Soul Potential Acupuncture & Wellness

  Ah, menopause — that time in your life when you say goodbye to your reproductive years and embark on a new journey. For some lucky women, this transition is a smooth one. For others, the sudden drop in hormones leads to years of hot flashes, night sweats, depression, and more. Most women fall somewhere in between and grapple with unwelcome changes that can impact their quality of life. While there’s no “cure” for the inevitable transition of menopause, we can smooth your way forward through acupuncture. At Soul Potential Acupuncture and Wellness , Vonda Muncy treats a wide range of conditions using this ancient practice with great success. From back pain to the symptoms of menopause, acupuncture has a place in almost every area of your health and wellness. Here’s a look at how acupuncture can redefine how menopause feels. The price of menopause Menopause is the transition that women make from their reproductive years to their nonreproductive years. Unfortunately, what precipitat...

  Myth: Acupuncture is painful The needles used in acupuncture are solid (as opposed to hollow) which makes them as thin as a strand of hair or cat’s whiskers. Because of the thinness, some people can’t feel them on insertion. Once the needle is inserted there is no pain. Sometime heaviness or dullness is felt. This is actually a good sign. It is called “de qi” and signifies energy or qi moving in that location. Myth: Acupuncture is only used to treat pain Acupuncture is well known for treating all kinds of pain from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain and hip pain to name a few. Aside from pain, acupuncture is also effective in addressing infertility, digestive issues, allergies, side effects of cancer treatments, headaches and pregnancy discomfort. Many fertility clinics recommend acupuncture as an adjunct to their treatments. Myth: Acupuncture is outdated and not recommended Far from being outdated, acupuncture has been proven in controlled trials to be effective for...

Low back pain is the most common cause of disability in people under the age of 45. This type of chronic pain seldom gets better with conventional medical care, but you have hope when you’re treated with acupuncture. To schedule an appointment , call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado , or use the online booking feature. Low Back Pain Q & A What causes low back pain? Your lower back is vulnerable to painful injuries and degeneration because it supports the weight of your body while providing optimal flexibility. As you twist, bend, and lift — and especially if you frequently perform these movements — it’s easy to injure ligaments and muscles. As you get older, years of repetitive movements lead to degenerative changes that cause inflammation and pinched nerves. Some of the most common degenerative conditions that cause low back pain include: Herniated disc Facet joint osteoarthritis Degenerative disc disease Thickened ligaments Spinal stenosis Some underlying health conditions th...

  For centuries, acupuncture has been used to relieve the excruciating pain of migraine headaches, and studies performed by today’s medical experts continue to support its safety and effectiveness. To schedule an appointment , call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado , or book a visit online. Migraine Q & A What causes migraines? Migraine is a neurological disorder that occurs when cranial nerves overreact to a trigger, sending signals to your brain that lead to a migraine. While there are many potential triggers that initiate a migraine, some of the most common include: Stress Fatigue Caffeine Bright lights Certain odors Skipping a meal Changes in weather Foods and additives Some women find that hormone fluctuations during their menstrual periods trigger migraines. What symptoms occur during a migraine? Migraines are one of the most intense types of headaches you can experience. The primary symptoms of a migraine include: Excruciating, throbbing pain, often around one or both ...

  If you have osteoarthritis, you’re among the 21 million Americans who suffer from this condition, which causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is common in people over the age of 50, and it can significantly impact your quality of life. Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which means it gets worse over time. It can affect nearly any joint, but a common one is the knee. Knees are particularly susceptible to wear-and-tear because they take nearly 4 pounds of pressure for every pound of bodyweight you carry. There’s no cure for arthritis. Treatments include taking prescription medications to relieve pain and reduce swelling. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery can be an option. Finding an effective arthritis treatment that relieves your pain and fits into your lifestyle isn’t always easy. If you’ve tried modern methods of arthritis treatment but you’re still suffering from knee pain, don’t give up. Visit us at Soul Potential Acupuncture and Wellness in...

If you have heel pain, especially if you feel a sharp pain when you first walk in the morning, chances are you have plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain To get help for your plantar fasciitis, call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or schedule an appointment online . Plantar Fasciitis Q & A What is plantar fasciitis? A broad ligament called the plantar fascia attaches to your heel and runs across the bottom of your foot to the base of your toes. This ligament supports the arch and absorbs shock every time you take a step. When the plantar fascia suffers a tear or excessive stress, or if you develop problems with the arch, the ligament becomes inflamed and painful. That’s when you have plantar fasciitis. What symptoms develop due to plantar fasciitis? Heel pain is the key symptom of plantar fasciitis. However, your heel may become swollen and you can also experience pain in the arch. In most cases, the heel pain is worse when you first start walking after sleepi...

  An estimated 39 million Americans — adults and children — suffer from migraines. That means one out of every four households in the United States has at least one person who gets migraines. These chronic, debilitating headaches take a hefty toll on your well-being and ability to live a full, productive life. Many migraine sufferers go from doctor to doctor looking for that treatment or combination of treatments that can make a real difference. More of them have turned to acupuncture to relieve their pain and get them back to living a fuller life. Vonda Muncy, a highly skilled acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine specialist at Soul Potential Acupuncture & Wellness , shares her experiences about treating migraines with acupuncture here. Migraines aren’t just headaches A migraine is a type of severe chronic headache that, if untreated, can last from 4-72 hours. This neurological condition is usually triggered by something such as: Bright lights Stress or tension Chang...

  Have you experienced injuries to your back and neck that just won’t heal? Do you want a treatment method that doesn’t involve narcotics or surgery? Acupuncture may be an ideal treatment method for you. Your lower back and neck are vulnerable parts of your body that are prone to injury in sports, exercise, and other vigorous activities. Bending, lifting, and twisting can damage your muscles and ligaments over time, or simply as you age. After years of movement and activity, some common conditions that can develop are herniated discs, thickened ligaments, and spinal stenosis. Other people may experience back and neck pains from fibromyalgia. The different types of neck and back pains may vary from person to person. If you have chronic dull aches, stabbing pains, tingling, or numbness, and these are not a result of more serious conditions, you may be a good candidate for acupuncture. At Soul Potential Acupuncture and Wellness in Castle Rock, Colorado, Vonda Muncy has years of exper...

  While modern medicine has made incredible advances when it comes to healing the human body, it hasn’t yet been able to crack many medical conditions, including age-related macular degeneration. This condition is one of the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness around the world and affects 11 million people in the United States alone — and this number is predicted to double to 22 million by 2050 thanks to an aging population. Despite these large numbers, little progress has been made in treating or reversing this sight-robbing disease. That said, one area of medicine is showing great promise in resolving macular degeneration, and it’s a therapy that’s been in practice for millennia — acupuncture. At Soul Potential Acupuncture & Wellness , Vonda Muncy, an expertly trained acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine specialist, offers an innovative, yet time-tested, approach to health and wellness. One area where we’ve had great success is helping our patients in ...

  Myth: Acupuncture is painful The needles used in acupuncture are solid (as opposed to hollow) which makes them as thin as a strand of hair or cat’s whiskers. Because of the thinness, some people can’t feel them on insertion. Once the needle is inserted there is no pain. Sometime heaviness or dullness is felt. This is actually a good sign. It is called “de qi” and signifies energy or qi moving in that location. Myth: Acupuncture is only used to treat pain Acupuncture is well known for treating all kinds of pain from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain and hip pain to name a few. Aside from pain, acupuncture is also effective in addressing infertility, digestive issues, allergies, side effects of cancer treatments, headaches and pregnancy discomfort. Many fertility clinics recommend acupuncture as an adjunct to their treatments. Myth: Acupuncture is outdated and not recommended Far from being outdated, acupuncture has been proven in controlled trials to be effective for...

  Anxiety is a pervasive condition that affects the daily life of 32% of adolescents and 19% of adults in America. If you struggle with overwhelming anxiety, schedule an appointment online or call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado. Anxiety Q & A What symptoms signal anxiety? Anxiety develops when you’re worried about an upcoming event or fearful of a perceived threat. All types of circumstances can cause anxiety, from worry about whether you will pass a test to suddenly facing immediate danger. When anxiety appears, you’ll experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms. You may feel tense, irritable, and nauseous. Anxiety makes many patients sweat, and some develop a fast heartbeat. There are also many different types of anxiety, and each one has its own unique symptoms. For example, a phobia makes you anxious about a specific object or situation, while panic disorder causes symptoms that mimic a heart attack. When should I get help for anxiety? Anxiety is such a deep...

  Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin sterile needles, for the purpose of treating pain, stress, and fertility among other health challenges. Today, there are several types of practitioners that “practice” acupuncture. They are: medical doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. The amount of training in acupuncture varies greatly among these professionals. Medical doctors (M.D.) and Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.) do not have to complete any acupuncture training to practice as a “Medical Acupuncturist” in the state of Colorado. They can elect to complete a 220 hour training to become a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Physical Therapists can begin practicing dry needling after completing a 46 hour training.< Dry needling is insertion of a needle into trigger points, needles are not usually retained in the body. Chiropractors must complete 100 hours of acupuncture training and must pass an exam administered by the Chiropractic boar...

Despite its name, more than 90% of patients diagnosed with golfer’s elbow didn’t get their injury playing sports — most developed the problem due to repetitive wrist movements on the job. No matter how your golfer’s elbow occurred. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or use the online booking feature. Golfers Elbow Q & A What is golfer’s elbow? Golfer’s elbow develops from repetitive activities that strain the muscles in your forearm responsible for flexing your wrist. As a result, the stress causes small tears and inflammation in the tendon that attaches the muscle to your elbow. When you have golfer’s elbow, called medial epicondylitis, the damaged tendon is on the inside of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow is closely associated with tennis elbow, which is a similar injury except the injured tendon is on the outer side of the elbow. While gripping and swinging a golf club is the best-known cause of medial epicondylitis, any activity that repeatedly mak...

  Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a type of central vision distortion caused by damage to the macular tissue located in the retina at the back of the eye. When central vision is functioning correctly, it is easy to read, drive and identify faces. When this area begins to lose visual clarity, it’s like applying petroleum jelly to the center of the eye, causing distortion in the middle of the field of vision. AMD is divided into two types: wet (exudative) and dry (atrophic). Dry AMD is the more common form of AMD, occurs in about 85-90% of the AMD population. Dry AMD is less serious than wet AMD. Wet AMD is defined by the appearance of new blood vessels under the retina. These new blood vessels tend to be weak and cause fluid or blood leakage, which can distort vision and lead to retinal damage.1 AMD is caused by the buildup of a yellowish deposit called drusen, a fatty protein. Drusen build up occurs because nutrients are not getting to the eye and waste is not being remo...

  For centuries, acupuncture has been used to relieve the excruciating pain of migraine headaches, and studies performed by today’s medical experts continue to support its safety and effectiveness. To schedule an appointment , call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or book a visit online. Migraine Q & A What causes migraines? Migraine is a neurological disorder that occurs when cranial nerves overreact to a trigger, sending signals to your brain that lead to a migraine. While there are many potential triggers that initiate a migraine, some of the most common include: Stress Fatigue Caffeine Bright lights Certain odors Skipping a meal Changes in weather Foods and additives Some women find that hormone fluctuations during their menstrual periods trigger migraines. What symptoms occur during a migraine? Migraines are one of the most intense types of headaches you can experience. The primary symptoms of a migraine include: Excruciating, throbbing pain, often around one or both t...

  Knee pain affects about 25% of all adolescents and adults, making it the most common source of chronic pain and a problem that seriously impacts your mobility. To get effective, natural pain relief without any side effects, call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or book an appointment online . Knee Pain Q & A What commonly causes knee pain? The most common causes of knee pain include overuse injuries, like runner’s knee, and acute injuries, such as ligament, meniscus, and tendon tears. If you have chronic knee pain, however, chances are it’s due to one of the following conditions: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Tendinitis Bursitis Chondromalacia patella (cartilage problem) Your risk of developing knee pain increases if you had a previous injury and if you’re overweight. For every pound of weight you gain, your knees absorb 4 extra pounds of pressure, which significantly raises your risk for osteoarthritis. What other symptoms might develop with my knee pain? Your knee...

  The short answer is a qualified yes, under two conditions: Medicare will only pay for acupuncture if it is performed by a medical doctor (MD) or a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant that also has a master’s degree or higher in acupuncture or oriental medicine. The acupuncture treatment must be for chronic low back pain . Medicare defines chronic as more than 12 weeks. If both of the above conditions are met, Medicare will pay for 12 visits occurring within 90 days. If acupuncture care is providing improvement, an additional 8 visits will be authorized. No more than 20 visits will be paid for in a calendar year. CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) does not recognize acupuncturists as providers for Medicare, therefore acupuncturists may not bill Medicare for acupuncture. In July 2021, bill H.R. 4803 known as “Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act 2021” was introduced in the House to include acupuncturists as providers for CMS. This bill has not progressed any furth...

  For centuries, acupuncture has been used to relieve the excruciating pain of migraine headaches, and studies performed by today’s medical experts continue to support its safety and effectiveness. To schedule an appointment , call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or book a visit online. Migraine Q & A What causes migraines? Migraine is a neurological disorder that occurs when cranial nerves overreact to a trigger, sending signals to your brain that lead to a migraine. While there are many potential triggers that initiate a migraine, some of the most common include: Stress Fatigue Caffeine Bright lights Certain odors Skipping a meal Changes in weather Foods and additives Some women find that hormone fluctuations during their menstrual periods trigger migraines. What symptoms occur during a migraine? Migraines are one of the most intense types of headaches you can experience. The primary symptoms of a migraine include: Excruciating, throbbing pain, often around one or both t...