Chinese Herbal Medicine in Denver
What I use herbs for
Digestive problems, including IBS, bloating, reflux and irregular bowels
Sleep and the fatigue that follows it
Stress, low mood and the physical symptoms that come with them
Menstrual pain and cycle problems
Hot flashes and sleep disruption in perimenopause
Recurring colds, sinus congestion and seasonal allergies
Chronic pain that acupuncture improves but does not fully hold
Why I write individual formulas
Chinese herbal medicine is the half of my training that most people never see. A classical formula is a group of herbs that work together. I start from those formulas and adjust them, adding an herb for a symptom you have, removing one that would aggravate something else, and changing the amounts. That is why I do not hand out the same bottle to everyone with the same complaint.
A conversation and an exam
I ask about the complaint, your digestion, sleep, energy, temperature, thirst, cycle and mood, and I look at your tongue and feel your pulse. Those details sort a problem like insomnia or bloating into one of several patterns, and each pattern calls for a different formula.
Rechecked as you improve
I re-check the formula every two to four weeks, because the right formula changes as you improve. Herbs are most useful when something has been going on for months and the goal is a steadier baseline between acupuncture visits.
Safety first
Herbs are medicine, and I treat them that way. I review every prescription and supplement you take for interactions, avoid combinations such as certain herbs with blood thinners, and avoid formulas that would be a problem in pregnancy. Tell your physician and pharmacist that you are taking a formula.
Evidence, with limits
A 1998 JAMA trial of 116 people with irritable bowel syndrome found individualized Chinese herbs and a standard formula both beat placebo, and only the individualized group had held its gain 14 weeks after treatment ended. A 2015 trial of 125 patients found a standardized formula gave more adequate relief of constipation-predominant IBS than placebo. Herbs do not help everyone.
Your herbal consultation
If you already see me for acupuncture
The herbal consultation happens inside your visit, so there is nothing extra to book.
If you want herbs only
Book a herbal consultation and the price is confirmed when you book. I will tell you what the formula costs before you commit.
How long to expect
Most patients take a formula for four to twelve weeks, with a check-in every two to four weeks to adjust it. Some problems, like a cold or a flare of reflux, need only one or two weeks.
Before your visit
Bring a list of every medication and supplement you take, or photograph the bottles. Buying herbal products online or from an unregulated shop is the part that worries me, because the problem is usually not the herb but what else is in the bottle.
Herbal medicine patients from across southeast Denver
Easy to reach
The clinic is at 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 150, in Hampden Town Center at Hampden Avenue and I-25, with free parking at the door. It is about five minutes from the Denver Tech Center and Greenwood Village.
Payment
I accept cash, check, major cards and HSA and FSA cards. Herbs are generally not covered by insurance, but the consultation appears on your superbill.
Already a patient?
If you come in for digestive problems or women's health, I will tell you if a formula would help.
500+ five-star reviews across Google, ClassPass and Groupon
124 Five Star Reviews
Mike at subtle point is a pro! He has helped me numerous times deal with musculoskeletal pain in my back, legs, shoulder, neck and hands! He’s great at what he does and is very personable so I gladly give him five stars!
—Moe El Ali
247 Five Star Reviews
Michael was PERFECT! He asked a lot of questions about my pain and went to work on relieving it. The pain in my side that would wake me up every night for years has been gone for 4 days now thanks to the acupuncture. I also received such an amazing neck and head rub it made my toes tingle! I also noticed that I can go much deeper in my yoga poses after one treatment. Michael knows his work!
—Becky
146 Five Star Reviews
“Mike is so thorough and knowledgeable. Best acupuncture experience I have ever had. I will definitely be going back!”
“The owner Michael was super nice and very knowledgeable! I had a great experience!”
“This is the first time I’ve ever had acupuncture and cupping, and it was great. Definitely recommend.”
Prices
Payment
We accept cash, check, all major credit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. We don’t bill insurance directly, but we can provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When prescribed by a trained practitioner, they are safe for most people. The risks come from contaminated or mislabeled products and from interactions with medications, which is why I check your prescriptions first and ask you to avoid unregulated products.
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Often, but not always. I review every medication you take before writing a formula and avoid combinations with known interactions, such as some herbs with blood thinners. Tell your physician and pharmacist that you are taking a formula, and bring the written list I give you.
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Earthy, bitter, sometimes sweet, like a strong tea. Most people get used to it within a few days.
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For acupuncture patients the consultation is part of a regular visit. For a herbal-only consultation the price is confirmed when you book, and I tell you what the formula costs before you commit.
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Acute problems like a cold or a flare of reflux often respond within days. Long-standing problems like IBS, insomnia or menstrual pain usually take four to twelve weeks with the formula adjusted every few weeks.
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No. Choosing a formula takes an assessment, and the wrong formula can make a problem worse.
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Book online at acusimple.com/access/4476, or call or text (720) 285-6251.