If you’re currently looking for Boulder therapy to heal from conditions such as anxiety, depression, or other stress-related concerns, there may be some benefit to pursuing acupuncture treatment in conjunction with more standard therapy-based approaches.
The reason acupuncture can be helpful for Boulder therapy clients is because it works on more of a somatic and energetic level to rectify internal imbalances that are causing one’s symptoms. Talk therapy can be very useful for developing coping mechanisms around emotional pain and for challenging limiting beliefs that are causing one’s suffering.
From the perspective of acupuncture theory, emotional imbalances actually get lodged in the body in the form of energetic stagnation or deficiency. Usually we target specific organs that are related to the symptoms one is experiencing. For instance, if you struggle primarily with anger or frustration, we would first diagnose the health of the liver, as that is the organ primarily related to these emotional states. If you struggle with fear and anxiety around work and money, then we would typically start with your kidney function, as this organ relates to the life themes of fear, life purpose, and finances.
This is how acupuncture is a form of holistic health care; it truly treats very person as unique and recognizes that the entirety of the individual needs to be accounted for in treatment– not just the symptoms.
In my practice, I have treated a wide array of chronic patters of depression and anxiety. I find that acupuncture and herbal medicine can often help where nothing else can precisely because it works in such a unique way. The optimal approach is one that combines acupuncture with skilled therapy because then the issues are being addressed in a very comprehensive manner. Either approach on their own may be limiting for the client. This depends on the nature of their condition, mainly how chronic, severe, or stubborn their symptoms are.
In my Boulder acupuncture practice, I try to offer everything I can to patients struggling with their emotional health. I have found that using a combination of approaches works the best, including acupuncture, herbs, nutritional supplementation, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness techniques. If the patient is willing to make some daily changes, the treatment outcome is almost always enhanced. Typically if a patient lays down on the table and says, “Fix me!’, I don’t feel quite as confident in my ability to help them. It’s up to the patient to implement the suggestions offered and to make a commitment to the treatment process.
There are many good therapists in the Boulder area. If you are interested in trying acupuncture, I will also recommend a couple of therapists that I have referred to for many years. The key is to be proactive about your health and to avoid procrastinating on your own well-being. When you’re struggling emotionally, it’s helpful to consider this as a sign that some aspect of your life is out of balance, and that your body/mind is trying to tell you something. If you have severe symptoms, of course seek out the appropriate medical attention (it’s a good idea to do this as well for less severe symptoms so you have a definitive diagnosis).
A holistic form of care will help you get to the root of the problem and learn from the symptoms– not just try to suppress or destroy them. Many people have found that their greatest struggles lead to their deepest insights and help forge a path to more purpose and meaning in life. With the right combination of acupuncture and therapy, this process can be greatly expedited so that you don’t have to suffer unnecessarily.
all the best,
Kevin Doherty, L.Ac., MS
If you're ready to take control of your health once and for all, the first step is to download our free e-book and watch our webinar. Then, call our office at 303-725-6208 so we can discuss your health care needs. We are never too buy to help you!
Is a licensed acupuncturist, author, and coach who has helped thousands of people with chronic pain, stress, emotional blockages, and deeper life challenges.
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