Welcome to Firewood Acupuncture - Central Denver’s Top-Rated Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Clinic.

You will be heard here, in this peaceful, healing sanctuary. Serving the Denver area for over five years, this clinic treats everything and anything. We consider ourselves generalists, not really specializing in any one area of health. Instead, we choose to treat folks who just don’t feel their best.

Whatever it is. Whatever you might be feeling physically, emotionally, or psychologically, we can help. To learn more about common imbalances we treat, head to our What We Treat page!

Owner, Acupuncturist, and Herbalist Rachel Muich, L.Ac, M.S.TCM and her associate, Hanna Gissler, L.Ac, M.S. treat in-person at the clinic six days a week.

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How were you taught about your body?

Acupuncture helps you understand your body and your unique cues when something is off.

Through a detailed, 90 minute initial session, we go through every system of your body; sleep, digestion, menstrual cycle, heart and lung health, how your sensory organs are functioning, inspecting pain that is chronic or acute, how you deal with emotions and stress, etc.

We help to educate you on your unique pattern so you feel safe and relaxed to receive needles.

We encourage questions if something feels unclear or scary. Creating a safe cocoon for healing is where our intention starts and ends.

Come slow down and take a little nap in our sanctuary. You WILL feel a little better after every session until your mind and body learn how to do it for you on its own.

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The approach.

Balance takes time. As much as we’d love to tell you that your imbalances will be fixed with only one treatment, that’s just not how this medicine is designed to work. Like the rhythm of the seasons, change can seem slow or minimal, often happening in a way you won’t realize until….you realize! We hear this all the time: “I hadn’t even thought about my neck pain until you asked me just now,” or, “Even my partner recognized that I usually would be more stressed about this specific thing, but I’m just not.” That is how this medicine is supposed to work. Small, consistent change for lasting results. Preventative, not reactive.

The commitment.

For most conditions, we recommend 6-8 sessions at minimum to notice a marked improvement in your imbalance. You will absolutely start to feel better after only one session, but experiencing the lasting effects of acupuncture lies in the power of accumulation. The more treatments you bank, the better you’re going to feel.

It is also important to know that staying consistent is key. We recommend you come every week and, if you can, two times a week in order to accelerate your healing. Now, we understand that time and budget are always a concern. Please know, that even if you come every other week or so, you will still experience healing - it may just take place at a slower rate.

The bottom line.

What acupuncture will do for you:

  • Provide comfort in your body (no pushing through pain).

  • Feel rested in your mind (and yes, burnout is real).

  • Experience being resourced in your daily life (this is the new bare minimum).

Remember that you are the one that’s in your body all day. YOU know it best.

You’re so worth it.

How does it work?

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  • Simply put, acupuncture is the administering of hair-thin needles into the body in specific locations meant to mobilize circulation and stimulate your body’s natural ability to heal.

    Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on “Qi,” (chee) or “Chi,” meaning our energy or life-force that flows throughout our body…This Qi, or energy, can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points on the body. These points are located along channels, or meridians, that connect all of our major organs. Illness and imbalance arises when the flow of Qi becomes blocked. Acupuncture helps to unblock the flow of Qi. Common examples of “stuck Qi,” are pain, headaches, PMS, GI discomfort, belching and bloating, gas, sleep disturbances, and mood swings.

  • Acupuncture has been PROVEN to regulate the Central Nervous System (CNS), which controls most functions of the body and mind. It consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the conduit for the signals between our body and the brain.

    When needles are administered in the body, sensory input, information processing, and motor output are all effected. By stimulating the CNS, several other systems are activated, like an increase of blood circulation which will release muscle-tension, the release of endorphins (our happy hormones), and the activation of the parasympathetic system, which controls our “rest and digest,” mechanisms.

    In addition, you may see a reduction in systemic inflammation and in stress. By activating the parasympathetic system, cortisol (the stress hormone) drops drastically. While we need cortisol in small doses, most Americans are over-stimulated and over-stressed, which keeps our cortisol levels heightened. Consistently high cortisol levels can lead to inflammation (which can be safely called the root of all disease), weight gain, poor sleep, little to no appetite, and emotional imbalances.

    By receiving regular acupuncture, you are effectively allowing your brain and body to relax, restore a healthy connection, and fight disease. So, it’s no surprise that acupuncture also regulates and boosts immunity, keeping you from getting chronically sick by stimulating both red and white cell production.

    Visit www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org to learn more.

  • We’ll start with an in-depth intake covering each organ system. This can take up to 60 minutes.

    Afterwards, you will lay comfortably on a treatment table and we will look at your tongue and take your pulses on both wrists. Tongue and pulse readings are the most effective diagnostic tools we have at our disposal, outside of asking you direct questions.

    Once we’ve made a diagnosis, we will begin to administer needles. The sensations of the needles vary depending on the location on the body, however, at worst, what you will feel is a slight poke or a dull ache. Most likely, you won’t feel the needles go in at all.

    Once all the needles have been inserted and you tell us you are comfortable, we will leave the room and let you rest for about 30 minutes. Don’t worry, we’ll be nearby so you’ll be able to buzz us if you’re feeling uncomfortable.

    When time is up, we’ll re-enter the room and remove the needles. If an adjunct therapy is warranted, we will perform it before or after acupuncture, being sure to explain everything we’re doing.

    After the treatment is completely over, you’ll likely feel a little “acu-stoned” as we like to call it. It will feel like extreme relaxation with a touch of wooziness. This will pass in a brief amount of time and then you can go on about your day. But, take the time to notice any changes in your body.

    What do you feel? How do you feel? Do you notice any differences regarding the issue you came in for?

    Rest-assured, building your health and wellness is paramount. We’re always available to answer your questions and want you to feel comfortable sharing anything you’d like without the fear of judgement.

Our beliefs about health and healing:

We want you to feel empowered to make the best decisions for yourself - no one knows your body better than you.

  • We believe everything is connected and you cannot separate your mind from your body. You are not a collection of symptoms but rather, a whole person experiencing dis-ease.

  • We find that Western medicine sometimes needs a little nudge from Eastern medicine - oftentimes failing if one is not there to support the other. We believe in Western medicine at Firewood Acupuncture, but we also believe the modern medical system is severely broken. Eastern healing aims to cradle us where Western med falls short.

  • We know that you have the immense ability to self-heal and sometimes your body just needs reminding - that’s why you’re here.

  • We do not believe in elimination diets and that yes, you should be eating more protein and lifting heavy weights - often.

  • We believe in you and also, we believe you. No gaslighting here. You will be met with empathy and evidence-based healing. We will use all we have learned to help you get back to your best self.

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Heartfelt Reviews

  • Amanda C., Arvada, CO

    “Rachel’s presence is a gift. Her willingness to listen and dive deep with a detailed intake to get to know her patient is not something that every practitioner comes to naturally. I felt truly heard and cared for in my sessions and have already felt the benefits of her care. She has integrated her knowledge of Chinese medicine with a deep knowing of the human spirit. This is not something that can be taught and you will feel it in the first moment that you meet her.”

  • Jodi A., Champaign, IL

    “What a wonderful experience, to be so cared for by a skilled and intuitive healer. You'll be met with warmth and a genuine kindness that radiates compassion. What a gift to leave feeling seen, heard, and treated with respect.

    She recommended cupping for chronic pain and tension in my left shoulder. I've done chiropractic, massage, yoga, you name it. Nothing really seemed to be working...until she worked her magic. My pain was gone, my range of motion increased and my body hasn't felt this good in years.

    Thank you Rachel, for your healing touch!”

  • Jake R., Denver, CO

    “I cannot recommend Rachel enough!! From the moment I walked in, I felt completely comfortable in what could be an uncomfortable environment. She asked me all the right questions and was genuinely concerned with my well being, customizing a treatment for my individual needs. The treatment itself was incredible, and I walked out feeling substantially better than when I walked in. Rachel is the best and I can’t wait for my next treatment!!”

  • Ashley C., Denver, CO

    “I cannot put into words how grateful I am for Rachel and Firewood Acupuncture. I came in with a number of things to work on – lifelong health concerns, sleep, troubled digestion and more – and she has taken the time to focus on each. Saying I have experienced significant improvement in all of these areas doesn't begin do it justice. She is, not only a wonderful human, but a true healer!”

  • Beth P., Lakewood, CO

     “I went to see Rachel to treat my anxiety and insomnia. I was nervous to try acupuncture for obvious reasons, but Rachel’s presence immediately put me at ease. She has an incredibly warm and nurturing energy and her space is beautiful. After each treatment I noticed improvements in my symptoms and an overall feeling of increased calm and balance. Highly recommend!”

  • Rebecca M., Greensboro, NC

    “As soon as you walk into the space, it's clear how dedicated Rachel is to making her patients feel comfortable, seen, and heard. She has an incredibly warm and nurturing demeanor, and she's very conscientious about walking her patients through their treatment, telling them exactly what she is doing and why, and checking in with them often to ensure they they are comfortable. She answered every question I had. If you've never tried acupuncture before, Rachel is the perfect person to see.”

  • Kristen F., Centennial, CO

    “I cannot say enough about my experience at Firewood Acupuncture. From the inviting location, warm treatment space, and exceptional practitionership, you will be in wellness bliss after your time with Rachel. She listened intently, explained clearly, and had the most wonderful bedside manner. She made me feel safe, heard, and my session exceeded my expectations. Rachel followed up with an email outlining goals and recommendations that were easy to implement and understand. I've already gone back for treatment #2! If you are looking for a Denver acupuncturist, you found her! GO SEE RACHEL of Firewood Acupuncture.”

  • Amy S., Conifer, CO

    “You are a wealth of information and I so appreciate you explaining everything so much. I am so fascinated by TCM, it just seems to make everything fall into place so much more easily than any Western medicine. I can’t get enough learning…the treatment felt amazing and I’ll be back! Thank you again for sharing your wisdom and steady hands!”

  • Donna M., Los Angeles, CA

    “As soon as I walked in to Rachel’s studio, I felt like I was in the right place. Rachel not only makes you want to bare your soul, she listened, cared and addressed every problem I said I was having. I left feeling like a new human! I can’t wait until my next treatment.”

  • Alex G., Boulder, CO

    “I read your treatment plan and will utilize it. I just want to say I felt listened to and comfortable with you, which, as a PTSD patient means a lot!”

  • Megan B., Denver, CO

    “Rachel is an absolute gem! She has such a genuine, caring soul and listens with intent so that she can properly treat your conditions. She is extremely knowledge about the human body, illnesses, disorders, etc. and she is so passionate about what she does.

    Rachel has gone above & beyond to help me with multiple issues I've had over the past year or so. I look forward to every single session, not only for the amazing, calming treatments in a relaxing environment, but also because she is so easy to talk to & we have created a strong connection. I leave each session with huge sighs of relief & feeling like I'm walking in the clouds.

    She is truly a miracle worker!”

  • Steph B., Denver, CO

    “Rachel is a great practitioner. She’s incredibly thorough, easy to talk to, and has a naturally calming demeanor. I’ve been seeing her for a variety of things and have been noticing small changes throughout the weeks. She is supportive and honest and only wants the best for her clients. I’d highly recommend giving her a try if you’re interested in TCM.”

  • Erin D., Aurora, CO

    “Rachel is an amazing acupuncturist and I have loved working with her! She is so kind and understanding of all my issues and health goals. She is thorough and goes through all the body systems to pinpoint what could be causing issues. She has helped me with multiple problems including anxiety, sleep issues and muscle tension/pain. I highly recommend working with her and cannot say enough wonderful things about her!!”

  • Shelly L., Denver, CO

    “Rachel has a gift that has changed my life. Her incredible calming bed side manner makes me feel at ease every single time. The way she describes things is so articulate and helpful and makes me want to know more. Need help sleeping? Digestion issues? Low mood? Literally anything you're going through, she's your gal! Highly recommend.”

  • Kristine G., Denver, CO

    “I cannot recommend Rachel enough! I went in for facial acupuncture, and got more than glowing skin. She took the time to review every system, connecting my body during the facial to other things I’d been experiencing. She would adjust our treatments weekly for things like stress, sleep, digestion, and energy. She truly cares and listens to what you and your body needs. Thank you, Rachel!!”

  • Darby Y., Evergreen, CO

    “Rachel is everything I never knew I needed! I went to Firewood to try out facial acupuncture and she quickly helped connect the dots on several whole body issues. She is a wealth of knowledge and is constantly teaching while at the same time allowing you to slip into Zen. I love learning from Rachel as she explains her practices how they all balance the qi. During my session she put together a wellness plan with supplement recommendations to meet my individual needs. Her facial treatments are heavenly and they work! She has helped me with my fine lines, my gut health, my sleep, mood, and skin issues….I know my day will be a great one if I have an appointment with Rachel!”

  • Paul D., Denver, CO

    “Rachel is an exceptional healer! She listens deeply, creates a safe space to share, has a comprehensive/holistic perspective of mind-body and excellence with needle placement and cupping. I would highly recommend her services for rebalancing what ails you!”

  • Hope A., Arvada, CO

    “I have been working with Rachel for over a year now. She listens and then listens some more. She is extremely knowledgeable about acupuncture and approaching things holistically. I came in with a list issues and chronic conditions. When I think about last summer to this summer, I feel so much better and it gives me hope. Her practice is calming, loving, and most of all nonjudgmental. I am so grateful I found her.”

Curious about acupuncture but need more guidance?

Send us an email using the form on this page. We’d like for you to feel as informed about acupuncture and your future healthcare as possible. There are no silly questions! Please, ask away! Option to also text 720-588-0104 to connect and we can set up a phone call to discuss your imbalances and see if acupuncture is right for you!