Note: This article was originally published in the June 2007 issue of the Denver publication Community News.
Photograph © 2007 Leonore H. Dvorkin
Introduction
In recent years, acupuncture has gained much popularity and recognition as an effective form of alternative medicine. I first tried it two years ago, with impressive results. Lauren Mathews is a highly rated Denver acupuncturist. I conducted this interview with her because I wanted to bring more information about acupuncture in general, and about her services in particular, to a wider audience.
- Leonore Dvorkin, for Community News
(CN) Lauren, what got you interested in practicing acupuncture?
I received acupuncture treatment in college. I found it fascinating, and became interested in acupuncture as a career. It was a great fit for what I wanted to do: hands-on therapy in a holistic way.
(CN) What kind of acupuncture do you practice? Also, where and when were you trained?
My blend of acupuncture combines the ancient Five Element style and modern techniques aimed more directly at treating symptoms. I received my Master’s degree in Acupuncture in 2004 from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia, Maryland.
(CN) Where are you located?
Currently, I’m at 427 E. Bayaud Ave. in Denver. However, I just purchased a house that will be converted into an integrative health center. Our new center will open in June at 2839 Wyandot Street. I'll be working with some of the best healing practitioners in Colorado. We’ll offer acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutrition, massage, and psychotherapy. My phone number and website will remain the same: 303-949-0620, www.FrontRangeAcupuncture.com. Check for updates on our grand opening.
(CN) In addition to a Master’s in acupuncture, you have a degree in psychology. How do you employ your psychological training in your practice?
Even when a patient is coming in with a physical problem such as low back pain, you can’t forget to address their mental and emotional wellbeing. Chinese medicine aims to simultaneously affect spirit, emotion, and the body. I want my patients to feel taken care of when they leave, not just to experience pain relief.
(CN) Could you name the top 10 problems that people come to you with?
The top issues that I choose to work with in my practice are fertility, menstrual difficulties and menopausal symptoms, pregnancy, anxiety, depression, pain, stress relief and prevention and maintaining wellness.
(CN) Besides obvious things like broken bones, what conditions can acupuncture NOT help with? That is, when would you advise a person to see an MD, rather than coming to you?
There are few conditions that Chinese medicine cannot help because the premise is that it helps your body to heal itself. Emergency care is probably the main thing that we don't do. Some surgical procedures can be avoided by using acupuncture. Examples are knee or hip replacements, or even the removal of fibroids or endometriosis. Even major diseases such as cancer or autoimmune conditions can be treated by using Eastern medicine, with or without the addition of Western medicine.
(CN) Please describe the needles you use. Do they cause any pain? Why are they are safe? About how many are inserted during a typical 1-hour treatment session? Why are they left in the body for a while?
The needles are extremely fine, about the width of a human hair. They are sterile and disposed of after each use. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, they should not cause pain. The number of needles varies according to the treatment. They can be removed immediately or left in for a while. It depends on whether the goal is to build energy or move it at a particular point.
(CN) Zero Balancing is part of almost every treatment you give. Please tell our readers about this relaxing form of manipulation and pressure on the body.
Zero Balancing releases energy held in the deepest parts of the body, the bone. It involves mild pressure being placed on different areas of the skeletal structure to balance and harmonize the flow of energy throughout the entire body. Our body holds onto stress and emotions that it cannot process in the moment, and sometimes this holding can last for years. ZB releases these held emotions in a safe, gentle way. The patient does not necessarily need to process them consciously.
(CN) What aspects of your job are most satisfying to you?
It is satisfying any time I can help someone to heal in any way. My fertility patients are exciting because the end result is having a baby! Also, seeing pain (physical or emotional) being released after years of suffering is an amazing experience. I feel blessed that my patients trust me to help them on their journey.
(CN) You look very fit and healthy. What are your top five recommendations for attaining peak health?
There are many paths to wellness and fitness, but the top five things I use are:
- Good nutrition and hydration
- Exercise: yoga, running, weight training
- Regular acupuncture treatment
- Positive thinking, meditation, prayer
- Supportive friends and family
(CN) Do you have a final message for our readers?
If you haven't tried acupuncture, you really don’t know what you’re missing! Acupuncture changed my life and continues to keep me healthy and happy.