Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is one of the oldest systems of medicine dating back 4,000 years. Acupuncture works by using tiny needles to stimulate the body’s innate healing mechanism for improved health and well-being.

The National Institute of Health indicates that acupuncture is effective for a variety of health conditions. Acupuncture can be part of an integrative approach to for your health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture is available for students, faculty and staff.

Acupuncture uses

Acupuncture can be helpful for treating:

  • Allergies
  • Back or neck pain
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Digestive disorders
  • Fatigue

  • Neurological disorders
  • PMS symptoms
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Stress and more

Types of acupuncture

Individual acupuncture

Individual acupuncture involves placing single needles into pressure points along the body to stimulate blood flow for muscles, organs, glands and tissues to restore the body's ability to reset and heal.

  • Length of session: 60 minutes
  • Price: $60

  • All needles are pre-packaged, sterile, and disposed of after one use.
  • If you do not want needles, ear seeds can be placed instead.
  • Once the needles are placed, you may feel tingling or warmth. Some people fall asleep during this treatment. These are normal responses. Some people feel very relaxed during this treatment and others report not feeling much different. No matter how you feel during your treatment, you are still receiving the benefit.
  • If you choose to receive ear seeds instead of needles, you can keep the seeds in for up to 5 days. We recommend pressing on the seeds 3-5 times daily to strengthen the treatment benefits. You may throw the ear seeds in the garbage after use.

  • Prior to your treatment, please sign the consent online and read the information regarding the treatment.
  • Make sure you have eaten and had enough water.
  • Please turn off your cell phone during the treatment.
  • Please use the bathroom before your treatment.

 Appointments must be cancelled by 5 p.m. the business day before your appointment to avoid the late cancellation fee.

Appointments can be cancelled online at mycuhealth.colorado.edu 24 hours before your scheduled appointment or by calling 303-492-5432.

Late cancellations and missed appointments will result in a $30 charge.

Community acupuncture

Community acupuncture is practiced in a group, rather than a one-on-one, setting. During this session, participants will be treated through auricular (ear) acupuncture. Participants can choose between traditional needles or ear seeds. This treatment is best for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, pain and improving sleep and mental focus. Community Acupuncture is located at Wardenburg Health Center.

  • Length of session: 30 minutes
  • Price: $25

  • All needles are pre-packaged, sterile, and disposed of after one use.
  • If you do not want needles, ear seeds can be placed instead.
  • Find a chair to relax in and clean the inside of each ear with the alcohol swap provided.
  • Start to relax, your acupuncturist will be over shortly to start your treatment. You can feel free to close your eyes during this treatment for a deeper treatment experience.
  • You may feel a slight pinch when the needle goes in, or you may not. People generally report feeling comfortable during this treatment. Please let your acupuncturist know right away if you are uncomfortable in any way or if you feel lightheaded.
  • Once the needles are placed, you ear may tingle or feel warm. Some people fall asleep during this treatment. These are normal responses. Some people feel very relaxed during this treatment and others report not feeling much different. No matter how you feel during your treatment, you are still receiving the benefit.
  • If you choose to receive ear seeds instead of needles, you can keep the seeds in for up to 5 days. We recommend pressing on the seeds 3-5 times daily to strengthen the treatment benefits. You may throw the ear seeds in the garbage after use.

  • Prior to your treatment, please sign the consent online and read the information regarding the treatment. 
  • Make sure you have eaten and had enough water.
  • Please turn off your cell phone and do not use your phone during the treatment. We want to create a healing space for all that is quiet and with minimal distractions.
  • Please do not talk during your group acupuncture treatment. If you have a question, quietly wave your acupuncturist over and she will be happy to assist you.
  • Please use the bathroom before your treatment, as you cannot get up and walk with needles in your body.

Appointments must be cancelled by 5 p.m. the business day before your appointment to avoid the late cancellation fee.

Appointments can be cancelled online at mycuhealth.colorado.edu 24 hours before your scheduled appointment or by calling 303-492-5432.

Late cancellations and missed appointments will result in a $15 charge.

Free acupuncture clinics

Medical Services is offering free community acupuncture sessions to students, staff and faculty.

Join us:

  • March 22, April 12 and April 26
  • 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
  • Collegiate Recovery Community (UMC, 414)

Sessions are available for 30 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis.

Schedule an Appointment

Payment

Payment is required at the time of service regardless of health insurance coverage. Acupuncture is not covered by the CU Boulder Gold SHIP. BuffCare does not cover fees for acupuncture.