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Back to School
Getting Kids Ready for Back to School Are your kids ready for reading, writing, and arithmetic? While you may think so, your kids may not! Getting back into the groove isn’t always easy, so slowly introducing routine before the bell rings on the first day can help it go much smoother. Here are 10 tips for creating peaceful transition to school so all of you can have a healthy and happy send-off. Talk about feelings. Set some time aside to talk with each child separately about how they are feeling in regards to a new school year, the first day, their schedule, etc. Give them space -
COVID Mental Trauma
Processing the Mental Trauma of COVID “You’ve got…COVID.” My mind went blank and my body felt a little numb. What? Really? But what about the precautions I had taken? The vaccination and booster, the wearing of masks, and the avoidance of crowds? For so long, I subconsciously wore a badge of honor from not having contracted the virus we have been told to avoid with everything we have for the past few years. And now that was no longer. I was positive. I’m willing to bet I’m not the first one whose breath was taken away when a positive test result showed up and pro -
Nature & Mental Health
Nature and Mental Health We all know that one benefit to living in Colorado is the abundant natural beauty at our fingertips. But how often do we use it to better our mental health? To clear away the stress? To cultivate happiness? Right outside our doors is a playground of awe just waiting to be enjoyed and one that can help us live a longer and more joyful life. Nature has been found to increase cognitive ability and brain health, improve mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and even help us live kinder lives - to others and ourselves. And that’s just some of the mental benefits. -
CBD During Summer
CBD During Summer Feeling a bit stressed with kids at home? Are shorter nights leading to less sleep? Aches and pains popping up from outdoor activities? We’re in the midst of summer and that means some self-care may be needed right about now! Fortunately, CBD can offer a wide range of benefits this time of year. It can calm everything from stress to inflammation and having it handy in your medicine cabinet can be key. Here are 5 ways it can help support health over the summer: 1. Sunburn. Topical CBD cream, balm, or oil can reduce pain and help repair sun damaged skin. G -
Hydration
5 Ways Other Than Water to Hydrate During Summer Water you doing to hydrate this summer? On any given day, proper hydration is important for good health (think energy, digestion, and circulation), but during the summer it’s critical. Not only do warmer temperatures and increased activity require more liquid intake but living at elevation in a drier climate demands more hydration to support blood pressure in getting oxygen to the brain. So while it may be easy to overlook (especially if you’re not sweating), it’s vital that you pay attention to how you are hydrating. But is wat -
Summer BBQ Tips
Reduce Bloat and Sugar Crash from Summer Barbecues What’s summer without a few barbecues? Or should we say, what’s summer without bloating and sugar crashes? Burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, beans, cobbler, and the menu goes on! Barbecues can be downright scrumptious, even if they aren’t the healthiest. But can you really enjoy these get togethers while still feeling good? Absolutely! Here are 10 tips from Dr. Graves on ditching the bloat and kicking sugar crashes so you can feel good (not guilty!) about your choices. Bring and eat vegetables. Balance processed foods w -
Sun Protection
Healthy ways to prevent sun damage and treat sunburn The sun. There can be a love/hate relationship with it in Colorado. We love the beautiful, warm days to enjoy the plethora of activities this state has to offer but fun in the sun can change to burn and concern before we know it. Sunburn, sunspots, wrinkles, and skin cancer are all effects of too much sun exposure and living closer to the big ball of plasma can heighten our risk even more. So what can you do about it? Protect Mindful actions to protect the skin are first and foremost. For healthy prevention, opt for: -
Summer De-stress
5 Ways to de-stress this summer Ahh…summer. Many of us have been waiting patiently for this season to arrive and for good reason. Summer is a perfect time to reset and renew thanks to warm temps, long days, fresh produce, and oodles of outdoor activities. But how do you do that when work, kids, and daily responsibilities still need to be tended to? Here are 5 ways we like to intertwine stress management and our love for summer: Seeking out magnesium-rich foods at the farmer’s market. We love a good farmer’s market or any local, organic produce we can get our hands on a -
Summer Fun
Creating the Summer You and the Kids Want School’s out and kids are ready for summer! Are you as excited as they are? Summer break allows kids the opportunity to be more carefree and creative, however, it can mean more work for parents. As much as we may love the idea of the kids home all summer, it can also feel like a weight on our shoulders at times. So how do you balance what YOU would like your summer to be with what THEY want? Here are 5 tips for creating a harmonious season that you can all cherish! 1. Define what everyone wants. Your goals for the summer may look ve -
Farmer’s Markets
10 Ways to Take Advantage of a Farmer’s Market Simply walking through a good farmer’s market can nourish the soul and when we bring gorgeous bounty home, it can make for a purposeful (and delicious!) experience all around. But how can you get the most out of your visit? Here are 10 ways we like to take advantage of local markets for more grounded living! 1. Talk with the grower. We love to ask when produce was harvested, which ones are the ripest, and how to prepare it best. 2. Bring your own bags. More than once we’ve been caught without our own bags and have had to f -
Scale Stress
Should you throw out your scale? Are you obsessed with the number on your scale each time you weigh yourself? If so, you’re not alone. Many suffer from being a prisoner to their weight in which self-worth and body image become reliant on it. It’s an enemy as much as a helper and anxiety over what it’s going to say can lead to negative self-talk (such as “I suck”). In addition, weight scales only provide information on a person’s total weight. And while that can be one piece of health, it’s certainly not everything. So is a scale the best way to track your healt -
Stress & Fat
Is stress making you fat? The simple answer? If you’re over 35, probably yes. Although there may be other factors, stress can play a significant role in weight gain as we age, starting as early as our mid-30s. Why? Here are 3 reasons. 1. Excess Cortisol. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is released by the adrenal glands and provides a healthy regulation to the body’s stress response (fight or flight). It does everything from increase blood glucose to stimulate energy to calm inflammation for tissue repair. But when excess cortisol is present (thanks to ch -
Aging Issues
Natural Solutions to Common Aging Issues If you’re over the age of 40, chances are that you’ve experienced some changes in biology that have made normal life…well, a little less normal. Maybe you now find yourself sore after the same workout you used to do with no problem a few years ago. Maybe you are constantly waking up throughout the night when you used to sleep right through. Or maybe your diet has stayed the same but now you have constipation no matter how much fiber you eat. It’s the woes of aging - and they are real. But what do you do about it, if anything at a -
Kids & Natural Medicine
Our son hit his head on a slide at a local playground and was suffering from headaches and neck pain that wasn’t going away with children’s pain relievers. An immediate trip to the primary care physician confirmed it was a concussion and protocol called for rest and a more intense regimen of pain medicine. But…neither worked. For days, he suffered from extensive pain with no end in close sight as calls back to primary care just repeated the original recommendations and specialists that we called had long waits. Not knowing what else to do, I called Dr. Graves. I didn -
Lifestyle Tips
Lifestyle Tips for Syncing with the Chinese Body Clock Are you familiar your body’s natural rhythm? Did you even know it has one? According to East Asian medicine, the Chinese body clock (learn more about it here) is a guide to the body’s organic movement of qi (energy) from organ to organ. And living in sync with it may lead to a healthier and more balanced life. So how can you do that? Following are simple, all-day lifestyle tips Dr. Graves has for connecting with the body’s natural rhythm. 5am-7am (Large Intestine): Support bowel movements by drinking 1-2 cups of water -
The Chinese Body Clock
The Chinese Body Clock Do you wake up in the middle of the night at the same time? Have bowel movements first thing in the morning? Do you feel tired after lunch? The Chinese body clock may answer the “why” to these questions and many more. A concept in East Asian medicine, the Chinese body clock believes the body has a natural rhythm of qi (energy) movement throughout each day. Specifically, it theorizes that qi organically moves from organ to organ, peaking in each one at specific 2 hour intervals within a 24 hour period. In addition to the physical body, mental health and emo -
Mind/Body Connection
Rediscovering the Mind/Body Connection If we are what we eat, then it’s no doubt we are what we think. Although it may not be discussed during a typical doctor’s visit, the connection between our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs and our physical health is not to be ignored. Research has shown a strong association between mental states and disease (or the absence of it), in which ongoing clinical trials are experimenting with a variety of techniques that support this link. But what does that really mean? Stress, pain, trauma, grief, negative thoughts -
Lifestyle Fasting
If you thought fasting only consisted of not eating, think again. When it’s time for a mental, emotional, and/or physical reset, there are a variety of ways you can fast to cleanse your life of what’s not serving you and renew it with what can. What do we mean by that? According to Dr. Graves, fasting gives your mind, body, and life a break. It is typically thought of as restrictive dieting, but it can include much more - positively affecting your entire life. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can fast in order to detox the unwanted and welcome new light. Diet F -
Clean Spring Eating
4 Tips for Clean Spring Eating Has your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier gotten a little sidetrack? In need of inspiration to make a diet change? Tired of heavy comfort foods and craving freshness? Then clean spring eating is for you! Taking cues from nature, this time of year is filled with newness, rebirth, and growth. Everything from wildlife to plants burgeons from hibernation and the glory of transformation abounds. And this means it can be the perfect time to shed winter comforts and welcome spring abundance. If you’re wanting to clean up your diet this spr -
Meal Prep Tips
Meal prep tips Preparing healthy meals ahead of time can play a major role in sticking to a healthy diet, but actually doing it can seem overwhelming. This is why we are sharing 5 simple ideas for meal prep that can: save us thyme, turnip our health, and help us find inner-peas with what we eat! So start out by writing out your menu for the week and make your list. Pick a day and time to not only shop for what you need but also chop and prepare (keep in mind these may need to be different days). Then, get to work and enjoy your efforts throughout the week! What should you prep? -
Fatigue Supplements
10 Supplements for Adrenal Fatigue You’re feeling run down and just can’t seem to get your energy back. Or maybe you have too much and find it impossible to relax. You’re having trouble falling asleep and/or you wake up at the same time each night and lay awake for an hour or more. You crave sugary or salty foods (more than usual). And you just don’t feel yourself. Adrenal fatigue (exhaustion of the adrenal glands typically due to stress) may be the culprit. Fortunately, there are a variety of healing self-care options that can help (such as proper diet with lean prot -
Adrenal Fatigue Support
10 Things for Adrenal Fatigue Although not an actual medical diagnosis, adrenal fatigue may be a common condition affecting much of our stressed population. Feeling like you can’t slow down or can’t get going and/or experiencing: fatigue even after sleeping well food cravings inability to relax irritability unstable mood insomnia weight gain or other symptoms without a direct western medicine cause are all symptoms that may be linked to adrenal fatigue (based on naturopathic perspective). If you’re suffering from any of these (especially after a primary c -
Adrenal Fatigue
Addressing questions on adrenal fatigue Have you heard of adrenal fatigue and wonder if there is any truth to it? If you’re not feeling well and are searching for answers, you may have come across it online or in books. It’s currently a controversial topic in western medicine, however, it is an assessment more widely recognized in the naturopathic world and one that we address in our office frequently. For insight on adrenal fatigue, we asked Dr. Graves common questions he receives. What is adrenal fatigue? Dr. Graves: Adrenal fatigue is more of a functional diagnosis tha -
Cholesterol
What you may not know about cholesterol Cholesterol. A word that can automatically have a negative connotation and is many times associated with fried foods, a sedentary lifestyle, too much stress, and smoking. However, not all cholesterol is bad and in fact, it’s a natural fat received from foods that floats around the body and is a building block for hormones and vitamin D. So what’s the issue then? Research has indicated that LDL cholesterol is harmful (HDL is known as good) so when this type of cholesterol is high, it can be of concern. But why is that? It may all come -
The Heart & Love
The power of love on the heart What is love? More than just a song lyric, this question can bewilder even the most contemplative people. The hard to describe sentiment can be difficult to put into words, but it’s feeling can be unmistakable. And that feeling? Well, it can impact the physical heart in profound biochemical ways. To understand a bit about how love affects the heart, we asked Dr. Graves to give some insight. Although it can look different for everyone, what does love mean to you? Dr. Graves: To me, love envelops kindness, compassion, and connection. I -
Love For Your Heart
20 Simple acts of love for your heart Your heart does a lot for you everyday…like give you life. What do you do for it? Considering heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, giving this essential organ the love and care it deserves can be vital for a long and healthy life. And it may be easier than you think! Healthy behaviors that: reduce and manage stress promote good sleep boost a nutritious diet include enjoyable exercise/movement support mental and emotional health can all have a positive impact on our heart. Looking for inspira -
Heart Health Supplements
3 Types of supplements for heart health It may not be something you think about often, if ever, but this organ that weighs less than one pound is more profound than words can say. Alongside the breath, the heart is what gives us life…which means keeping it healthy and happy should be top priority. But how can we take good care of it? Mindful choices (such as a healthy diet, good sleep, and proper daily movement) can make a big impact on the health and longevity of our heart and should always be first and foremost, but in addition, certain herbs can increase our support. Adaptoge -
Mindfulness in Children
Promoting mindfulness in children For a child, the world can be a big, busy place. So much to explore and experience - it can simply be a life of go, go, go! Sound familiar? Just like adults, kids can lead lives filled with set schedules and full days; and whether filled with fun or not, they can be overwhelming, stressful, and exhausting. Fortunately, mindfulness is an easy practice to nurture in kids that can: ease anxiety foster compassion enhance focus and memory encourage patience cultivate self-soothing all the while, teaching a young one how to live in th -
Eating Healthy
How to Eat More Health Producing Food Healthy eating. For such a simple concept, why can it be so difficult? A variety of reasons can inhibit us from succeeding at cleaning up our diets; take for instance: Stress - high cortisol levels crave sugar and carbs for dopamine release (the feel-good hormone) Schedules - lack of dedicated time for cooking can result in quick, poor choices Habits and Beliefs - from childhood on, developed habits and beliefs have formed much of our diets Additives - can foster addictions difficult to break out of (such as sugar and processed foods) And that’s -
Movement You Enjoy
Daily Naturopathic Living: Movement You Enjoy It’s widely known that exercise is good for us, but when it becomes more work than enjoyment, it can fall off our radar quickly…no matter what our resolutions are. So if you associate exercise with pain, suffering, or just another task on your “to do” list, a new outlook on daily movement may foster more success in getting and staying active. The following may bring fresh perspective on why and how to incorporate movement that you enjoy rather than what you are obliged to do. First, let’s clarify that many types of exercise help -
Herbal Teas
Daily Naturopathic Living: Herbal Teas Walking around most health food stores you are bound to run into an aisle with rows and rows of tea. Loose leaf or sachet, caffeinated or non, single scent or herbal blend. It’s a rainbow of warm, cozy beverages as well as cool, refreshing drinks just waiting to be seeped. And you should heed the wish! Herbal teas are made from a variety of plants, barks, flowers, seeds, roots, and fruit and boast a bounty of health benefits. They have been used for thousands of years in preventing and treating ailments and in today’s world, we have the -
Reflections from 2021
3 Reflections from 2021 by Dr. Graves As we get ready to countdown to the new year, we’re taking time to reflect on this past one. It’s been filled with joys, learnings, triumphs, and growth - and like every other year, there are specific takeaways our office carries along to the future. Here are 3 reflections from 2021 that Dr. Graves is taking into the next go around the sun. Be Your Own Health Advocate. Over the past 12 months, Dr. Graves has seen an increase in healthcare system breakdowns. COVID has taken a toll on both staff and the system as a whole in which effect -
Slowing Down
3 Ways to Slow Down at the Holidays Slowing down at the holidays? This can seem like an oxymoron to some! This time of year is abundant with traditions, activities, and events that make the season special. There’s a spirit to it that yearns to be celebrated and with that, comes a sometimes endless list of things to do and places to be. It’s enough for anyone to need a long winter’s nap! But as much fun as all the festivities are, holidays filled with stress and exhaustion from overdoing it aren’t very merry for you…or your loved ones. So skip the sleepless nights, ir -
Prebiotic Foods
Prebiotic Foods at the Holidays You may not be thinking of gut friendly foods when it comes to holiday fare (hello cookies and hot chocolate!), but consciously adding them to your daily diet during this festive (and sometimes unhealthy) time of year can keep wellness in check while indulging in favorites. One way to do this is by including a variety of prebiotic foods to your diet. Prebiotics are plant fibers that good bacteria in the microbiome love to eat. And their importance is significant. Each of us has a personal microbiome that differs from others. Probiotics (in foods a -
Restoring Microbiome
Restoring Your Microbiome After Antibiotics A round of antibiotics can be helpful in fighting a bacterial infection, however, they can also wreak havoc on your system, particularly your microbiome. Not only do antibiotics eliminate bad bacteria, but also the good - leaving the body susceptible to secondary illnesses and disease (such as thrush and c difficile). So should you never take antibiotics? Not necessarily. Sometimes, they are needed to support the immune system in battling a stubborn or life-threatening infection (they aren’t helpful for viruses) in which knowing how to -
Holiday Memories
Searching for ways to bring your loved ones together for fun, authentic, and unique experiences this holiday season? We love a good idea - especially during this time of year, so we’re sharing 10 of our favorites for inspiration in making the holidays enjoyable for all! Host or Attend a Holiday Tea. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping herbal teas, snacking on simple miniature sandwiches, and dabbling in a sweet or two. We love how this get together makes way for everyone to slow down and appreciate each other’s company. Parade of Lights. Bundle up for -
Holiday Purpose
Finding Purpose in the Holidays Does the holiday season seem a bit empty? Do you feel it’s all about expectation and not enough meaning? Are you unfilled by traditional duties? More and more, the holiday season in American culture seems to be changing. From stores shelving red and green decor months prior to social media showcasing what the “perfect holiday season” should look like, what was once a time to spend gathering and celebrating may feel like one of consumerism and exhaustion. If you feel it’s time to bring new purpose to your holiday season, then you may find t -
Cool Weather Gear
Is there really no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear (within reason)? Possibly. Enjoying the great outdoors isn’t just fun play (although, let’s be honest - Colorado offers an abundance of that!), it’s also nourishing for the body, mind, and soul. Movement in nature can do everything from prevent physical disease to heal emotional wounds, making it an extraordinary tool for optimal wellness. But when temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, you can find yourself hesitating before heading out for adventure. This is why quality, seasonal gear for cooler months can be -
Gluten
Have you noticed the attention gluten has gotten recently? It’s hard not to when we know people who have cut it out of their diet, scan over gluten-free items on a menu, and see labels blaring the fact that the ingredient isn’t found in its product. It’s a hot topic and there’s a good reason why. It is estimated that 18-20 million people in the US have a sensitivity to gluten - this is in addition to the approximately 3 million who suffer from the gluten allergy disease - celiac. So what’s going on and why are we hearing about it more now than ever before? While there c -
Finding Balance
Traditionally, Chinese medicine has revolved around the concept of balance. Optimum wellness that includes a stable mood, appropriate energy, proper sleep, and hearty vitality are all signs of the body’s equilibrium. It seems simple, but in today’s society it can be quite difficult to achieve. Take for instance: an overly busy schedule chronic stress a less-than-ideal diet excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs too much or too little movement not enough hydration erratic sleep routine overuse of technology/social media all-consuming political or societal -
Yin and Yang
You may have noticed it on everything from jewelry to candles to health food products and you can even see it in the window of the CNMA office. It’s the black and white circle (although colors can vary) with a swirl in the middle and 2 dots in either side: the symbol for yin and yang. So what does it mean? Yin (the black or dark part of the symbol) represents the female side of the universe and constitutes: calm rest passivity nurturing contemplation and is associated with darkness, cold, nighttime, winter, and the moon. Yang (the white or light part of th -
Food Guilt Part II
Food Guilt: Ways to Physically and Emotionally Work Through It How many promises have you made about eating healthy only to break them and then feel awful about yourself? Our feelings around what we eat may be just as detrimental as the food we actually consume, making food guilt a real issue for many. If it’s time to acknowledge the reality of any food guilt, release shameful feelings, and grow towards a more positive relationship with your diet, these tips and insights may make eating enjoyable…and healthy, again. Physical Tips Thanks to our “feel-good” hormone, dopamine, -
Food Guilt
In 2019, the New York Post wrote about a study on how Americans feel about their food choices when it comes to guilt. Analysis showed that almost 30% of what participants ate had feelings of guilt associated with it. And that’s not all… On average, this “food guilt” took place 5 times a week. So if you have ever felt ashamed of yourself for snacking on a cookie, ordering French fries, or indulging in an extra helping, you are certainly not alone. What is food guilt? Typically associated with feelings of guilt over a poor food choice, common symptoms can include: -
Fall Detox
Fall Detox Fall may not be the time of year you first think of when it comes to detoxing (spring and New Year’s usually win that spot), but if barbecues derailed your diet, social media clogged your clarity, and/or world issues have plagued your perspectives over the past few months, then a fall detox may be exactly what you need. If you are feeling: sluggish (mentally or physically) fatigued moody anxious overwhelmed stuck or have an overall sense of not feeling yourself, a conscious cleanse may help reset your body and mind. Before starting, remember that a de -
The Human Condition
What is the human condition? Although this can include a variety thoughts and concepts (such as birth, aging, sickness, and death), one thing is for sure… pain and suffering are part of it. Although we may try to avoid it, hide from it, and/or ignore it, suffering is an inevitable component to being human. Sadness, sorrow, shame, guilt, anger, frustration, fear - pain can come in endless ways both collectively as a society and individually in our lives. And the only way to get to the other side? To move through it (as uncomfortable as it may be). Between a global pandemic, div -
Hello Fall
10 Healthy Ways to Transition Into Fall Autumn. It’s a time of year that encourages us to slow down and gather (fall festival, anyone?), inspires self-reflection and contemplation (over a pumpkin spice latte) while nourishing the body and soul with warm, nutrient-dense foods (and maybe an Oktoberfest beer)…all wrapped up in a cozy blanket beneath golden, quaking aspens. It’s simply a time to regroup and focus our energy within while appreciating the world around us. The transition from carefree days of summer to grounding days of autumn is more than a specialty coffee order (alth -
Flu Season Supplements
The moment your kid comes to you with a fever and cough. When your stomach starts to bubble and you need to be close to the bathroom. Knowing everyone just needs to get some sleep, but sickness is preventing it. These are all common experiences during cold and flu season and when symptoms hit, you want to be prepared. Getting sick is a natural part of living in society. Whether passed along from someone else, from touching an infected object, or even picked up from spoiled food, once we realize we (and our families) will more-than-likely come down with a virus at some point, we can pr -
CBD Massage
CBD Massage CBD seems to be everywhere these days - from shampoo to seltzer water and everything in between. And now that CBD is offered as a specialty massage, is it just one of the latest crazes when it comes to this non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant or is it as therapeutic as many claim? We put one of our staff members to the test and here is what was experienced: ________________________________ I really didn’t know what to expect. I have massages consistently and use CBD for stress-relief and sleep, but had never considered combining the two for a CBD massage. -
Digestion Questions
Weird Digestion Questions and Answers Talking about what happens in our guts can feel like taboo: Passing gas? Pretend it isn’t you. Constipation? Don’t tell anyone. Green Poop? Secretly Google about it. We all deal with weird digestive occurrences so let’s be human and talk about them! Following, Dr. Graves answers digestive and stool questions that you may have always wanted to ask, but never had the…well, guts to! What causes flatulence and why does some gas smell and some doesn’t? Dr. Graves: That’s a good question! Flatulence is primarily due to imprope -
Customized Self-Care
It’s as though my brain is full, yet my bucket is empty. I feel on-edge, becoming frustrated at little things. And being asked to add one more thing to my already full schedule? Well, it can bring on unreasonable resentment and irritation in addition to the overwhelming feeling of just wanting to cry. I know when I’ve neglected my own self-care. And as I age, I am becoming aware of what triggers my dismissal of this ever-important (yet, sometimes guilt-ridden) therapy for my overall wellbeing. Now, I’m ready to let-go of the stigma our culture can often put on relaxation an -
Large Intestine Care
Caring for the Large Intestine You might not think about it much, if at all, but when stool elimination is abnormal, this organ may suddenly become top of mind. We’re talking about the large intestine - the approximately 5 foot tube-like organ that consists of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anus. Sure, it may not be the most attractive topic, but nonetheless, it’s important for daily life and overall health. Not familiar with it? Let’s catch you up… What does the large intestine do? The large intestine regulates and absorbs salts and water (to hydrate the body with wat -
Savor the Season
Savoring the End of Summer Flavors This time of year can feel like a kiss from the earth - providing sweet, juicy produce ripe with nutrients to enjoy during warm, sunshine filled days and cool, calming nights. It’s like an ode to the end of summer and one that we look forward to savoring. Following Dr. Graves’ seasonal eating approach, it can be easy and fun to delight in the abundance nature gives us as we edge towards fall, so visit a local farmer’s market or grocer and stock up on the delicious produce! Here are a few ways to savor the season: Tomato Tasting You or someone -
Kids Managing Stress
5 Tools for Helping Kids Manage Stress The start of a new school year; a disagreement with friends; social media overload… so many things can cause a kid stress and in turn, cause parents to worry. It’s normal for parents to want to protect their child from pain, but stress is a natural part of being human and an experience that will inevitably happen - even in childhood. Symptoms of stress in kids can range widely and may include: anger or behavioral outbursts retreating from normal activities and/or conversation change in sleep patterns change in eating patterns -
Kids’ Physical Health
Prepping Kids’ Physical Health for Going Back to School The sounds of anxious chatter, the smell of new books, the feel of a cool desk - all things any kid can experience when school starts. And as they socialize with friends, eat together in groups, and touch what others have, a new school year can also be filled with runny noses, lingering coughs, and upset tummies as germs, bacteria, and viruses run abundant. But no need to worry too much as long as kids’ immune systems are prepped and ready to defend against what may come their way. Get children ready to go back to school with -
Small Intestine Care
Bloating, Gas, and Fullness: How to Care for the Small Intestine Embarrassing gas. Uncomfortable bloating. The feeling of fullness. Each a digestive upset that isn’t fun. So why does it happen and what can you do about it? Say hello to your small intestine and learn to give it some love. A crucial part of the digestive system, the small intestine measures around 22 feet and is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food and drinks we consume. Digestion starts in the mouth and continues until contents are eliminated through urine and stool, with the small intestine playing a v -
Seasonal Awareness
Seasonal Awareness: Enjoying the Summer Moments Seasonal awareness. Defined by Dr. Graves as taking our cues from nature and living in the present season, seasonal awareness encourages us to embrace the changing world around us. Inspiring everything from what we eat to what we do, it connects us to the earth and guides our health organically. It can be one of the simplest ways to live, but also one of the most forgotten. As you think about what this type of lifestyle means for you, what gifts of summer are you enjoying right now? In American society, we are a culture of production. -
Acid & the Stomach
Gut Health 101: Acid and the Stomach According to a nationwide study done by Cedars-Sinai, almost one-third of Americans experience some sort of acid reflux weekly. So if you are suffering from heartburn, acid-indigestion, and/or GERD, you are certainly not alone. However, just because you aren’t the only one dealing with this issue, doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating, painful, and potentially harmful. And unbeknownst to many, treating it can go well-beyond an over-the-counter acid reducer or PPI (proton pump inhibitor). Before deciding how to deal with your stomach upset, it is -
Weight Loss Myths
4 Myths and 1 Common Question About Weight Loss It’s estimated that around half of all Americans are trying to lose weight. And slowly coming out of a pandemic in which an average of 29 pounds was gained over the past year (for 42% of the population), the number of people wanting to shed pounds may be much greater. But losing weight can be quite the mystery. There always seems to be another quick fix on the market, a new diet that promises to work swiftly, and at home fads that are supposed to do wonders. So what do you do? Although the journey of weight loss is individual for -
Gut Health 101
Gut Health 101: What is Healthy Digestion? Do you remember when you were in your 20s and you could eat and drink anything you want, not thinking at all about your digestion (or really caring)? Long gone may be those days as you get older. What we consume by eating, drinking, breathing, and absorbing as well as what our body produces on its own are all processed through our digestive system. It may have once been a well-oiled machine but with age and lifestyle it can slowly begin to breakdown. Heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating are all common digestive issues and they may be -
Mental Health in Kids
6 Ways to Support Mental Health in Kids Over Summer Break Recently, Children’s Hospital Colorado declared a pediatric mental health a state of emergency. With the increase of behavioral cases, it is a major concern doctors have from a year of chronic pandemic stress. And now, summer is upon us and we can have more of a chance to focus on this potential issue with our kids. So how do we do it? For some kids, lazy days on the couch watching television and playing video games are top on the list of how to spend summer break. It’s what we may have yearned for as well in our young -
Anti-Inflammatory Summer
7 Summer Foods That Fight Inflammation Ready to spruce up your diet this summer and fight inflammation at the same time? You can add everything from phytonutrients to scrumptious taste with what the season has to offer, so take advantage of it starting today! Although a normal process in the body for things such as breaking down food and creating energy, inflammation can be harmful when chronic stress, poor sleep, little movement, and/or an unsavory diet become the norm. That’s why, after a year of possible over-sitting, over-eating, and over-stressing paired with less movement, less s -
Reducing Inflammation
Summer 2021 Health Goal: Fighting Inflammation The last year has been…well, it’s been a year. We’ve been faced with a more sedentary lifestyle, exacerbated stress, and maybe some not-so-great habits (we’re looking at you sugar, processed foods, and alcohol!). However, restrictions and regulations are starting to loosen and the world seems to be opening up before our eyes - just in time for summer! That’s enough for any of us to jump for joy; but when that jumping makes you feel like the “tin man” with aches, pains, exhaustion, and fatigue, it can make this exciting time a -
Meaningful Summer Travel
Meaningful Summer Travel Are you ready to get back to traveling? For some, it may feel right to get out in the world again and if so, here are some ideas to inspire you! Camping or cruise? Playground park or theme park? Staycation or inter-country travel? The options are slowly opening in Colorado and around the country, but when it comes to planning family summer travel budget, vacation time, everyone’s interests, and concerns for the pandemic can cram all of that limitless potential into a small box. But they don’t have to. This year, consider some of the following ideas t -
20 Things for Better Health
20 Things the CNMA Team Uses for Better Health That certain flavor kombucha… the app that records your sleep patterns… your favorite meditation class on Saturday mornings… Have you ever considered what is most essential for you to be your best self - physically, mentally, and spiritually? When life gets busy we can take for granted the options and opportunities that abound for us to live our best lives. We can get stuck in the same rut, doing the same things, and producing the same results. It even happens to us! This is why we love hearing about what other’s have -
When to Address an Issue
How Do You Know When to Address an Issue Poor sleep, digestion upset, hormone imbalance, high stress. We mention these often, but how do you know when: your sleep is poor? your digestion needs support? your hormones are off balance? your stress is too high? They may seem like million dollar questions - especially when we learn to live with unusual symptoms, but in all seriousness, how do we know when enough is enough and it’s time to address an issue? The answer may lie within you. Throughout school, we are educated on things about our bodies- what the brain does, what our ho -
Weight Loss Resistance
Weight Loss Resistance Are you a little “fluffier” then you were a year ago? If so, you’re not the only one. A recent survey found that 61% of Americans that were polled (over 3,000) reported weight gain, with 42% experiencing an average weight increase of 29 pounds and 10% gaining over 50, since the pandemic began. Moving less, higher stress, and unhealthy habits can all attribute to this rise and considering what we’ve been through this past year, the numbers are not all that much of a shock to Dr. Graves: “We have all been under stress - whether we were directly or indi -
5 Ways to Balance Qi
If qi (or chi) is the life force energy of every entity in the world (according to East Asian medicine), then shouldn’t everything we do be built around choices that preserve, replenish, and balance it? Sure, it may sound ideal but let’s be honest…it’s not always that easy. If you are wanting to encourage and maintain energy balance for your mind and body, here are 5 powerful ways to do that: Rest and Relax. There’s no way around it - in our busy and stressful Western culture we need to take time to calm our minds and rest our bodies. Think about what relaxes yo -
Understanding Qi
Understanding Qi (Energy) Does East Asian medicine philosophy seem mysterious? To many, it can. The wondering of why acupuncture needles are put in certain places, why we sometimes feel off without knowing why, and what all the hype is around tai chi or qigong is enough to make us feel this medical philosophy is a sort of enigma we just have to have blind faith in. Because of this, Dr. Graves is breaking down the reasoning behind much of his practice in order to provide insight into the world of East Asian medicine…particularly with the concept of qi. What is qi? In East Asian -
Eating Lighter This Spring
5 Tips to Eating Lighter This Spring Now that the season of freshness is upon us, it’s time to take advantage of all it has to offer and bring a lightness back to our lives. If you’re ready to forgo the heavy meals of winter (yes, we mean you pot roast and thick stews), and say hello to the airiness of spring (we’re looking at you green leafy vegetables) then these 5 tips may help you transition into this beautiful time of year with ease and inspiration. 1. Connect with a CSA or Visit a Farmer’s Market. Nothing says in-season more than fresh produce straight from the farm. -
Finding Yourself
Coming Back from the Pandemic From a CNMA client: I began experiencing heart palpitations. And not just every now and then, but for most of the day, for a few days in a row. Even though I had been tested numerous times in the past for this (with normal results), I had never had so many for so long. I didn’t know what to do. Was it serious? Should I get tested again? What can I do to calm my nerves? These thoughts consumed me day in and day out. I felt like I was going crazy. It wasn’t until I saw Dr. Graves that things got better. His analysis? I had energy stu -
Spring Fitness and HRV
Spring Fitness Tracking: Heart Rate Variability Are you working out the same as you have for years but aren’t getting the results you once did? Are you: - gaining weight instead of maintaining or losing - feeling unusually tired or exhausted after exercise - not being able to easily calm down after a workout Rather than just pushing through - or worse yet, pushing harder - it may be time to look at your nervous system and the role it may be playing in the change you are experiencing. Let us explain… The autonomous nervous system (ANS) is comprised of the sympathetic nerv -
Your Allergy Questions
While spring can be a beautiful time of year filled with burgeoning buds and gorgeous growth, it can also be a frustrating one brimming with itching, irritation, and a constant, “Achoo!” As we approach this known-allergy season, Dr. Graves is answering common questions on everything from allergy tests to over-the-counter medications so you can stop dreading the blooming effects of nature and start delighting in them instead. What is an allergy? Dr. Graves: Allergies happen when the immune system has an over-reactive response to a substance. Theories vary of why this happens, a -
Space, Simplicity, Health
3 Tips for Space, Simplicity, and Health in Your Life and Home Do you ever feel that you can’t possibly take on one more thing? Is your mind so cluttered you can’t think straight sometimes? Do you have moments when you just wish things were simpler? In today’s western society where more is more, our homes and personal spaces can easily accumulate “stuff” that isn’t helpful or healthy - which can lead to an overload in our physical and mental spaces. Spring can be a great time to declutter and simplify, making healthier choices along the way. Simplify Life i -
Detox and Diet
Spring Cleansing: Detox and Diet If your New Year’s resolutions to eat better haven’t gone as planned, don’t think you’re alone. Up to 80% of determinations made at the start of any given year are abandoned within weeks and when we throw a pandemic on top of that, it may even be higher. With everything we have been dealing with this past year, a healthy diet may have been put on hold (because those extra carbs and sugar sure soothed our emotions) and now it may need some nurturing…and nutrients! If you just couldn’t seem to stick to that diet, eliminate what you wanted, o -
Spring Renewal
Spring is right around the corner and in nature, this is a time of rebirth and growth. It’s filled with fresh blossoms, bright colors, sweet chirping, and longer days. There is a sense of shedding layers and welcoming new beginnings, seen in the tiniest of buds to the beauty of a baby doe. This year, let’s take inspiration from nature and renew our own lives this spring. Following are 4 Ways to a Lifestyle Refresh that you can start today: Find Your Movement You know you need to exercise, but if walking on the treadmill (or your current choice of movement) isn’t motivating anymo -
10 Ways to Move Forward
10 Ways to Move Forward Through a Pandemic Are you tired of it all and ready to move on? It’s easy to say, but how do we actually do that…in a safe and healthy way? By being aware, not afraid. With vaccine distribution underway and more medical treatments for COVID-19, we can feel stuck between staying where we are and moving forward, not knowing what to do. But it may all come down to small steps in order to gain our confidence, health, and sense-of-self back. Following are 10 ways you can start to do this (please note that we do not endorse any activity and/or guarantee no-ris -
Physical Recovery
3 Ways to Recover Physically Over the past year, have you… been less active? indulged in food or drinks more than usual? slept less or inconsistently? and/or felt physically “off”? Whether suffering from the COVID-19 virus itself or just the effects of having to stay-at-home, this past year may have taken a toll on your body and now that we are slowly starting to climb out of “survival mode,” it can be time to recover physically. The added stress of pretty much everything about COVID, along with the loss of many of our healthy tools such as in-person workout classes -
Process and Grieve
How to Process and Grieve 2020 and the Effects of COVID-19 It’s more fact than fiction that most of us suffered some sort of trauma in 2020. Whether it was a change in jobs, kids learning at home, distance from those you love, or dealing with illness and/or loss of life from the virus itself, many of us have been living in pure survival mode. This is leading to older adults aging faster with more loss of memory, teens and young adults feeling confused and scared, as well as an overall increase in anxiety and depression in the general population right now. Our world was turned upside -
Long-Term COVID Effects
They’re called long-haulers: those who have had COVID-19 and recovered, only to feel detrimental effects of the virus weeks to months (and possibly more) after. There seems to be little rhyme or reason as to who and why these ramifications arise, but as we begin to learn more, we are witnessing how naturopathic medicine can help restore function and health. Long-term effects vary widely and can include, but are not limited to: - fatigue - brain fog - lack of concentration - memory loss -
Lifechanging CBD
3 Ways CBD Can Change Your Life From advertisements in health magazines to a display at the local gas station, CBD seems to be everywhere we look when it comes to well-being. And…it may just be for good reason. CBD is a cannabinoid of the marijuana plant. It is an extracted compound that has wondrous effects on the body and mind without a psychoactive response (such as the feeling of “getting high”). CBD can: - reduce inflammation - calm the nervous system and reduce the release of cortisol - ease nerve damage symptom -
Immediate Calm
The kids can’t find their shoes and you’re late for work. Traffic is backed up so you may miss your flight. The house is a mess, dinner hasn’t been started, and your mother is on her way over. Some days…chaos just seems to follow us around! It can be hard to bring ourselves back to center when things seem out of control, resulting in undesirable choices like saying things we don’t mean, reaching for wine or cookies, or running ourselves ragged, but it’s crucial for both our mental and physical health that we do. When things become stressful, our adrenal glands release cort -
Diet: Health vs. Looks
We may know that diet plays a crucial role in prevention of disease and healing from illness, but for many of us, it can revolve around our weight and the look of it. When a new year comes around, it can be time to lose a few pounds in order to fit into those old skinny jeans, but what if health was the major reason for changing your diet? The result could be an extraordinary slowing of the aging process both on the inside and out! When we are solely focused on changing something just to look a certain way, we can find ourselves up against a short-term goal that can fall away easi -
Health and Beauty
Internal Wellness for External Beauty: Making the Right Resolutions If beauty lies in that of the beholder, why can we be so hard on ourselves when we look in the mirror? As each new year approaches, resolutions abound for everything from losing weight to reducing wrinkles. And with our culture’s high priority on looks, we can find ourselves questioning everything from face fillers to daily diets with the hopes of a quick fix for our inevitable aging. But growing older is unavoidable and although we can try to cease it, true beauty may lie in how we take care of ourselves on the in -
Grateful & 2020
Well, it certainly hasn’t been an easy year. However, it has been life changing… and we’re grateful for many of the shifts. We’re taking a look back at the trials of this past year and the gifts those challenges have provided us. 2020 has given us opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow and we don’t take that for granted. Sure, the change has been uncomfortable at times, to say the least, but it’s part of life. Adjusting to things that seem out of our control has been part of humanity since its conception and continues to be. It’s simply part of being human. Th -
Reset After Holiday Eating
The sweet and creamy coffees and eggnog. The rich and decadent family meals. The sugary cookies and pies. What would the holidays be without some of these traditions? Well, healthy maybe, but not as much fun! Many of our holiday traditions revolve around food; they can be an important part of both culture and community. This year, don’t feel guilty for enjoying an afternoon baking cookies with the kids (with some taste testing!), having an extra helping of the family’s special casserole, or adding a little whipped cream to that peppermint latte. With these 5 ways to reset, -
Winter Family Fun
10 Ways to Social Distance This Winter Brrr…it’s cold out there! Winter can be a time to cuddle up on the sofa, gather indoors, see movies, and enjoy a nice meal inside a restaurant. But we all know that this year, winter activities need some adjustment in order to socially distance. So let’s embrace the changes we have to make while still enjoying the season! Following are 10 fun ways to social distance this winter: 1.Get Your Gear. Winter is only as fun as the gear that keeps you warm and dry. Opt for non-cotton, synthetic layers, waterproof jacket, pants, and boots -
Foods That Heal
Foods That Heal: Pre and Probiotics A round of antibiotics, a holiday filled with sugary food and drinks, a season of too much stress… It can all seem innocent at the time, but these things can have harmful impacts on the gut in which we can suffer for months, and even years, later. Why? It all starts with our gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is a blend of bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and fungi that: - enhance the immune system - aid in proper digestion of food and extraction of nutrients - sup -
Health and Holidays
How to Use Naturopathic Medicine Through the Holidays Extravagant presents to buy. Elaborate meals to make. Exuberant parties to attend. And…exhaustion from it all. The holidays can be filled with joy and special memories as well as chaos and an empty wallet. Expectations seem to increase each year in our culture, encouraging us to do extra and buy more. It can all lead to added stress, added pounds, a weakened immune system, and a sensitive mood - just to list a few. If you are feeling this way, you may want to put naturopathic medicine and its philosophies to use so your -
Healthy Holiday Eating
10 Tips for Healthier Eating During the Holidays The turkey. The ham. The sweet potato casserole and herbed stuffing. And don’t forget the pumpkin pie and peppermint bark - the menu goes on and on! The holidays are a food extravaganza and while it’s a scrumptious time of year, it can also be a sugary, salty, and fat-saturated one. So how do you steer away from unwanted pounds and detrimental health effects while still enjoying everything your plate has to offer? It’s all about choices and Dr. Graves is sharing his 10 tips on how to make choices that are healthier during t -
We Can Do Hard Things
Case numbers are on the rise locally and nationally, many schools are going back to remote-learning from home, getting together with friends and family is restricted, and on top of it all, the holidays are right in front of us. It’s enough to make any of us cry…and may have already. Let’s get real, this time is hard. We not only see it with clients but feel it ourselves at times. But you know what? We can do hard things. And, we can do hard things…together. During this challenging time, Dr. Graves is sharing tips on how to keep your emotional reserves from getting d -
Travel and Gathering
Should you travel on a plane right now? Is it okay to see Grandma in person? What about the annual Friendsgiving that is still being planned? In these uncertain times, what do you do? While there may not be magic answers for the holidays during a pandemic, there are definitely things to consider before making decisions. Following, we address some of the most prevalent questions we are hearing such as: Is it okay to fly? Should I go see Grandma if she wants me to? What do I do if I’m invited to an indoor gathering? Is it okay to fly? While the jury is still out on exactl -
Relationships and Conflict
Have you had a change in a relationship this past year due to the pandemic and/or political atmosphere? It’s no doubt an issue for many. Sure, we could blame politics, the news, the virus, etc., but the real issue may be with how we personally deal with conflict. Conflict happens in all relationships, but when were we ever taught how to handle it? Was it from watching our parents? Seeing it on television? Or do we avoid it altogether? In today’s world, it’s vital that we address conflict in loving and kind ways - for others and for ourselves. Following, Dr. Graves share -
Acupuncture Treatments
Acupuncture can have an air of mystery to many of us: What’s the reasoning behind putting a needle in a certain spot? Why does one needle feel more sensitive than another? Does it matter if I lay on my back or my stomach? You may have reaped the benefits of acupuncture, but do you really know why it worked and what the intricate experiences meant during your treatment? Dr. Graves is taking the enigma out of acupuncture by answering some of the questions you may have always wondered, but never asked him! Watch as he explains: When getting ready for a treatment, yo -
Living From Your Heart
Are you feeling overwhelmed with our political and/or cultural climate right now? Do you have overactive thoughts that are affecting your ability to relax? Have you witnessed relationships being challenged due to rising tensions? This time in our world is complicated. For many, it’s filled with concern and anxiety - both valid considering the climate of our culture right now - which is why living from your heart rather than just out of your head can make for more grounded living and better health. Have you ever heard someone say, “Just get out of your head?” Eastern medi -
COVID-19
Should you or shouldn’t you? Is it safe or not? Is that the truth or does it have a political bias? If your head is spinning wondering what to believe these days, it’s not a surprise. There seems to be conflicting information daily and it’s frustrating at best, chaotic at worst. CNMA continues to receive a variety of questions on the latest scientific information and Dr. Graves is here to help break down what research is showing and relay this to you in a non-biased and non-political way. His network of doctors from around the country, his own analysis of reports, and hi -
Fall Social Distancing Ideas
Fall in Colorado is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Leaves are changing, harvests are happening, and festivals are abundant. But this year…it looks a little different. Fall events are cancelled, school break vacations are on hold, and some of our favorite activities are not available to enjoy right now (in-person football games, anyone?). But fall doesn’t have to be boring this year, it just needs to be creative! We have some ideas for enjoying the season around Colorado’s Front Range while still social distancing. Please note that while these ideas do not have a ri -
Resilience: Spiritual Health
Do you have purpose in life? How do you seek happiness and deal with suffering? In what ways do you feel connected to others, the earth, and the universe? How do you view life, death, and possible life-after-death? Spiritual health can often be overlooked, especially when things are going smoothly. However, when change happens (as it certainly has recently), spirituality can bubble to the surface in which we can question what we thought we once knew and seek out new and different answers to the mysteries before us. Whether it’s from the loss of a loved one, a serious diagnos -
Resilience: Mental Health
When life changes outside of our choosing, it can create feelings of uncertainty. We may not feel safe or sure of ourselves, and it can feel like things are simply out-of-control. But the choice is up to you… you can either do everything you can to control life and allow uncertainty to create anxiety OR you can connect with what you are feeling, sit with your emotions, and learn to adapt to what life is right now. The first thing we want you to know is that you are not alone in the stress, anxiety, and/or depression you may be dealing with. Almost everyone we talk to lately is feel -
Resilience: Physical Health
One thing the pandemic has reminded us is that physical health is crucial to surviving change. Dr. Graves calls this wake-up call a golden opportunity to get healthier and overcome what you have been struggling with or settling for. Through taking a health inventory, deciding on what type of health care provider(s) you should turn to, and then taking action, you can begin to feel better and get stronger. 1. Taking a Health Inventory It can be difficult to know what to optimize if you don’t know where you are currently at. This is why we recommend taking a personal health inven -
Building Resilience
Have you noticed change in your life recently? Maybe it’s: - an increase in stress due to uncertainty - a modification in daily schedules, particularly with school - a notice of political divisiveness in the country as well as more close to home - a resolve to move, start a new career, or make a major life decision Whatever it is, change is our one constant, and during times like these... it seems to be coming at us at warp speed. Change is inevitable. We can’t run from it, avoid it, nor hope it away. Whether an effect due to the choices and actions we have personally made or from -
10 Anti-Viral Foods
You know that a diet full of plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for you, but did you know that certain foods are particularly good for your immune system? If you’re ready to prepare your immunity for cold and flu season, then eat up! Following are some of Dr. Graves’ favorite foods for immune support and some fun recipes to go with them! Garlic: this root vegetable contains plenty of vitamin C and vitamin B6 to ward off illness. Use it to flavor dishes or enjoy it on its own by roasting it! Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard and other Green Leafy Vegetables: full of vitam -
Supplements for Immunity
You may have heard that vitamin C is good for your immune system, but do you know what kind of vitamin C? Do you wonder if garlic really works to ward off viruses? What about all of the marketing in local food stores for immune supplement blends? Are you curious if any of these are worth the investment? When it comes to herbal supplements for immune health, questions abound. And during a time in our lives when immunity is more important than ever…they should. As cold and flu season closely awaits us, now is the time to make our immune system a top priority so it’s prep -
Immune System Lifestyle
You may never have been as in tune to your immune system as you are now. As we approach fall and winter with caution, there is no better time to get your immune system in tip-top shape for fighting any future illness. Where do you begin when it comes to creating strong immunity? As easy as with your day to day actions. Following, we list out 10 areas of your life that play a vital role in supporting your immune system. Start by focusing on a few areas that need extra attention and aim for achieving all of them. SLEEP Getting adequate sleep is one of the most important thin -
Digestive Health for Kids
An upset stomach. Not eating very well. Constipation or diarrhea. You know when your child isn’t feeling well and although they may not be able to express it, you understand it’s time to look into it further. Kids commonly have digestive issues and are unable to communicate exactly what they are experiencing. Due to this, some kids may act out and showcase behavior challenges while others may consistently complain without good detail of what’s going on. This can leave a parent wondering if there is something actually wrong and how to go about fixing it. At CNMA, we are -
Back to School Support
What is typically an exciting time of year may look and feel different over the next few weeks and months. Many schools have different schedules, new guidelines, and various recommendations that have never been enacted before, which can leave both us and our kids feeling anxious, cautious, and uneasy at this new way of school life. This is why we are sharing health tips for both you and your children as you navigate the new school year. Tips for Kids: Dr. Graves recommends 4 specific daily supplements when it comes to kids’ health: Probiotic (2-6 billion CFU per day) Vit -
Screens, Kids, and COVID
Could your child or teen play video games or engage in computer screens from the moment he or she wakes up until it’s bedtime? Does your child or teen get bored easily if not consistently occupied by the internet? Has keeping your child or teen involved in hobbies or movement hard - especially since the coronavirus? If you could answer “yes” to any of these questions, know that you are not alone. Parents around the world are examining the subject of video games, technology, and screen time and the role they play in their children’s lives. Overuse of technology and screen time ha -
Acupuncture for Pain
Neck, back, shoulder or elbow. Hips, knee, hand or foot. It doesn’t matter where it is…pain is pain and it can be downright debilitating. One of the most common ailments Dr. Graves treats is pain, with a relief success rate of approximately 70-80%! So how does he do it? With a holistic, Eastern medicine approach that includes acupuncture and at times, herbal supplements. We’re talking to Dr. Graves about treating pain with acupuncture and the effect is has on helping people get back to normal. Why do you think you are you seeing so many clients with pain issues right -
Is My Libido Normal?
The big romantic gesture. The swoon-worthy kiss. The way they simply adore each other. For many of us, the glamour of romance just stays on the big screen and our own lives are not at all like the fairytale we envision. And this can leave us wondering… Is my libido normal? Even though the answer may be a bit complicated, there are a variety of naturopathic options that can help. Dr. Graves believes that sexual libido can be one clue to overall health, in addition to good sleep, a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, stress management, and emotional connection. Following, we ta -
5 Supplements to Ease Anxiety
“I can remember what it was like and can tell when it’s coming on again. It’s like my mind keeps going in circles, worrying about the same things and I can’t get out of it. Stress makes it worse, but it seems impossible to live a completely calm life when working, raising kids, and making sure there are healthy meals every night. It just seems overwhelming at times.” This experience from one of our clients is not uncommon in today’s world. There’s always more to do, more to get, and more to achieve which means more to worry and stress about. So how do you do i -
Fun Seasonal Summer Eating
It’s summer time and even though your plans may look a little different this year, you can still enjoy and reap the benefits of this amazing season when it comes to your diet! Staying at home more this year gives us time, energy, and space in our lives to think about our diets more and cook delicious meals. And summer is a perfect time to connect with our food. The closer we eat as though we were living in nature, the healthier we can be. Summer eating is about: - eating lighter - getting in as many fresh fruits and vegetable -
How to Live Out of Love Vs. Fear
The world seems like a constant whirlwind these days. Whether it’s a new virus, the unpredictable economy, or social injustice, catching up on the evening news is enough to instill even a little bit of fear in any of us. And while we know living out of fear is not ideal, it can be hard not to unconsciously fall into it. We have to keep ourselves and our family safe, we crave job security, and we want equality and respect for all. When any of these needs are at risk or questioned, we can find ourselves reacting out of fear and worry versus love and compassion - which is not good fo -
The New Normal: A Holistic Approach
Should we or shouldn’t we? This was the question my husband and I kept asking each other for over a week before our children’s birthdays. It is the day they look forward to the most each year - even if they have to share it with each other…and they wanted to go to their favorite breakfast restaurant. It had just opened - with social distance guidelines - but we still felt confused and concerned. Should we go? Is it safe? What’s the risk? After a week of going back and forth it took waking up to a power outage the morning of their birthdays to make the decision for us…we w -
Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Did you know that chronic inflammation is a driver in many diseases? Heart disease, hormone disruption, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, headaches and migraines, multiple sclerosis, and poor immunity are just a small list of correlated disease with chronic inflammation that researchers are discovering. It is accelerating the aging process and it’s not good. With a rise in numbers in so many of these diseases and more, what’s causing chronic inflammation and how can we squelch it? Chronic inflammation in the body is caused by things such as, but not l -
Create Summer Fun, Even During a Pandemic
Summer is usually met with the excitement of taking some time off, getting out to see the world, exploring and discovering as well as relaxing and socializing. But amid a pandemic…it can look much different. If your summer travel plans have been canceled, your typical BBQs aren’t on the calendar, or your annual traditions are now put on hold, you may be wondering what you CAN do to enjoy the summer in a meaningful and safe way. Summer is an important time of year for both our physical and mental health. It encourages us to move our bodies, nourish ourselves with fresh foods, and -
Beyond Fear, Finding Growth
It’s not an easy time right now. Jobs are at risk, uncertainly continues on, and the possibility of contracting COVID-19 is still there. It’s enough to bring out a bit of fear in any of us and if you are feeling it, it’s normal…you’re human. While fear is a natural emotion, it can also be a paralyzing one. Feeling as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders with many circumstances out of your control can be detrimental to both your mental and physical health. We aren’t here to tell you not to feel a certain way - it’s important you recognize and feel your e -
Natural Medicine: Q and A with Dr. Graves
“Naturopathic medicine was never on my radar until I found myself exhausted from western medicine testing and specialists who didn’t have any answers and was desperate to find figure things out. For years, no one could tell me what was going on or what I could do to heal it. One day, I finally searched for naturopathic doctors in the Castle Rock area and found Colorado Natural Medicine + Acupuncture. I was skeptical - especially because the cost would be out of pocket - but I followed through on my determination to get better and met with Dr. Graves. It’s been three years since -
Spring Cleanse Health Boost
After a winter of warm, cozy, comfort food and indoor snuggling, is it time to rid your system of unwanted build ups through a good detox? Following nature’s guide, spring is a perfect time of year to cleanse the body of toxins and get it in tip top shape for summer. However, many of us can feel anxiety just thinking about what a “detox” may consist of. If a bathroom isn’t close by we may think we can’t do it. But that’s not necessarily the case! We are discussing three simple ways to detox that are gentle and healthy! Support Your Liver. Your liver is responsibl -
Naturopathic Help for Pain
Pain. It’s a debilitating word - both emotionally and physically. It can slowly creep up and become chronic for years or it can hit you acutely and be intense. It can keep you from performing life’s daily duties and push your hobbies to the side. It can take the joy out of life and put you on a path to anxiety, depression, and even addiction. No matter how you are experiencing physical pain, it’s effect on your life can be devastating, which makes pain management essential in living a full life. But what are your options? Many traditional western doctors prescribe pain killer -
Natural Preparations for the Coronavirus
Starting to get a bit anxious about the potential spread of the coronavirus? It’s okay, if so. Some of our clients are and we understand the questions and concerns that go along with the potential local transmission of this illness. While we are still learning more about this virus everyday (and what we think we know now could easily change), Dr. Graves has some recommendations for being prepared in case it does hit close to home. Don’t Panic. We are all in this together and our goal is to not spread it to others if we do find ourselves coming down with something (especially -
Lonely in a Crowd
How can it be that we feel lonely when there are people around us everywhere? Loneliness in western culture is an epidemic. We live in an individualistic society which is at odds with how we were born to live - in tribes, groups, and communities - and this can make us feel utterly alone, even when we have others around us. The fact that we are left to figure things out by ourselves such as raising children, making ends meet, and having a perfect marriage can leave us with a sense of loss - a loss of community, a loss of support, and ultimately, a loss of love. And according to the -
Spring Allergy Prevention
As the snow is falling outside it’s hard to think about allergy season right around the corner. But the moment the sun comes out, the snow starts to melt, and the temperatures begin to rise, nature will be ready to bloom. Are you ready for when it does? Preparing yourself for allergy season before it hits can mean the difference between enjoying the beauty of the outdoors versus staying holed up inside with a box of tissue next to you. We want you to love spring versus dread it, so that is why we are sharing supplement tips to get your immune system primed to crush those allergies! -
Coronavirus Questions
It seems to be talked about on the news every day. Masks are selling out and people are being quarantined; the numbers are on the rise and it feels like it’s getting closer and closer to home. Should you be worried about the coronavirus? CNMA clients are beginning to ask Dr. Graves about this virus in which new perspective may be had based on his responses. Following, he answers prevalent questions in our community. Should I be scared of the coronavirus if I live in Castle Rock, CO or the surrounding areas? Dr. Graves: Generally no, but let’s break down that question a bit -
Making Space for Love
Is this the year of you? If so, what does that mean? What does it mean in relation to yourself, to others, and to the world as a whole? If you are wanting to better yourself and your connection with others, this may just be the year of love. At CNMA, we work with many clients who are in the process of redefining who they are and what they want from their lives. This can include both mental and physical work and much of it revolves around the love they hold for themselves and for others. However, when it comes to opening our hearts to new ideas, goals, and perspectives, it’ -
5 Best Daily Supplements
5 Supplements You Should Consider Taking Daily Have you walked into your local vitamin store feeling a bit overwhelmed? With rows and rows of supplements as well as ads boasting how they can all help you live better, it’s enough to make our heads spin. And if we listened to every advertisement or claim, we could easily go broke! So what are the most important supplements to take on a daily basis? What gives you the most bang for your buck? And what about specialty supplements based on your individual needs? Dr. Graves is here to answer these common questions and provide y -
Customized Diet Plan
Have you witnessed your best friend drop pounds and gain energy on a certain diet? Has your spouse changed the way he or she eats and is now happier than ever? Do you constantly see the sea of diet options and wonder if you, too, should try these “must do” techniques? Many clients come to us and ask what to do about losing weight. We find that selecting the right diet is a personal decision that varies from individual to individual, based on many factors. While one diet may work wonders for your mother, it’s not a guarantee it will do the same for you. Physical as well -
10 Best Superfoods for 2020
Are you ready to change up your diet in 2020? If so, let this be the year of superfoods! Superfoods, a common term for foods and spices that provide extra nutrients, are making quite the scene lately and it’s time to get in on it. Following are 10 superfoods that can be easy to include in your diet regimen - even if you’ve never heard of them before! Pomegranates. These beauties may not look like much when you pass them in the produce aisle, but when you slice one open you’ll witness the gorgeous glory of the fruit. Loaded with antioxidants and fiber, you can snack on po -
Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivities
Do you ever remember a time where there has been as many food intolerances as there are today? Whether it’s packing nut-free snacks for your kids, making a gluten-free dinner for your spouse, or steering clear of dairy for yourself, food aversions seem to be everywhere, leaving many of us to wonder… Do I have an allergy to a certain food? Or is it a sensitivity? And if so, what’s the difference and how do I know? Due to the critical connection of food and our health, we want to break down these questions and make it easier to understand the world of food allergies a -
A Time for Change?
Is it time for change in your life? As scary as it can be, it can be worth it. And we are here to help you every step of the way. For many, the journey to happiness isn’t smooth sailing. For those who have suffered, have been challenged, or had to make tough choices, you may know the value of peace after change happens. But change can be hard. It can involve acknowledging that something isn’t working; that you need to step outside of your comfort zone; that things you count on now won’t necessarily be there after. But whether it is with your lifestyle, your diet, a relation -
Top Q and A’s 2019
As 2019 comes to a close, our hearts are full of wonder for the many clients we have been able to help this past year. From sleep issues to weight gain to hormone shifts to pain management not to mention grief, trauma, and emotional challenges, our days were filled with stories of those looking for hope, relief, and healing. And we are honored to have helped. Throughout the year, we took note of a variety of questions that were commonly asked. Wrapping up 2019, we want to share our most popular questions of the year and answers from Dr. Graves. We hope these answers provide insi -
Food and Drink Swaps
You may be part of a cookie swap or holiday gift swap, but this year…join us in our holiday health swap! If your holidays are typically spent enjoying too many sweets and too much wine, in addition to the rich main meals and other sugary drinks, you are probably aware of the bloating and blah you can feel after your “fun” - not to mention the guilt of over-indulging. This is why we want to share 15 tips to swapping out unhealthy holidays traditions with merry and bright ideas to keep you decking the halls! Swap Carbs for Protein and Vegetables. Pass the bread basket and go fo -
Sleep and the Holidays
Does the holiday season have you running like Rudolph - even in your dreams? If sleep is something you’d put on your wish list then you must have been good this year because Santa is coming early, bringing you tips for solid sleep during the holidays. Sleep is crucial for a healthy holiday season, yet can sometimes be elusive this time of year. There are early travel days, late night parties, last-minute shopping, luscious desserts and potent drinks - and the list goes on and on of why we don’t get adequate amounts of quality sleep. However, we are here to provide insights into why -
Weight at the Holidays
Worried about too many sugar plums or candy canes this holiday season? How about mocha lattes in the morning followed by champagne cocktails at night? Or maybe it’s the traditional neighborhood cookie swap or the overly processed food at the holiday office party? Whether it’s your own home cooking or the enticement of marketing around you, there are endless luscious holiday indulgences that your stomach says “yes!” to while your waist says, “no!”. At the holidays, the worst foods for us can also be the most enjoyable. Carbs and fats combined can make for one delicious mea -
Hashimoto Disease
Have you been diagnosed with Hashimoto disease and told by your doctor not to worry but you find yourself scared anyway? If so, you are experiencing similar feelings to others we have treated with this most common type of hypothyroid disease. Hashimoto’s disease happens when the immune system attacks the thyroid which leads to less production of thyroid hormones - a form of hypothyroidism. While most doctors are not concerned with the disease as it can be easily treated with medication, many people still continue to suffer from unwanted symptoms long after the prescription takes a -
Naturopathic Guide to Surviving the Holiday
Feeling jolly and excited or jaded and exhausted? The holidays can bring it all on at some point! But throughout all of the planning, buying, traveling, eating, drinking and entertaining, you can still survive with a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Want to know our secrets how? Here’s Dr. Graves’ Guide to Surviving the Holidays: PREPARE When it comes to a fun and healthy holiday season, it’s crucial to prepare before it starts. This means everything from enhancing your immune system to ward off bacteria and viruses you will probably come in contact with to having proper -
Winter Blues and Seasonal Depression
Are you dreading winter? Do you loathe the white stuff on the ground? Do you just feel down about life when the cold comes in? While some of us may love bundling up and sitting in front of a fireplace when the thermometer dips, there are others of us who experience physical and/or mental distress during this time of year that can make the winter months simply miserable. Before dismissing your displeasure for the cues of winter, you may find it interesting to note that many of the symptoms you experience may be due to the actual season itself. At CNMA, we find that the “winter blues -
A New Perspective on Stress
Have you ever told yourself (or someone else), “I’m just stressed” to explain why you aren’t feeling like yourself or why are experiencing unusual symptoms? If so, you could very well be right. An estimated 60-80% of all primary care doctor visits are related to stress. It’s an astounding number considering stress is something that we can learn to adapt to. However, in our high stress culture, tension, anxiety, and pressure has become the norm. Rather than stress management, our society tends to lean towards just dealing with the consequences. And those aftermaths can be serio -
Migraines: Symptoms, Relief, Natural Remedies
Did you know that up to a quarter of all households have someone who suffers from migraines? If you’re one of them, you know the havoc they can wreak. Plans have to be cancelled, noise needs to be shut off, and lights must be dimmed for many that suffer from this debilitating pain. Because of this, many people wonder if prescription or over-the-counter medication is the only answer to feeling better. While these meds can provide great relief for symptoms in the short- term, there are also natural, holistic options that may help for long-term alleviation. Frequently, CNMA treats -
3 Alternatives to Antidepressants
There are times in our lives when it feels like we just can’t handle things anymore on our own… We may worry so much it paralyzes us from trying new things. We may feel an overwhelming amount of sadness that we can’t shake. Or we may just know that something doesn’t feel right with our mood and it begins to affect our relationships, work, and overall daily lives. In our fast-paced culture where stress runs high and we have little time and encouragement to process the traumas of life in a safe and loving environment, it is not a surprise that many of us find ourselves here. Howe -
Mushrooms: Medicine, Superfood, and More
Have you noticed the popularity of mushrooms lately? And we mean more than the white button ones you ordered on your pizza last weekend. They’ve been around for centuries, these mushrooms. Many cultures have used them medicinally for thousands of years and still include them in their daily diets today. Whether fresh, dried, or in powder supplement form - these forest inhabitants pack a pretty healthful punch for our health and now mushrooms are gaining a following more than ever in western society - particularly in fall and winter months. What’s the “magic” of mushrooms du -
Over-the-Counter Pharmacy vs. Naturopathic Herbs
Have you ever walked into your local over-the-counter pharmacy and stared at the shelves wondering which bottle will help your cold, flu, sleep, digestive, or pain issues the best? How about the quickest? And within your ideal price range? It’s pretty common for many of us to pick something and keep our fingers crossed that what we’ve selected will work quickly and effectively, allowing us to get back to our normal daily lives feeling better as soon as possible. But what if we were to tell you that what you chose may just be a band-aid and not something that will heal the underl -
Natural Primary Care Physician
You’ve seen Dr. Graves for chronic pain, sleep issues, hormones, or maybe even fatigue you have been suffering from. The experience was exceptional - acupuncture and supplements helped your body heal and you are grateful for the natural help you received. But now you are facing an acid-reflux flair up, a bout of irritating allergies, or a severe cold coming on. You reach for the phone to make an appointment with your primary care physician, but then hesitate… Is this something Dr. Graves could help with as well or is the CNMA office just for more chronic issues? This common sce -
Exercise and Weight Gain
“I just finished my workout. It was 30 minutes of HIIT, right in my own home courtesy of a link on YouTube. Five years ago I would have cringed at the rather low intensity of it, the relatively short amount of time, and the fact that I did it in my living room. But today? Today I know that it’s the toughest workout I will do all week and that I will feel better because of the short amount of time and less intense stress on my adrenal glands. For that, I am grateful for the recognition and advice Dr. Graves provided me in changing my perspective on everything I thought was right in or -
Feeling Unmotivated and Tired?
“It started when I began losing my motivation to workout. I was going throughout my day without my usual energy, but I didn’t think it was enough to ask a doctor about. It wasn’t until I started gaining weight that I realized I hadn’t been to the gym in months and honestly, didn’t have any desire to go back. My wife suggested I talk to Dr. Graves. He conducted a blood test that showed my testosterone was in normal range, but not functioning at an optimal level. Within one month of taking his suggested supplements to encourage my body to produce more testosterone on its own I -
Post-Menopause / Menopause Natural Support
Are you going through menopause or are in the years after it (post-menopause) and feel like you are falling apart? Have you talked to a general practitioner or OBGYN and been told only to take synthetic estrogen hormones to deal with your symptoms? Are you worried about side effects from prescription hormones but wonder if the risk is worth helping the issues you dealing with? If so, you are experiencing what many of our clients are going through. Menopause is the body’s natural way of transitioning from producing reproductive hormones to stopping them. It can be a frustrating time -
Buddhist Psychology and Peace Within
Pain. It’s an inevitable part of life. And while you may choose to ignore, compartmentalize or run from it, there is no escaping it. Loved ones will pass away. Your health may be challenged. Jobs may change and finances may fluctuate. And less recognized pain can develop when your relationships have trials and tribulations, you face differences with your children, and even when you just feel overwhelmed from the everyday stress of life. “Pain is pain is pain,” says Dr. Adam Graves ND, LAc. No matter if you are suffering from a disagreement with your boss or fighting for -
Pre-Menopause / Perimenopause Symptoms
If you are under the age of 45 and experiencing unusual hormone symptoms that you aren’t expecting for a few years yet, you may just be experiencing signs of pre-menopause (also called perimenopause). It can start with odd symptoms that may not be immediately associated with a shift in hormones and may easily be looked over in those at young ages. However, pre-menopause can begin as early as a woman’s 30s, depending on when hormonal changes take place. Although it is typically not an issue to worry about, it can be frustrating to deal with pre- menopausal issues on your own. Some t -
Men’s Health: Chronic and Acute Pain Relief
Yard work, playing a round of soccer with the kids, enjoying a day on the slopes, or even just a routine day at the gym…all of these and many more of life’s activities can bring on stubborn pain for many men. Whether it’s pain that lingers and becomes chronic or pain that is acute and debilitating, aches and irritation in muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons can wreak havoc on not only hobbies, sports, and interests, but in overall, everyday life. And while some men simply choose to live with it, missing out on enjoying life to the fullest due to pain doesn’t have to be your s -
Men’s Health: Natural Sleep Aid
“I can fall asleep, but find myself awake from 3:00am to 5:00am or until my alarm clock goes off.” “I lay in bed wide awake watching the clock tick by for hours until I can fall back asleep.” “Sleep is just not my friend.” Is this you, your boyfriend or husband, or even your father? Men and sleep can have a tumultuous relationship, so it’s not a surprise if it is. However, there may be some good news for you or the man in your life dealing with challenges when it comes to sleep…and it doesn’t include prescription sleep medication. Sleep is a vital part of our overa -
CBD: Cannabidiol Facts and Information
You’ve probably seen it recently. The the local farmer’s market, health food store, or even gas station - all showcasing CBD products. And while it may be popping up everywhere, you may be wondering a few things, such as… Is it safe? Will I get high? Is it legal? Does it really have health benefits or is it just a marketing trend? We’ve compiled answers to some of our clients top questions and are sharing it with you in this article. If you find yourself with additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (303) 688-6698 to ask away! 10 Things to Know -
Parent Self Care
You take the kids to the park, but they spend the day fighting with each other. You surprise them with a new toy but they tell you that they wanted something else. You spend extra money and time making a healthy dinner but it goes untouched on their plate. Have you ever had those days that no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to win? We sure have! When raising kids, it’s normal to have these experiences. It’s part of the deal when becoming a parent. But just because these moments many be common, it doesn’t mean that they are easy. And if we don’t take care of ourselves -
Staying Healthy While Traveling
It’s not uncommon to feel a little off, stressed, and exhausted after a long plane ride or extensive car trip, but when these passing ailments turn into days of coughing, stuffy noses, upset stomachs, and even anxiety, it can be miserable. Everything you have looked forward to, saved up for, and took time off for - ruined by not feeling your best; we know the frustration! It’s not a surprise this often happens when we take into account the stress of preparing and packing for a trip as well as the actual travel itself. Crowds of people, new foods, and exciting adventures can get ou -
Create a Less Stressful School Year
It’s 5 minutes after you were supposed to have left to drop the kids off at school and they still haven’t brushed their teeth. You’re tempted to leave without the teeth being brushed, but then you realize…you’re already late. What’s another 5 minutes at this point? You roll your eyes and can feel your blood pressure rising as your voice grows louder for everyone to hurry up. It’s not even 9:00am and you are already stressed to the max. Sound familiar? It does to many of us after a leisurely summer of relaxed schedules and plenty of play time. It’s common to h -
When Relationships Change
Maybe it’s your spouse. Maybe it’s your co-worker. Maybe it’s your best friend. Whoever it is with, you have probably realized at some point that relationships change. And it can be uncomfortable and upsetting to deal with it. Not to mention stressful. The stress of changing relationships can take a toll on our overall physical and mental health. And while it may seem unfitting to see a conventional general practitioner over it, the stress, anger, frustration, and sadness can all add up - and can even lead to illness and disease so it’s important to take care of it - in a healthy and -
Farmer’s Market
The gorgeous colors. The fresh smells. The vitamins and nutrients just waiting to be had! Our body is designed to eat seasonally and with summer upon us and farmers’ markets at our fingertips, this fun way to shop can open our eyes to a new and nutritious way of eating! So how can you get the most out of your experience at a farmers’ market? Here are our top 5 tips to eating your way through these exciting and beneficial stands of plenty! Talk to the Farmer. Did you know that some farmers’ markets only allow actual farmers to sell produce? If you’re lucky enough to ha -
Sit and Watch the Sunset
Each year there are 365 sunsets. How many of these do you actually sit and watch while doing nothing else? If the number is small, why is that? Why can’t we sit and do nothing but enjoy the beauty in nature? Why do we feel guilty for not being productive in that moment? Why…are we addicted to busy? We believe it simply comes down to our emotions. Not what you were expecting to hear? Let’s look deeper into why we have a difficult time slowing down, relaxing, and soaking in our environment. Growing up, most of us are not taught how to sit with our emotions. We watch how our pa -
Summer Party Tips
That beach chair has my name on it. Sure, I’ll have another margarita! How can I pass up an extra helping of potato salad?! The joys of summer! And even better…the joys of summer parties! Some of us wait all year for these blissful days of lounging around with family and friends, soaking up the sun, and indulging in the flavors of the season. But what happens when all of our summer partying leaves us feeling tired and bloated with a few extra pounds we are lugging around? It’s enough to feel self-conscious in our swimsuit before the party, not to mention how we feel after! -
Adolescent Mental Health
Mental Health. It seems like we can’t go a day without hearing these two words in everything from the local news to national politics - which means the times may be a changing because for centuries it has been taboo to talk about this topic. And this time of change is right. Especially if you have an adolescent. It’s not easy growing into an adult - it never has been. But when we pair the natural physical growing pains with man-made challenges such as social media, bullying, and low self-esteem, the stress of adolescence can lead to dangerous consequences if we aren’t mindful. -
Kid’s Sports Injuries & Acupuncture
Of the 30 million children who play sports each year, 3.5 million of them experience an injury throughout the year that will result in loss of play time in the sport itself. That’s a lot of kids who are hurt at young ages - and some of those injuries may affect them for the rest of their lives. But is synthetic drug pain management and/or surgery the only options when it comes to healing sports injuries? Not all of the time. Even though it’s been around for thousands of years, acupuncture is only now becoming a more popular option in western culture for treating pain and healin -
Swimsuit Anxiety
Kids wanting to go to the pool? You’d love a day on the beach? Can’t wait to get in the water? Wait…but that means you have to go in public. In your swimsuit. Well, we’re here to tell you that thin and skinny is so 1980s and strong and confident is so 2019! We know that there is high anxiety when summer arrives and swim suit season is here. There is so much to compare ourselves to, and in effect, come down our ourselves for. Why did I have to eat that extra slice of pizza the other night? Why haven’t I worked out harder? Why I am not more disciplined?! At the -
Top 10 Stress Busters for Summer
Ahhh…summer. The sun, the water, the fun. Sounds so relaxing! But then we soon remember that we may have kids on summer break, the yard needs more attending to, and all kinds of activities need to be planned! But don’t fret - we are here to share 10 stress-busters for making this a summer that is refreshing, inspiring, and fun for the entire family without all the stress! As summer is quickly approaching, it’s a good idea to put a loose plan in place to how you’re going to enjoy it. Remember…it’s a time for you to rest and recharge just as much as it is to get out and savor! -
Lower Your High Cholesterol: Natural Solutions
Your cholesterol numbers have come back high. Your doctor wants you to take prescription medication. Your mind is swimming in circles because all of a sudden you now you have questions on how it got to be so high, what it could do to your future health, and if a drug is really going to fix it all. The topic of cholesterol is definitely a challenging one. It’s one to take seriously and also one to ensure you understand fully - to help you make the best decision for your health. At CNMA, we are mindful of heart disease and the dangerous risk it poses to one’s health. Dealing with hea -
Natural Secrets for Aging Skin
Aging is a natural process. But in western society, it’s one we tend to dread and aging skin, in particular, can be our vice. For men and many women, nothing shows you are growing older other than wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. Is this necessarily a bad thing? Not at all! However, it is difficult to accept when our culture values youth and beauty and tends to depreciate older age - which is why many turn to fillers, creams, and surgery to combat this inevitable part of life. But are there natural options to keeping skin looking healthy as we age? Absolutely! Fol -
Is it Genetics? Nature vs. Nurture
If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “it runs in our family”, you may feel that you are cursed to develop the same things. Weight issues, thyroid imbalance, mental health conditions, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. It can feel as though we are doomed to experience the same path if others in our family have dealt with these issues. However, science tells us that’s not exactly true. The question of nature versus nurture is one that has been around for ages and continues in our modern day. And when it comes to genetics, we ask, “how much does nature play a role in how ou -
Self Care for Moms
Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Handmade cards the kids give you as they jump into bed, maybe a little breakfast with some burnt toast and jam, or even a creative family outing - how fun! But all you really want…is time to yourself. To read a few chapters in a new book, to watch your favorite show that’s been forgotten about on the DVR, to sit and do nothing. But even though this may not make us feel like we are very good moms, it may be the very reason why we are. Motherhood is incredibly rewarding. It can also be exhausting and stressful at times! And for those who recog -
Natural, Holistic Skin Care
If you suffer from an unpleasant skin condition, you probably know how frustrating it can be to not only discover what is causing the issue but also how to control it - especially in a natural and healthy manner. Whether it be acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or other skin challenges, the number of people who endure skin disease are staggering - with up to 50 million people in the U.S. suffering from acne alone at some point during their lifetime. Many western dermatologists immediately prescribe mediated topical ointments, which can be helpful, but we also find that this largest -
Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
Have you noticed a little more hair in your brush lately? How about on your pillow or in the shower? Has your hairstylist made mention of loose strands? Any of these symptoms is enough to bring on a bit of anxiety, especially when it’s not expected. Female and male hair loss can happen at any age and no matter when it comes on, it is typically not welcomed. Many people experience frustration with hair loss after their primary care doctor doesn’t see anything wrong or doesn’t know what is causing it. They may prescribe a topical ointment such as minoxidil or prescription medicat -
Holistic Approach to Midlife Happiness
Do you remember, years ago, what you thought life would like at your current age? Was your vision filled with accomplished dreams, achieved goals, and an overall feeling of happiness? Did your image look anything like how your life is now or are you still envisioning when that “happiness” will come your way? It’s impossible to know exactly what your life will look like (and with its twists and turns, it’s anyone’s guess), but our visions of the future help us make goals, work towards achieving them, and simply have the determination to keep going - even when things go in differe -
3 Ways to Beat Spring Allergies in 2019
The sneezing. The stuffy nose. The watery eyes. The drowsiness from medications. As much as we love spring, it can bring on unwanted allergies and make our health less than optimal. So while we want to open the windows and go for a hike, we can sometimes dread the reactions we’ll face when enjoying the outdoors this time of year. However, get those hiking shoes ready because we’re here to share some natural therapies that will get you enjoying those trails sooner rather than later! Here are 3 Ways to Beat Spring Allergies! Watch What You Eat. You may think that your sin -
Weight Stuck?
Have you seemed to have tried everything - the diets, the exercise, the supplements, but nothing seems to work? Are you frustrated with not seeing any results? Wondering why you keep gaining weight even though you may be dieting more? Don’t feel alone - there are many others out there just like you! Due to the amount of clients we treat with this issue, we want to talk about the complexities that come with the challenge of weight gain and weight loss. We wish it were a simple one- answer-fits-all approach, but unfortunately, it is not. It’s…well, complicated. Why am I gaining weight -
Supplements and Vitamins: Are You Taking the Right Ones?
If you’ve ever wondered which supplement or vitamin to purchase and were overwhelmed and confused by the amount to select from and differences in prices, it’s no wonder considering the world of supplements is a multi-billion dollar industry. So how do you know what to be cautious of? Following are some myths that we hear in our office and some truths we have learned in our twelve years of experience to help you decide what is the most sensible supplement option for your needs and your budget. Myth #1: All Supplements Are Created Equal. You may purchase a certain supplement from a -
5 Tips for a Spring Detox
As nature begins to come out of its shell and prepare for new growth, it’s the perfect time for us humans to do the same. After hibernating throughout the winter, enjoying comfort foods, and a few times of binge watching our favorite shows, spring is a wonderful opportunity to shed our old ways and welcome in the new! If you are finding yourself inspired by the extra hour of daylight, the warmer weather, and the glimpse of green you are beginning to see (or just feeling it’s time to start fresh), then we encourage you to check out our following 5 tips for an easy spring detox: 1. -
Natural Hangover Prevention and Cures
Have you ever said to yourself that you’re only going to have one drink but that good intention turned to bad decisions later on? We’ve been there - and it’s not fun the next morning! We understand that there are times when we celebrate with friends, drown our sorrows by ourselves, or just have a night out with our spouse in which we can easily tip the scales to the “too much” category when it comes to drinking alcohol. And, as we get older we can find ourselves much more sensitive to the dreaded “hangover.” But what if there were a few things we could do to try and preve -
Daughter Guilt
“I always thought if someone knew the real me, they wouldn’t like me. I was selfish. I didn’t do enough. And I just didn’t care. At least, that’s what my mother routinely told me. And our mothers are always right, aren’t they? For most of my life I felt that I wasn’t good enough and that deep down, I wasn’t a good person because of all of my unbecoming characteristics my mother would tell me about. I just couldn’t make her happy, which in turn, led to me to live with so much guilt and shame that it turned into physical sufferings. I had lived with this way of t -
Mom Guilt
You work a corporate job and feel that you aren’t there enough for your children. You have your own interests and hobbies that you’d love to do again, but feel you should spend all of your time devoted to your family. You would love to take a weekend to yourself with complete silence - other than catching up on your favorite shows, but know that’s not realistic. and/or… Sometimes you feel that you’re just not a good enough mom. If you find yourself nodding your head to any of these - or maybe all of them, know that you are not the first to feel that you are inadequate as a mom. -
The Dangers of Chronic Anxiety
We all have stress. It’s part of life - and a big part of life in western society. But what happens when that stress becomes chronic? It can be more dangerous than we may think. Our bodies are designed to handle acute stress (think a bear attack!), but chronic stress can turn into paralyzing anxiety, which can bring on both mental and physical illnesses. We may think that it’s nothing to be concerned about, that it’s normal and/or not worthy of bringing attention to, but anxiety in our country is an epidemic - in kids, teens, and adults alike. We are a high anxiety culture in whic -
Sexual Health: Natural Libido Boost
You have a romantic date night scheduled. The reservations are made, your new outfit awaits, and the kids are at a friend’s house for the night. It’s all perfect, except for one thing… you just don’t feel “in the mood”. Even though we may think our society is very open about sexuality (and in some ways, it may be), we still find that our culture is sexually repressed. And by that, we mean that talking about our sexual difficulties can be taboo. So who do we turn to when we just aren’t feeling it? Actually, you can turn to us. Over the years, Dr. Graves has treated many c -
DIY Holistic, Natural Medicine Cabinet
Have you ever wondered what lurks in your medicine cabinet? Is it time to update your synthetic go-to health aids with natural, holistic options that actually help ease your symptoms AND heal the body? If so, we’re here to help you get started. Over-the-counter medicines pose dangers to the overall population, from gastrointestinal bleeding to kidney failure to addiction, just to name a few, and any of these can happen to any of us. But what, you may wonder, is your alternative when you have a headache? a stomach ache? a cold? Surprisingly, there are many options! The following -
Prevention and Natural Remedies for Flu 2019
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: 1. The Obvious - Wash Your Hands! Yes, we know you’ve heard t -
How Weather Affects Our Health
Remember when your mother used to tell you you could catch a cold if you didn’t zip up your jacket, wear your hat, or put on your mittens? We may laugh about it now, thinking that we can only come down with a cold or its symptoms if we are in contact with someone else who passes it along to us, but in Eastern medicine… She is right. For thousands of years, Chinese medicine has taken careful consideration of the weather elements into the overall health of an individual. What’s even more interesting is that many old, herbalist traditions and medicines are based on environmental factor -
Best Exercises for 2019
It’s that time of year where we put our good intentions to work and well, start working out! Whether we are already avid exercisers or now wanting to be, there are countless exercise options to choose from and the beginning of a new year is the perfect reason to freshen up an old routine or simply start a new one! We get asked by many of our clients about what type of exercise, how much, and how often is the best. Considering how overwhelming it can be paired with the goals we have, it’s no wonder we search for more targeted answers. Over the years, our research and experience h -
Self Image vs. Self Love
If I could just lose 10 pounds. If I just had fuller hair. If I only had whiter teeth. If we just had a bigger house. And the list goes on… It’s no wonder, considering we are continuously sold lies that something outside of ourselves will make us happy. After a while, it becomes engrained in us and we begin to believe that “if only…” changes to our body and things we have will open a magical door of peace and happiness. Maybe it’s the ideal weight, maybe designer clothes, maybe a bigger home, or even a better spouse? There are endless messages we are being sent t -
The Best Diet for 2019: Popular Diet Options
If one (or two) of your determinations for 2019 is to lose weight and/or eat healthier, it’s not a surprise. There are a lot of people searching for the best diet, top diet, and diet trends for 2019. In 2018, eating better was the number one resolution people made at New Year’s. So much of the world is with you! But where do you start? With so many books promoting different ideas, friends and family trying certain diets, and an industry dedicated to marketing it all, how do we know which is best for us? At first, we may not. This is important to note because we can easily -
Fear or Anxiety About A Visit to the Doctor: Iatrophobia
It consumes you for days. The worry, the fear, the angst. It’s all you think about. And that’s just for calling to make the appointment. Then the anticipation begins. What if the doctor finds something? What if something is wrong? What if I have what my loved one has/had? Or, what if something goes wrong with a procedure? Your mind can go in dangerous circles, filled with uneasiness and piling on more stress - just at the thought of sitting in the doctor’s office. When you finally get there, your pulse may be racing, your sweat glands on full speed, and your blood pre -
2019: New Year, New You
“It was New Year’s Day 2016. I was struggling with a health issue that had been going on for years, I was afraid of what it could be, and I was silently consumed by it everyday. However, when that new year rolled around, I knew enough was enough and it was now time to figure it out. I remember making a determination that New Year’s Day. I promised myself that I was going to find out what was wrong - no matter what the problem was and what the work would be to make it better. It took a giant helping of courage, but I started looking into alternative medical options and that’s -
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips
Traveling by sleigh, uhhh…we mean train, plane, or automobile this holiday season and dreading the stress and the good possibility of catching something along the way? Well, get ready to deck the halls this year because we have some holistic tips to keep you and your family happy and healthy! During the holidays, stress is high enough without traveling, but when we add on packing everyone’s suitcases, the disruption in sleep, the different foods and beverages, as well as all the other people dealing with the same things, our nervous and immune systems can get out of whack while we just -
Holiday Diet: Working Off the Holiday Weight
Can’t pass up that eggnog. That pumpkin pie was scrumptious. And don’t get me started on my holiday coffees! It’s okay! It’s the holiday season and that means some of our most favorite indulgences are at our fingertips. Enjoy! However, if you’re looking to partake in the delicious festivities and still keep your weight in check, we’re here to offer you some recommendations on how to do just that. There’s no need to feel shameful or guilty for having some holiday fun - just be mindful of keeping it all in balance! Here are 3 Ways to Burn off the Holiday Fun this season! -
Weight Gain and the Holidays
It’s the holidays - I’ll cheat just this once. No problem! Except, what happens when “just that once” turns into an entire season of indulging in all of the goodies and festivities? On average, a typical American gains approximately one pound over the holiday season. Not a big deal, you may think. However, most people don’t lose that one pound after the holidays and in effect, continue to gain an extra pound every year. Could you imagine if your mid-life weight gain was due to just not losing the small weight you gained each holiday season? This year, we want to share some -
How to Have Your Best (Less Stressed!) Holidays Ever
Do you have your to-do list ready? How about your shopping list? And don’t forget about the gift list! Don’t you wish Santa could just check all of those things off for you? Oh wait - eventually, he will. But maybe not without stress! The holidays can be a beautiful, exciting time of year where we celebrate with friends and family, watch our kids have the time of their lives, and eat decadent food to our heart’s desire. They can also be filled with anxiety, stress, financial concerns, sleepless nights, extra wor -
A Naturopathic’s Guide To Grief: Holidays, Anniversaries, …
The lights are aglow on the tree, the traditional tunes are playing in the background, and everyone is ready for a festive celebration. Except you. All you want to do is shut off all the lights, turn off the music, and curl up on the couch. But everyone is here, you don’t want to ruin anyone’s holiday (especially for the kids), and so you go through the motions as though everything is fine. But internally, you know it’s not. How can everyone be so happy when you feel so empty and sad? And, it doesn’t just start and stop at the holida -
A Naturopathic’s Guide to Grief
“I remember wondering what was wrong with me. After my dad died, I struggled. I didn’t understand why others seemed to be moving on, but I wasn’t. How could the rest of the world be going on as though nothing had happened, yet I was stuck and couldn’t seem to move? Little did I know that it would be an on-going process that I would deal with the rest of my life.” - Dr. Adam Graves ND, LAc At 20 years old, Dr. Graves lost his father unexpectedly. Suffering from congestive heart failure, his father was being transpo -
Lymphatic Massage: Lymph System Health
Ahhh…massage. The sound of the word alone can bring on feelings of relaxation! But what about a therapeutic massage that does more than just relax us? Could you imagine - a 2 in 1? No need to imagine anymore! That is exactly what we are talking about with lymphatic massage. Did you know you have a lymph system in your body? Do you know what it does? The lymphatic system in our bodies is basically like our own personal garbage company. A pleasant vision, isn’t it? But, it’s true! Waste is produced by every cell in ou -
CBD Oil and CBD Cream: Top Questions Answered
You’ve probably heard about it. Seen signs for it. Wondered about it. But maybe you still have questions… We get it. This new phenomenon hitting the market can seem a bit too good to be true…until you start to realize that it is made from what was once an illegal drug (and in some states still is). That’s enough for anyone to have questions! This is why we want to openly discuss the most popular questions we receive. We are also here to talk with you privately about any further concerns you may have - we are just a phone call -
Constipation: Relief, Remedies, and Digestive Health
We know it can be embarrassing to talk about, but it’s important that we do. Bowel movements are part of our heath basics. But many of us don’t fully understand what is not normal and what to do about it if it happens to us. That’s okay - because we are going to talk about it now! Constipation is: - not having a bowel movement every day - having a difficult time making a bowel movement - and/or having uncomfortable bowel movements - hard and/or small stools -
The Un-Diet: HEC, Sustainability, and Happiness
Friends are going out tonight and have invited you to join them. You want to go, but what about your diet you are sticking to? Will there be anything for you to eat? Will it throw everything you’ve done so far right out the window? What about trying to not have that glass of wine or beer for the next 90 days? And don’t even get started on what you’ll eat if you do decide to have one drink! Do you go? And if you do, do you: 1. strictly stick to your diet, obsess the entire time about the menu, and wish you could just enjoy? 2. s -
Natural Aging
When she looks in the mirror some days, it seems like it’s not even her. The wrinkles are starting to form, the gray is peeking through, and she doesn’t feel like her once sprite self. When she picks up a magazine, watches a movie, or even sits at a restaurant, she notices the seemingly perfection of others - tight and glowing skin, not a strand of gray, and a body that looks better now than 20 years before. She feels old, shabby, and simply inadequate in a culture that puts looks above love. She wonders…is it time for anti-wrinkle inj -
Eating, Cooking, and Living for Fall 2018
The beauty of golden leaves gently falling to the ground. The smell of cinnamon brooms and apple candles filling the air. The crisp, cooler days calling for sweaters and scarves. And…the warm hues of harvest. Pumpkins, squash, and gourds, oh my! But did you know that this beautiful time of year can offer a wealth of health? You just have to listen to what it offers… If you’ve ever tried to buy strawberries in December or oranges in the summer, you may notice the lack of flavor, color, and texture. That’s because at virtually an -
Massage for Cellulite Reduction
Too good to be true? Maybe not. Ever wear pants (even in VERY hot weather!) because you’re embarrassed of cellulite? Dread putting on a swimsuit? How about tired of trying every type of exercise to diminish cellulite only for it to stick around? Yep, pretty normal. However, there may be a solution to your unwanted cellulite that is holistic and helpful. And we’re delighted to discuss it more with one of our massage therapists, Adam Whitehead, who is familiar with massage focused on eliminating cellulite. What’s the magic you’re wondering ( -
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. So is there something natural we can do to no -
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 -
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 we may have found just the right healt -
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 part in either working with or w -
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
