Are acupuncture and Chinese herbs safe?

Acupuncture & herbs used for thousands of years

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years by billions of people throughout Asia. Today, acupuncture and Chinese herbology remains a primary form of health care, along side Western Medicine, in China. As Oriental Medicine gains popularity in the United States, more and more people have found that acupuncture and Chinese herbology provide safe and natural remedies for numerous conditions, as well as health maintenance and disease prevention. In fact, in the 1997 Consensus Conference on Acupuncture Statement, the NIH estimated that more than 1 million Americans receive acupuncture each year.

The risks involved in acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy are extremely low, if performed by a practitioner who has the necessary and appropriate credentials. According to the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM), only ten incidents of injury resulting from acupuncture have been reported since 1965, when records began being kept in the United States.

As for Chinese Herbal Medicine, the quality of Chinese herbs varies greatly, thus, the safety for the end user varies. As a result, the herbs we use have been carefully and meticulously chosen from reputable herbal companies who grow their herbs without pesticides or GMO’s, are tested for micro-levels of mold and heavy metals, and are cured naturally without sulfites. (Sulfites are used as a preservative; it appears difficult to avoid sulfites altogether, for some herbs will spoil too quickly without some sort of preservative, but we try our best to avoid it when possible). We want you to feel comfortable in knowing that the herbs you ingest are safe and pure.

*Note: If you have or are taking herbal medicines in a pill, capsule, or tablet form, only use herbs from manufacturers who are cited as having Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure that the herbs you are taking are of the highest potency, quality and safety.

Are there secret acupuncture points?

The idea of “secret” acupuncture points is greatly glorified by Eastern Cultures. This has greatly fostered the belief that all Eastern practitioners of acupuncture must have a knowledge above and beyond those of any other culture. The reality is that there simply aren't any “secret” acupuncture points for anyone who knows how to locate true acupuncture points via the radial pulses and is not misled by “lesser acupuncture points.” This is of great importance to a Classical True Acupuncture practitioner.

The location of acupuncture points in the “classical texts” of Chinese Medicine have always been vague. This has caused great misunderstanding in the acupuncture communities. Regardless of the descriptive locations given, a practitioner must learn to distinguish true points from points that have little effect. This can only be done through an understanding of the radial pulses.

A practitioner cannot accurately needle the center of any acupuncture point if they do not fully understand the energetic responses of the points that are reflected in the radial pulses, and know what to look for. This is the secret to acupuncture regardless of culture, lineage, or years of experience. Without understanding this secret fully, one cannot hope to practice True Acupuncture, but instead, simply and haphazardly “slap” in several needles with little consideration to the location and the responses in the radial pulses. Subsequently, a patient turns into a “pin cushion” with little, if any, benefit.

Comprehending acupuncture is the key, as it is with anything in life. Rote memorization can only take a practitioner so far, and regardless of lineage or years of clinical practice, if the practitioner does not understand the nature of the true points and relies on protocols and descriptive locations, then only a book has been mastered, but not acupuncture itself, and no “secret” can help.

Can children have acupuncture?

It depends on the child's age. The younger the child, the more applicable acupressure is over acupuncture. Since the True Acupuncture practitioner will typically use only one needle on a younger person, and depending on their condition, Classical True Acupuncture is very applicable for children. With that in mind, each child is assessed as to whether or not acupuncture, acupressure, or herbs would be the most appropriate form of treatment.

How do I choose an acupuncturist or herbalist?

More and more medical professionals, including medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, nurses, physician’s assistants, dentists and naturopaths, are practicing acupuncture without the equivalent training as an acupuncturist. Before seeing an acupuncturist, make sure that he/she is licensed in the state (Colorado) and has extensive training. There are many types of licenses and credentials in this field.

Before you dive into the technical qualifications of an acupuncturist, don't forget that when choosing a practitioner, you want to make sure that you feel comfortable with him/her, your questions are answered thoroughly and the time is taken to address your specific needs. Do take advantage of free consultations as this gives you a chance to "interview" the practitioner before you make your decision.

Here’s some information to decipher the “Alphabet Soup” of acronyms related to the field of Oriental Medicine and details on the credentials an Oriental Medical professional should have.

L.Ac. = Licensed Acupuncturist

This is a common designation for a practitioner who provides Acupuncture and/or Chinese Herbal Medicine as part of the Oriental Medical practice. L.Ac. is a title given by the state upon fulfilling certain requirements – i.e. completing a program from an accredited school, passing the National board exams, etc. Each state has its own regulations and it is important to familiarize yourself with your state’s requirement of practitioners. (also see FAQ: "Are acupuncture & herbal medicine subject to any state or federal regulations?")

Instead of L.Ac., some states may issue equivalent titles such as Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) or Certified Acupuncturist.

Go here for state laws regarding the practice of acupuncture.

Note:
Most Licensed Acupuncturists have graduated from an accredited training program in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Oriental Medicine (OM) and have passed the necessary exams. There are a number of states that do not regulate the practice of or who can perform acupuncture, and thus, practitioners who may not have the proper credentials may still practice acupuncture. Please visit this link for more information.

Dipl. Ac. = Diplomate in Acupuncture and Dipl. C.H. = Diplomate in Chinese Herbal Medicine

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) administers certification tests specifically for practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Oriental Medicine. Prior to 2005, practitioners received the Dipl. Ac. and/or Dipl. C.H. titles separately upon passing the respective sections of this exam.

As of 2005, the exam now offers 5 modules: Foundational Theory, Acupuncture, Point Location, Chinese Herbology and Biomedicine. If practitioners choose to only practice Acupuncture (and not Chinese Herbology), the 3 modules specific to Acupuncture (Foundational Theory, Acupuncture, and Point Location), as well as the Biomedicine module, must be passed in order to receive the title of “Diplomate in Acupuncture (Dipl. Ac.).”

If practitioners choose to only practice Chinese Herbology, or to practice this in conjunction with Aacupuncture, the single Chinese Herbology module must be passed.

As mentioned above, some states do not regulate the practice of or who can perform acupuncture, and thus, practitioners who may not have the proper credentials may still practice acupuncture in these states. Further, Herbal Medicine is an integral part of TCM training programs in most states. Here, state regulations also vary: some states require a practitioner to only have a Dipl. Ac. (and not the Dipl. C.H.) and still be able to practice both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology.

Dipl. OM = Diplomate in Oriental Medicine

The Diplomate in Oriental Medicine is the newest title issued by the NCCAOM. As mentioned above, in 2005 the NCCAOM began issuing the title of “Diplomate in Oriental Medicine” to those who passed all 5 modules: Foundational Theory, Acupuncture, Point Location, Chinese Herbology, and Biomedicine.

Prior to 2005, this title was not offered to practitioners and separate titles of Dipl. Ac. and Dipl. C.H. were given. One particular title is not necessarily better than the other. As always, it is important to do the proper research in choosing a practitioner and to ensure that one’s credentials parallel the services provided.

M.A.O.M (or M.Ac.O.M) = Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Becoming an acupuncturist entails completing a 3 to 4 year graduate program from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Upon completion, there are various versions of the same “Master” title that is issued, such as MAOM (Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), MSOM (Master of Science of Oriental Medicine), or MTCM (Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine), to name a few.

Some accredited schools will issue a graduate level Diploma of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine instead of a Masters Degree following the completion of a similar program.

*Please note that there are some organizations that will offer a Diploma to current medical professionals (physicians, chiropractors, nurses, dentists, etc) after only completing 100 hours of Acupuncture training! These “courses,” or sometimes called “weekend courses,” allow a medical professional to include Acupuncture in their practice. Obviously, one hundred hours is not comparable to the training an individual receives from a 4-year (approximately 3000 hours) program from an accredited school!

NCCAOM = The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

This is the primary National certifying entity for Acupuncturists, Chinese Herbalists, and Asian Body-worker therapists in the United States. NCCAOM certification signifies that the practitioner has met nationally recognized standards of competence and safety. The NCCAOM not only gives Board exams, which must be passed in order to receive certification, but also requires practitioners to acquire 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) [also known as Professional Development Activity (PDAs)] for recertification every four years.

CCAOM = Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

This entity was established to advance acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by promoting educational excellence within the field. You may frequently see the CCAOM as awarding Clean Needle Technique (CNT) Certification to practitioners. Typically, a student at a TCM school must pass the CNT exam&mdas;in order to prove understanding and proficiency of safety standards in the application, storage, and disposal of acupuncture needles—before practicing as an intern in the Student Clinic. This exam is required in order to receive NCCAOM Diplomate Certification. Go here for more information.

AOBTA® = Americal Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia™

This is a professional membership organization representing instructors, practitioners, schools & programs, and students of Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT). In order to become a member, one must complete the necessary coursework in a particular style of Asian bodywork, as well as foundational Oriental Medical training.

Did these definitions help or confuse matters? This is only a general list of the common terms used in the field, but hopefully this helps you to feel more comfortable when reading about acupuncture, herbs and practitioners.

Does Health insurance cover acupuncture in Colorado?

Many insurance companies will either partially or fully cover the cost of acupuncture treatment – it depends on the company and the policy that you have. It is best to contact your insurance carrier to learn the coverage limitations of your policy. The Classical True Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine Clinic does not bill insurance companies directly. We will provide you with a receipt listing the standardized diagnostic and treatment codes, as well as a record of the fee that you have paid (called a Super bill).

You are responsible for paying all fees at the time of service for each appointment. You are also responsible for checking with your insurance carrier to see if they accept Super bills, and if they do, you can submit your invoice to them so that they may reimburse you for the cost of treatment.

Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts and other similar programs include acupuncture as a "medically necessary" expense, and we will be happy to provide you a receipt for your records.

Please note that herbal remedies are not typically reimbursed by Insurance companies, nor eligible for HSA or FSA accounts.

Do I need both acupuncture and herbs?

It is common, even standard, for TCM practitioners to prescribe an herbal formula in conjunction with an acupuncture treatment. There is, however, a time and place for Herbal Medicine.

In the philosophy of Classical True Acupuncture, acupuncture outweighs herbal therapy as a treatment method—yet, there are instances where herbal therapy may precede acupuncture. Rarely will we give you both Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy together, at least not initially, for this blurs the boundaries in distinguishing which treatment method yielded effects.

When we do acupuncture, we want to know exactly what the acupuncture treatment did for you; when we give herbs, we want to know exactly what that particular herbal formula did for you. Otherwise, how could we accurately adjust subsequent treatments for a patient if we are not clear about whether the acupuncture or the herbs led to a particular outcome?

What are your. . .

Hours | Fees | Location | Forms | Services Offered

Thank you for your interest in Classical True Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you have any questions or concerns, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call. Please go here to get directions from your area to the clinic.

Appointment hours:

Fee Schedule:

*Packages must be paid in full.
**Cost of herbs is not included in treatment fee.
***If materials are not used during treatment, $20 will be deducted from your treatment cost.

Patient Forms
Please fill out the following forms prior to your initial visit.

• Patient forms

Clinic Location

Clinic Address:
Dry Creek Office Village
(Southwest corner of Dry Creek Rd & Quebec, in the tan office condominiums)
7200 E. Dry Creek Rd, Suite B-103
Centennial, CO 80112

Contact Form

Please fill out the form here to email the clinic, thank you.

Services Offered

Classical True Acupuncture

Not all acupuncture is created equal. If you have ever had acupuncture and had a bad experience, or acupuncture did not work for you, we encourage you to give it another try. As you may have read in the pages within this site, Classical True Acupuncture's approach is a bit different. Not only are fewer needles used, this style relies heavily on pulse diagnosis to understand what is going on within your unique energetic systems that manifests as the pain or illness that you feel. We know that all Chinese Medicine practitioners state that they treat the individual, but surprisingly, there are still tiers of how individualistic a style is. Please read more and you'll see what we mean.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal therapy is a powerful medicine. Like anything that you ingest, herbs must be pure, natural and safe, and as with supplements and medicines, must be correctly administered. This is why we use Classical True Acupuncture as the first diagnostic tool to clearly and thoroughly understand what is keeping your systems from maintaining homeostasis. Once understood, Chinese medicinal herbs may be administered if thought to be a further benefit for you—but they are not an automatic part of your treatments from the start. It is not our belief to give you everything at once and hope that something will work; instead, we make sure we understand how your body responds before adding the next step.

Cosmetic Acupuncture "facelift"

How we all wish to turn back time and bring back that youthful glow! And yes, you can in a safe, non-invasive, painless and natural way! Cosmetic acupuncture—also called facial acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, or acupuncture facelifts—has become a popular means to provide individualized anti-aging treatments while also taking care of the whole body. After all, our face and neck doesn't age independent of the rest of our body! In fact, what typically goes on inside is reflected on the outside, so addressing our core constitution is crucial to helping our bodies stay and look young!

Return to the Acupuncture home page.

Click on your city for directions to the clinic: Denver, Centennial CO, (main map), Littleton CO, Lone Tree CO, Highlands Ranch CO, Parker CO, Castle Rock CO, Englewood CO, Cherry Hills Village CO, Denver Tech Center (DTC), Greenwood Village CO, and Aurora CO.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

According to Western physiology, there are numerous theories as to how and why acupuncture works; however, conclusive proof has not yet been found. During his time, George Soulie de Morant researched True Acupuncture in a medical facility for many years and provided massive amounts of research, which led to his nomination for the Nobel prize. Even with this body of research on True Acupuncture, Western anatomy and physiology studies still remain vague when it comes to understanding how and why acupuncture works. Chinese classical texts provide many theories behind acupuncture's ability to work, but as these theories rely on “energetics” for their explanation, Western science has had great difficulty in accepting them.

What is certain is that there is a true effect from acupuncture. With True Acupuncture as presented by Morant, we can prove, with 100% constancy, the responses in the radial pulse from the needling of true acupoints, as opposed to needling other areas of the body. All explanations as to how and why effects take place during and after needling, however, remain purely theoretical and belong outside of the clinic. The clinical reality with True Acupuncture is that it is verifiable via the instant physiological changes that take place and reflect in the radial pulses. With our years of clinical evidence behind such observations, the validity of True Acupuncture has consistently been experienced.

How long do Acupuncture treatments take?

The initial treatment often takes approximately one hour, as we will discuss your health history and health concerns in detail. There is a detailed Health History Questionnaire that you must fill out (see “Forms” or click on the "Download Forms" icon at the top right corner of the web page) prior to your first visit. You may also arrive 20 minutes prior to your initial visit and fill out the forms at the office, although we encourage you to fill them out before hand to save some time at the office.

Please allot 45 minutes for subsequent treatment sessions. If during a follow up treatment, a Classical True Acupuncture practitioner feels that you do not need to be needled at that time, your evaluation may take no more than 20 minutes. Please read FAQ: “How often do I need treatments?” to understand the philosophy behind this type of treatment process.

How often do I need acupuncture treatments?

This is a very common question. Americans have become accustomed to taking drugs and having a set duration in which the treatment is to take place. Acupuncture, however, is a functional medicine. This means that it directly affects the functions of the systems, thus restoring hyper and hypo-functions to normalcy. Depending on the condition and each unique individual, a resolution can come about very quickly or slowly. It is because of this unique nature of acupuncture that you will often be asked to return for an evaluation to see how you are responding to the treatment.

It is often the case that a week after a treatment, the body systems will still be responding to the treatment and a second treatment at that time would be detrimental. This is quite different from many of the current treatment practices in which acupuncture is required three or more times per week in order to achieve results; we have found this unnecessary.

With Classical True Acupuncture, we see progressive results after treatments—effects increase over a week to a month's time, instead of the "typical" pattern where the effects may decrease soon after the treatment. Numerous needles used in other styles of acupuncture often move a large amount of energy in a short period of time and can mimic a "feeling good" response, but this effect may not last. It is for these reasons that a True Acupuncturist needs to re-evaluate patients on a regular basis, especially when treatments first begin. (An evaluation is not considered, nor charged as, a treatment). Your progress and how your body responds is carefully monitored; our goal is to do the LEAST number of treatments and maximize the effects of each treatment, while giving the body the appropriate time to respond. We have seen that a week between treatments is often the minimum time required for the body to respond appropriately to the needle; needling sooner is rarely beneficial and usually patients progress to being treated only monthly or less. Classical True Acupuncture is not about getting a patient to return as often as possible—it is about maximizing therapeutic effects with the patient's best interest in mind.

How painful is acupuncture, really?

Acupuncture utilizes very thin solid needles (filiform needles), as compared to hypodermic needles (those found in syringes). While hypodermic needles are slanted and hollow, thus enabling the needle to pierce through the skin to draw blood or inject substances, filiform needles will slide into place and are not meant to cut the skin, and little to no blood is found after removing an acupuncture needle.

Nonetheless, acupuncture needles can cause a great deal of pain if inserted haphazardly. A skilled practitioner who takes the time to locate the actual center of a true acupuncture point, however, will often be able to insert the needle with little to no pain. Furthermore, Classical True Acupuncture practitioners utilize very few needles during a treatment.

For patients who don't like or are afraid of needles, this dislike or fear can actually be treated and removed with an unique Energy Psychology technique so that the acupuncture sessions with Fuyiu are more enjoyable. Thus, it is unnecessary to worry about the needles as only a few are used, time is taken to locate the center of the acupuncture point where there is little to no pain, and we can always treat you for any fears that you may have of needles.

How quickly should I expect results with acupuncture and herbs?

You should expect results with every treatment! While each individual responds uniquely and there may be times when treatments could cause symptoms to flare, you should expect to see some effects with each treatment and a noticeable benefit within three treatments. Sometimes, if you are not seeing results, the possibility of a more complicated or serious problem unknown to you and your acupuncturist may exist, which acupuncture may not be able to treat. Or, you may need to try a different acupuncturist. Furthermore, a sign of an ethical acupuncturist is to acknowledge his/her limitations, inform the patient when the case is beyond his/her realm of expertise, and refer the patient to another practitioner. It does not benefit anyone to continue care when results are not obtained.

How should I prepare for treatment sessions?

It is recommended that you eat a moderate amount of food one to one and a half hours before your acupuncture appointment.

Please dress comfortably or wear loose clothing so that your arms and legs may be accessible. If we need to have access to your back or other areas that require the removal of clothes, we will drape you appropriately with a sheet.

Whenever possible, please arrange your schedule so that you do not have to rush to or away from the clinic.

Feel free to ask any questions that may arise during your treatment. It is important that you feel informed and understand your own health.

Isn't all acupuncture the same?

No, no, and no! Unfortunately all acupuncture is not created equal. Simply sticking a needle into the skin is not acupuncture, yet many practitioners of acupuncture (or other medical professionals who claim to do acupuncture) do exactly that—they spend little to no time locating true acupoints and often have no idea of what they are looking for in order to find a true acupoint. Haphazardly “slapping” in needles cannot be considered acupuncture and it is every acupuncturist's duty to safeguard the public against such practitioners. Please be aware of how your acupuncturist practices. If they use the same points over and over in every treatment, quickly "pop" in needles with little to no regard to the pulses and acupoint location, and are out of the room in “60 seconds,” then please re-evaluate your relationship with that practitioner. Unfortunately, in many states acupuncture can be practiced by other health care practitioners with little to no training, as in Colorado. Please be aware of this and choose your acupuncturist wisely.

What is Stylostixis?

I doubt most people who read this have every heard the term stylostixis. "The Free Dictionary" gives the following definition, "treatment of pain or disease by inserting the tips of needles at specific points on the skin."

Now does it sound familiar? ;-)

The medical term for acupuncture is stylostixis. Why don't we use it? Almost every health care field uses the "medical term" to describe their profession. Why don't acupuncturists? Are we that unique or what impression are we trying to give?

Who uses the term stylostixis?

Interestingly enough, I never heard this term used during Acupuncture school. Don't you find that a little odd? I know I do; after all it was graduate school and it is a professional health care field. It would seem "normal" to use a medical term for the therapy you are trained in.

If you search google for stylostixis you will find that there isn't a lot about it other than definitions and a few cracker-box web sites spamming for medical acupuncture. Maybe that should tell you something. It seems that anyone using the term is directing their marketing toward medical doctors. That makes sense, doesn't it? How many doctors want to call themselves acupuncturists? Probably not that many.

So, it really doesn't seem like anyone is using the term.

Should Acupuncturist use the term Stylostxis?

Do we do a disservice to our profession by not using a medical term as our title? When we think of medical therapies, what usually comes to most peoples' minds are, allopathic, homeopathics, naturopathic, chiropractic, and osteopathic. Then we have acupuncturists?! By using a more generic or common term to classify our modality, do we not declassify ourselves from what is perceived by the public as "authentic medical modalities?" Just by the names we use, we put our medical practice in the class of "alternative" medicine in the public's eyes. Remember that acupuncture has been around a lot longer than most medical modalities ;).

We use such terms as Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine or just Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, or a whole host of other less than medical sounding terms. Why?

As a class of health care practitioners, are we insistent on keeping ourselves from being seen by the public as a true standard of "authentic" medical practice? Or is it the case that as a whole, the acupuncture community easily resigned itself to the position of alternative/woo woo medical practitioners?

I, for one, have found Classical True Acupuncture to be more scientific than any of the "-pathic" medical modalities mentioned above. It is for this reason that I wish our community, as a whole, would strive harder to prove the scientific basis of stylostixis and adhere to more rigid terminology.

Manfred Porkert has attempted to use medical terminology in his writings of Classical Acupuncture, however, most acupuncturist don't often read his books because he uses Latin and Greek terminology. It would behoove us all to realize that using medical terminology to clarify and define acupuncture (stylostixis) theories would be a great benefit to all acupuncturist and acupuncture as a whole. It would give all countries a solid and universal foundational terminology on which to discuss this ancient form of medicine.

I like the term stylostixis, although I'm not sure it would be the correct term for our profession. After all there is no "-pathic" on the end of it, and would we say, "I'm a stylostixic medical practitioner" or "I practice stylopathic medicine?" I'm not really sure myself, but do you think it would add credence to our profession in the public's eyes? We all know how people instantly give credibility to those who have an unpronounceable term next to their name.

Written and contributed by Charles Strodtbeck.

Colorado Acupuncture State Federal Regulations.

National Certification

At the national level, The National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is the only certifying entity for Acupuncturists, Chinese Herbalists and Asian Bodywork therapists in the United States. NCCAOM certification signifies that the practitioner has met nationally recognized standards of competence and safety. The completion of NCCAOM Board exams results in a Diplomate status in Acupuncture (Dipl.Ac.), Chinese Herbology (Dipl.C.H.), Oriental Medicine (Dipl.O.M.), or Bodywork Therapy (Dipl.A.B.T.)

State Licensing

Currently, state regulations for Acupuncturists and Chinese Herbologists vary from state to state. In order for an individual to receive the “Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)” title in Colorado, the individual must be certified by the NCCAOM in 4 out of the 5 exam modules (the Chinese Herbology module is not required to practice acupuncture and herbology in the state of Colorado). NCCAOM certification includes having graduated from an accredited Oriental Medical institution and passing the Clean Needle Technique (CNT) exam. More information on the Colorado Acupuncture Laws can be found here.

Licensing requirements for Acupuncturists (L.Ac.) in Colorado.

Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Ac.) have extensive training, more than what most people realize. Most private institutions in the United States offer 3-4 year programs that result in a Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine (there are numerous designations for this type of degree). This training includes thousands of hours of combined theory, practicums, and clinical internship.

At this time, licensing for acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists vary from state to state (Colorado), so make sure you're familiar with your state's regulations when you're choosing an acupuncturist. We don't expect you to figure all this out on your own, so visit "How do I choose an acupuncturist and herbalist?" to guide you through this process. After all, we want you to make an educated and informed choice about the practitioner who will help you in your health care.

What Are The Different Styles Of Acupuncture?

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of “styles” of acupuncture: Japanese Meridian acupuncture, Worsley 5-Element acupuncture, Japanese Hari and ToyoHari acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Master Tong's acupuncture, Richard Tan's Balancing system, I-Ching acupuncture, “Classical” acupuncture, etc. . . yet, the “style” practiced is of no consequence if the practitioner does not fully understand the true basis of acupuncture.

This causes great contention amongst practitioners, for each “style” believes that they hold all the secrets and, therefore, are the best or only “true” form of acupuncture. What is necessary to be a True Acupuncture practitioner, however, is not some arcane theory, lineage, culture, or anything else for that matter. What is required is the clear understanding of pulse diagnosis, how true acupuncture points reflect in the radial pulses, and the understanding of the clinical reality of the relationships of the different systems and parts of the human body—this is all 100% verifiable by all and therefore theory is moot. As a result and regardless of the style a practitioner practices, if they do not know how to locate and needle a true acupoint with verification in the radial pulses, then they practice only theoretical acupuncture and nothing related to true clinical acupuncture.

What should I do after a acupuncture treatment?

Many acupuncturist warn patients that after an acupuncture, treatment they may feel what's called an “acupuncture high.” This is often a sensation that can be similar to an alcohol buzz, feeling light-headed, or groggy. With Classical True Acupuncture, this is rarely seen.

After your session with Classical True Acupuncture, you should be clear headed, feel more balanced and have good focus. What actually takes place when patients get an “acupuncture high” is a sedation of the cerebral cortex or the result of moving so much energy very quickly (scattering the energy), although this is rarely understood. In fact, many patients and practitioners have come to expect this as a normal or even beneficial outcome. After Classical True Acupuncture sessions, there is no need to worry about what you should or should not do after a treatment and you should be fine to go about your day as planned.

What should I expect during an acupuncture treatment?

Initial Acupuncture & Herbal Treatment

The initial treatment often takes approximately one hour, as we will discuss your health history and health concerns in detail. There is a detailed Health History Questionnaire that you must fill out (here) prior to your first visit. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your initial visit in order to fill out the necessary forms at the office if you have not downloaded and done so beforehand.

Once an understanding of your health history is obtained, a detailed evaluation of your systems via the radial pulses will be performed in order to understand the energetic imbalances that are contributing to your current state of health. “Feeling the radial pulses” in Classical True Acupuncture is quite different from pulse taking in Western Medicine, TCM, and other styles of acupuncture, for it is the primary diagnostic tool.

In order to find the appropriate points to needle, the practitioner will palpate points on your body while feeling the radial pulses at the same time. While this takes some time, it ensures that every point used “counts” and elicits a beneficial energetic response in your system. Again, only a few points will be needled.

After the needles have been inserted, you will continue to relax on the massage table for 15-30 minutes, depending on the individual. The practitioner will continue to check your pulses and remove the needles accordingly.

If you require an herbal formulation, it will be filled for you during session.

Please allot 45 minutes for subsequent treatment sessions. If during a follow up treatment, a Classical True Acupuncture practitioner feels that you do not need to be needled at that time, your evaluation may take no more than 20 minutes. Please read FAQ: “How often do I need treatments?” to understand the philosophy behind this type of treatment process.

What should I wear to an acupuncture treatment?

Please dress comfortably for your acupuncture treatment or wear loose clothing so that your arms and legs may be accessible. If we need to have access to your back or other areas that require the removal of clothes, we will drape you appropriately with a sheet.

How long is a Cosmetic acupuncture session? How many Cosmetic acupuncture sessions will I need?

Each Cosmetic acupuncture session lasts two hours. A series of treatments consists of twelve consecutive sessions administered weekly. Monthly or seasonal sessions are then recommended for maintenance.

While each individual responds uniquely and the number of sessions and results may vary, many individuals see improvements in their skin tone after only a few sessions, with further improvements as the sessions progress. Wouldn't you like to see that youthful glow again?

What are your. . .

Hours | Fees | Location | Forms | Services Offered

Thank you for your interest in Classical True Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you have any questions or concerns, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call. Please go here to get directions from your area to the clinic.

Appointment hours:

Fee Schedule:

*Packages must be paid in full.
**Cost of herbs is not included in treatment fee.
***If materials are not used during treatment, $20 will be deducted from your treatment cost.

Patient Forms
Please fill out the following forms prior to your initial visit.

• Patient forms

Clinic Location

Clinic Address:
Dry Creek Office Village
(Southwest corner of Dry Creek Rd & Quebec, in the tan office condominiums)
7200 E. Dry Creek Rd, Suite B-103
Centennial, CO 80112

Contact Form

Please fill out the form here to email the clinic, thank you.

Services Offered

Classical True Acupuncture

Not all acupuncture is created equal. If you have ever had acupuncture and had a bad experience, or acupuncture did not work for you, we encourage you to give it another try. As you may have read in the pages within this site, Classical True Acupuncture's approach is a bit different. Not only are fewer needles used, this style relies heavily on pulse diagnosis to understand what is going on within your unique energetic systems that manifests as the pain or illness that you feel. We know that all Chinese Medicine practitioners state that they treat the individual, but surprisingly, there are still tiers of how individualistic a style is. Please read more and you'll see what we mean.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal therapy is a powerful medicine. Like anything that you ingest, herbs must be pure, natural and safe, and as with supplements and medicines, must be correctly administered. This is why we use Classical True Acupuncture as the first diagnostic tool to clearly and thoroughly understand what is keeping your systems from maintaining homeostasis. Once understood, Chinese medicinal herbs may be administered if thought to be a further benefit for you—but they are not an automatic part of your treatments from the start. It is not our belief to give you everything at once and hope that something will work; instead, we make sure we understand how your body responds before adding the next step.

Cosmetic Acupuncture "facelift"

How we all wish to turn back time and bring back that youthful glow! And yes, you can in a safe, non-invasive, painless and natural way! Cosmetic acupuncture—also called facial acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, or acupuncture facelifts—has become a popular means to provide individualized anti-aging treatments while also taking care of the whole body. After all, our face and neck doesn't age independent of the rest of our body! In fact, what typically goes on inside is reflected on the outside, so addressing our core constitution is crucial to helping our bodies stay and look young!

Return to the Acupuncture home page.

Click on your city for directions to the clinic: Denver, Centennial CO, (main map), Littleton CO, Lone Tree CO, Highlands Ranch CO, Parker CO, Castle Rock CO, Englewood CO, Cherry Hills Village CO, Denver Tech Center (DTC), Greenwood Village CO, and Aurora CO.

How should I prepare for treatment sessions?

It is recommended that you eat a moderate amount of food one to one and a half hours before your acupuncture appointment.

Please dress comfortably or wear loose clothing so that your arms and legs may be accessible. If we need to have access to your back or other areas that require the removal of clothes, we will drape you appropriately with a sheet.

Whenever possible, please arrange your schedule so that you do not have to rush to or away from the clinic.

Feel free to ask any questions that may arise during your treatment. It is important that you feel informed and understand your own health.

Is Cosmetic Acupuncture For Everyone?

The ideal answer would be, "Yes! Cosmetic Acupuncture is for everyone!" Owing to the number of needles in the face however, this technique is contraindicated for individuals with bleeding or bruising disorders, if you're experiencing an acute cold, flu or allergies; diabetes mellitus; seizures or epilepsy; cancer; hepatitis; AIDS; coronary disease; pituitary disorders; or acute herpes outbreak. With most protocols that use a large number of needles all over the entire body, high blood pressure or migraine sufferers are also cautioned against these treatments. We also do not perform cosmetic acupuncture treatments on pregnant women.

If you are uncertain whether facial rejuvenation via Cosmetc Acupuncture is for you, please give us a call (720-324-7171) and we'll be happy to discuss your individual case.

Is Cosmetic Acupuncture Safe?

A safe and natural anti-aging method

Cosmetic acupuncture is a type of facial rejuvenation that is safe. It is non-invasive and there is no recovery period following each treatment, since this technique does not involve surgical incisions. Combining Classical True Acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture means using only a couple of needles on the body to first bring your pulses into balance, rather than using the large number of body needles according to most facial acupuncture protocols. Yes, a greater number of needles are still used on the face to target your specific concerns. But without the 10+ needles on the body and some on the ears, then the face needles to total anywhere from 50-80 needles, our approach keeps the procedure refined and targeted to your needs while maintaining a constitutional balance.

Cosmetic acupuncture is a natural anti-aging treatment process and works with your whole body—can Botox, Restalyne, plastic surgery or the plethora of new surgical procedures claim to do that? Nope! Your safety and your health are of utmost importance to us as we unearth your inner beauty without injecting toxins, synthetic materials, or the traditional "slicing and dicing."

Please come and see how taking care of your whole body can bring back your youthful glow! Also, please read "Is Cosmetic acupuncture for everyone?" for more information.

What do I need to do to prepare for my Cosmetic acupuncture session?

There aren't any special preparations for Cosmetic acupuncture sessions. We do request that you wash your face thoroughly prior to your session so that your face is free of makeup and lotions/creams. You are most welcome to clean your face upon arrival at our clinic. Other than that, come on in and enjoy the treatment!

Are acupuncture and Chinese herbs safe?

Acupuncture & herbs used for thousands of years

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years by billions of people throughout Asia. Today, acupuncture and Chinese herbology remains a primary form of health care, along side Western Medicine, in China. As Oriental Medicine gains popularity in the United States, more and more people have found that acupuncture and Chinese herbology provide safe and natural remedies for numerous conditions, as well as health maintenance and disease prevention. In fact, in the 1997 Consensus Conference on Acupuncture Statement, the NIH estimated that more than 1 million Americans receive acupuncture each year.

The risks involved in acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy are extremely low, if performed by a practitioner who has the necessary and appropriate credentials. According to the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM), only ten incidents of injury resulting from acupuncture have been reported since 1965, when records began being kept in the United States.

As for Chinese Herbal Medicine, the quality of Chinese herbs varies greatly, thus, the safety for the end user varies. As a result, the herbs we use have been carefully and meticulously chosen from reputable herbal companies who grow their herbs without pesticides or GMO’s, are tested for micro-levels of mold and heavy metals, and are cured naturally without sulfites. (Sulfites are used as a preservative; it appears difficult to avoid sulfites altogether, for some herbs will spoil too quickly without some sort of preservative, but we try our best to avoid it when possible). We want you to feel comfortable in knowing that the herbs you ingest are safe and pure.

*Note: If you have or are taking herbal medicines in a pill, capsule, or tablet form, only use herbs from manufacturers who are cited as having Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure that the herbs you are taking are of the highest potency, quality and safety.

Do I need both acupuncture and herbs?

It is common, even standard, for TCM practitioners to prescribe an herbal formula in conjunction with an acupuncture treatment. There is, however, a time and place for Herbal Medicine.

In the philosophy of Classical True Acupuncture, acupuncture outweighs herbal therapy as a treatment method—yet, there are instances where herbal therapy may precede acupuncture. Rarely will we give you both Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy together, at least not initially, for this blurs the boundaries in distinguishing which treatment method yielded effects.

When we do acupuncture, we want to know exactly what the acupuncture treatment did for you; when we give herbs, we want to know exactly what that particular herbal formula did for you. Otherwise, how could we accurately adjust subsequent treatments for a patient if we are not clear about whether the acupuncture or the herbs led to a particular outcome?

How do I choose an acupuncturist or herbalist?

More and more medical professionals, including medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, nurses, physician’s assistants, dentists and naturopaths, are practicing acupuncture without the equivalent training as an acupuncturist. Before seeing an acupuncturist, make sure that he/she is licensed in the state (Colorado) and has extensive training. There are many types of licenses and credentials in this field.

Before you dive into the technical qualifications of an acupuncturist, don't forget that when choosing a practitioner, you want to make sure that you feel comfortable with him/her, your questions are answered thoroughly and the time is taken to address your specific needs. Do take advantage of free consultations as this gives you a chance to "interview" the practitioner before you make your decision.

Here’s some information to decipher the “Alphabet Soup” of acronyms related to the field of Oriental Medicine and details on the credentials an Oriental Medical professional should have.

L.Ac. = Licensed Acupuncturist

This is a common designation for a practitioner who provides Acupuncture and/or Chinese Herbal Medicine as part of the Oriental Medical practice. L.Ac. is a title given by the state upon fulfilling certain requirements – i.e. completing a program from an accredited school, passing the National board exams, etc. Each state has its own regulations and it is important to familiarize yourself with your state’s requirement of practitioners. (also see FAQ: "Are acupuncture & herbal medicine subject to any state or federal regulations?")

Instead of L.Ac., some states may issue equivalent titles such as Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.) or Certified Acupuncturist.

Go here for state laws regarding the practice of acupuncture.

Note:
Most Licensed Acupuncturists have graduated from an accredited training program in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Oriental Medicine (OM) and have passed the necessary exams. There are a number of states that do not regulate the practice of or who can perform acupuncture, and thus, practitioners who may not have the proper credentials may still practice acupuncture. Please visit this link for more information.

Dipl. Ac. = Diplomate in Acupuncture and Dipl. C.H. = Diplomate in Chinese Herbal Medicine

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) administers certification tests specifically for practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Oriental Medicine. Prior to 2005, practitioners received the Dipl. Ac. and/or Dipl. C.H. titles separately upon passing the respective sections of this exam.

As of 2005, the exam now offers 5 modules: Foundational Theory, Acupuncture, Point Location, Chinese Herbology and Biomedicine. If practitioners choose to only practice Acupuncture (and not Chinese Herbology), the 3 modules specific to Acupuncture (Foundational Theory, Acupuncture, and Point Location), as well as the Biomedicine module, must be passed in order to receive the title of “Diplomate in Acupuncture (Dipl. Ac.).”

If practitioners choose to only practice Chinese Herbology, or to practice this in conjunction with Aacupuncture, the single Chinese Herbology module must be passed.

As mentioned above, some states do not regulate the practice of or who can perform acupuncture, and thus, practitioners who may not have the proper credentials may still practice acupuncture in these states. Further, Herbal Medicine is an integral part of TCM training programs in most states. Here, state regulations also vary: some states require a practitioner to only have a Dipl. Ac. (and not the Dipl. C.H.) and still be able to practice both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology.

Dipl. OM = Diplomate in Oriental Medicine

The Diplomate in Oriental Medicine is the newest title issued by the NCCAOM. As mentioned above, in 2005 the NCCAOM began issuing the title of “Diplomate in Oriental Medicine” to those who passed all 5 modules: Foundational Theory, Acupuncture, Point Location, Chinese Herbology, and Biomedicine.

Prior to 2005, this title was not offered to practitioners and separate titles of Dipl. Ac. and Dipl. C.H. were given. One particular title is not necessarily better than the other. As always, it is important to do the proper research in choosing a practitioner and to ensure that one’s credentials parallel the services provided.

M.A.O.M (or M.Ac.O.M) = Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Becoming an acupuncturist entails completing a 3 to 4 year graduate program from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Upon completion, there are various versions of the same “Master” title that is issued, such as MAOM (Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), MSOM (Master of Science of Oriental Medicine), or MTCM (Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine), to name a few.

Some accredited schools will issue a graduate level Diploma of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine instead of a Masters Degree following the completion of a similar program.

*Please note that there are some organizations that will offer a Diploma to current medical professionals (physicians, chiropractors, nurses, dentists, etc) after only completing 100 hours of Acupuncture training! These “courses,” or sometimes called “weekend courses,” allow a medical professional to include Acupuncture in their practice. Obviously, one hundred hours is not comparable to the training an individual receives from a 4-year (approximately 3000 hours) program from an accredited school!

NCCAOM = The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

This is the primary National certifying entity for Acupuncturists, Chinese Herbalists, and Asian Body-worker therapists in the United States. NCCAOM certification signifies that the practitioner has met nationally recognized standards of competence and safety. The NCCAOM not only gives Board exams, which must be passed in order to receive certification, but also requires practitioners to acquire 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) [also known as Professional Development Activity (PDAs)] for recertification every four years.

CCAOM = Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

This entity was established to advance acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by promoting educational excellence within the field. You may frequently see the CCAOM as awarding Clean Needle Technique (CNT) Certification to practitioners. Typically, a student at a TCM school must pass the CNT exam&mdas;in order to prove understanding and proficiency of safety standards in the application, storage, and disposal of acupuncture needles—before practicing as an intern in the Student Clinic. This exam is required in order to receive NCCAOM Diplomate Certification. Go here for more information.

AOBTA® = Americal Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia™

This is a professional membership organization representing instructors, practitioners, schools & programs, and students of Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT). In order to become a member, one must complete the necessary coursework in a particular style of Asian bodywork, as well as foundational Oriental Medical training.

Did these definitions help or confuse matters? This is only a general list of the common terms used in the field, but hopefully this helps you to feel more comfortable when reading about acupuncture, herbs and practitioners.

What are your. . .

Hours | Fees | Location | Forms | Services Offered

Thank you for your interest in Classical True Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you have any questions or concerns, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call. Please go here to get directions from your area to the clinic.

Appointment hours:

Fee Schedule:

*Packages must be paid in full.
**Cost of herbs is not included in treatment fee.
***If materials are not used during treatment, $20 will be deducted from your treatment cost.

Patient Forms
Please fill out the following forms prior to your initial visit.

• Patient forms

Clinic Location

Clinic Address:
Dry Creek Office Village
(Southwest corner of Dry Creek Rd & Quebec, in the tan office condominiums)
7200 E. Dry Creek Rd, Suite B-103
Centennial, CO 80112

Contact Form

Please fill out the form here to email the clinic, thank you.

Services Offered

Classical True Acupuncture

Not all acupuncture is created equal. If you have ever had acupuncture and had a bad experience, or acupuncture did not work for you, we encourage you to give it another try. As you may have read in the pages within this site, Classical True Acupuncture's approach is a bit different. Not only are fewer needles used, this style relies heavily on pulse diagnosis to understand what is going on within your unique energetic systems that manifests as the pain or illness that you feel. We know that all Chinese Medicine practitioners state that they treat the individual, but surprisingly, there are still tiers of how individualistic a style is. Please read more and you'll see what we mean.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal therapy is a powerful medicine. Like anything that you ingest, herbs must be pure, natural and safe, and as with supplements and medicines, must be correctly administered. This is why we use Classical True Acupuncture as the first diagnostic tool to clearly and thoroughly understand what is keeping your systems from maintaining homeostasis. Once understood, Chinese medicinal herbs may be administered if thought to be a further benefit for you—but they are not an automatic part of your treatments from the start. It is not our belief to give you everything at once and hope that something will work; instead, we make sure we understand how your body responds before adding the next step.

Cosmetic Acupuncture "facelift"

How we all wish to turn back time and bring back that youthful glow! And yes, you can in a safe, non-invasive, painless and natural way! Cosmetic acupuncture—also called facial acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, or acupuncture facelifts—has become a popular means to provide individualized anti-aging treatments while also taking care of the whole body. After all, our face and neck doesn't age independent of the rest of our body! In fact, what typically goes on inside is reflected on the outside, so addressing our core constitution is crucial to helping our bodies stay and look young!

Return to the Acupuncture home page.

Click on your city for directions to the clinic: Denver, Centennial CO, (main map), Littleton CO, Lone Tree CO, Highlands Ranch CO, Parker CO, Castle Rock CO, Englewood CO, Cherry Hills Village CO, Denver Tech Center (DTC), Greenwood Village CO, and Aurora CO.

How should I prepare for treatment sessions?

It is recommended that you eat a moderate amount of food one to one and a half hours before your acupuncture appointment.

Please dress comfortably or wear loose clothing so that your arms and legs may be accessible. If we need to have access to your back or other areas that require the removal of clothes, we will drape you appropriately with a sheet.

Whenever possible, please arrange your schedule so that you do not have to rush to or away from the clinic.

Feel free to ask any questions that may arise during your treatment. It is important that you feel informed and understand your own health.

Why should I take Chinese Herbs?

Chinese medicinal herbs can help you

Did you know that Chinese Herbal Medicine can provide natural remedies to alleviate symptoms related to anxiety, insomnia, acid reflux, pain, headaches, urinary problems, digestive issues, Menopause, PMS, and high cholesterol?

You may be thinking, "But I take herbs that I get from a natural food store, so how can your Chinese herbs help me?"

While the people who work in natural food stores may suggest herbs based on the symptoms you tell them, without feeling your pulses and understanding exactly what your unique system imbalances are, it is hard to truly treat you as a whole. Because a Chinese herbal formula is customized to your individual health concerns, you do not have to take several bottles of pre-made herbal supplements in order to cover all the issues you want to address. Chinese herbs, when blended and cooked together into a formula, have a synergistic effect with each other to enhance their effect. (Of course, this is when the formula is put together appropriately by a trained Chinese Herbalist*.)

With the Classical True Acupuncture philosophy, acupuncture is a necessary first step to truly understand your energetic imbalances that play a role in your health issues, such as why you get sick all the time, or why you feel bloated after each meal. Once we understand your root (constitutional) energetic disharmony, we can then add medicinal herbs, if necessary, to supplement the effects of acupuncture. In acute situations-like the common cold, a sore throat, and food-poisoning-like symptoms-natural herbs can be used to eliminate the symptoms quickly.

The high quality raw natural herbs that we use provide a safe way to take care of your health. Our herbal pharmacy consists of only plant derived substances that exist in a naturally dried state (some are prepared by steaming or cooking in the Chinese Herbal Medicine traditional methods to enhance properties), do not contain binders or fillers, are tested for heavy metals and micro levels of mold, and do not contain sulfites or other preservatives (unless absolutely necessary).

While many may continue to self-evaluate and self-medicate through herbal remedies, we encourage you to come in, ask questions (720-324-7171) and see how we can customize a natural medicinal herbal formula to get your health back on track.

* In Colorado, the NCCAOM National Chinese Herbal Board exam is not required to be a Licensed Acupuncturist or to dispense herbs. It is important to find a practitioner who has the necessary qualifications-look for the certification of Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (Dipl.OM) or Diplomate in Chinese Herbology (Dipl.CH). For more information on finding a qualified practitioner, please read about the licensing and training of acupuncturists and herbalists.

Will Chinese herbs help me?

Chinese herbs are uniquely formulated

Chinese Herbal Medicine is quite different than just taking store-bought, prepackaged “herbal supplements.” A balanced selection of herbs is specifically customized for each person's health condition. The effects of each formula on the individual will be carefully monitored and adjusted accordingly, thus, Chinese herbal formulas can be a highly beneficial means to treat your unique set of health conditions.

While herbs and herbal formulas exist in a variety of forms for ingestion&mdashtinctures, capsules, tablets, pills, granulated powders and teas/decoctions—we will only prescribe a formula of raw bulk herbs that have been freshly ground, for this is the most effective method of receiving the benefits of the herbs and the fastest way to achieve results to help you feel better. Further, the herbs will be ground at the time your prescription is dispensed. (Commercially pre-ground herbs are often ground into a superfine powder – the heat from such grinding, as well as having the ground herbs sit for a period of time, can affect the oils within and the potency of the herbs.)

Our method involves decocting, or cooking, the herbs for a short period of time and then drinking the strained liquid. You may have heard of the traditional methods of decocting herbs: soak for hours, cook, strain, and cook again for a long time—we will not ask you to do it this way! We certainly understand the need for convenience and the method we adhere to will allow you to take an herbal formula in its purest form—no binders or processing into ineffective pills/tablets/capsules—while requiring only a minimal amount of time to prepare, yet still maintaining maximum potency and effectiveness.

As you may notice, we take great care in dispensing herbal formulas. This is to ensure that you are given the appropriate formula for your condition and receive the most potent herbal formula possible to help resolve your current complaint. Chinese herbal medicine has been used successfully for a wide range of conditions. However, we only dispense herbal formulas when appropriate and will not insist that every patient take herbs at every visit. (please see the FAQ: "Do I need both acupuncture and herbs?")

With that in mind, yes, Chinese herbal medicine can be a very effective adjunct to your health care and will be recommended when appropriate.

Will Chinese Herbs Interfere with Western Medicine?

Chinese Herbal Medicine can work harmoniously with Western medications, but like anything, there can also be adverse side effects if certain substances are combined. This is why it is imperative to see a Chinese Herbalist who is properly trained!

Chinese herbal therapy has existed for thousands of years and as this medicine has evolved with the modern era or pharmaceuticals, obvious incompatibilities of the energetic properties of Chinese herbs and medications have been defined. Today, experts in our field continue to specifically study and indentify herb-drug interactions.

The internet has a wealth of information that can make it seemingly easy to self-diagnose Chinese herbal formulas, but we guard against doing this! The intricacies in understanding how to properly combine herbs, and herbs and drugs, must be mastered before dispensing formulas. Also, when used properly, Chinese herbs are not just used symptomatically like other drugs, but address the bigger picture. Again, please consult a qualified Chinese Herbalist before embarking on any Chinese herbal supplement!

What are your. . .

Hours | Fees | Location | Forms | Services Offered

Thank you for your interest in Classical True Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you have any questions or concerns, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call. Please go here to get directions from your area to the clinic.

Appointment hours:

Fee Schedule:

*Packages must be paid in full.
**Cost of herbs is not included in treatment fee.
***If materials are not used during treatment, $20 will be deducted from your treatment cost.

Patient Forms
Please fill out the following forms prior to your initial visit.

• Patient forms

Clinic Location

Clinic Address:
Dry Creek Office Village
(Southwest corner of Dry Creek Rd & Quebec, in the tan office condominiums)
7200 E. Dry Creek Rd, Suite B-103
Centennial, CO 80112

Contact Form

Please fill out the form here to email the clinic, thank you.

Services Offered

Classical True Acupuncture

Not all acupuncture is created equal. If you have ever had acupuncture and had a bad experience, or acupuncture did not work for you, we encourage you to give it another try. As you may have read in the pages within this site, Classical True Acupuncture's approach is a bit different. Not only are fewer needles used, this style relies heavily on pulse diagnosis to understand what is going on within your unique energetic systems that manifests as the pain or illness that you feel. We know that all Chinese Medicine practitioners state that they treat the individual, but surprisingly, there are still tiers of how individualistic a style is. Please read more and you'll see what we mean.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal therapy is a powerful medicine. Like anything that you ingest, herbs must be pure, natural and safe, and as with supplements and medicines, must be correctly administered. This is why we use Classical True Acupuncture as the first diagnostic tool to clearly and thoroughly understand what is keeping your systems from maintaining homeostasis. Once understood, Chinese medicinal herbs may be administered if thought to be a further benefit for you—but they are not an automatic part of your treatments from the start. It is not our belief to give you everything at once and hope that something will work; instead, we make sure we understand how your body responds before adding the next step.

Cosmetic Acupuncture "facelift"

How we all wish to turn back time and bring back that youthful glow! And yes, you can in a safe, non-invasive, painless and natural way! Cosmetic acupuncture—also called facial acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, or acupuncture facelifts—has become a popular means to provide individualized anti-aging treatments while also taking care of the whole body. After all, our face and neck doesn't age independent of the rest of our body! In fact, what typically goes on inside is reflected on the outside, so addressing our core constitution is crucial to helping our bodies stay and look young!

Return to the Acupuncture home page.

Click on your city for directions to the clinic: Denver, Centennial CO, (main map), Littleton CO, Lone Tree CO, Highlands Ranch CO, Parker CO, Castle Rock CO, Englewood CO, Cherry Hills Village CO, Denver Tech Center (DTC), Greenwood Village CO, and Aurora CO.

Directions to the. . . 
Classical True Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine Clinic

Clinic address and contact information
Located in the Dry Creek Office Village
(SW corner of Dry Creek Rd & Quebec)
7200 E. Dry Creek Rd, Suite B-103
Centennial, Colorado 80112
(720) 324-7171

Please give us a call (720-324-7171) or come in for your free initial consultation to find out how your condition can be helped with Classical True Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Select your city form the list below to get direction from your area to the clinic. Please note, the directions are towards the bottom of the pages.

Thanks you!

Aurora Colorado

Castle Rock Colorado

Centennial Colorado

Cherry Hills Village Colorado

Denver Colorado

Denver Tech Center Colorado

DTC Colorado

Englewood Colorado

Greenwood Village Colorado

Highlands Ranch Colorado

Littleton Colorado

Lone Tree Colorado

Parker Colorado