We had the good fortune of connecting with Meghan Rose Nolan, LAc and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meghan Rose, how do you think about risk?
Risks with a capital R – I’m a fan and I’ve taken a few. Examples include leaving my decade-long, Manhattan-based career in finance for my graduate program in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Portland, Oregon, the times I traveled alone to India or backpacked solo through the PNW, and most recently moving to Denver when love came calling with an opportunity to start a new private practice! In those pivotal decision-making movements, oddly enough I never feel like I’m taking a big “Risk”, but rather just taking the next big leap to meet my deepest self.

What should our readers know about your business?
I take a very hands-on, one-on-one approach to treatment and feel a profound sense of satisfaction from building a close rapport with each of my patients. Over the years in practice I’ve formed an affinity for addressing orthopedic, neurological and digestive conditions, in addition to supporting hormonal, reproductive and psycho-emotional regulation with acupuncture, massage and Chinese herbal medicine. (I am also a board certified herbalist). I’d say the first lucky break in my career was getting to work alongside my teacher, Dr. Yan Lu, where I learned to hone in on my massage and orthopedic acupuncture techniques through complex, long-term cases. I’ve treated just about everything from supporting IVF transfers to Veterans with chronic pain and stress disorders who are able to altogether decrease or cease taking pain medication. Fun fact: I also helped co-edit the 2nd edition of Dr. Lu’s textbook on Tuina massage and orthopedic exams for acupuncturists. I hold a post-graduate certificate in Japanese acupuncture based on the clinical strategies of Kiiko Matsumoto, and in the next year hope to start a Doctoral program to strengthen the Integrative Medicine aspect of my practice.

Currently, I’m enjoying connecting and collaborating with local practitioners of all different backgrounds for workshops, yoga classes and pop-up acupuncture + massage events! I love that with a little creativity, the opportunities to engage with the community at large keep expanding. It’s been a fun way to bring my work and education around the benefits and scope of what acupuncture can treat to the public and help people “live the medicine”.

Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that what I’m doing and living now was once a very far off goal that I carried around in secret. When I hear patients who say to me, “Oh my God you were BORN to do this.” I break into a huge smile and tell them that’s the biggest compliment I could ever receive if they knew my incongruous backstory. For me, there’s no professional accomplishment that tops getting to be your own boss and doing what you love everyday with a growing community of people who look up to you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok, here’s my take on a “36 hours in Denver” trip. (Full disclosure: I live in RiNo and think it’s the best neighborhood to hang out in general, so most of my suggestions are in that area!)

Friday night: Lose yourself in wine and tapas at Barcelona – the atmosphere will transport you. Also take some time to walk along Larimer street to see the murals and experience the city vibe.

Saturday: Coffee + breakfast at Crema (or Snooze), then take a drive and hike up Mt. Sanitas near Boulder followed by an afternoon of sauna and cold plunge at Portal! In the evening head over to The Source hotel to grab a rooftop cocktail at the Woods, followed by dinner at Safta. Later on hit up Red Rocks or another local venue to get your live music fix in.

Sunday: Wander through Zeppelin Station for coffee, food and thrifting. Take a yoga class or see the Rockies if they’re playing in town. I think that really covers a full Denver experience!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This one belongs to my parents. Words can’t express the gratitude I have for my Mom and Dad who both came from humble Italian and Irish-Italian beginnings in Brooklyn, NY. I have a steady head on my shoulders thanks to their values around education, hard work, respect for oneself, compassion for others, and going the extra mile to do your best. If you want to make it, you’ve got to hustle. My biggest supporters through my many big moves!

Website: https://www.meghanroseacu.com

Instagram: @meghanrose.acu

Facebook: Meghan Rose Acupuncture.Massage.Integrative Medicine

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