Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used as a primary medicine in East Asian countries for more than 3,000 years to prevent and treat disease and improve general health. Performed by inserting thin, hair-like needles at specific points on the body, acupuncture helps the body to reset and heal on its own by stimulating both the central and peripheral nervous system, triggering certain chemicals to release and increasing circulation in the body.

What Is Acupuncture?

While many people worry that needle therapy will be uncomfortable, acupuncture is actually very gentle and relaxing, with a deep state of rest typically following needle placement. Treatment may also include electrical stimulation (also known as e-stim, referring to electromagnetic pulses through the needles) and manual therapies such as cupping, tuina, gua sha and moxa.

Is Acupuncture Comfortable?

Herbal Healing

Chinese herbal medicine is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Chinese herbs consist of the plant's roots, leaves, flowers, branches and minerals which contain unique healing properties. Our certified Chinese herbalist proudly partners with two Chinese herbal pharmacies which deliver premium quality herbs by local pickup or delivery.

Acupuncture in Boulder for Pregnancy, Postpartum, Women's Health, and More

At Boulder Birth & Holistic Health, we believe in nurturing the whole person through thoughtful, evidence-based care. Acupuncture is a cornerstone of this philosophy, blending ancient wisdom with modern insights to promote healing, balance, and vitality. Our skilled acupuncturists are experts in the art of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, optimizing health during all stages of life, bringing deep expertise in holistic health, prenatal care, and postpartum support, making us a trusted resource for those seeking personalized, well-rounded care.

Whether you’re trying to conceive, addressing pregnancy-related discomforts, preparing for birth, recovering postpartum, or seeking relief from chronic pain, our acupuncture services are designed to support your unique journey. By stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms, acupuncture has been proven to relieve tension, reduce stress, and foster overall wellness.

As part of our integrated offerings, acupuncture at Boulder Birth complements a wide range of services, including midwife-led prenatal care, lactation support, sexual and gynecological healthcare, functional medicine, and mental wellness. This collaborative approach ensures that every client receives compassionate, tailored care. Experience the benefits of acupuncture in Boulder today.

Acupuncture for Pregnancy Care

Pregnancy is a time of beautiful transformation, but it can also bring challenges like morning sickness, back and hip pain, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. With prenatal acupuncture, these discomforts don’t have to define your experience. Our gentle treatments help alleviate nausea, reduce back pain, and calm anxiety, offering a safe and effective path to greater comfort and well-being as you grow your baby.

Research shows that prenatal acupuncture can regulate stress hormones and encourage restful sleep, all while supporting your body’s natural healing processes.

From the first trimester to the final days of pregnancy, we’re here to help you feel your best. Whether you’re seeking relief from pregnancy-related morning sickness, back pain, or insomnia or whether you’re aiming to support your mood or optimize your baby’s position in your womb, experience how our Boulder acupuncture services can bring peace and balance to this extraordinary journey.

Acupuncture for Postpartum Recovery

The postpartum period is a time of profound transition, bringing joy and challenges alike. Receiving acupuncture after birth offers a safe and nurturing way to support all aspects of your healing.

Acupuncture can address common postpartum concerns such as fatigue from sleepless nights, mood changes and hormonal imbalances, perineal discomfort, and breast/chestfeeding challenges. Acupuncture treatments help improve circulation and reduce inflammation, promoting the body’s natural healing ability. Many clients also find that acupuncture alleviates the baby blues and can even provide relief from postpartum depression, helping to restore emotional balance and reduce anxiety.

In addition to physical healing, acupuncture can enhance milk supply and ease discomfort associated with breast/chestfeeding. By promoting relaxation and balancing the body’s natural rhythms, it fosters an environment for you to thrive as you care for your newborn.

Our acupuncture specialists understand the unique needs of postpartum recovery and create personalized treatment plans to help you regain strength and energy. Whether you’re seeking fatigue relief postpartum or holistic support for your mental and emotional well-being, we’re here to provide comfort and care.

Rediscover your resilience and embrace this transformative time with expert postpartum acupuncture at Boulder Birth & Holistic Health.

Acupuncture for Fertility Support

Acupuncture offers a natural, supportive approach to enhancing reproductive health for women and men alike. While not a standalone solution, fertility acupuncture works beautifully alongside traditional fertility treatments like IVF or IUI, addressing underlying imbalances that may impact conception.

Our highly trained practitioners bring years of expertise and a deep understanding of the body’s delicate systems. Using precise, gentle techniques, acupuncture for fertility promotes increased blood flow to the reproductive organs, balances hormones, and may improve egg quality. Research also shows acupuncture can enhance sperm quality, making it an essential part of fertility support for men as well. These benefits support your overall health and complement your personalized fertility journey, whether you’re navigating assisted reproductive technologies or boosting fertility naturally.

We offer fertility support for any individual or family looking to improve their chances of conception. Our Boulder acupuncture team provides compassionate care rooted in evidence, designed to reduce stress, improve relaxation, and enhance your body’s readiness for conception.

Every step of your fertility journey is unique, and our role is to support you with care tailored to your needs, whether that involves exploring the benefits of acupuncture in conjunction with IVF as an integrative approach to building your family, or by simply helping improve your overall well-being through holistic fertility support. Discover the difference that expert-guided acupuncture can make.

Acupuncture for Women’s Health

At Boulder Birth & Holistic Health, we recognize that women’s health encompasses a wide range of unique challenges, and acupuncture is a powerful tool for addressing many of them. Whether you’re dealing with irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), PMS, menopause, or hormonal imbalances that lead to migraines, anxiety, or depression, acupuncture can help restore balance and improve your well-being.

Our skilled acupuncturists specialize in women’s health and take a holistic approach to care, using acupuncture to regulate hormones, ease menstrual discomfort, and address the emotional and physical symptoms of menopause. Studies show that acupuncture can significantly reduce PMS symptoms, alleviate pain, and help manage hormonal migraines and anxiety/depression linked to hormonal fluctuations.

Acupuncture for women’s health works by balancing the body’s systems, promoting circulation, and helping to regulate the endocrine system. Whether you’re seeking relief from the discomforts of menstruation, managing the emotional changes of menopause, or addressing hormonal imbalances, our treatments are tailored to meet your individual needs.

Simba’s personal experience with an empowering birth at the Birth Center of Boulder further fuels her passion for supporting others through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Clients often praise her compassionate, intuitive care and her ability to create a calming, supportive environment.

Whether you’re seeking a pregnancy acupuncture expert, postpartum recovery support, or relief for chronic pain, Simba’s skill and dedication make her a trusted partner in your wellness journey. Experience the transformative care of our licensed acupuncturist in Boulder at Boulder Birth & Holistic Health.

Meet Our Expert Acupuncturist: “Simba” Eun-Hye Shim, LAc

“Simba” brings unparalleled expertise and a deeply personal connection to her work at Boulder Birth & Holistic Health. A licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Simba’s journey began in Seoul, Korea, where she immersed herself in Chinese classics, astrology, language, and traditional Korean medicine.

Specializing in pregnancy acupuncture, postpartum care, fertility support, and gynecology, Simba is dedicated to empowering individuals throughout their health journeys. Her clinical practice also extends to orthopedic conditions and chronic pain, ensuring inclusive care for all genders.

Simba’s approach integrates the best of multiple traditions, including Korean Saam 5 Element Acupuncture, the Master Tung system, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), allowing her to tailor treatments to each client’s unique needs. Her thoughtful blend of techniques achieves outstanding results, promoting healing and balance.

Addressing Your Questions

Yes! Pregnancy acupuncture is safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Our acupuncturists are trained to support you through pregnancy, addressing common discomforts like back pain, morning sickness, and anxiety.
The physical and hormonal changes during and following pregnancy and birth can bring significant physical and emotional discomfort. Many of these common issues can be safely and effectively alleviated with acupuncture, including insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, nausea, headache, low back and hip pain, varicose veins and hemorrhoids, edema, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Acupuncture also supports postpartum recovery, promoting healing, boosting energy, and improving milk supply and breast/chestfeeding outcomes.
We offer competitive pricing, bundle deals and Medicaid discounts so everyone can access acupuncture care. Please reach out to us for current pricing details.
We accept several insurance providers for acupuncture services. Please contact your insurance carrier directly to check if your plan includes acupuncture benefits, or call us directly so that we can assist you in navigating the process.
Scheduling is simple! You can reach out through our website or call us directly at (303) 443-3993 to find a time that works for you. We're here to support your wellness journey with compassionate, expert care.
It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing. No worries if you are coming from work. We provide drapes if needed. Please eat a light meal or snack beforehand. Avoid strenuous activity and stay hydrated after the treatment.
During pregnancy, we recommend acupuncture appointments at the following intervals:
- Early Pregnancy Support
  - Weekly treatment between 4-12 weeks.
  - Supports pregnancy by enhancing placenta growth and relieving discomforts
  - Especially recommended for pregnant clients with a history of miscarriage, morning sickness/fatigue and use of reproductive technology to conceive
- Monthly Pregnancy Wellness Support
  - Monthly treatment between 12-35 weeks.
  - Supports healthy pregnancy and minimizes discomforts as your body accommodates your growing baby
- Weekly Labor Prep
  - Weekly starting at 36 weeks.
  - Recommended for a first time pregnancy or with a history of difficult birth
  - Supports the body’s transition towards birth and promotes optimal fetal positioning
Most gynecological conditions are chronic, and sustained results are best achieved from regular acupuncture treatments over the course of 2-3 menstrual cycles. Conditions treated include irregular or painful periods, PMS/PMDD, endometriosis, PCOS, perimenopause/menopause, and infertility.
Acupuncture increases male and female fertility by regulating hormones, increasing blood flow to the pelvic region, and improving sperm quality. Conditions acupuncture can help with include difficulty conceiving, recurrent miscarriage, progesterone deficiency, irregular menstrual cycle, PCOS, endometriosis, failed IVF cycle, and advanced maternal or paternal age.
Yes! Pain is the most common reason that people seek acupuncture, and a single treatment can deliver immediate pain relief for chronic pain conditions. Painful conditions ameliorated by acupuncture include low back pain, neck/shoulder pain, sports injury, arthritis, TMJ, plantar fasciitis, and fibromyalgia.