January 22, 2026

Dear DCA Community,

Happy New Year! In a short couple of weeks, we will be entering one of the most dynamic and energetic years in the Chinese zodiac cycle—the Yang Fire Horse. This is the hottest year in 60 years, filled with creativity, passion, and transformation.

*This post is based on the Chinese astrology forecast by Dr. CT Holman, honoring the teachings of Lillian Pearl Bridges and Master Zhongxian Wu. It is for entertainment purposes only. Not a substitute for medical, legal, or psychological advice.

---

🌟 What This Year Brings

The Horse represents peak yang energy—think summer solstice, vibrant creativity, and forward momentum. But here’s the key: around mid-June, we’ll reach the energetic peak, and it’s time to shift gears. After that point, focus on rest, relationships, and turning inward.

Key Dates:

• February 4: Horse year officially begins
• February 17: Lunar New Year celebrations
• June (Summer Solstice): Energy peaks—begin slowing down

---

🔥 Fire Energy: Your Creative Catalyst

This double-fire year brings:

• ✨ Innovation and breakthroughs
• 💡 Spontaneity and imagination
• 🎨 Creative expression
• ❤️ Passion in relationships

But beware: Too much fire can scatter your energy, causing anxiety, insomnia, and burnout. The goal is to create steady embers, not a raging wildfire.

---

💚 Health & Wellness Tips

To Stay Balanced:

• Hydrate constantly—water balances fire
• Rest daily—lie flat on your back to restore kidney energy
• Meditate to calm the heart and process emotions
• Limit inflammatory foods, caffeine, alcohol, and anxiety-provoking media

Foods to Emphasize:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Bitter foods
• Seaweed and clear broths
• Light, steamed, or stir-fried meals
• Ginger tea (especially on summer solstice!)

---

🌍 What to Expect

Weather: Extreme heat, strong winds, wildfire risk (especially spring-summer)

Health Patterns: Watch for heart-related issues, insomnia, hypertension, inflammatory conditions—all signs of excess fire

Social Energy: Romance, travel, and community connections flourish. Ground yourself through earth activities like baking, gardening, and gathering with loved ones.

Innovation: AI, technology, and creative industries will boom. Physical labor jobs (construction, shipping, landscaping) also thrive.

---

🍀 Your Animal Forecast

Extra Lucky This Year:

• 🐅 Tiger – Balanced, creative, passionate
• 🐕 Dog – Intuitive insights and good fortune
• 🐐 Goat – The Horse’s secret friend, surrounded by supportive energy

Need Extra Support (carry a goat charm):

• 🐀 Rat – Stay optimistic and flexible
• 🐂 Ox – Draw on your stamina
• 🐴 Horse (except those turning 60) – Manage your emotions carefully

All Other Animals: You’ll each have unique opportunities—focus on your current life stage animal for the most relevant guidance!

---

🎯 Your Action Plan for 2026

1. Embrace creativity while staying grounded
2. Connect with loved ones—this is a relationship year
3. Pace yourself—stretch out joy instead of seeking quick thrills
4. Stay open-minded to bridge differences and reduce polarization
5. Begin winding down after June—prepare for more yin years ahead

---

🌈 The Big Picture

We’re at a turning point. Since 2022, we’ve experienced powerful yang expansion. After this Horse Year peaks, we’ll transition into six years of more contemplative, inward-focused energy. Use 2026’s fire to fuel your spirit, ignite innovation, and strengthen your connections—but do it mindfully.

Remember: We’re all connected to the same source. If we can stay open, compassionate, and grounded, 2026 can be a year of extraordinary breakthroughs for humanity.

---

💫 Final Wisdom

The horse is intuitive, strong, and sensitive. Channel these qualities as you navigate this vibrant year. Let your creativity flow, but don’t get swept away. Enjoy the passion, but remember to rest. This is your year to shine brightly while staying centered.

Wishing you a balanced, joyful, and inspired Year of the Horse!

---

Do You Have a Question About Acupuncture And
If It Is Right For You?

After a long, hot summer and a deliciously mild autumn, I think we might be finally ready for the cooler weather and the upcoming holidays. With Thanksgiving behind us, we want to wish you and your loved ones peace, love, and good health. We’re deeply thankful to our all our DCA practitioners, staff, and the community of clients who make our clinic a joyful place to relax and heal.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fall embodies the Metal element, symbolizing strength and resilience. This season, focusing on our Lungs and Large Intestine, is essential for health. As energy shifts inward, we too need to make time for introspection and preparation. With shorter days and cooler temps, it’s important to protect your respiratory system from dryness. The Lungs, crucial for Qi intake, need extra care.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, TCM emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the respiratory system, which is particularly vulnerable to the dryness that characterizes this season. The Lungs, as the organ responsible for the intake of Qi, are susceptible to environmental changes, and maintaining their health is paramount. TCM practices suggest incorporating moistening foods into one’s diet, such as pears, apples, and various soups, to counteract the drying effects of the autumn air.

Moreover, the Fall season is a time associated with the emotional aspect of letting go and processing grief. In TCM, each organ is linked not only to physical functions but also to emotional states. The Lungs are particularly connected to grief and sorrow; thus, the act of releasing old emotional burdens becomes essential during this time.

So what do we really mean when we say Metal, Lungs and Large Intestine?

First off, the Metal Element embodies more than just physical metal; it represents strength, the establishment of healthy boundaries, clarity of mind, and the wisdom to release what no longer serves us. Embracing these qualities ensures our bodies and minds remain balanced, especially during seasonal transitions.

1. The Lungs: Purifying and Protecting

The Lungs are the superstar organs linked to the Metal element in TCM, and they are absolutely essential for both physical and emotional well-being. These amazing organs control respiration, taking in precious oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, perfectly embodying Metal’s dynamic theme of embracing and letting go.

2. The Lungs: Taking In

When the Metal element is in perfect harmony, your Lungs work at their best, giving you clear, invigorating breaths, a robust immune system, and a vibrant sense of energy. But if the Metal element falls out of balance, you might encounter respiratory challenges like coughing, asthma, or persistent colds, along with skin issues, since the Lungs also play a key role in skin health. In TCM, the skin is often referred to as the “third Lung,” as it serves as the body’s external boundary and plays a crucial role in protecting the internal body. Healthy skin is a reflection of strong Lung function and balanced Metal energy.

3. The Large Intestine: Letting Go

The Large Intestine, also ruled by the Metal element, plays an essential role in the body’s elimination process. In TCM, the Large Intestine takes charge of the final stage of digestion, where the body eagerly absorbs remaining nutrients and efficiently expels waste.

Much like autumn signifies a period for releasing what is no longer necessary, the Large Intestine plays a crucial role in efficiently eliminating waste, thereby maintaining internal cleanliness and balance. An imbalance in the Large Intestine can lead to issues such as constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

On a deeper level, the Large Intestine’s eliminative function mirrors the Metal element’s capacity to release emotional burdens. Emotional stagnation, particularly concerning grief or difficulty in letting go of past experiences, can manifest as physical symptoms within the Large Intestine.

The Emotions of the Metal Element

Emotionally, the Metal element embodies grief and sadness. These emotions are natural and necessary, but they can become problematic if not properly processed or released. Just as trees shed their leaves in autumn, the Metal element teaches us the vital importance of releasing emotions that no longer serve us.

When the Metal element is balanced, you can fully experience grief and release it at the right time, paving the way for healing and new beginnings. However, if the Metal element is out of balance, you may find yourself struggling with prolonged sadness, difficulty moving on, or feelings of isolation and emptiness. On the other hand, an excess of the Metal element can result in an overly rigid or controlling nature, where one clings too tightly to grief or material possessions.

Signs of Metal Imbalance in Emotions:

Difficulty letting go of past hurts or experiences

Prolonged or unresolved grief

A sense of detachment or emotional coldness

Perfectionism or controlling behavior

Feeling stuck in routines or thoughts

Key Ways to Nurture your Metal Element:

1. Breath work and Meditation

Because the Lungs are the organ of Metal, practices that promote healthy breathing are essential. Deep breathing exercises, pranayama, and meditation help increase Lung capacity, improve Qi flow, and support emotional release. Mindful breathing can also help you process grief and let go of emotional stress.

2. Hydrate and Moisturize

The Metal element is associated with dryness, particularly in the autumn season. To counter this, stay well-hydrated by drinking warm fluids like herbal teas or soups, and ensure your skin is moisturized with natural oils or creams. Foods with high water content, such as pears, can also help nourish the Lungs and keep the skin healthy.

3. Eat Lung-Nourishing Foods

In TCM, certain foods are considered particularly beneficial for the Lungs and Large Intestine. White-colored foods, such as pears, radishes, and daikon, align with the Metal element and help nourish Lung function. Warming spices like ginger and cinnamon are also beneficial for balancing the dryness of autumn and strengthening the Lungs.

4. Practice Letting Go

To support the Metal element’s emotional function, practice the art of letting go. This could mean decluttering your living space, journaling about unresolved emotions, or engaging in practices like yoga or qigong that promote the release of stagnant energy. Remember that grief is a natural part of life, and creating space for reflection and healing is essential to balance the Metal element.

5. Stay Connected to Nature

Autumn is a time when nature begins to contract, and the Metal element teaches us to reflect and turn inward. Spending time in nature, especially in cool, crisp autumn air, can help you connect with the energy of Metal and align with the season’s natural rhythm. Hikes in the woods, appreciating the changing leaves, and practicing mindfulness in nature can help cultivate a sense of peace and clarity.

Top Foods for Longevity and Balance in Fall and Winter

These foods are staples in TCM for their ability to support the body during the fall and winter

1. Pears– Moistening and cooling, help relieve dryness, particularly in the lungs

2. Daikon Radish – pungent and cooling, excellent for phlegm and cough, promotes digestion and detoxifies

3. White Mushrooms – when cooked properly, it is cooling and moistening while clearing phlegm and supporting digestion

4. Ginger – A warming spice, ginger promotes digestion, improves circulation, and wards off colds by helping the body stay warm from within. It’s excellent for protecting against seasonal chills.

5. Scallions (the white part) – pungent herb excellent in kicking out pathogens in the very early stages of a cold

6. Garlic – a hot herb used to expel pathogens and improve circulation. Use sparingly if have tendency towards heat.

7. Root Vegetables – sweet and nourishing foods to support the digestive system and support the immune system

8. Walnuts – A TCM powerhouse, walnuts nourish the Kidneys and support brain health. They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and overall vitality.

9.  Black Sesame Seeds – These little seeds are packed with nutrients, supporting the Liver and Kidneys. They’re known to promote longevity, strengthen hair and bones, and improve skin health.

In essence, the Fall season, through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, serves as a vital period of reflection, nourishment, and preparation. By aligning one’s practices with the natural rhythms of the season, individuals can foster a deeper connection to their physical and emotional health, ensuring they are well-equipped to embrace the winter months with resilience and strength. Through mindful practices, dietary adjustments, and emotional awareness, TCM offers a holistic approach to navigating this transformative season.

Pear and Ginger Stew Recipe 

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

• 1 tablespoon raw honey (or real maple syrup or molasses)

• 1 cup of water

• A handful of walnuts

• Black sesame seeds for garnish (optional) Instructions:

1. Combine pears, ginger, and water in a small pot.

2. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the pears soften.

3. Stir in your choice of sweetener: raw honey, maple syrup, or molasses.

4. Top with walnuts and black sesame seeds before serving.

This stew offers both nourishment and balance during the colder months. Pears hydrate the lungs, while ginger brings warmth to the body, aiding in digestion and circulation. Walnuts provide healthy fats and support your immune system, while black sesame seeds add an extra dose of longevity-promoting nutrients. Whether you choose raw honey, maple syrup, or molasses, you’ll be tailoring the recipe to suit your specific health needs.

Even as the pandemic feels to be taking more of a backseat, we are still living in a period of heightened awareness of viral illness. This article is a repost from a couple years ago but is still relevant this now. I hope you find it helpful as we navigate how to protect and nourish ourselves in the coming busy months.

In Chinese medicine, each season correlates with an element, and a paired set of organs. Fall is the Metal element, and its organ systems belong to the Lung and Large Intestine. These organ systems are thought to be especially vulnerable during this season, and in Chinese medicine special attention is made to strengthening and protecting these organs during this time. Blend that with the year we’ve had so far, and I would advise everyone to place an emphasis on loving our Lungs (and Large Intestine–see below) this fall.

Now, some of you may think that this is pure Chinese medical gibberish. Yet it is always fascinating to me to note that these systems do often get stressed for many this time of year–including myself. For me, it is my sensitive digestion that always seems to go south in the fall. For many others this is the time of year we start to see escalating respiratory illnesses and viral infections. From a purely Western medical standpoint, Vitamin D levels start to drop in the fall (unless you are supplementing correctly), leading to lowered immunity, increasing inflammation, and speeding up of bone loss (a prelude to the Kidney system in winter, which governs bone).

So what can we do to “love our Lungs and Large Intestine” this fall? How can we use the energies of fall from a Chinese medical standpoint to support us in moving towards a healthier and happier year? Here are a few suggestions:

Metal: A Metaphysical Viewpoint

Autumn or fall is the season when things are cooling off, winding down, and Nature is preparing for hibernation. Emotions connected with the Metal element are grief, and letting go. You might find yourself during this time naturally revisiting old wounds that never healed, family members that have passed, or relationships that are no longer in your life. Make sure to give yourself time and space to do this. If you have a regular meditation practice, invite shelved or buried energies of grief and loss into your conscious awareness, with love and in a safe space, so they can be processed and released and you can move into winter with a lighter heart. You might be surprised at what surfaces to be cleaned out.

Lungs

The Lung in Chinese medicine correlates with both respiratory and immune system functions. As I stated before, in a year of increased viral infection, and in a state where we are currently suffering from smoke inhalation, it becomes even more critical to take extra measures in supporting the Lung. How can we do this? Here are some suggestions:

1. Invest in a good quality HEPA filter. Ideally your HEPA air filters should be placed in any space you are spending an extended amount of time, such as your bedroom or office.
2. Try steam therapy with essential oils. This is easy to do the old fashioned way, by hanging your head over a pot of steaming hot water and placing a towel over your head! Some of the top essential oils for lung detox include eucalyptus, tea tree oil, rosemary, and thyme, and ravensare
3. Daily practice of deep belly breathing. Deep breathing maintains and restores reduced lung function by using the diaphragm. Breathing through the nose strengthens the diaphragm and encourages the nervous system to relax and restore itself.
4. Consider adding omega -3 fish oils to your daily regimen. Omega 3 fatty acids play a big role in supporting healthy inflammation and immunity. It is an important building block of the an immune cell’s membrane and are key to helping the body eliminate pathogens.
5. Add in N-acetyl-cysteine (or NAC) as a daily supplement. NAC is an antioxidant that thins mucus secretions, aids in expectoration, and reduces cough (if cough is present). NAC is also a precursor to our main detoxifying molecule in the liver–glutathione. So it assists detoxification at the level of both the lung AND liver.
6. Especially if you have a weakened immune function, or higher than normal stress levels, consider trying a few adaptogenic herbs. Astragalus, Rhodiola, and Osha Root are three wonderful herbs for lung and immune support. Medical mushrooms are also effective: Reishi, Cordyceps and Chaga all strengthen the lung/immune system. ImmunoBerry by Designs for Health supports normal immune functions and contains ingredients, such as elderberry, shiitake, and wild cherry bark known for their beneficial effects for maintaining a healthy immune system. It is sweetened with glycerine, tastes great, and is ideal for both children and adults.
7. In Chinese medicine “white” vegetables and fruits are believed to support Lung function. Spicier varieties will help to expectorate and clear phlegm, while sweeter varieties will nourish Lung Yin, helping to moisturize dry lung tissue, which is very helpful in our dry Colorado climate. Spicy examples include radishes of any kind, Daikon radish, and turnips; in fact, colors aside, you should be generous in using your kitchen spices in the fall, such as thyme, oregano and basil, as they will also help to move the lung qi and clear phlegm. Sweeter examples include pear and jicama. Apples and persimmons also nourish Lung Yin, and appropriately are also fruits that are harvested in the fall.

If you do find yourself traveling a lot or you are in close proximity to someone who is ill with one of the many circulating viruses that are prevalent in fall and winter, we recommend Viracon or Viracid to boost your immune system and prevent infection. Viracid contains the synergistic nutrient blend of zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, L-lysine and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which each play a major role in maintaining a healthy, functioning immune system. ViraCon is a powerful combination of immune enhancing herbal extracts including skullcap, astragalus, isatis, and berberine.

Large Intestine

The Large Intestine is our main elimination organ, and one of our primary “detox” organs. Therefore, fall is an ideal time to “clean out the closet” and work on clearing oneself of both physical and mental toxicities. Anyone who struggles with constipation can tell you how “toxic” they start to feel after only a few days without pooping!

• Consider attempting a good 4-6 week detox diet this fall. Or simply remove the top inflammatory foods for a while, and give your body (and gut) a rest! These include removal of gluten, dairy, alcohol, sugar and fruit juices, and conventionally grown produce and meats.
• Most detoxing herbal formulas target the Large Intestine; consider adding Triphala in during your fall cleanse, an ancient three herb Ayurvedic formula targeted at optimizing intestinal function.
• Microguard and Microguard Plus: These Imperial grade formulas dissolve phlegm and mucus, regulate fluid metabolism, breakdown biofilm, and inhibit adverse fungal growth to promote a healthy and diverse microbiome. It helps you break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for easy digestion and assimilation of nutrients. It helps your body naturally produce more enzymes and gently assists with intestinal peristalsis to reduce bloating, fatigue, or cramping following a meal. It reduces intestinal lesions to eliminate food sensitivities and bring joy to communal meals or visits to restaurants with friends and family. Microguard supports the ‘yang’ or warm body type while Microguard plus supports the ‘yin’ cold body type. If you’re not sure, check in with your practitioner.
  • Tibetan Herbal Foot Soaks are also excellent gentle detox.
• And if all else fails, don’t forget: regular acupuncture throughout the fall will support ALL of these important functions! Acupuncture will strengthen the Lung Qi, help to eliminate congestion and boost expectoration of phlegm, regulate bowel function and promote healthy elimination, reduce stress, and boost immunity.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

After practicing acupuncture for well over a decade, I have long noticed the unmistakable effect that acupuncture has on anxiety and stress reduction. It isn’t uncommon to have new patients that are tense, wound up, and “on edge” show up as an entirely different person on the second visit–visibly more relaxed, and much more “comfortable in their skin”. The effects of acupuncture on anxiety aren’t usually dramatic; typically the effects are subtle and cumulative, with patients noticing a difference in their ability to relax and feel calm growing steadily over time.

So how does acupuncture have this effect? The two main branches of the nervous system are the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. Called the “fight or flight” system, the sympathetic is the excitatory branch that is activated during times of stress (whether positive or negative). Activating the sympathetic branch leads to increased heart rate and blood pressure, shunting blood away from digestion and inner organs, and into the muscles so that you can “run from the bear”. The sympathetic branch is a normal, necessary part of the nervous system. However, too often when people lead stressful lives, they can get “stuck” in a sympathetic predominant state, that then can lead to chronic symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety or panic attacks, too much “mentalizing” or overthinking, and commonly to compromised digestive and endocrine function (such as adrenal exhaustion).

The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is the sedating branch that is activated during times of rest and relaxation. Activating this branch leads to decreased heart rate and pressure, aiding in digestion, rest and restorative processes in the body. Acupuncture has the effect of “re-setting” the body’s ability to regulate or moderate between these two responses, increasing its ability to readily access a parasympathetic state.

Acupuncture has additionally been shown clinically to release endorphins, the body’s “feel good” chemicals, as well as other endogenous chemicals which play a role in reducing the body’s physical and emotional stress responses, including lowering pain sensation, heart rate and blood pressure.

Along those lines, in 2013 researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center conducted some fascinating experiments evaluating the effect of acupuncture on stress in rats. After exposing the rats to stress (induced by cold), they found that acupuncture conducted on the rodents significantly reduced levels of a protein called neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is secreted in both rodents and humans by the sympathetic nervous system in times of stress. Also measured were blood hormone levels secreted by the HPA axis (Hypothalamus – Pituitary – Adrenal axis) during stress, which were also lowered with acupuncture.

There have been some interesting studies examining the effectiveness of acupuncture on mood, anxiety and stress levels in humans–including studies that have additionally examined whether or not its effect is merely “placebo”.

• One 2017 study examined 62 participants with high self reported levels of stress in a large, urban public university in the southwestern United States. The participants were divided into two groups of verum (“real”) acupuncture and sham (“fake”) acupuncture, with both groups receiving acupuncture once a week for twelve weeks. The participants were asked to complete a standard questionnaire measuring perceived stress both before, at 6 and 12 weeks into treatment, and then 6 and 12 weeks post treatment. While initially both groups experienced a substantial decrease in stress, the verum group reported significantly greater treatment effect both at the end of 12 weeks, and 12 weeks after, than the sham group.

• A study from the University of York in the UK recruited 755 people diagnosed with moderate to severe depression for a study that looked at the effects of acupuncture and counseling on their condition, versus just pharmaceutical approaches. About seventy percent of the people in this group were already on antidepressants, and they continued on the meds throughout the study. The study divided the participants into three groups: one group of 302 received 12 weekly acupuncture sessions, one group of 302 received weekly counseling sessions, and the remaining group of 151 received neither. In the beginning the 755 participants had an average depression score of 16 (from 0-27), indicating moderate depression. After three months, the acupuncture group score had dropped to 9 (indicating mild depression), the counseling group to 11, and the third group receiving neither treatment reported 13. More importantly, those receiving acupuncture or counseling saw larger improvements that lasted for an additional three months after treatments had stopped.

The key to success for those seeking acupuncture as a tool for both stress and anxiety management, is to initially commit to at least once weekly treatment over a two to three month period of time. Frequency can be decreased once the nervous system has “reset” itself through acupuncture; depending on the individual, many will then come in for a monthly “boost”.

Other factors that will determine how successful acupuncture is include whether or not the anxiety is physiological (unrelated to life circumstances) or situational (related to life circumstances). In general, both physiological and situational anxiety respond well to acupuncture. However, if someone’s life circumstances are intensely and unremittingly severe, then there is much more for acupuncture to overcome. In this case, two to three times a week initially may be necessary. With regard to physiological causes, there are certain health conditions that can cause, or contribute to, significant anxiety–some common ones including gut and thyroid disorders. These conditions may need to be additionally addressed, through the help of a qualified practitioner.

Regardless of cause, acupuncture has proven both clinically and scientifically to be a highly useful tool in the reduction of stress and anxiety levels. It can be successfully used in those seeking to manage anxiety, chronic elevated stress levels, and mild to moderate mood issues without the use of medication. In more extreme cases it can be combined with medication to lower dosage requirements.

There are many benefits of acupuncture for anxiety. Acupuncture is a common low-risk alternative treatment for anxiety. Many of our clients experience a significant reduction in their anxiety from our treatments.

We offer affordable acupuncture in a community setting so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of acupuncture including anxiety reduction, pain relief, and to better help keep blood pressure at healthy levels. Learn more about Acupuncture »

How does Acupuncture help with Anxiety?

Acupuncture can help the nervous system achieve balance which can alleviate stress and anxiety symptoms. Acupuncture for anxiety can help you feel better quickly, often working within only one to two sessions. We work with many people on an ongoing basis to help them alleviate anxiety and stress in their lives. Our relaxing comfortable space with recliners offers community-style acupuncture which focuses on “distal” points (points below the knees and elbows) so that patients can remain fully clothed during treatment. We also provide two screened-in massage table options, so that we can treat directly in the back or abdominal area as well. With our community acupuncture setting, many people can receive treatment at the same time. Our patients find group acupuncture extremely comforting and we feel that the collective energy of many treatments happening at one time actually makes each individual treatment more powerful. Community acupuncture is also very affordable! We charges on a sliding scale of $35-$65 per treatment and you choose what you feel comfortable paying so that budget is not a barrier.

Our Denver Community Acupuncture clinic is located in the Highlands Neighborhood. We welcome all to come for holistic healthcare in our comfortable space. Learn more about our Affordable Community Acupuncture »

Safe Space: We have created a safe space for our customers to receive our holistic health services. Acupuncture services are offered the first hour of all morning shifts exclusively for vulnerable persons. Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing of at least 6 feet is observed at all times in clinic space, except when practitioners are treating. Please read more on how we are Covid-19 Prepared »

Denver Acupuncture for Anxiety:

If you are dealing with anxiety, we’re here to help. Acupuncture is a low-risk way to help with anxiety. We also have other holistic options that can help if desired. Learn more about our Affordable Acupuncture » At Denver Community Acupuncture, we offer affordable acupuncture so that everyone may benefit from it’s pain relieving and healing effects.

Denver Community Acupuncture is a woman-owned holistic health care clinic. We offer affordable holistic healing services including: affordable acupuncture, chinese herbal medicine, natural fertility treatments, naturopathy, cupping therapy, massage, natural skin care, Tibetan foot soaks, and counseling. Our holistic clinic is in the Highlands neighborhood in Denver near I-25 and Speer Blvd.

Contact us today at 720.855.3160 to find out how we can help.

As we emerge from the depths of darkness and Winter gives way to Spring, more energy is available for transformation and change. It is a great time of year to contemplate our vision to fulfill our destiny and the steps we can take each day to actualize that fulfillment. As seeds begin to activate beneath the ground and tree branches form buds that will soon burst forth in their fresh splendor, so too are creative ideas and desires developing within us. Not every seed will survive to a full-grown plant, just as not every idea that comes to us is meant to reach fruition, so be open to the changes as they arise and be willing to let those that don’t resonate fall away. With so much potential for change available, let’s dive deeper into the subject of change.

We plan and work hard for some changes by setting intentions and focusing on the goal. Maybe we commit to advanced studies to land our dream job, save money to purchase a car or home, devote to a daily meditation practice to relieve stress and emotional turmoil, or engage in physical practice to get our body in shape. These all require will, focus, and determination to achieve and can bring a deep sense of worth and satisfaction. They build patience and persistence as subtle changes take time to bring about lasting results.

Other changes come at us unexpectedly and are often unwanted. The death of a loved one, traumatic injury, chronic illness, or the loss of a relationship to name a few. It is common to resist unpleasant life events such as these, which creates fear and contraction in the body. The sooner we accept that everything happening is a part of our path, the sooner we can surrender to the lessons available to learn from every event. Our greatest obstacles carry the potential for the greatest growth if we maintain an open heart to accept the transformations available. Letting go is sometimes the necessary change required to create more space for new growth and evolution.

A beautiful aspect of acupuncture and herbal medicine is that we constantly witness the changes within a person’s constitution and adjust our treatments to facilitate greater harmony within the body, mind, and spirit. We assess each organ system and determine if there are deficiencies, excesses, or stagnation within each system and how all of the systems relate to each other. Our bodies are in a constant state of change depending on the day, season, or year, and our skilled practitioners are trained to diagnose and support the fluctuations we all go through. Every acupuncture treatment you receive is unique, as your practitioner is attentive to your unique changing landscape and restoring balance within your body.

Reach for your dreams and plan the steps to achieve them. Take every moment life throws at you in stride and be ready to let go of anything that no longer serves who you are now. Our deepest passion in life is to live well, learn from our mistakes, and continually expand. Our very human nature is to grow and change and keep the fires of creativity and enthusiasm burning. Know that we at Denver Community Acupuncture are here to support your ever-changing alignment with yourself and the world around you.

Excerpt from March 2025 Newsletter

Happy Lunar New Year of the Snake! We are ready to begin anew this year, and as it turns out, Change and Transformation are on the menu for 2025. In Chinese astrology, the five elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth are fundamental to understanding each year’s dynamics. This year is a Yin Wood over Fire Snake year, which occurs every 60 years and has both harmonious and conflicting elements. Think about what was happening back in 1965: the Vietnam War, a civil rights march in Selma Alabama that became known as “Bloody Sunday”, The Space Race, anti-war protests and sit-in’s to name a few. We are entering a year of death and rebirth, a turning of the soil, a year to make responsible decisions, to evolve spiritually, and move away from old habits or beliefs that no longer serve us. Like the snake, this will be a good year to shed old parts of you that are holding you back and reinvent yourself.

While the positive emotions of Wood and Fire are kindness, compassion, and joy, the darker stagnant side of Wood and Fire points to anger, depression, anxiety. Those already prone to these emotions may find it helpful to engage in more activities that bring you joy and that nourish your soul (Hun) and spirit (Shen). Nurture connections within your community and don’t forget to ask for help before things get overwhelming. Women in particular are often inclined to push through alone during challenging times and they will also be the ones most affected by the year’s hot dry energy. With the element of Water absent this year, there will be more issues with dryness or Yin deficiency in the environment and in our bodies. We don’t need Chinese astrology to tell us things will be warmer and drier so we need to be thinking ahead and prepared for fires and droughts.

Practical recommendations for 2025 are to cultivate flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to compromise. 2024 was a Yang Wood Dragon year associated with strong and unbending trees. This year, a Yin Wood year, is more associated with vines, plants, or grasses like bamboo. Remember that snakes and Yin Wood are both malleable yet strong, so being willing to bend means we become much better at weathering change. This is a crucial life skill to develop, given just how much change we experience over the course of our lives. As Heraclitus put it, “The only constant in life is change.”

Sources:

https://raymondlofengshuischool.com/1734582255584

https://www.chinesemedicinematters.com/2011916/episodes/16480296-2025-year-of-the-yin-wood-snake-predictions