripping the protective lipids from the surface so it can't effectively regulate moisture. A University of Georgia Medical College study, indicated that SLS penetrated into the eyes as well as brain, heart, liver, etc., and showed long-term retention in the tissues. The study also indicated that SLS penetrated young children's eyes and prevented them from developing properly and caused cataracts to develop In adults. It may cause hair loss by attacking the follicle. SLS is classified as a drug in bubble baths because it eats away skin protection and causes rashes and infection to occur and is potentially harmful to skin and hair. Another extremely serious problem is the connection of SLS with nitrate contamination. SLS reacts with many types of ingredients used in skin products and forms nitrosomines (nitrates). Nitrates are potential cancer-causing carcinogenics.

to be continued...

Autumn, Season of the Lungs

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:08:39 GMT

Autumn is upon us signaling the time when we begin to slow our bodies down and focus our attention inward. Summer has come to a close and hopefully we have gathered the necessary Qi from eating a diet full of healthy fruits & vegetables to sustain us throughout the cold winter months.

Autumn is also the season that corresponds to the lungs according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition, each organ system also corresponds to emotional states and in the Autumn feelings of sadness and grief may be apparent which is natural and in direct correspondence to the lungs.

Physically, the lungs not only take in oxygen, but they also extract Qi from the air which is then converted into energy that is used to nourish our bodies. The cycle of inhaling and exhaling circulates this Qi which builds the immune system and helps protect the body from external elements such as wind, cold and damp.

Autumn also signals the beginning of the cold season so it is especially important to build healthy lung functioning that can serve as a protector against coughs and colds. One way to do this is by nurturing your body with foods that correspond to Autumn such as, apples, clementines, pears, avocados, beets, squash, cabbage, kidney & lentil beans, almonds, pecans, walnuts and pumpkin and flax seeds.

In addition, incorporate this Dry Cough Pear & Almond Soup into your diet which is very beneficial in enhancing the Lung function and preventing the dry coughs.

Pear & Almond Soup for Dry Cough
5 ripe pears
honey
4 handfuls of walnuts
fresh mint leaves
2 quarts of water
Cut pears in half and remove stem and seeds. Chop into small pieces, Place four handfuls of almonds and fruit in water. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Add honey and mint to taste. Drink one to two cups daily.

Meet Our Newest Team Member

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:42:37 GMT

Nicky Lee is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and serves as a visiting Associate Instructor and Practical Skills Coach for the prestigious Hypnotherapy Academy of America (Santa Fe, NM). She is a Fellow Board Member of the International Board of Hypnotherapy. Teaching self-hypnosis strategies, Nicky helps clients create positive changes in their lives. Her specialties include the use of hypnotherapy to alleviate chronic pain, prepare for surgical procedures, move past traumatic events and gain insights from individual life stories. Every session is practical and goal oriented, conducted with kindness and empathy in a safe environment. Nicky’s hypnotherapy training was at the top-ranked Hypnotherapy Academy of America in Santa Fe, NM, where she completed over 600 hours of classroom and clinical coursework. Nicky is a certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and a Licensed Trainer of NLP. She received her NLP training from Dr. Richard Bandler, co-developer of NLP. Nicky is also an established entrepreneur and business consultant. She has worked extensively with Fortune 500 companies and won numerous awards, including the Best of Small Business Award from the Small Business Commerce Association, and the Minority-Owned Business of the Year from the Denver Metro Area Chamber of Commerce. She has helped thousands of individuals realize their revenue potential through her marketing consulting, coaching and training. To schedule a free initial 20 minute assessment, call Nicky at (303) 443-1344 or email: nickylee@me.com.

Magnesium Magic!

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:49:03 GMT

There are over 3500 scientific studies showing the incredible benefits of magnesium in our bodies. In fact it is thought that as many as 1/2 of all Americans are deficient in magnesium.
Here are a list of common deficiency symptoms as listed by Dr. Michael B. Schachter:
With regard to skeletal muscle, one may experience twitches, cramps, muscle tension, muscle soreness, including back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and jaw joint (or TMJ) dysfunction. Also, one may experience chest tightness or a peculiar sensation that he can't take a deep breath. Sometimes a person may sigh a lot. Symptoms involving impaired contraction of smooth muscles include constipation; urinary spasms; menstrual cramps; difficulty swallowing or a lump in the throat-especially provoked by eating sugar; photophobia, especially difficulty adjusting to oncoming bright headlights in the absence of eye disease; and loud noise sensitivity from stapedius muscle tension in the ear. Other symptoms and signs of magnesium deficiency and discuss laboratory testing for this common condition. Continuing with the symptoms of magnesium deficiency, the central nervous system is markedly affected. Symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, hyperactivity and restlessness with constant movement, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and premenstrual irritability. Magnesium deficiency symptoms involving the peripheral nervous system include numbness, tingling, and other abnormal sensations, such as zips, zaps and vibratory sensations. Symptoms or signs of the cardiovascular system include palpitations, heart arrhythmias, angina due to spasms of the coronary arteries, high blood pressure and mitral valve prolapse. Be aware that not all of the symptoms need to be present to presume magnesium deficiency; but, many of them often occur together. For example, people with mitral valve prolapse frequently have palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks and premenstrual symptoms. People with magnesium deficiency often seem to be "uptight." Other general symptoms include a salt craving, both carbohydrate craving and carbohydrate intolerance, especially of chocolate, and breast tenderness.
So try magnesium as a supplement for you.

Our Acupuncturists

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:31:38 GMT

Our expertly trained acupuncturists are here to serve you.

Mountain West Wellness Health Online Store

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:05:29 GMT

The online store.

Fast Track Your Meditation

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:43:36 GMT

We don't usually recommend products, but this is one that I like a lot for people who are interested in fast tracking their meditation skills. It is a product called Holocync. Click here to learn more about this unique program. Try it for free and see if you like it.

16 Ways to Increase Energy

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:23:39 GMT

One of the most common complains that we hear from patients is that they don't have enough energy. The following are a few tricks that can increase your energy and make you happier in general. You don't have to do all 16, but just take a few and start there. 1. Take a good quality multi-vitamin. When it comes to vitamins price is somewhat of a measure as to the quality of the vitamin. Those very cheap little tiny pills tend to not be very absorbable. I have seen them over and over in x-rays of peoples abdomen, just passing through the colon. The best vitamins are usually powdered and taken in capsules, this makes them much easier for your body to break them down. Aside from a high quality multi-vitamin, making sure that you are getting enough vitamin B, including B12, vitamin D, and enough Co Q10 can greatly improve your energy.
2. Drink more water, lots of water.,br> 3. Laugh. Children laugh over 300 times per day while adults only 15.
4. Acupuncture.
5. Customized herbal medicine.
6. Get a massage.
7. Drink less coffee.
8. Eat a piece of fruit.
9. Eat a little protein.
10. Eat a primarily vegetarian diet.
11. Avoid eating sugary snacks, crackers, cookies, bread.
12. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a peasant, and dinner like a pauper.
13. Take a short walk after meals.
14. Exercise daily.
15. Meditate, practice qigong, or do yoga to ease your body’s stress.
16. Watch less TV.

Natural Solutions to Menpause part 2

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:49:47 GMT

There are a myriad of natural solutions with Acupuncture and Chinese medicine being one of the most effective. Acupuncturists recognize that menopause, with its myriad of symptoms, indicates a naturally induced imbalance within the body. One example is the slowing down of the flow of Yin energy which regulates the bodies cooling system. As a result, the body’s natural heat arises leading to night sweats, hot flashes, irritability, heart palpitations, and insomnia. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help minimize and/or completely stop these symptoms and help return the body to a balanced and harmonious state.

Chinese medicine, an ancient and highly refined art has proven to be very effective in the treatment of menopause. Acupuncture offers women a safe, natural, drug-free alternative to western medicine that is effective without life threatening side effects. Equally as important, treatment is customized to meet the individualized needs of each woman and may include a combination of the following therapies: Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary changes, exercise, Qi Gong and meditation. In addition, your acupuncturist may suggest supplementing your treatment with supplements such as, calcium/magnesium, vitamins C & E, Black Cohosh and Dong Quai. While all of these can be found over the counter, it is best to consult a professional for guidance to get the best results.

If you, or someone you know is going through menopause or wrestling with hormonal issues, give us a call at 303-648-4066 to schedule a Free consultation and health evaluation valued at $50.00.

Let us help you eliminate the unwanted physical symptoms and life interfering emotional challenges associated with menopause. This offer expires September 15, 2011.

Natural Solutions to Menopause part 1

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:49:00 GMT

Ask any woman and she will tell you that the inevitable onset of menopause is viewed with mixed emotions. On the one hand, the cessation of the monthly menstrual cycle is often a welcome relief, yet the prospect of menopause and what is to come can be very daunting to say the least. Some women appear to walk through it with ease, and others find menopause a nightmare. While we understand that menopause is a natural occurrence signaling that our body chemistry is shifting, we are nonetheless filled with questions and confusion. Women are bombarded with conflicting information from their female friends and family members, the media and the medical community making it difficult to know what to do and who to believe.

One area that causes the most confusion is the debate over Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). While they have many positive effects, such as reducing hot flashes and helping to prevent osteoporosis, they also increase the risk of stroke, hypertension, as well as breast, ovarian and uterine cancers. Aside from these risks hormone therapy is not guaranteed to work.

It is also important to note that our food supply, mostly notably, milk, cheese and meat are often high in estrogen or “estrogen like” substances due to the hormones and antibiotics given to animals, plastics, etc. Just as disturbing are the environmental estrogens found in plastics, for example, that leak into our system adversely affecting our hormonal balance. These chemicals, in a concentrated form, are passed on to us causing all kinds of problems with our natural hormonal state. This can be clearly seen in the disturbing trend of young girls getting their menstrual cycle and developing breasts earlier and earlier. Precocious puberty, as this phenomenon is called, can be directly related to the increase of hormones found in animal products.

What is Chinese Medical Pulse Diagnosis?

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:55:59 GMT

Traditional Chinese Medical pulse diagnosis may be a foreign concept to you. For those of us used to the western medical model, having our pulses taken is traditionally used to determine our heart rate. In Traditional Chinese Medicine pulse diagnosis is elevated to a whole new level.

Pulse diagnosis is one of the primary diagnostic tools used by Chinese medical practitioners to assess your general state of health. Pulse diagnosis may seem very foreign to us and hard to believe in at first, they are amazingly accurate. A good practitioner can even use it to analyze the gender of a baby in a pregnant woman. While the complexities and intricacies of pulse diagnosis are vast and take years of study to perfect and thoroughly understand, a basic overview is helpful in understanding this integral component of the acupuncture treatment.

Traditionally the wrist pulses are taken at the beginning of each appointment. By feeling the pulses in both of the right and left wrists, a determination can be made as to the general health of your body and its organs systems. The system we use was originally documented about 2000 years ago and then finally codified as a system by the famous doctor Li Shi-zhen in the 1500s. The practitioner is not just looking at your pulse rate, but also how fast, how strong, etc. In all there are twenty eight basic qualities are assessed and varying factors such as your age, gender and the seasonal influences are taken into account. In combination, all of this information is used to derive a diagnosis of internal imbalances of energy, blood, and your organs. Thus, a proper course of treatment can be assumed.

While pulse diagnosis may seem strange, rest assured, its long history of cultivation and exploration has elevated it to a fine art. Chinese medicine as a whole has been developing for more than 2,500 years and during that time this health assessment tool has proved itself to be very accurate. If you are interested in taking a look at your health from a different perspective, feel free to call us to schedule a complimentary consultation and Chinese Pulse Diagnosis, valued at $50. This pain free, non-invasive, and highly informative technique could be just what you are seeking to put you on the road to a happier and healthier you!

Acupuncture for arthritis

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:47:46 GMT

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are useful treatment methods for arthritis.

Acupuncture and Cancer Care

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:45:36 GMT

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be a great addition to traditional cancer treatments.

Matt Wagner's Bio

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:51:39 GMT

practicing acupuncture with compassion here in Boulder Colorado.

jack schaefer

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:45:46 GMT

Jack Schaefer, founder of Mountain West Wellness, is commited to helping you achieve optimal health.

Which Foods Must Be Organic

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:04:46 GMT

Often people are very unsure about which foods they must eat organic and which ones don't really matter. So, here is a list of foods that should be eaten organic because they are the most contaminated. This list is based on US Government testing.
1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Imported nectarines
7. Imported grapes
8. Bell peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale and collard greens

The top 15 foods as far as cleanliness goes are the following:
1. Onions
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapple
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet peas
7. Mangos
8. Eggplant
9. Cantalop
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms

Good luck and good shopping!
List provided by healththyreader.com

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Articles

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:34:23 GMT

This page contains many of our articles about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

How to Choose an Acupuncturist

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:49:09 GMT

Making an informed choice is important when selecting an acupunctuist.

15 Ways to Increase Your Energy

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:21:21 GMT

1. Take a good quality multi-vitamin. When it comes to vitamins price is somewhat of a measure as to the quality of the vitamin. Those very cheap little tiny pills tend to not be very absorbable. I have seen them over and over in x-rays of peoples abdomen, just passing through the colon. The best vitamins are usually powdered and taken in capsules, this makes them much easier for your body to break them down. Aside from a high quality multi-vitamin, making sure that you are getting enough vitamin B, including B12, vitamin D, and enough Co Q10 can greatly improve your energy.

2. Drink more water, lots of water. Approximately 1/2 oz per pound of bodyweight per day.

3. Laugh! Children laugh over 300 times per day while adults 15 only.

4. Acupuncture can keep your body generating as much energy as possible.

5. Herbal medicine can give you good energy without stimulants.

6. Get a massage, keeping you relaxed will allow circulation to be optimal.

7. Drink less coffee, soda, and other stimulants which eventually tap your body reserves and make you more tired.

8. Eat a piece of fruit.

9. Eat a little protein.

Did You Know Chemicals can Cause Thyroid Disease?

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:21:54 GMT

- Jack Schaefer There seems to be an epidemic of thyroid disorders coming into our clinic these days. The research on thyroid disorders seems to indicate that the chances of your thyroid having issues goes up if you were exposed to thyroid-damaging toxins as a child or adult, a history of poor nutrition. A case for eating organic foods is made when it appears that the majority of the 1000s of chemicals we are exposed to can have thyroid damaging effects. Fungicides, pesticides, herbicides tend to have a thyroid suppressing effect. Environmental pollutants like, PCBs, HCB, and dioxins have an effect on our thyroid hormone. Toxic metals also can create an autoimmune thyroid disease. In addition, thalates in plastics also have a powerful effect on our thyroids. Simply put, try to avoid: conventional therapeutic drugs, environmental pollutants, food additives and preservatives, halogens (chlorine, bromide, and fluoride), non-organically raised meat products, pesticides, plastics, solvents, synthetic rubber, and toxic metals.* I know this sounds like a huge, and difficult list. But, just start somewhere. Start with the easiest - organic foods, avoiding plastics, for example. Better to avoid, than deal with being sick later. *Toxic Overload, Baillie-Hamilton

Chinese Medicine for Shingles

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:51:22 GMT

by Matt Wagner LAc

Chinese medicine can oftentimes treat Shingles more quickly and effectively than anti-viral drugs, and without the side effects.
Shingles is a painful skin condition mostly found along the abdomen, inguinal groove, and lower back. It is caused by a flare-up of the same virus that causes chicken pox, herpes zoster, and occurs when an individual is sick, stressed, of advanced age, or in any other way immune compromised. When someone recovers from chicken pox, they never get rid of the virus. It lies dormant in the nerves, (primarily the dorsal nerve), held in check by a strong immune system. When the immune system is weakened there is the potential that the herpes zoster virus flares up as Shingles. Although Shingles will usually clears up on its own in a few weeks, it is an incredibly painful condition that most people seek treatment for.
The standard course of treatment is antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), and Famciclovir (Famvir). Pain killers and anti-depressants may be prescribed for the pain, as well. Treatment usually lasts two weeks.
The down side of such drugs is that common side effects include nausea, vomit, diarrhea, and headache. Less common side effects include confusion, agitation, muscle pain, and seizures. Additionally, while these anti-viral drugs may help to resolve Shingles, they don’t alleviate the severe pain that people feel. For this reason, people often have to take pain killers, such as codeine, and anti-depressants.
By contrast, Chinese medicine, including Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture is very effective at treating all stages of Shingles, not just the beginning stages. Chinese Medicine can also shorten the healing time from several weeks to as little as one week or less, depending upon the severity. Chinese Medicine quickly and effectively treats the pain syndrome, as well, dramatically relieving pain as it dries and clears the Shingles eruptions. Lastly, there are no harsh side-effects associated with Chinese Medicine in the treatment of Shingles. Therefore, patients can go about their day feeling normal and well, as they quickly get better.

A Change a Week Can Be the Difference

Mon, 23 May 2011 22:29:51 GMT

It is about the time of year where the people coming into our office begin talking about how they missed all of their exercise, diet, and other health related goals. When we start talking about it one thing stands out, everyone was trying to do too much too fast. Simply put, we must make our changes slowly. It can take 3-6 weeks to form a new habit. The Russians coined the phrase with their athletes of, “greasing the groove.” Since it takes repetition to really make something stick, trying to do too much only causes us to give up from difficulty. One tip that can really help make your changes stick is to only do one at a time. Simply put, take your main goal and break it up into smaller pieces. For example, to lose weight by healthy eating you break down what that diet is into multiple pieces. This can be things like stopping soda, eating more vegis, cutting out deserts, cutting out juice, etc.
Next, take those smaller pieces of the larger goal and prioritize them. Once the work begins just make one change every week. If we pick one thing to focus on it is much easier to be successful. Then each week (or two if needed) add the next one.
Realistically you could make fifty two changes. I know this sounds really simple, but for many of the people who have tried it there is success!

Why is Coconut Oil So Awesome?

Wed, 18 May 2011 17:33:38 GMT

Through the years different cooking and edible oils have come and gone in popularity. The most recent one to get quite a bit of press is coconut oil. It looks like this may be one of the best oils to consume, when it comes to cooking, yet. First off, coconut oil is a much more stable oil than many others when you cook it. The result is that there are less free radicals formed in the cooking process. Since coconut oil is a saturated fat it can actually contribute to weight loss! It is also able to help regulate blood sugar and can help people with diabetes. Coconut oil has an anti-inflammatory ability inside the digestive tract. In addition it also has an anti-microbial effect on the digestive system too. Finally it had a multitude of positive effects on the skin when used topically. -sourced from,Joseph Mercola

Eleven Tips to Improve Your Sleep

Wed, 11 May 2011 16:51:27 GMT

Patients of our clinic have often heard us talking about the importance of good sleep. Your body does so much of its healing and recovery during sleep that lack it can be very detrimental to your health. The following are some tips to help you get better sleep.
1. You must make your bedroom as dark as possible. This means no light-up clocks and night lights. Why? Melatonin is a hormone that is released only when the room is dark and helps our diurnal rhythm. The instant you are in the presence of light the secretion stops and makes it very hard to get back to sleep.
2. Avoid eating and drinking before bed. Raising your blood sugar can interfere with sleeping and for some people even stimulate them.
3. Avoid alcohol. Though it can make you sleepy for a short time it will raise your blood sugar and may cause you to sleep lighter thus messing up the restorative function of sleep.
4. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon. Caffeine is generally metabolized very slowly by most people and can interfere with sleep.
5. Avoid all amphetamine-like medications and drugs in the afternoon.
6. Know your food sensitivities and avoid them. These can often cause digestive troubles and even side effects like sleep apnea, sinusitis, etc.
7. Don't drink fluids 2-3 hours before bed. The urge to urinate can wake you and also through off your sleep cycle.
8. Exercise is one of the best sleep aids. It helps tire you out and encourages your body to move into its restoration mode.
9. Avoid high electromagnetic fields which can interrupt your pineal gland's management of serotonin and melatonin.
10. Establish a good routine of sleep and preparation.
11. Lastly, if these are not helpful a stronger intervention of acupuncture and individualized herbal therapy can usually get you back on track with your sleep.
Good Luck!

Lack of Sleep Can Make You Fat

Sun, 08 May 2011 21:35:39 GMT

Everyone knows that not getting enough sleep will make you feel terrible. But, lack of quality sleep can also mess up a whole host of things in your body. Several studies have shown that lack of quality slee can lead to obesity. For instance, lack of sleep can decrease your insulin which increases your appetite. It also decreases the hormone leptin in your body which causes your body to crave carbohydrates. Lack of sleep increases cortisol which increases your appetite and causes fat deposit on your belly. Cortisol also causes memory loss and insulin resistance. Lastly, lack of sleep can increase ghrelin which will increase your appetite and prevent your body from using your fat stores. Also, understand that while growth hormone promote the destruction of fat in your body the most powerful way to get your body to secrete the proper amount is to get enough sleep. If sleep is an issue for you, maybe you should address it in a drug free, natural way.

web specials

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:52:07 GMT

See our latest website-only special deals.

Tea for Skin Cancer Prevention

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:24:21 GMT

Here is a quick little clip about some research being done on tea and its use in preventing skin cancer.

Improving Digestion by Eating With the Seasons

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:23:44 GMT

The cold winter months are upon us, and not only are people suffering cold weather aches and pains, and the seasonal cold and flu, (that make us run to acupuncture for quick relief), but many people may have noticed that their digestion is a little touchy, as well. The summer foods that left us feeling light and energetic in the warm months leaving us feeling tired, cold, and weak in the winter, and can feel like chronic fatigue, or seasonal affective disorder. In an “on demand” society, where our diets are frequently filled with foods from climates radically different from our own, most of us have fallen out of touch with eating with the seasons, if we ever were in touch at all. The result is that many of us just plain feel more run down in the winter, and we don’t know why. So, in these colder months, if you find yourself feeling more tired and run-down than you used to, maybe it’s time to pay closer attention to the foods you eat. Save the salads for the summer, and have the soup, instead. Make sure your food is cooked and warm. Use the advice of Chinese Medicine; try cooking with ginger, or make a hot ginger tea if you feel your digestion getting sluggish. And don’t forget all of the christmas spices that make christmas taste like christmas. There’s a reason why cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are associated with the holidays - because Christmas is cold and these spices are hot! Try it out and see how your energy and digestion improve. Remember, a warm and healthy belly in the winter means vitality and vigor in the spring.

Massage Therapy

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:47:09 GMT

is a great way to heal.

Get Healthy Weekend Workshop Series

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:37:44 GMT

You are invited to our "Getting Healthy Weekend Workshop Series" This series of 6 classes will be taught by Mountain West Wellness' team - Jack Schaefer MAcOM, Matt Wagner MSOM, and Lynn Swearingen LMT. The classes are all approximately one hour long and you can come to as few or as many as you like. They are as follows: * Saturday 1/29 @ 10:00: Self Healing Qigong Practices: These simple, yet powerful movement and breathing exercises can greatly improve your healing and responses to treatments and improve your health in general. The exercises come from teachers of Jack's who beat cancer!
* Saturday 1/29 @ 11:00: Stress: Why you feel the way you do, and what you can do about it. Chinese medical perspectives on the emotional body, healing and stress. Incredible information that shouldn't be missed.
* Saturday 1/29 @ 1:00: Eating for Health and Weight-loss: This simple process of understanding food will help you to stay healthy, have more energy, and lose weight.
* Saturday 1/29 @ 2:15: Meridian Stretches and Acupressure Points for Self Care:This is an introduction to energy meridians using simple stretches called Acu-Yoga. You'll learn some easy pressure points for self massage and stress release.
* Sunday 1/30 @ 3:30: Five Elements workshop: Learn how Five Element theory in Chinese Medicine can enhance your understanding of your health. In this class you will experience the qualities of the Five Elements and their corresponding colors with simple visualizations.
* Sunday 1/30 @ 5:00: Meditation simply and practically: Want to learn to meditate? This class will help you cultivating health through the practice of knowing one's self. An interactive discussion and practice on why and how to meditate.
The cost of the weekend and all materials is only $90. Bring a friend and the cost for each of you is only $60. Please RSVP as seating will be limited. This is an incredible deal, Jack's Qigong classes alone usually cost this much. Classes will be held at the Chinese Cultural Association in Boulder. Once you sign-up we will send the directions. For questions please call the office.

One Reason We Need to Keep our Environment Clean

Sat, 25 Dec 2010 18:25:33 GMT

Here is an amazing documentary about the decrease of all male species around the world. Go to this link: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3450754654538943#

Health Workshops Calendar

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:59:16 GMT

FREE health workshops.

Links to Other Great Informative Sites

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:45:30 GMT

Links to Other Great Informative Sites

5 More Days for the Toys for Tots Drive.

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:58:46 GMT

If you want to participate in the toys for tots drive it ends on Dec. 15th. Please call for more details.

Toys For Tots Drive = Free Treatment

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:59:48 GMT

Dear Patients and Friends, What are you giving family and friends for the holidays? Give them a chance to become healthy, and you could win a FREE 90 minute professional massage by helping us collect toys for the needy! People often ask us, “Can you treat such and such condition?” This is natural since once one experiences the amazing benefits of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, it is hard not to want the same for your children, spouse, friends, family, and co-workers!
If you know someone who lives locally and is suffering from any of the following: headaches, fatigue, insomnia, pain, digestive trouble, mood swings, infertility, hormone imbalances, sinus problems, or other stress-related conditions, help us help them.
As a gift to them from you and us we will send them:
1. A beautiful holiday greeting card.
2. A Gift Certificate to use for a complimentary consultation, evaluation and 1st acupuncture treatment valued at $140 for FREE.
3. A letter explaining the gift.
Simply bring, or email us the address(es) of the people you would like us to mail the card to. We will address the envelopes, provide the postage and mail them for you. There is no limit to the number of these that you can have sent. In addition, for every one of your gift cards given out who come in for the treatment you will get an entry into a drawing for a FREE 90 minute massage.
What does this gift cost you? Simply this, all you have to do is make a toy donation to our toy drive for “Toys for Tots.” On the back of this letter is a complete “Wish List” of toys they have requested. Winners for the massage will be notified by January 15, 2011. Please help us fulfill our purpose of helping as many people as we can get healthy, help your friends and family get healthy, and help us support Toys for Tots. This is a win – win situation. You have the opportunity to help people that you care about for FREE and you are able to give a child in need a gift during these hard economic times.
Happy Holidays! Jack, Matt, & Kim

Meet Our New Team Member

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 23:00:14 GMT

Our newest team member and acupuncturist Matt Wagner M.S.O.M, L.Ac, received his degree from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder CO. He additionally completed a private, two-year internship, focusing on herbal and classical theory, needle and hand manipulation techniques, and Qi Gong. Matt has also had a deepening meditation practice for the last 13 years. He was previously ordained as a Buddhist monk, and spent 3 years between undergrad and grad school in strict monastic practice in several different monasteries, with several different teachers across the country. Matt brought a vital energy to the monasteries he trained in, serving as head-cook, meditation leader, and head-monk, among other things, and held the space to offer teacher/student interview, as well as spiritual council. Along the way, Matt has lead, and co-lead meditation retreats in the United States and Europe, serving as both meditation instructor and leader, and yoga instructor. Matt's treatment style is informed both by these years of meditation, and by the expression of that meditation through all of the various arts of Chinese medicine, from needling technique and herbal diagnosis, to tuina, qi gong, ba gua - and finally, his favorite hobby, cooking. In this way, both the treatment and the advice to the patient are as well rounded as possible, using all means available to overcome the barriers to a patients healing process, whether they are physical, energetic, or spiritual. Matt believes firmly that healing is a co-creative process and works with patients through regular treatment, dietary and lifestyle advice, and daily practices to give patients the keys to their own best health.

Fundraiser for Safehouse

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:27:11 GMT

Get ready, we are planning another fundraiser for Safehouse here in Boulder. On Saturday October 2, for a $25 donation to Safehouse you can come to our office and have a free session of acupuncture, massage, and Chiropractic visit. We will have tons of food and prizes. Drawings include 3 months of free acupuncture care, 3 months of free Chiropractic care, free massages, gifts from Costco, Sunflower, Pharmaca, Red Letter Books, Walgreens, and much more. Please come by, spin the prize wheel have lunch, get some care, and have a good time. Please bring a friend too! For more info please contact us or subscribe to our newsletter which will contain all of the details in the September issue.

Acupuncture in the News

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 03:14:59 GMT

The latest headlines about acupuncture and Chinese medicine from around the worlsd

MSG a Sneaky and Dangerous Additive

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:08:32 GMT

Many of you have heard that MSG is not good for you, that it can cause diarrhea, headaches, unexplained weight gain and a whole host of problems. What most people don't know is that MSG can sneak its way into foods using a variety of aliases. Here is only a partial list of MSG's other names: MSG, Gelatin Calcium Caseinate, Monosodium glutamate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), Textured Protein, Monopotassium glutamate, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP), Yeast Extract, Glutamate, Autolyzed Plant Protein, Yeast food or nutrient, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Caseinate, Autolyzed Yeast, Vegetable Protein Extract, and Senomyx (wheat extract labeled as artificial flavor). Next time you are buying shopping it is best to stay out of the boxed, canned, and bagged food areas of the store. But, if you must, look at the labels and see if these are present in what you are buying.

Visiting Teachers From China

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:54:17 GMT

In an effort to constantly bring you the best possible care, Jack makes regular trips to China to study with some of the best teachers there. Now there is some exciting news, we will be being visited by one of Jack's long time teachers from Beijing in September and another of Jack's teachers from Taiwan in October. We will follow with more news on these visitors as we get it.

Dangers in Drinking Soda

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:11:32 GMT

Sodas are one of the most popular drinks in America today. I would guess that more people drink soda as their primary beverage of choice than water. But, next time you reach for that cool refreshing (or so it seems) can of soda consider this. In the average can of soda there is about 144 calories from sugar. Now this isn't a healthy sugar it is corn syrup, a heavily concentrated, and some people say addictive, type of sugar. If you think you are going to avoid problems with sugar by drinking diet soda think again. Research from a 2005 study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonia showed "… a 41 percent increase in risk of being overweight for every can or bottle of diet soft drink a person consumes each day." It seems that the risk to becoming overweight actually goes up with each diet soda you drink! Aside from this there are many studies linking possible health problems to artificial sweeteners. Another problem to consider is that sodas are loaded with phosphoric acid. This acid has no use in your body so it must excrete it. In order to do that your body steals calcium from your bones. This can eventually lead to osteoporosis. Another issue can be seen in that sodas actually do little to rehydrate your body. They just tend to make you thirstier, so you buy more soda. Next time try a little fruit juice, or better yet, water when you are thirsty.

How You Can Save Money on Health Care with Acupuncture

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:47:45 GMT

by Jack Schaefer MAcOM Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can save you money. A common misconception in the world of health care is that alternative medicine is expensive when compared to modern western medicine. Truth be told, it is actually much cheaper than conventional western medicine. This is true in two different ways. First, the actual cost of treatment with acupuncture and Chinese medicine is significantly less than modern medicine. Second, the preventative aspect of acupuncture and Chinese medicine is also much cheaper than the actual of the treatment of a problem when it does arise. For the rest of the article go to the link...

Free Allergy Evaluations

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:38:04 GMT

For the next 4 weeks we are doing free allergy evaluations. Normally valued at $50 this evaluation will help us to determine if acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine can help your allergies. Call 303-648-4066 for more information.

Chinese Tea

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:13:23 GMT

A brief introduction to the art of tea, how to prepare them, types of teas, and their health benefits.

Jack's Four Pathways of Relaxation Meditation CD is on Sale

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:57:00 GMT

The Four Pathways to Relaxation is a lying down meditation that Jack often gives to patients who have sleep issues or are very sick. This 30 minute guided meditation that one can do before going to bed or when in need of improving their circulation and health. The CD is now on sale for only $8 until after tax day, April 15. To learn more about Qigong and meditation explore the Qigong page on our website, located under treatments!