mermaid holding acupuncture needles

Chinese Medicine treatments in Wheat Ridge and Westminster, CO

All are welcome at Prickly Mermaid regardless of race, class, or gender.
We are a safe space for LGBTQIA+.

Services

Treating whatever life throws at you with the gentle use of acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, and Chinese herbs.

acupuncture needles

Acupuncture

Acupuncture heals by balancing energy (qi) within the body and by removing blockages on the channels. When this is done, your body is given the space and ability to learn how to balance itself and to stay balanced. Single-use filiform needles are used to give the most comfortable and safe experience. A much smaller guage than what is used to give an injection, most of the needles are not felt by patients and treatments prove to be very comfortable. Primarily using Japanese-style acupuncture, many of the treatments involve the palpation of different areas of your body so that the most precise treatment can be given, giving you the greatest effect and fastest healing possible. Points are always chosen based on your specific issue, not as a set prescription, and point prescriptions will change as your health progresses. Many people are afraid of needles and we work with patients to go slowly and at their own pace so that they feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving treatment. This could include limiting the amount of needles used, breathing with each insertion, and stopping when a patient needs it. While every experience is different, most people feel deeply relaxed during treatment.

herbs

Herbs

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest herbal systems in the world. Classical formulas have been modified over the centuries to follow the ever-changing conditions of diet and lifestyle. It is a major part of Chinese Medicine and can be used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture to alleviate health concerns. Herbs can be used to compliment acupuncture or as a stand-alone treatment and help to quickly get you back to feeling your best and to drastically improve chronic conditions.

moxa

Moxa

Moxa is a dried plant (commonly known as Mugwort) that is used both internally and externally in Chinese Medicine. When used externally, Moxa is placed near or on the skin in order to improve the circulation of qi and blood, and create warmth. It is greatly beneficial in improving energy, facilitating healing, or turning a breach baby. When used internally, it is one of the hallmark herbs to help with menstrual issues.

cupping cup

Cupping

Cupping is a traditional treatment that has a long history across several different cultures. It is primarily used to treat pain, sore and tight muscles, to reduce scar tissue, and to treat injuries. It can also be used to improve a cough, loosen phlegm in the lungs, or to get rid of a cold. It can leave bruise-like marks on your body that should fade within a few days and is increasingly being used by athletes at the Olympics, keep an eye out for them on athletes in various competitions!

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is traditionally used to treat pain, injuries, and tight muscles. Translated from Mandarin to English, it is called “scraping sha bruises” – sha being the name for the red dots (petechiae) or bruise-like marks that are left, similar to the marks from cupping. Traditionally, Gua Sha has a strong therapeutic effect to relieve pain, break up scar tissue, and promote healing. More recently, Gua Sha has come into popular demand as part of a skincare or anti-aging routine. When done in that form, where a tool is lightly run over the skin, it is mainly used to help with lymphatic drainage which can help to create a more youthful appearance. While Gua Sha-specific tools can be used, my favorite is to use a ceramic soup spoon like the one pictured above! Both Gua Sha and cupping have been traditional home remedies in many cultures over the centuries and are wonderful tools for patients to use not only in-office, but also at home.

Sexual health and wellness coaching

Knowing when to seek support and guidance for your sexual well-being is an empowering step towards a more fulfilling and satisfying intimate life.

Consider if any of these resonate with you:
• Feeling unsatisfied or unhappy with your sex life
• Difficulty communicating your needs and desires to your partner
• Struggling with sexual dysfunction
• Low libido or lack of sexual desire
• Difficulty maintaining intimate relationships
• History of sexual trauma or abuse
• Struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity
• Feeling ashamed or guilty about your sexual desires or behaviors
• Experiencing a lack of confidence in your sexual abilities
• Seeking to deepen your sexual connection with your partner

You are not alone on this journey. Sexual health and wellness coaching offers a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore, learn, and rediscover your sexual self. Reach out to discover how coaching can support you.

A fire cup being used