Acupuncture

Discover how this ancient practice can relieve long-standing pain and promote wellness.

great for increasing flexibility and overall performance

create lasting effects with at-home exercises

works with the body, not against it

Acupuncture Therapy in Colorado Springs

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a complete medical system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. Acupuncture treats by helping to regulate and focus the body’s own natural healing energies. Thus the body is encouraged to heal itself, and then to maintain this higher degree of order (health). Acupuncture originated in Asia more than 4,000 years ago and, due to its proven effectiveness, has been embraced throughout the world.

How does Acupuncture Work?

The bioelectric energy – referred to as Qi (pronounced “chee”) by the Chinese – circulates throughout the body along well-defined pathways. Points on the skin along these pathways are energetically connected to specific organs, body structures, and systems. If this energy circulation is disrupted, optimum function is affected and this results in pain or illness. Acupuncture points are stimulated to balance the circulation of energy, which influences the health of the whole body.

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What our clients have to say

I came to Dr. Larson in 1988 to deal with the pain in my back. I was pleasantly surprised to find the acupuncture process to be far gentler and easier (and more relaxing) than I initially expected (I’ve never liked needles or shots, but as I discovered the needles he uses are so tiny as to not really warrant the name “needle”).

My pain was not as quickly dispatched as I had hoped, but then it took me many years to create it and so the four months it took to dispel it seems a fair trade.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that although I had come in to address my pain issues, Dr. Larson made a point of teaching me that my entire body is inter-connected, and so I found that I was soon sleeping better, and although I never told him about my upset stomach, that resolved also.

Edna

I want to say thank you to Dr. Dick Larson for the healing and transformation he helped me to achieve when I came to him with my complaint of major anxiety that I had suffered with my entire life.

I spent years going through many medical tests and medications, yet I was still not any better; Dr. Larson’s calm demeanor and solid confidence in his work gave me a renewed optimism that perhaps my problems could be addressed. I am happy to say that I feel like a new person, with a new lease on life. I also find that I no longer grind my teeth when I sleep at night, which was a strong symptom of the anxiety, and was incredibly painful and unpleasant.

My overall body tension is gone, and when I do feel it starting to creep back, I have been able to return to Dr. Larson for a simple treatment or two to address my getting back out of balance, and find myself back in balance again.

Susan

Many thanks to Dr. Larson for his expertise in his acupuncture studies, allowing him to offer such a unique and healthy modality for better health and balance in ones life. I am a classic Type A doer in my work and my life, and I pushed myself to achieve and do and complete - always. I noticed along the way that my body was seeming to pay the price for me pushing myself, but I had no idea how to change that. Dr. Larson gave me a new sense of being able to listen to my own body, letting it lead me, rather than making it do what I wanted it to do and suffering the consequences. His acupuncture treatments were gentle and pleasant, and lead to a deep sense of relaxation - I looked forward to each treatment knowing that like a good nap, I would leave feeling harmonious and refreshed.

Jim

I had been in pain for over a year and was constantly seeing massage therapists for my shoulder and head ache pain. Mr. Larson fixed my shoulder after several sessions of Rolfing. I’ve also used his services for acupuncture and it has been amazing! I have gone to acupuncture sessions before with other therapists and was told my body doesn’t respond to it. Well those people were wrong. This is where you want to go to get your body healed from any pain!

Melody
January 6, 2021

A Brief History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture affects the entire body through its many physiologic processes. The immune system, nerve supply, blood circulation, respiration, lymph and endocrine systems and more are all stimulated to aid the body in doing what it does best – heal itself. More than simple pain relief, Acupuncture facilitates healing by strengthening overall function rather than by a nerve-blocking or narcotic effect. Physiological balance is restored, and normal functioning resumes. Unlike other forms of treatment, Acupuncture has no harmful side effects.

The Benefits

Since Acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing ability, most conditions can be corrected or improved. Also, Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of preventive health care and health maintenance. The effectiveness of Acupuncture is well documented and extends far beyond the conception that it is only useful for chronic pain management or as an analgesic.

Many athletes have discovered that Acupuncture treatment helps them to achieve optimum performance levels. Recently, Acupuncture detoxification treatments have been recognized as an effective form of therapy for chemical dependency problems. Throughout its long history, Acupuncture has established a solid reputation as a system of health care that works.

WESTERN MEDICINE’S ACCEPTANCE OF ACUPUNCTURE

The American Medical Association has no official position on Acupuncture – and so the views of individual doctors depend on how well informed they are about this system of healing. AMA medicine doesn’t work in every case (neither does Acupuncture). An increasing number of local physicians refer patients to Acupuncture; indeed, some come in themselves for treatments.

As time passes, and doctors and other health care providers continue to learn about Acupuncture and its effectiveness, it will be recognized and chosen as a primary form of health care.

Center for Well Being Acupuncture Treatment Center

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

“The inferior physician treats diseases, the superior physician teaches the well to remain well.”
~ The Nei Ching (ancient Chinese Medical Text)

Today’s contemporary lifestyle presents a challenge to each of us to maintain physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Our overall health is affected by many factors. The traditional Oriental and contemporary holistic medical views on health deal not only with what the doctor can do, but what the patient can do to heal and prevent disease.

In addition to treating both acute and chronic disorders, Acupuncture can be used to help create and maintain an optimal state of well-being. This “tuning-up” of the body’s energies enables one to better respond to life and its stresses, providing the basis for a healthy and vigorous life. This concept of working with the individual to encourage and maintain the highest level of health, commonly known as Preventive Medicine, is true “health care”; as contrasted with the more typical “sickness care” practiced in our country.

Clients are treated on an individual basis, brought into a state of balance and vitality, and then return seasonally to “re-tune” and acclimate to the coming shifts in activity, lifestyle, and weather that accompanies each of the distinct seasons.

It’s not amazing that acupuncture works – what is amazing is how well it works.

What to Expect during your Acupuncture Sessions

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled Acupuncturist to place a needle with little or no sensation. Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a hair. They are solid and nothing is injected through them. Clients are relieved to discover that Acupuncture is not painful.

Once the needles are in place, different sensations such as warmth, tingling, or heaviness may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing.

After the needles are inserted, the individual rests for five to thirty or more minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Afterwards, one often feels calm and relaxed, a sense of well being quite separate from the degree of pain relief. Enjoy this mild euphoria – it’s harmless.

When most people hear the word ‘needle” as in an acupuncture needle, they have a negative reaction, since the only needle they have experienced was a hypodermic needle, through which they got a “shot”.

Acupuncture needles are incredibly thin – perhaps the size of a hair – and so this image is of 20 acupuncture needles inside the opening of a hypodermic needle. They are pre-sterilized, FDA regulated and they are used one time only and then disposed of safely.

Types of Treatment

Treatment with Acupuncture needles is the most commonly used technique. However, Acupuncturists may use other forms of treatment such as cupping, and a variety of massage and specific therapeutic exercises. They may also suggest dietary modifications and herbal preparations.

Number of Sessions Required

Since each person is unique, the number of treatments required will vary. A full series may take anywhere from two to four (for acute problems, or for colds or flu), to sometimes as many a dozen or more for long-standing problems.

Among the determining factors are the type and severity of the condition, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the vitality of the individual. The sooner Acupuncture treatment begins after onset of a health problem, the more rapidly you will respond.

Everyone has his or her own unique history and lifestyle, and must be treated individually. Please discuss your treatment program with Dr. Larson.

Is Acupuncture only good for treating pain?

The World Health Organization has recognized Acupuncture is an effective treatment for a huge number of conditions. While many people associate Acupuncture with pain management and as a solution for dealing with chronic pain it can actually treat conditions like; allergies, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, nausea as a result of chemotherapy, dental pain, depression, facial pain, pain in the knee, painful menstruation, kidney stones, sciatica, stroke recovery, inducing labor, reducing swelling and more. Acupuncture goes far beyond pain treatment and many people even go to see Acupuncture professionals if they are experiencing any sort of symptoms. Acupuncture can help us to feel our best as well as keep our body as balanced as possible.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION LIST OF CONDITIONS that lend themselves to Acupuncture Treatment

The World Health Organization acknowledges that Acupuncture “regulates the function of the body to increase its resistance by enhancing the immune system.”

While this list is not exhaustive – in my clinical experience I have found many more conditions that respond well to Acupuncture – it does begin to suggest the wide range of application of this ancient healing therapy.

In the meantime, many people are turning to Acupuncture, because they find it to be and much more cost-effective than other types of treatment.

Neurological Disorders

Cervicobrachial syndrome (Neck pain)
Disc problems (Spine)
Facial (Bell’s) palsy (early stage, within 3 to 6 months)
Headache and migraine
Intercostal neuralgia (nerve pain running between ribs)
Meniere’s Disease (vertigo, tinnitus and deafness)
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction (poor bladder control)
Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)
Paresis following stroke (Paralysis)
Peripheral neuropathies (Pain & numbness in hands, feet)
Trigeminal neuralgia (Face pain)

Musculo-skeletal Disorders

Arthritis
Fibromyalgia (Widespread pain and fatigue)
“Frozen shoulder”, “tennis elbow”
Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis
Low back pain
Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness
Osteoarthritis
SciaticaWork and sports related injuries

Respiratory System Disorders

Acute bronchitis
Acute rhinitis (Stuffy, runny nose)
Acute sinusitis (Nasal infection – plugged nose, face pain)
Acute tonsillitis
Bronchial asthma
Common cold

Gynecological Disorders

Benign amenorrhea (Absence of menstruation)
Benign Irregular Menstruation
Dysmenorrhea (Painful menstruation)
Menopause syndrome
PMS

Disorders of the Eye, Ear, Nose & Mouth

Acute and chronic pharyngitis (Sore throat)
Acute conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Cataract (without complications)
Central retinitis (Inflammation of retina of eye)
Gingivitis (Inflamed gums)
Myopia (in children) (Near-sightedness)
Toothaches, post extraction pain

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Acute and chronic Colitis (Inflammation of colon)
Acute and chronic Gastritis (Inflammation of stomach)
Acute bacillary Dysentery (Diarrhea with blood)
Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complication)
Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)
Constipation
Gastric hyperacidity (Burning in stomach)
Gastroptosis (Downward displacement of stomach)
Diarrhea
Hiccough
Irritable Bowel and Colitis
Paralytic ileus (Intestinal blockage)
Spasms of esophagus and cardia

Psychological Disorders

Anxiety
Depression
Hypersomnia (Sleepy through the day)
Insomnia
OCD
PTSD
Somatization disorder (Symptoms involving multiple parts of body, with no physical cause)

Cardiovascular Disorders

Essential hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Other Disorders

Appetite suppression
Withdrawal from street and pharmacological drugs

I came to Dr. Larson with long-standing digestive issues, and his acupuncture treatments enabled me to reduce, and eventually end all of he medications I was on (and all of their side-effects). I appreciate Dr. Larson’s depth of knowledge fot the entire body and his dedication to offering natural health care.

Larry

Experience relief from pain

Do you suffer from pain, headaches, stress, anxiety, depression, arthritis, and menstrual disorders? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Have you gone to all the doctors and specialists, and they can find nothing wrong? Are you ready to reclaim your body and your health?

Acupuncture treatments may relieve your symptoms, revive your energy, and restore the natural state of balance of your mind, body, and spirit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture safe?

When performed by a trained professional, acupuncture is safe. I only use FDA regulated, single-use, sterilized needles. After using them one time they are safely discarded.

With acupuncture, all the side effects are POSITIVE: relaxation, sense of well-being, stress reduction, improved sleep and energy.

Because it stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself, acupuncture won’t make a problem worse.

Does Acupuncture just make the pain go away?

Does acupuncture hurt?

Can Acupuncture be used even if there is no physical illness?

What is Qi?

Pronounced “chee” and often-spelled “Chi”. Often translated loosely as “energy”, it is the dynamic force that flows throughout our bodies. It warms the body, it moves the body, it transforms food into energy or waste for example. It provides defense against invasion from the outside – illnesses and weather. It contains blood in the vessels, our organs in their rightful place. We get our parents Qi when we are conceived, we start making our own Qi at birth when we begin to breathe and eat. It is an animating force, it is energy.

Is Acupuncture a recognized form of treatment?

Many healthcare professionals recommend Acupuncture as a course of treatment and provide referrals. With organizations like the United States military utilizing Acupuncture in their recovery programs as well as top sports medicine facilities doing the same, Acupuncture is a complementary treatment not just an alternative one.

Health care professionals around the world see the benefits of Acupuncture and this means that many doctors are recommending this form of treatment as a means to deal with a wider range of symptoms. More and more studies are being published each year validating treatment claims on Acupuncture and today people are referred to Acupuncture to help them with their allergies, fertility, pain management, nausea, depression and more.

Not only do many private physicians see the see the benefits of Acupuncture but also major health authorities like the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization recognize Acupuncture as a valid treatment. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has funded many different clinical research trials for Acupuncture treatment and this level of research and funding is opening up new discoveries of this medical treatment. Acupuncture is not only a recognized form of treatment, but it’s slowly becoming a more recognized form of treatment for a growing number of conditions.

How can I use acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be a complementary course of treatment along with Western Medicine. It is often used after Western Medicine has not offered any relief, and Acupuncture can often still offer positive results, though if Acupuncture had been used earlier, better results may have been found.

Patients often use it preventively. For example, allergies or joint pain that is worse in a particular season would be best treated during the months before that season starts. Acupuncture helps to prevent illness by addressing and improving the overall function of the body. You don’t need to have a particular complaint to get acupuncture treatment, and acupuncture can be performed on people of all ages: infants to seniors.

In addition, many patients who come with one specific complaint such as hypertension, headache or arthritis, are surprised by the beneficial effect that acupuncture often has on their sleep, digestion, and energy levels.

Why does the acupuncturist treat the whole person (body, mind, emotions)?

We recognize that to truly and fully heal, or maintain optimal health, we need to understand who YOU are. You are not just your symptoms, rather you are a living embodiment of your divine source, and we need to get to know you so we can heal the whole person.

Our medicine is personalized to balance you.

Acupuncturists are general practitioners – we can treat your body, mind, and emotions. Many people know we can relieve your aches and pains, but we can also help you get over colds and flus faster, help you with digestive and bowel problems, anxiety, and much more.

How can I help acupuncture treatments to progress better/faster?

A sensible diet and moderate habits will certainly aid recovery and help keep a person in good health. Clean water and fresh air contribute to healing as well. Movement and exercise, depending on the situation, will stimulate the body as well as help clear the mind of day-to-day pressures. The body and the mind affect each other to a strong extent, and both need to relax for complete recovery to occur.

Does acupuncture help with chronic disease – those that can be managed but not cured?

Is Acupuncture only for adults? Can children get acupunture?

Acupuncture is completely safe for kids and teens and it can treat many of the same conditions that effect adults. Acupuncture has been especially helpful with easing chronic pain in children and teens. Mount Sinai Hospital and the Michener institute recently opened up a clinic in Toronto for treating a wide array of acupuncture patients and the head of the clinical experience says that around 10% of his patients are children.

Physicians across many different clinical fields are beginning to use acupuncture as a treatment not only for adults but also for children. For chronic pain treatment and more children can see the same types of results as full adults and because the needles are painless the experience is also fairly easy on children.

Is Acupuncture a placebo effect?

There have been many double blind studies performed with Acupuncture that showcase the healing benefits of this medical treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to work in trials with children, animals, adults and more. Not only have we seen kids that have no knowledge of its effectiveness see improvement but in advance studies on animals where full physiology can be examined during treatment, scientists discovered that Acupuncture could reduce nausea, pain and more even in extreme situations.

Have more questions? Feel free to get in touch with us to answer specific questions.