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Ashwagandha: The Super Herb for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Do you ever wonder if there are “super herbs” like there are “super foods”? Well, if we could name one, it would be Ashwagandha! This Ayurvedic herb from east Asia can do so much for us that it’s a wonder that we don’t all take it to combat daily stressors in our western culture. With stress being one of the major factors in so many diseases and conditions, this herb may be the one new thing you want to add to your daily regimen. What is Ashwagandha? You’ve probably heard it’s name or read -
Mood, Hormones, & Everything in Between: Natural Teen Care
Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager? Any disagreements with your parents? Your body changing and with that, feeling like you could sleep all day? Just trying to figure out how to fit in, away from bullies, while still being yourself? Now, imagine all of this and more within the context of social media. Pictures posted of those awkward moments, gossip floating around, and the non-stop availability to communicate with others 24 hours a day. We can hear ourselves easily say, “It wasn’t like this when we were young.” An -
How to Heal Acid Reflux
Does the thought of a glass of wine, spicy food, or even a swig of orange juice have you reaching for an antacid? How about sitting down to happy hour and realizing you left your acid controlling medicine at home? Or maybe it’s just the frustration of trying to sleep but the burning pain is making it unbearable to lie down? These signs of acid reflux are all too common, but that doesn’t mean they are any less irritating. In our present western culture it’s easy to find ourselves annoyed with acid reflux. Alcohol, rich and fried foods, extra sugar, l -
Art Therapy: Helping Children and Adolescents
It’s tough to be a kid. Not only are today’s pressures—from school to sports to friends—difficult for kids, but traumas, abuses, bullying, and even the Internet can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Whether these fears and worries stem from things parents know about or from issues that are kept hidden within the child, they can all have detrimental effects. The good news is that there is a new program at Colorado Natural Medicine + Acupuncture offered specifically for children and adolescents (ages 4 to 12) who are in need of a safe, comforting, creative, a -
Is Stress Making You Fat?
“I’m working out everyday, but I’m not seeing results!” “I’m so frustrated - I push harder and harder, yet I keep gaining weight!” “I am trying everything, but I can’t seem to lose weight - I am about to give up.” There is nothing uncommon about these statements that we hear regularly. Clients all of sudden gaining weight and no matter what they do, their bodies aren’t responding in the manner they’ve hoped for. It can be downright frustrating and depressing when we cha -
Keeping Back to School Fun, Not Frustrating
"It would start as a small whine or a complaint about breakfast. Then it would slowly morph into not liking his clothes for the day and then refusing to put his shoes on. It would end with him AND me in tears as we drove silently to school, each feeling strong emotions of stress and anxiety about the everyday task of simply going to school." - CNMA Client Surprisingly, this didn’t occur on the first day back. Rather, it was a slow easing into that peaked around weeks 4-6. It wasn’t until a meeting with his teachers that this client understood it was fear of lea -
Functional Medicine: Tests and Treatments for Fatigue
I’m just tired from all of the summer activities. It’s just that I haven’t been getting to bed early enough. It has to be the weather. You may find yourself saying these things if your general practitioner has concluded after a few tests that you are overall generally healthy, but may just be getting older or should consider an anti-depressant. However, you may not be satisfied with that answer and don’t feel that you should settle for always feeling fatigued or being told that you are depressed. Well, you’ve found the ri -
Multivitamins: Are They Really Necessary?
If you’re like some of our patients at CNMA, you’ve stood countless times in front of the vitamin section at a natural food store and stared aimlessly at the plethora of options to pick from - varying widely in price, but all claiming to provide the utmost benefits. And if you’re like some of our patients, you may have wondered…is a multivitamin even worth it? At CNMA, we understand the world of vitamins and supplements and the impact they can have on both our health…and our pocketbook. We are regularly asked, “Do I really n -
Brain Health: For the Prevention of Alzheimer’s & Dementia
It can be devastating. And chances are, you know someone who is dealing with it right now. The frustration. The fear. The forgetting of faces. The failing of daily activities. The breakdown of the mind. Yes, we are talking about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Alzheimer’s has become the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and this disease (or similar dementia disorders) attributes to 1 in 3 elderly deaths. These staggering figures show the impact these brain diseases have on our society -
Bone Broth, Collagen, and Beet Root
If you’ve been reading any health or food magazines lately, chances are you’ve come across an advertisement or two (or twenty!) on new trends such as: - Bone Broth - Collagen - Beet Root We’ve even seen health food stores have tastings for these recently! So what’s the hype all about with these new trends? We’re -
Can Acupuncture Take Your Chronic Pain Away?
Pain. It’s frustrating, debilitating, and can be downright depressing. The constant nagging of never being fully comfortable and always making sure you have medication on hand can be demanding on your body and your life. Do you ever wonder if your life will always be filled with chronic pain? Is it something you’ve been told you have to live with and your life revolves around your pain? Or, is the possibility of addiction to prescription medications concerning to you or surgery too distressing? Then it may be time to consid -
Healthy Ways to Party This Summer
It’s summertime! And that means it’s also party time! With Fourth of July just around the corner and summer in full swing, it’s time to get that barbecue grilling, the water balloons flying, and the guests smiling and laughing! Ahhh….sounds great just thinking about it. However, summer parties can also get many of us a bit anxious. All that food, the drinks, the… desserts! But just because it’s a party doesn’t mean we have to starve ourselves beforehand, deny ourselves any drinks, or even say no to going in order to keep ou -
Summer Guide for Healthy Kids
School's out and summer break is officially in session! Can you believe another school year has gone by? Before we know it, they will be graduating! When we look back, it seems that time seems to fly by when raising kids (well, sans the challenging days!). That’s why it’s important to mindfully notice the changes, growth, and goals your children have accomplished over the year. Summer is a great time of year to regroup with your kids with their emotional and physical health. It’s an easy way to try new things and get a hea -
Top 5 Herbal Supplements for Better Sleep
Sleep. The word alone can give many of us anxiety just thinking about it. If you’re one of them, there are typically one of two issues (or both) that you are dealing with: 1. Having trouble getting to sleep and/or 2. Having trouble staying asleep Either one of these sound familiar? Around the age of 40, sleep issues become mo -
Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatment, Natural Remedies
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with type II diabetes or are on the edge of developing it? Have you known someone who has died of complications from it? It’s not surprising that many of us are familiar with this disease, even though we may not fully understand it. After decades of our diets being infiltrated with excess added sugars while we struggle to find time and motivation to exercise, 1 out of every 3 adults are at risk for developing it. That’s pretty staggering. But what do we do about it? We always prefer to -
What Does a Natural Medicine Office Do?
You may have found our natural medicine office because you were looking for acupuncture to treat a condition - a new option to try for a specific issue you were dealing with, a place to find a solution for what has been ailing you. What you may not have realized, however, is that you found a new way of treating your body, a new perspective on how to look at your health, and new alternatives that you never knew could actually work. Did you find that? Many of our clients are new to naturopathic medicine and we find that discussing what it is and what we do at our -
Opioids: Why Worry & What are the Natural Alternatives
You may live in a beautiful suburb of a big city. You may have a great job, a wonderful family, and a few fun hobbies. It may seem like you have it all - and maybe you do. But it doesn’t mean you are immune to addiction, particularly with opioids. All it takes is a small surgery, a slight injury, or even dental work to be prescribed a pain medication which within days, your body becomes addicted to. It’s more common than you may think - thousands of opioid prescriptions are given out each year in Douglas County and in 2015, 37 percent of -
What Does it Mean to Balance Your Chi and Why it Matters
Have you ever wondered how acupuncture really works? Do you wonder why needles are put in certain areas, why some needles hurt more than others, or why you feel so different after a session? Good! These are great questions that we want to talk about! If you’ve never heard of “chi”, or if you have no idea what it is, you’re not the only one. It’s a prominent word used in natural and holistic medicine and one that we want to discuss as it can very much change your perspective on your overall health. Following we -
CBD (Cannibidiol): Dangerous Drug or Healthy Alternative?
Marijuana. What comes to mind when you think about it? Is it drug users and hippies? Is it government laws and money? Or maybe it’s just a gray area you don’t know much about at all and wonder what all the hype is really all about. Whatever it is that comes to mind, we suggest clearing it all for a moment. There are so many ways of thinking about marijuana in our culture today that we can find we have a distinct viewpoint on it without having credible information presented to us - particularly in reg -
Self Care – Luxury or Necessity?
Sure would be nice to get a massage, wouldn’t it? Or that acupuncture treatment you’ve been wanting to calm your nerves lately? Or just a quiet evening to yourself? Oh, such wishful thinking! Or…is it? Why are we so quick to feel guilty over taking care of ourselves when it may actually be the best thing for us? We talk with so many clients about self-care that we find it a crucial topic to explore. In our culture, taking care of ourselves can be seen as selfish. It may come across extravagant to do things for ourselve -
Anxiety & Acupuncture – Help or Hype?
The best way for me to describe it is as though I was acutely aware of all of the bad things that could happen and it all kept racing through my mind most minutes of the day. I was always thinking something small would turn into something big. I was always waiting for the ball to drop. I was particularly worried about health issues. A heart palpitation here, a sore arm there, or even a headache could throw me into a tailspin in which I couldn’t truly focus on anything else without worry in the back of my mind. There are reasons th -
Best and Safest Way to Buy Herbal Supplements
It’s been recommended that you try natural herbal supplements, or, you’ve heard or read that a certain type of supplement may be able to help your condition. You then visit a natural health food store and find a plethora of the same type of supplement, just different brands. After looking at prices, you then wonder if you can purchase something less expensive online. You purchase supplements from either or both the store and online only to use them for a few months and not receive any significant results. You may feel like you’re spinning -
Hormone Diet: Create Balance in Your 30s, 40s, and Beyond
Most of us will experience it. The moment when we realize that what we’ve always done has simply stopped working. When weight is creeping up even though your exercise routine may have stayed the same. When actual “dieting” is a term you begin to use. When you just don’t feel like you anymore. What’s a common theme we hear from clients experiencing this? They tell us it’s as though an alien has taken over their bodies - no joke! This experience can be unsettling, confusing, and even a little ala -
Supplements: Can and Should You Take Them Long Term
Supplements. They can do us wonders. Maybe it’s better sleep, less pain, lower blood pressure, or balanced hormones. Maybe it’s more energy, smoother bowel movements, or improved cardiovascular health. Maybe it’s even losing weight and having clearer skin. Whatever it is, supplements can be the natural way to help heal the underlying causes of our issues. But how do you know when it’s time to stop taking them? Or, is it ever? One of the most common questions we receive is: Do I need to take supplements long term? This is a grea -
Best Diet for 2018: Weight Loss, Energy, Improve Health
Just thinking about writing this blog makes our heads spin! It seems as though there is a new diet being touted every day. Whether it’s how to lose weight fast, how to keep weight off, or how to feel better overall, there’s a plethora to pick from and it’s overwhelming to even think about where to start. So how do you know which one is right for you? We have some advice that might be just what you’re in need of. 1.DIET ALERT! There’s NOT a One-Size-Fits All. Are you s -
What is a Detox Diet? 3 Steps to Help You Detoxify Your Body
The sluggishness. The bloating. Those extra pounds that you need to jump start to shed. The weeks of overindulging, the wondering if you have a food allergy, or the noting of endless advertising of magical detox solutions that will take your flab to fab in a matter of minutes? Ever wonder if detox is a valid solution and if so, how to do it?! Many of us do! The question is…is detoxing a healthy way to feel better, to change our habits, and to refresh our bodies? These days it seems like everyone is on a special diet to detoxify their bo -
Genetic Testing
Have you seen them? The commercials around each holiday, providing ideas and inspiration for the perfect gift for a loved one? If you’ve seen any television lately, you probably have. They are advertising the idea of genetic testing. Even though genetic testing has been taking place for some time, the ease and availability for the general population is like nothing we’ve ever seen before. As the opportunity for genetic testing becomes more accessible, we find more questions from our clients as to how it works, if it’s beneficial, and what is do -
Prevention and Natural Remedies for Flu 2018
Have you heard about this year’s flus? It’s being touted as one of the worst we’ve seen in years. It’s hard to miss the the news reports about this deadly sickness and it’s even harder to not be a bit paranoid about getting it. Due to the high activity of flu currently and the possibility of the spreading of lasting until late Spring, we find it’s important to freshen up our knowledge on ways to prevent the flu and how to treat it if you, unfortunately, come down with it. Here are 5 tips to PREVENTING the flu: -
Meet Our New Provider – Jordan Bernard
Do you feel that something is off in your body, but your general practitioner tells you everything is normal? Has anyone told you it could be your hormones but you don’t know where to turn to find out? Or, are you concerned about the pain medication you have been prescribed and want to get away from the side effects in a naturally healing way? How about if you are simply looking to get your health back in order and have a preventative medical professional provide you a detailed, holistic healthcare plan that encourages a long and healthy life? Then -
Will a B-12 Shot Help Me Lose Weight?
Whether it’s a new year, a new season approaching, a vacation on the horizon, or just the fact that clothes don’t fit like they used to, whatever the reason is for losing weight, the way you go about it is key. We talk with clients on a consistent basis about weight. Our western culture is highly sensitive to the way we look and fortunately, we now see a turn towards the importance of how we feel. To live our best, we have to feel our best and having a healthy, stable weight can be part of living your best life. This is why we want to share with you info -
Can Your Allergies Be Cured?
Did you know that you may be able to get rid of those pesky allergies for good? Yes, that means that the inhaler you carry around, the steroids you take, and/or the allergy sprays and pills that fill your medicine cabinet could all be a thing of the past with new sublingual immunotherapy allergy treatment. Too good to be true? Let us explain… What is sublingual immunotherapy? Sublingual immunotherapy focuses on giving the bodily system liquid antigens that help the body build up an immunity to the allergy. It’s important to note that this th -
Don’t Let Stress Ruin Your Holidays
Are you knee-high in decorations, cookies, songs, and events, all geared to celebrate the holidays but end up stressing you out? Does it seem fun at the beginning only to be overdone by the time the holiday comes around? Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed by it all from the start. Well, this year…let’s turn that around Holidays weren’t meant to add so many extra things to our plate that we become stressed out, frustrated, tired, and ornery (were they?). They are meant to be enjoyed! But as our culture c -
3 Tips for Grief at the Holidays
For me, it’s like being in a fog between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. I go through the motions, but there is no authentic joy. I cringe at most Christmas songs, I don’t have the energy or urge to decorate, and I simply want to run away from it all. Why should I enjoy the holidays when my loved ones aren’t here? The guilt, at times, is unbearable and leaves me feeling empty and lonely during what is supposed to be, ‘the happiest time of the year.’ Instead of looking forward to celebrating the holidays, I simply dread it. - C -
Keeping kids healthy during cold and flu season
KIDS! Do you ever feel like they’re a walking germ factory?! And it seems to never fail that when they do get sick, it’s at the most inopportune times. Which for all the holidays coming up, can make for unhappy kids and stressed out parents. But did you know that there are some super simple things you can do to help prevent and ward off those terrible colds and the flu? Eastern medicine has some specific perspectives that, when paired with our recommendations, can make the difference between a household full of tears and disinfectant versus smiles -
The Dangers of Anxiety & How to Calm It
“For me, it was a personal secret that I kept hidden from others. For one, I didn’t know if it was just the typical everyday ‘stress’ people talk about or two, if I realized it wasn’t ‘normal’, no one would understand. Anxiety for me is a constant feeling of living on edge and in worry. There always seemed to be something to think about, worry about, or obsess about. And when I di -
Natural Herbs vs. Pharmaceutical Drugs: What’s Best for You?
Have you ever found yourself in a health food store, overwhelmed by the amount of vitamins, minerals, and herbs available? Have you ever wondered if they really work or if you should just stick with doctor prescribed synthetic pharmaceutical drugs? If so, you’re not the only one! So let’s talk herbs, drugs, and what might be the best choice for YOU! Natural herbs have been around for thousands of years and are used in many areas of our world. It’s becoming more popular in our Western culture and now question -
Stop the Suffering! IBS Functional Medicine Tests & Treatments
Ugh. We’ve all experienced it. And it is not fun. Cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation. Whether from food, stress, hormones, or even a virus, a digestive tract upset is miserable. Many people have bouts with an agitated digestive system, but what is it when this uncomfortableness happens frequently, becomes all encompassing, and interrupts daily living? It may be IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome and over 40 million people are affected by it [Crohns Colitis Foundation]. IBS affects the large intestinal tract, specifically the muscles associated with -
Is Chronic Stress Controlling Your Life? 3 Things to do Today to Stop it
Stress. Sometimes an overused word that many of us have become immune to as it just seems to be an accepted part of everyday life. Work needs to get done. Chores need to be finished. Kids need to be picked up. Dinner needs to be cooked. And unfortunately, traumatic events can happen on top of all of this. It just adds up. Is it time for it to stop controlling your life? If so, you may just be saving your life… “According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to th -
4 Natural Ways to Stop the Burning and Heal Heartburn!
The frustrating food and drink choices. The worry of forgetting the antacid. The burning pain that just seems to keep coming back. Or maybe it’s medication inducing stomach acid in which the consistent sour taste in the mouth and sore throat just have to be lived with? It could even be a reaction to trauma or simply the stress of everyday life idiosyncrasies that are causing queasiness. Whatever it may be, heartburn and acid reflux can be painful, frustrating, and downright debilitating. There are a plethora of over the counter medicat -
The Wave of the Future: Functional Medicine Labs & How They Could Save Your Life
What if your body gave off markers to future disease or pain that could be used to detect and treat them before the disease ever appeared? What if current disease and pain could be treated by healing the entire body’s functionality, significantly reducing symptoms or eliminating them altogether? What if there were more tests that could be run outside of your general practitioners office that may just help find the root cause to your symptoms or illness and prevent future issues? It almost sounds futuristic, but these aren’t j -
4 Natural Remedies for Better Sleep
The sound of stillness in the air. The tranquil darkness of the room. The cozy feel of the bed. After a long day this picture sounds calming, inviting, and divine, doesn’t it? Except for some, it can be dreadful. While some are drifting off into a peaceful slumber, others find themselves anxiety ridden of when their bodies and minds are going to give in to sleep. It can be a nerve-wracking experience night after night and one that can be difficult to find relief from. If you’re experiencing this worry, our guess is your first -
Functional Medicine: Why It Could Change Your Life
Our guess is that you’ve probably experienced it. You have a health issue that you want to address with your general practitioner so you make an appointment, meet with the doctor, and have a brief consultation on what the symptoms are and what the disease may be. He or she prescribes you medication to treat the issue and you are all set to go - in a relatively short amount of time. Sometimes it works. And…sometimes it doesn’t. This is the way of our conventional medicine that we are used to. Having symptoms, sharing them with our -
Cupping: What does it feel like?
So, what is this cupping you keep hearing about REALLY like? Since offering cupping as a separate treatment at Colorado Natural Medicine + Acupuncture, we’ve been getting this question often. Let us explain and give insight on why you may want to consider it. What does it feel like? At Colorado Natural Medicine + Acupuncture, glass cups are placed on the area being treated (typically on the back, but could be on other areas depending on what is being treated). Once they are placed, you may feel a suction type feeling. At first, the suction may -
A New Alternative for Optimal Mental Health: Holistic Counseling
Life isn’t always easy. It can be raw, overwhelming, and confusing at times. The older we grow, the more experiences we have, and the more challenging it can become to achieve the happy and healthy life we desire. Have you ever felt that? A sense that you aren’t living your best self? Maybe you have feelings of despair or anxiety that are hard to share with your friends and family. Maybe you have experienced loss, abuse, or trauma in the past that seems to keep bubbling up. Or, maybe you are having relationship issues that just d -
3 Steps to Changing Your Life with Acupuncture
Has something been bothering you physically or emotionally? Do you feel anxious not knowing what’s wrong or how to fix it? Are you looking for a natural approach to your health through naturopathic medicine and holistic treatments? Whether it’s anxiety that’s overwhelming, pain that’s debilitating, or even infertility that’s concerning, I’m willing to guess that if you’re reading this blog and live in Castle Rock or the surrounding areas, there are some answers that you are in search of and hope to find them in your own backyard. -
Killer Stress: The stress / cortisol connection
Stress!!! It's a killer!! Literally and figuratively! The Stress Stigma Our culture tends to wear stress like a badge of honor. We're multitasking like crazy, "carving out time" for all kinds of things, stretching our 24 hours and ourselves to limits beyond our wildest imaginations. Seeking help, asking for support, delegating? NO WAY we say I'VE GOT THIS. And we don't just say it, we YELL it with vigor as we rush past each other with a smart phone in one hand and coffee in the other. Psst ... it's okay, we have your back -
Stay Healthy During Holiday Travel
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of health! No, I don't mean a gift certificate to our clinic (although we do have those available!). Prepare yourself for the onslaught of difficult choices from foods, to scheduling, to traffic delays, and beyond. Your body and mind will be faced with many stressors over the next month, treat yourself well. Before Traveling Schedule an acupuncture and/or massage appointment - The day before your trip, boost your immune system and lower your stress level. Spending this time taking care of -
Colds and Flu – Prevention with Naturopathic Medicine
It's that time of year again...cold and flu season. As a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist, I am often asked how I am able to ward off so many colds throughout the season. After all, I am seeing sick patients in my clinic almost on a daily basis during winter season. You would think that I get sick more often, but I only get one or two brief colds during the entire winter. I have even managed to get over the flu within 24 hours using a supplement trick I learned during my extensive research looking for alternative medicine remedies. We'll get to t -
Is the Olympic Cupping Craze For You Too?
The Purple Dot Craze At The Summer Games Have you noticed the purple, bruise-like trend among the Rio 2016 Olympic athletes? It's cupping! From swimming to track and field, athletes of the summer games are using a form of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to lift and separate the soft tissue allowing for greater fluid movement and nutrient supply throughout the soft tissues. The combination of suction, massage, and stretching helps nourish, stimulate and increase muscle range of motion while also helping the athletes recover quicker from exertion. How It Works -
Eight Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Detox
Detoxification seems to be a major buzz word in the holistic health community, but what does it actually mean? Detoxification is actually what our bodies do naturally to neutralize, transform, or get rid of toxins and waste. It is a primary function of the body, working in conjunction with all of the other functions of the body. So, a detoxification diet is simply about improving and optimizing the function of your body’s own detoxification systems. This is done by decreasing the amount of toxins allowed into the body, while at the same time supporting our body’s detoxif -
FREE 7 Day Clean Eating Challenge
Are you ready for a fresh start this Spring? Spring is the perfect time to recommit to your health, wellness, and fitness. If you're looking for a natural, clean, effective way to jump start your health try our FREE 7 Day Clean Eating Challenge! We designed this mini program especially for people - like you - who want to reclaim their energy, vitality, and overall health. Our bodies have a natural and miraculous ability to self-heal, if we only give our digestive system the support it needs to eliminate waste, toxins, impurities, and excess weight. The be -
Why Suffer? Beat Allergies Naturally!
With allergy season upon us, I am often asked how I am able to remain allergy-free throughout the season (well, with perhaps one or two days of sneezing or itchy eyes). After all, I was a heavy allergy sufferer my whole life. In fact, that is what led me to natural medicine. You would think that allergies can only get worse, but my allergies got better over time using primarily natural remedies. Year after year, I have patients coming in asking me if it is the worst allergy season ever, and I honestly wouldn't know. I don't feel the effects, except for slight burning in my eyes when -
Rediscover Restful Sleep Naturally
When was the last time you fell asleep within minutes, and woke up feeling rested? At least 60 million Americans experience sleeplessness to a point that they seek support from a medical provider. In fact, sleep concerns in the U.S. add up to an estimated $16 billion in medical costs each year. Stress, physical health, medications, and menopause and other hormone imbalances are common underlying factors. Psychological factors are among the biggest culprits. You might not realize how strongly your mood and stress during the day affects your sleep performance. This is a two-way str -
The Ultimate Nutrition Makeover
Are you ready to make 2016 your healthiest, fittest, most energized year yet? Are you ready for change, but uncertain of what to do first? Are you struggling to make sense of all the health and nutrition information out there and what truly works? I understand your struggle and that’s why I want to partner with you - to make this year the year you achieve your health and fitness goals. My name is Andrea White and I’m a certified holistic nutrition therapist. My approach is simple. I acknowledge and respect the unique b -
Five Things to Make 2016 Your Healthiest Year Yet
Here are five great ways to get healthy in 2016. Thanks for reading! #1: Learn to practice gratitude If you make one new year’s resolution this year, and only one, then make it this, learning and practicing gratitude. Practicing gratitude and self compassion can increase mood, lower anxiety, make you more optimistic and help you have overall less illness. In fact if doctors knew the researched health benefits of gratitude, then they would be prescribing it to you on every visit! One of the best way to do this is to start a gratitude journal. Its pretty straightfo -
SPECIALS! Give the Gift of Health
Holiday shopping? Need ideas? We have a gift for you! See our discounts: Consider giving the gift of immeasurable value this holiday season…the gift of HEALTH, wellness, & relaxation! Colorado Natural Medicine is your integrated health provider for all of your holistic health care needs. Naturopathic medicine Holistic nutrition Acupuncture Massage therapy We’ve got you covered so you can give the perfect gift of health to show how much you care! Gift yourself or gift a loved one with these amazing SPECIALS: Massage Therapy with -
Acupuncture SPECIAL + Healthy Holiday Help Guide
Acupuncture SPECIAL To really help you get a handle on stress during the holiday season we are offering a de-stress package of Acupuncture. This therapy will bathe your body with healthy hormones which counteract your cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Right now, NEW patients receive 3 acupuncture treatments for only $225 [VALUE of $325}. That's a $100 savings! Call 303.688.6698 to reserve yours today! Offer valid thru 12/31/15. Healthy Holiday Help Guide Tis the season for food, family, friends, celebration, gratitude, and cheer. Wi -
Parker Naturopathic Doctor
Parker Naturopath, Natural Doctor, or whenever you are looking for a holistic doctor, We can help with any alternative medicine you need for natural healing. If you live in or around Parker and are looking for naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. We can help you recover your health with natural solutions. When you are looking for a Parker doctor, Parker naturopath, or holistic doctor, Dr. Graves' use of natural medicine and acupuncture will focus on treating the root cause of your illness and restore your health using natural remedies. An altern -
Colds and Flu – Faster Recovery Using Naturopathic Medicine
2 Naturopathic Tricks I use to BEAT THE FLU: Vitamin D3 - If you definitely have the flu (high fever, body aches, respiratory symptoms, cough, congestion, runny nose), then take 25,000 IU of Vitamin D3 at the first signs of fever or flu-like symptoms. Repeat this dose daily for 3 days. When I had the flu last winter, my fever broke in 12 hours using this with two other natural remedies. Can you imagine beating the flu this quickly with natural remedies? Having my own experience with it, I know these remedies are powerful when used appropriately and sourced from high-quality manu -
Breathe New Life into Vegetables
by: Andrea Laine White, Certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner We’ve all heard that we should eat more vegetables, that vegetables are good for us…but why? Perhaps you’re already sold on the value of vegetables, but you’re in a vegetable-rut. You buy the same go-to vegetables every week and you prepare them pretty much the same way every time. Let’s face it, some vegetables can be downright intimidating! Cleaning, prepping, cutting, storing, preparing…it can all be overwhelming and time consuming. It’s time to -
Castle Rock Nutritionist
Are you looking for a nutritionist to help you lose weight, gain back energy and vitality, or simply find new ways of cooking and eating that are healthier for you and your family? Andrea White, CNTP is your Castle Rock, South Denver, and Colorado Springs nutritionist. Andrea acknowledges and respects the unique biochemistry of every individual. She believes in a personalized approach to nutrition without any one perfect diet. Andrea has a passion for empowering her clients to achieve optimal health through nutrition and movement. Andrea is a Certified Nutrit -
Mood, Skin, Weight Loss & Your Gut
by: Andrea Laine White, Certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner In part 1 of this blog series, we established the importance of a healthy gut, both healthy gut flora or bacteria and an integrous gut barrier or intestinal tract. If you missed it, you can catch-up here. The gut is such a phenomenal and integral part of our overall health, we wanted to talk specifically about a few common gut-related conditions that we see in clinical practice. Anxious, Stressed, or Depressed? Healing your gut may be the solution. Studies show a strong correlation between -
Good Health Starts in the Gut
All disease begins in the gut. - Hippocrates by: Andrea Laine White, Certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner As Hippocrates stated long ago, the importance of gut health cannot be overstated. Research shows that gut health is essential to overall health. Conversely, an unhealthy gut contributes to a wide range of diseases including: diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, autism, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome. What you need to know There are two factors that determine a healthy gut: intestinal microbiota (gut flora) and the gut barrier (integrity o -
Denver Adrenal Doctor, Certified Kalish Method Practitioner
Dr. Adam Graves is a Denver Adrenal Doctor, Certified in the Kalish Method. He specializes in adrenal fatigue, adrenal exhaustion and adrenal insufficiency. He has seen hundreds of patients' told by their medical provider that they are "normal", but feel awful. Helping people restore their energy, mood and vitality through adrenal testing and treatment protocols is one Dr. Graves' passions. Along with Dr. Graves' Doctorate and Masters Degree from Bastyr University, Dr. Graves has also completed the Kalish Institute Method training program. Dr. Graves has help tho -
The Truth About Exercise: Popular Weight Loss Myths Debunked
by: Andrea Laine White, Certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner Myth: The formula for weight loss is eating less and exercising more. Truth: We are all biochemically and situationally unique and the way we metabolize calories is different. Many variables affect weight loss including stress level, balance of hormones, as well as the foods we eat and our level of exercise. As a nutritionist, fitness instructor, and exercise enthusiast myself, I am a passionate advocate of exercise as a major component to a healthy lifestyle. Regular, consistent and varied exercise routines -
Recovering From Adrenal Fatigue, Part 2
In Part 1 of this series, we introduced the syndrome adrenal fatigue - what it is, how to determine if you have it, and nutritional recommendations and lifestyle changes to recover from it. Dietary and lifestyle changes are two critical parts of the healing equation, but there is a third essential component to recovering from adrenal fatigue and restoring your body to normal function. Supportive supplements round out the big 3. Diet + Lifestyle + Supplements = Adrenal Fatigue Healing Supplements are a critical part of the equation. Adrenal fatigue is like bei -
Acupuncture for Anxiety, Depression & Mood
Do you suffer from mood issues but don't want to take medications? You feel on edge, irritable, have trouble relaxing, easily stressed out, or just not yourself. Or have you tried medications and they haven't helped you or the side effects aren't worth the benefits? Well the good news is that acupuncture can help. New research has shown that acupuncture is as effective as medication when it comes to depression. Click Here if you want to read the study. Another study showed that acupuncture can also help with the side effects of antidepressants such as decre -
Shoulder Pain & Acupuncture
Do you have shoulder pain? Are you wondering if acupuncture can help? If you answered "Yes" to either of those questions that you have found the right place. Shoulder pain affects millions of patients. It can be caused by old injuries, tendinitis, arthritis, muscle tension, etc. These issues are compounded by the fact that the shoulder is a very complex joint, composed of multiple muscles and tendons and it can easily injured or overused. The reason acupuncture works effectively for shoulder pain is because it can help treat multiple factors. It helps treat the muscles, tend -
Nutrition Solutions for Total Body Health
Do you have questions about what you should be eating? Do you need dietary support for a specific condition such as adrenal fatigue, food intolerances & sensitivities, or perimenopause & menopause? Are you interested in doing a gentle cleanse, but have questions about the best approach? Do you feel like you’re eating healthy, but just can’t seem to lose weight? These are just some of the ways in which our nutrition services may benefit you. We are pleased to announce that we now offer comprehensive nutrition services via the newest -
Recovering From Adrenal Fatigue, Part 1
Do you find you have difficulty getting up in the morning? Do you wake feeling unrested? Do you find you have a general lack of energy? Do everyday tasks require more effort? Has your sex drive decreased? Feel light-headed or dizzy when standing up too quickly? Are your thoughts fuzzy, unfocused? Have you gained excess weight, particularly around the waist line? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing a modern-day phenomena triggered by our fast-paced lifestyle called adrenal fatigue. An Adrenal Stress Test administered by a holistic heal -
Seasonal Allergies Begone with Raw, Local Honey & Acupuncture
Raw Local Honey Could allergy relief be found in a daily teaspoon of raw local honey? As bees pick up pollen from one flower to the next, that pollen is then transferred to their honey. Eating a small amount of that honey can help strengthen the immune system to elicit a lesser response to that seasonal allergen over time. But does it work? Research suggests yes. One study examined 44 patients with a physician-diagnosed birch pollen allergy who consumed either regular honey or honey with birch pollen added in incremental amounts over the span of five months. Those who cons -
Are My Hormones Out of Balance?
Are you feeling off? Are you wondering if your hormones are out of balance? Have you been to your regular physician and they just want you on birth control? Or have they tested your hormones and say they were normal but you don't feel normal? Many of my patients come to me with situations similar to these. Hormones can be a delicate balance to create stable moods, cycles, energy and overall feeling of well being. The most important thing with hormones is not if you have enough of them but if they are in BALANCE. Balancing hormones is what we specialize -
3 reasons weight loss fails!
Its that time of year, maybe you are considering a diet, are in the middle of one, or have already given up due to lack of time, results or hectic life schedule getting in the way. Well hopefully I can give you a little insight and motivation to continue on your health journey. Here are 3 things I have seen help patients succeed with their weight loss goals. 1) Identify and eliminate hidden food allergies/sensitivities Many patients struggle with their health and weight due to hidden and delayed food -
Castle Rock Naturopath, Naturopathic medicine, Acupuncture
Castle Rock Naturopath, Castle Rock Doctor or whenever you are looking for a holistic doctor, Dr. Adam Graves can help with any alternative medicine you need for natural healing. Whether you are looking in Denver, Colorado Springs, Parker, Castle Rock, Centennial or Highlands Ranch, our naturopathic medicine and acupuncture treatments will help you recover your health with natural solutions. When you are looking for a castle rock doctor, castle rock naturopath, or holistic doctor, Dr. Graves' use of natural medicine and -
Stressed, Exhausted, Tired and ……
Many of my patients come to me because they have fatigue. They have gone to their primary care doctor and he/she has checked their blood work which comes back normal. Their doctor tells them they are healthy or its all in their head. The good news is that this is rarely the case. Fatigue, malaise, exhaustion, the inability to tolerate stress, and many other issues benefit greatly from a functional and naturopathic medicine approach. Finding the root cause to fatigue is the first step in getting better. Fatigue can come with a whole list of ot -
MTHFR, Methylation, Epigenetics, SNPs, …..genetics and your health!
Epigenetics and/or nutrigenomics is the science of how our personal genetic makeup interacts with nutrition to produce disease, health and wellness. Without going into hours of lecture on biochemistry, I will try to sum up what we currently know and how that may relate to your heath. 1) Methylation and MTHFR can be a contributor to many health issues people face such as: infertility, hormone imbalances, anxiety, depression, fatigue and heart issues. 2) Methylation is only part of the equation. Diet, lifestyle, exercise and habits all play a pa -
Food as addicting as cocaine, Here’s how to beat your addiction!
Finally studies and the media are showing what naturopaths have known for years. Let’s start with... The Bad News Food is addictive just like drugs. High sugar and high fat foods cause the body to release chemicals that affect the reward centers of the brain just like drugs. Similar to drugs, the body develops tolerance/addiction to these foods so that you have to continually eat more sugar and fat laden foods to get the same reward and pleasure activation in the brain. This is why these foods are addictive. This makes it very difficult to resist those foods and -
Castle Rock Acupuncture
Are you wondering if acupuncture can help you with your health issues? Anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, fatigue, infertility, endomietriosis, menopause, digestive issues, and the list goes on and one. The answer is YES, but a better understanding of acupuncture and natural medicine help you know what to expect. Acupuncture and natural medicine work by balancing the body's nervous and hormonal systems. Disease is a caused by multiple factors like stress, trauma, injuries, toxins, infections, etc thus leading to an imbalance in the body -
Food allergy, Hidden and delayed food allergy testing
What are hidden and delayed food allergies? Millions of Americans suffer from the symptoms of food allergy or intolerance and don’t know it. Common foods eaten by most people can produce a variety of physical and mental disorders. Much has been learned about treating food allergies/intolerances once they’ve been discovered. With great patience and good detective work, many people are able to discover the offending food items. In other cases, you may want to confer with a physician regarding this problem. -
Natural Solutions for ADHD or ADD
Treating children with ADD/ADHD medication can be a doubled edge sword. One side is that the medications can be effective and help provide relief; the other side is that they can have severe adverse effects and don’t provide a real long term solution for children with ADD/ADHD. In 2006 the FDA advisory board recommended a Black Box Warning on Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin, Metadate, Adderall and Adderall XR. A Black Box Warning is the strongest warnings placed on medications, a label only 10% of all medications carry. This warning was recommended due to -
IBS – Its not just all in your head!
Many of my patients come to me with digestive issues such as gas, bloating, pain, constipation and diarrhea to name a few. They visited their primary care doctor who may or may not have referred them to a gastroenterologist. There they had scopes, x-rays, labs, etc., only to be told that nothing is wrong, but that they probably have IBS! Fortunately, natural and functional medicine are excellent for treating not only IBS but other gi issues that regular doctors don't have good treatments for. Why is this? Most GI issues are functiona -
Low Energy, Fatigue, Burned out?
Almost Every day a new patient comes into my office and shares a similar story. It often goes something like this, "Over the last few years I have just been exhausted. I feel tired all day long. I have been to my regular doctor and he has run all the necessary tests and says everything is fine. They recommend anti depressant medication but I am not depressed, I am just tired! Can you help?" At this point I respond that I see this type of thing almost every day and that natural medicine is the best choice of treatment for this type of condition. This condition is what is call -
Natural Treatments for digestion
Everyday patients come to my office looking for help with their digestive complaints. Patients are suffering from a wide range of symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, indigestion, bloating, pain, Candida, yeast, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and the list goes on and on. These digestive problems can also lead to more problems in other areas of the body like fatigue, aches and pains, anxiety or trouble thinking just to name of few. Digestive problems can affect infants to elderly. The can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. Most patients have seen many doc -
Intro
Hi, welcome to Dr Graves’ blog Welcome, since this is the first blog. We have to start with the basics about who I am, what I do, and who should see me, after that , this blog will be mostly devoted to you and providing you and your loved ones with the best and latest information to help live a life full of health and wellness. So let’s get started. Who am I and what I do? Hi, I am Dr Adam Graves. I am a licensed acupuncturist, Natural Doctor, and Naturopathic Physician. I help patients restore their health using holistic and natural medicines. My journey towards natural -
Functional Medicine Doctor, Colorado Springs, Denver, Castle Rock, Highland Ranch
Many people these days are turning to functional medicine not only to help treat their health conditions but also to optimize their health. Some of the reasons patients come to me is because they aren't finding help in the mainstream medical system, they want to find the root cause of their health issues, they want options to medications, they want to optimize their health, and/or they want long term solutions that are going to restore their health and vitality. We will discuss what functional medicine is and how it can help you.. Functional Medicine: Func -
Acupuncture for Shoulder, Neck Pain
Now that summer is here, I have been seeing more and more patients with shoulder pain and injuries. Whether it is from golfing, biking, hiking, climbing, baseball, arthritis, tendonitis, etc., acupuncture can be a very safe and effective treatment for shoulder pain. The shoulder is a complex joint and can be easily injured or inflamed. It has multiple muscles, tendons and ligaments that originate form the back, neck and arm. It is a highly mobile joint thus prone to injury, inflammation and arthritis. Some of the conditions that I treat using acupuncture are:&nb -
Asthma, Allergies, Eczema, Homeopathic, Natural Medicine and Acupuncture
Having suffered from severe eczema, allergies and asthma lead me into the study of natural medicine. Helping kids and families treat these allergic disorders with natural medicines in one of my favorite things to do. Before we discuss natural treatments for asthma, allergies and/or eczema, we will first discuss them and their origin. Allergies, eczema and asthma usually develop at a young age. The bodies’ immune system develops and changes and kids grow up and are exposed to different bacteria, viruses, etc. The immune system is designed to fight off viruses, ba -
Acupuncture for Stroke
A recent study showed that acupuncture helps regenerate brain and nerve cells after stroke. Electro acupuncture increases growth factors in the brain. Another study also showed that stroke patients who added in acupuncture along with their conventional rehabilitation had more muscle movement and less pain. So if you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, acupuncture can be a great way to help restore function. Give us a call at 303-688-6698 or schedule an appointment HERE with Dr. Graves today! -
Food Allergy Testing Denver, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock
Numerous patients come to me looking for help, wondering if food allergies could be causing some of their health issues. The difference between food allergies, food sensitivities/delayed allergies or food intolerances and the current lab test that are available will be discussed. Food allergies are usually life threatening, medical emergencies and present as a sudden onset. Some signs and symptoms are difficulty breathing, swollen mouth, swollen throat, itching mouth or lips, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, asthma, etc. Food allergies usually occur withi -
Acupuncture, IVF, and infertility
If you or your spouse is considering IUI or IVF then acupuncture and Chinese medicine should be considered to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Acupuncture is a safe and effective procedure that helps increase blood flow to the uterus, balance hormones, assist egg production and relieve stress. Beyond the medical benefits of acupuncture, the mental aspects of stress relief and balanced emotions are just as valuable as the physical benefits. Treatment protocols tend to consist of 2 to 3 months of treatments. Usually, 6 to 8 weeks before IVF, acupuncture help -
Kalish Method Doctor, Denver,
Are you exhausted and burned out? You may have adrenal fatigue. Are you looking for a Kalish Certified Practitioner? One of the best treatments for fatigue, depression, overweight, female hormones and digestive issues is the Kalish Method. Dr. Graves has studied and completed the Kalish method and along with his naturopathic training has great success treating these health issues for years. For more information on the Kalish method, check out this article by Dr. Mercola. If you have any questions call us at 303.688.6698 and schedule your free 15 m -
Homeopathic, Natural Treatments for Frequent Ear Infections
Recurrent ear infections are something I see very often in my practice. Finding and treating the root cause is usually simple. Most of the time children come to my office with recurrent ear infections, and/or frequent colds/flu. In my experience the root cause of these issues tend to be hidden or delay food allergies. Hidden or delayed food allergies are different than acute food allergies. Acute food allergies i.e. peanuts, fish, etc are usually easily identified by their reaction. Acute food allergies present as a sudden or quick onset and have swelling of the mouth -
Adrenal Fatigue, Exhaustion and Burnout!
Do you suffer from fatigue, exhaustion, trouble focusing, nervousness and sleep disturbances? You may have adrenal fatigue? In today's culture I treat patients with adrenal issues on a daily basis. Many of my patients go to their family doctor with the above issues and have labs done that come back "normal" or the doctor wants to prescribe antidepressants or sleep medication. Fortunately there are better and safer options to help you regain your health and vitality. In the following article we will discuss some signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue, how to diagnosis and what t -
Preventing Asthma, Allergies and Ezcema with Natural Medicine
One core philosophy of natural medicine in prevention...so when it comes to allergies, asthma and eczema, there are a few things that can be extremely beneficial to future children of parents that suffer from any of these illnesses. In the US an estimated 60 million people suffer from asthma and allergies, causing 9 people in the US die every day. The yearly cost of treating allergies and asthma is estimated at 21 billion dollars. The chances of passing one of these diseases to your children are very high. If both parents suffer from just one allergic disease, the chil -
Infertility, Hormone Issues and Plastics
A new study has linked plastics and chemicals to a higher rate of infertility. Couples that struggled with infertility had three to five times the amount of phthalates in their urine compared to couples that achieved pregnancy naturally. These phthalates come from commonly used plastics in cosmetics, toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, nail polish, plastic wrapped food, etc. phthalates disrupt hormones and can lead to infertility problems in men and woman. So how do you protect yourself and especially your children? -
Natural Solutions for High Blood pressure
High blood pressure affects millions of men and women across the US. Many people are looking for alternatives, homeopathic, natural medicine instead of their prescription medication to keep their blood pressure or hypertension within the normal range. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to lower blood pressure without medication. As with all conditions, a holistic approach to high blood pressure works best. First we start with the basics like avoiding cigarettes, which can increase blood pressure and reducing alcohol intake for men to less than two drinks a day, -
Highlands Ranch Holistic, Naturopathic Doctor
Homeopathic Doctor, Naturopath, Highlands Ranch Homeopathic, Highlands Ranch Naturopath, Natural Doctor, or whenever you are looking for a holistic doctor, Dr. Adam Graves can help with any alternative medicine you need for natural healing. Whether you are looking in Denver, Colorado Springs, Parker, Castle Rock, Centinial or Highlands Ranch our naturopathic medicine and acupuncture treatments will help you recover your health with natural solutions. When you are looking for a Highlands Ranch doctor, Highlands Ranch naturopath, or holistic doctor, -
A Good Story on Infertility and Acupuncture by CBS News
Can Acupuncture Help You Conceive? By Raksha Shetty (CBS) It's estimated that after a year of trying to conceive, 10 percent of American couples are unable to get pregnant on their own. The vast majority of them turn to traditional fertility treatments for help, but a growing number are also trying alternative therapies, including acupuncture, says Saturday Early Show's Dr. Mallika Marshall. More and more women are delaying childbirth into their late 30s and early 40s than ever before. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Report on Fertility -
12 tips to start the New Year!
1) Get at least 8 hours of "RESTFUL" sleep. Getting enough sleep helps lower heart disease, can aid in weight loss and boost your memory! If you are having trouble falling or staying asleep, let us know we want to help! 2) Drink water! We live in Colorado, so you can never drink enough water. Try to avoid sugary/caffeine drinks. If you need something sweet, consider spending those left over Christmas gift cards on a Juicer or Vita mix! 3) If you are hoping to make permanent changes, make small positive goals