Inspired Wellness Center Blog - Acupuncture Denver, Colorado

Developments in Neuropathy

alexevil67 — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:31:41 +0000

I work with one of the top oncologists’ here in Denver and so I see lots of cancer patients who suffer from chemo-induced neuropathy and are looking for natural forms of relief from methods such as Acupuncture. Neuropathy is an awful side-effect which leaves patients with a variety of different types of numbness and/or tingling in their extremities. Their pain can vary from feeling like they are walking on glass to walking on cotton. This feeling can be in their hands or their feet or both and it can also be accompanied by tingling as though their hands have fallen asleep.

The type and location of neuropathy seems to have a direct relationship to the type of chemotherapy they are receiving and as I see more and more of these patients I am starting to see certain trends in which medications are causing which type of neuropathy. I am also starting find successful ways of treating the different forms of neuropathy using nothing but acupuncture and, if necessary, moxabustion.

I know these patients suffer with the numbness and/or tingling but I want them to know there is hope and it can be treated with acupuncture. In most cases we can provide significant relief and some of the time we can offer complete relief. Stay posted as I am currently working on a treatment guide for acupuncturists so they can offer relief to cancer patients everywhere.

Babies!!!

amster88 — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:18:30 +0000

Wow! Last week was the week of babies!

Here at Inspired Wellness Center we work with patients who are having fertility issues and often once get women pregnant they will do acupuncture throughout their pregnancy to help them feel great and deal with any issues that arise such as morning sickness, back pain, swelling, etc.

Many people don’t know that Acupuncture is FANTASTIC at inducing labor as well! We had 6 acupuncture babies due last week and of those we were lucky enough to help induce 3 of those babies using acupuncture. The phone call we often get is “You got this baby in there, now you get it out!” Well we are happy to say that all 6 babies arrived safely.

And we’d now like to send a warm “welcome” to Logan, Brooklyn, Drake, Ashley, Tyler and Isabelle.

New Testimonial!

alexevil67 — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:09:17 +0000

One quick update first! Jana Morian (of Inspired Wellness Center) will have some new letters after her name soon, this weekend I traveled to New Mexico to sit for the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) fellowship exam! It was tough and it covered every aspect of fertility and reproductive health you can imagine but after 200 questions and 5 hours I finished the exam and will soon be an official infertility specialist. I’ve been treating infertility in the Denver-Metro area for 2 years now and I have always been lucky… but preparing for this exam has forced me to learn the in’s and out’s of infertility from both a Western and Eastern perspective and now I am happy to say that I am among the best of the best in Colorado!

Here is a recent testimonial from one of our patients…

“My husband and I came to Jana after 18 months of trying to conceive and after 2 miscarriages. I was at my wits end. I was so emotionally drained from the different drugs and procedures. Each month riding what felt like a roller coaster of hope, excitement, disappointment and despair. It was really hard not to be completely obsessed with it all. Charting, temping, ovulation tests, , IUIs, follow up blood work…it was all so exhausting! Jana helped balance that. Although she was treating me for fertility, she was focused on helping balance me so that when I did get pregnant again, I could sustain it. When I felt anxious, she helped calm me, when I was feeling hopeless and low, she helped pick me up. My husband has never been a huge believer in eastern medicine, but after he saw how much Jana helped me, he quickly climbed aboard. When I would have a rough day, or a disappointing day in my cycle, his first words would be “can you go see Jana?”. I saw Jana for 7 months, and when I finally got that wonderful positive pregnancy test, I felt more assured that my body was in a good place to support a pregnancy. Although I was working with a reproductive endocrinologist, I believe Jana is the reason I am holding this pregnancy. All of my doctors were so focused on just getting me pregnant, but Jana was focused on helping me stay that way. Thank you Jana from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for me and our growing family!”

When I read this I was so deeply touched by their words and it reminds me that every late night, every freak-out moment and every step I took in preparing for that ABORM exam was worth it because it means I get to help more and more people who are struggling getting pregnant… and that is yet another reason why I love acupuncture and my job!

Acupuncture and Induction!

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:41:19 +0000

Hello All, long time since my last post… so sorry!
Well I wanted to post something on a little known use of Acupuncture. Acupuncture is incredibility effective at increasing fertility chances and at inducing labor (as long as the time is right, of course!) We have helped make 23 babies at Inspired Wellness Center and of those we have been able to help induce about half of them. A couple of weeks ago I had a woman show up who had to be induced with her first pregnancy and was trying to avoid that in her second. After the first treatment her contractions were a little more frequent and after the second treatment… her water broke and she was on her way.
When using acupuncture to induce labor it is common for things to “really start working” 24-36 hours after treatment and once things do start progressing they usually move much faster for a easier labor!
Our woman we met just a few weeks ago began labor about 36 hours after her second treatment and her beautiful little boy arrived just 8 short and easy hours later!

If you are considering using Acupuncture to induce labor make sure you are going to a qualified and licensed Acupuncturist that has experience in dealing with pregnancy!

A Nice letter

amster88 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:25:34 +0000

I am usually very humble about the medicine that I practice because I know that it is the beauty of Chinese Medicine and the human body that does all the hard work. I know that when people compliment me or the care that they receive in my office, they are actually complimenting the medicine that I just happen to practice. But sometimes somebody says something so nice that it touches my heart and I have to share it. Here is a letter I recently received from a family that had been struggling with fertility issues:

Jana,

Women endure 10 months- (yes, it really is 10 months!) of anticipation, fear, pain, and joy- all the while just wanting to get this little bundle of joy into their arms!

It’s a miracle that our species has continued populating itself through all of the things women go through to have a baby!

It is for that very reason that we want to thank you-

Jana, if it had not been for you and your superb acupuncture therapy and your caring, accepting nature, Meghan and I would not have had such a magnificent experience conceiving, growing, and delivering this breathtaking baby girl!

You were there to help get Meghan ready to conceive- getting her ready to create a life!
You helped us get past the days of sadness for the lost first attempt, to the exuberance of a positive pregnancy test from the doctors office.
You got us through the morning sickness and days upon days of saltines, pretzels and water to days of hunger that could not be satiated fast enough, resulting in the treks across Thornton hunting the best Chile Rellenos, or Mickey D’s for Dr. Pepper and French Fries.
You eased Meghan’s mind from too many nights of dreaming dreams that belong to someone else, and heartburn that could make the devil scream in pain.
You released stress and opened arteries for feet that no longer resembled thee feet of a human.
Then there is the back pain and inability to get a full night’s sleep- (which you will not get again until this child is at least 13 anyway), the moment to moment self-questioning ‘am I going to be a good mom?’ what if… this and that…. When… how… what… where… you were there for all of it.
You got us through- when we got to the last week before she was due- we thought that she was going to be the biggest baby in the world and it was time for her to come out of there—- ‘get her feet out of my ribs’ ‘get her head off of my bladder’ ‘I can’t sit, stand, lay, or sleep- I am famished, but there is no room for my stomach past one bite of food. There you were again- calming and reassuring and 2 days later—-the sound of a woman’s water breaking at 5:15 in the morning is one of the most amazing sounds in the world…. And 29 and a half hours later she’s here, the most stunning baby girl in the whole world!

So thank you, thank you for being you. Thank you for helping us experience the most marvelous experience in the life. We know it would not have been as amazing as it was if it had not been for you.

Beat Holiday Stress at Inspired Wellness Center…

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:57:47 +0000

Introducing…
HAPPY HOUR!

As the Holiday’s approach our stress levels will inevitably increase as our schedules get busier and our funds get tighter. During this time we encourage you to take care of yourself. Increased stress levels can have many negative effects on your body such as lowering your immune system, increasing pain levels, causing digestive upset, headaches, weight gain and the list goes on. Besides all of these issues, we want you to be able to enjoy the Holidays this year and being relaxed will go along way while you are working through the crowds, sitting in traffic and spending more time with family.

Happy Hour includes your choice of:

Stress-Buster Acupuncture Treatment
Jana will use 5 to 6 acupoints which are extremely effective for calming your mind, increasing endorphins, reducing stress levels and creating a peaceful feeling in the body. This 20 minute treatment is perfect for those who need a little stress relief but can’t afford the time or money for a full treatment or those who just want to try acupuncture.

Mini Facial
This express facial is perfect for those who just need a little TLC during the busy Holiday season. Amanda will use customized products to help nourish dry skin during the weather changes, revitalize dull skin (perfect for all of those family pictures) and give you the pampering that you deserve.

These stress-busting Happy Hour Treatments are designed to fit into any schedule and any budget

20 minutes for $20.00

HAPPY HOUR WILL HAVE LIMITED AVAILABILITY SO CALL TODAY TO GET MORE INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS STRESSED OUT?
WE DO GIFT CERTIFICATES!!!!

It’s Time To Indulge!

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:33:47 +0000

November Special!

Come by Inspired Wellness Center, located in Arvada for our November Special: The Invigorating Cranberry Facial!

This customized facial will use a special cranberry enzyme mask to hydrate your skin as the cooler weather approaches. This facial is perfect for those looking for an anti-aging facial or for those with problematic skin as sloughing off old skin helps the pores remain clear and allows the skin to glow! Please visit the “services” page of our website, www.inspired-wellness.com to look at the other services we offer.

Is this the first time in our office? Please enjoy $10.00 off any facial and/or $5.00 off any waxing service.

Call Amanda today! 303.908.5322

Cold’s and Flu’s and Swine… Oh My!

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:42:58 +0000

Staying healthy is on the top of everyone’s priority list these days. With all of the talk of colds, flu’s, H1N1 and stress… it’s hard to know how to take care of yourself. There are lots of magic potions, pills and promises on the market promising to keep you healthy, so how do you know what is best for you?
At Inspired Wellness we encourage simple steps and getting back to your basics. Include a diet full of lightly steamed fruits and cooked vegetables (think delicious soups!) for a variety of nutrients and antioxidant. Consider supplementing with things like Vitamin C, Zinc and Vitamin E all of which have a positive effect on the immune system. Exercise regularly, sleep well and always cover your neck when you go outside (in Chinese medicine we believe that sickness enters through the neck). And lastly (and maybe most importantly) get your stress levels under control!!! Chronically high stress levels cause huge issues in the immune system and will almost guarantee health problems. We obviously encourage using Acupuncture to help regulate stress levels but support you using any means that are useful to you for reducing stress such as meditation, exercise, supplements, etc.

On a personal note… everyday I am asked what I do to take care of my immune system since I see so many sick people. This is what I have found works for me and my system. First, I always cover my neck when I am outside in the cold or wind. Second, I exercise regularly, eat warm foods and I take the following supplements daily: a multi-vitamin, Fish oil, 1000mg Vit C, 50mg Zinc, B-Complex, a “stress” supplement and I usually have at least 1 EmergenC per day. I have also received the 3 immune building treatments I offer to my patients and I rely on something called Cold Snap (available at most health food stores) which I take 2 every 2 hours at the very first sign of sickness. Please remember, this is what works for me and I encourage you to talk to me or any other healthcare practitioner about what might be good for you.

Let’s finish 2009 happy and HEALTHY!

Acupuncture vs. Lung Cancer

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:37:49 +0000

I had a patient come in today with a story so exciting, I had to share it (I got permission first, of course!). This patient is a woman who was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer about a year and a half ago. She completed her course of radiation and chemotherapy and after the treatments the tumor was somewhat reduced in size but was wrapped around her aorta and was positioned so that it would be difficult to try any additional therapies that might be helpful in permanently destroying the tumor. Her Oncologists told her that cancer would likely spread to either her bones, lymph system or brain and that the 5 year survival rate was around 5%. They also explained that another course of radiation and/or chemo was probable. She was told to come back for a PET scan in 3 months.

I first met her in July when she came into my office for Acupuncture to treat the neuropathy the Chemo had left in her feet. She was experiencing debilitating pain and was taking prescription pain killers to function and to be able to sleep. She immediately saw improvement in the neuropathy and after 5 treatments her pain levels were down by about 90%. Although the neuropathy is always our main focus I have always done additional points to benefit her lungs, to address phlegm nodules (TCM for the tumor) and general constitutional points good for anyone with a history of cancer. She went in for her PET scan this month and was expecting to be told she would need to do another course of treatment. The results were quite different than anyone expected!

The doctors have called her a “miracle patient” because they have searched her body thru and thru… and there does not seem to be any other cancer lurking which is good for her, but uncommon in general. AND the PET scan showed that the tumor had gotten significantly smaller in the last 3 months, was NO longer wrapped around her aorta and was in a position that made it easy for the doctors to see and get to which makes her a good candidate for a procedure known as the Novalis treatment. This treatment is a new laser technique used to destroy tumors without harming the surrounding tissue. With this new information, it would seem as though she will be making a complete recovery from a disease that has a 5% survival rate.

As she told me this, I had goose bumps and thought that this story was as Inspiring as they get! Although Chemo can stay in the system and continue to work even after it has stopped being administered… there is no clear explanation for the significant changes in the tumor. She told me she had been keeping a positive outlook, had friends and family praying for her… and of course had been doing Acupuncture. She asked if Acupuncture could be responsible for the changes and because I cannot be certain, I could not say yes… so we both agreed, why look a gift horse in the mouth. But after thinking about it… and after thinking about other phenomenal experiences/results I’ve had in treating other cancer patients… I have to wonder at what point do I stop being so casual about the success of their treatments and start to wonder if maybe Acupuncture does play a larger role in their health than even I am giving it credit for!

Until I can know the answer for sure, I will continue to be humble, I will continue to practice the best Acupuncture I know how to, I will continue to give excellent care to my patients and I will continue to look forward to helping more people achieve their health goals!

She’s Here!

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:54:51 +0000

Hello All! I have great news…

Did you know Inspired Wellness Center has plans to eventually expand to include a variety of health care practitioners to meet your every health need. We are pleased to announce the first addition to our Wellness Team… Amanda Rodriguez, Licensed Esthetician.

Amanda is a graduate from the College of International Esthetics in Arvada, Colorado and she is certified in both microdermabrasion and chemical peels and has ample experience in facials, body treatments, waxing and more. Amanda is dedicated to helping people improve their skin and equipping them with the knowledge to keep their skin healthy, inside and out.

Please visit the services page at our website for a complete listing of services Amanda provides. We are offering specials for treatments scheduled by August 15, 2009 and we hope to see you soon!