Meet Elena Beltran | Acupuncturist and Herbalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elena Beltran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elena, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Not many people are aware of what it takes to become an acupuncturist. In fact, the road to becoming a licensed acupuncturist is lengthy and requires a lot of dedication and commitment. In Colorado, you can choose to complete a graduate degree solely in acupuncture, or you can choose to study herbal medicine as well. Depending on your choice, this can be finished in 3-4 years in addition to an undergrad degree.

I chose to study acupuncture and herbal medicine, consisting of 3045 hours of educational curriculum, including 825 clinic hours and 150 observation hours. During this time, I was immersed in both Western and Eastern medical training. This education allowed me to become adept at spotting signs and symptoms that would need a Western referral, helping bridge the gap between Eastern and Western medicine. Yet at the same time, I can view the body with a unique, holistic perspective that excels at providing relief for many symptoms.

You would think that after four years of dedicated education, you would be able to practice acupuncture, right? Actually, no. After you complete your degree, there are 3-4 national board exams that need to be passed before you can legally practice acupuncture. I’m not going to lie, it was a very intense time. However, these exams are something I’m grateful for, since they ensure all board-certified acupuncturists have the proper education to effectively and safely treat someone. If you are ever looking for an acupuncturist, I would highly recommend someone who is board-certified.

What should our readers know about your business?
Graceful Healing Acupuncture & Wellness was created to provide a safe space for those in need of patient-centered healthcare. This aspect is often missing in the busy, insurance-driven medical system we have today, which is why I wanted to create a place where every patient feels heard, valued, and respected. The beauty with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is that everybody is treated differently, and my goal is to not only relieve symptoms but to uncover the root of every imbalance.

My hope is to help people live gracefully within their bodies, navigating life with ease and acceptance, knowing that living in pain is not the only option. Understanding that stress can be regulated and shouldn’t be the norm in your life. Whether it is to bring balance to somebody’s life or to journey together to uncover the root of chronic health issues, I am excited to help.

I treat a wide range of disorders, but have a special affinity for treating digestive disorders, women’s health, nervous system dysregulation, such as stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, headaches/migraines, sinus issues, and, of course, pain. Each treatment is unique to the individual, and it may not only involve acupuncture (the insertion of tiny needles into specific points throughout the body) but also may include physical manipulations such as acupressure, guasha/scraping, cupping, or electrical stimulation. In addition, I like to provide insight and recommendations concerning movements, breathing patterns, or dietary modifications that are best for each individual.

Starting this business hasn’t exactly been easy. Navigating authentic marketing and discovering ways to promote my business is something I’m still learning about. The biggest lesson I continue to learn is to trust. Trust in the flow and operate from a place of love and kindness.

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.
If I wanted to show a friend what Colorado means to me, I would start with a trip to the mountains. We are blessed with so many beautiful state parks that there is an endless selection. Maybe go on some adventures like climbing in Clear Creek Canyon or paddle boarding through the cottonwoods in Chatfield State Park. I would definitely want to take advantage of the amazing music scene by going to a Red Rock’s concert or enjoying some music and food at Ophelia’s or Mercury Cafe. Fun things in town would be the Sante Fe Art Walk, the iconic Elitch Gardens, or the beautiful botanical gardens. Lastly, I would not want to miss the opportunity to show off the Wizard’s Chest and pick up a new board game to play together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out to a few people/businesses that have helped me keep my footing in this business world and who continue to inspire me to travel down the never-ending pursuit of knowledge.

Thrive Community Acupuncture Clinic in Fort Collins is the first place that inspired me to start studying this medicine. Community acupuncture is a great form of affordable treatments, and if you are in the area, I would recommend checking them out.

Altitude Acupuncture is a local, woman-owned clinic in the Commerce City/Reunion area that has supported me since the beginning of my licensure. I still work there a few days a week and am so grateful to be part of an independent business that values a work-life balance. The owner is an incredible human being and a great business mentor.

Dr. Steven Wong from Yellow Mountain Clinic continues to provide knowledge and mentorship with herbal medicine and acupuncture techniques. He is an exceptional acupuncturist with superb herbal knowledge who is always enthusiastic about sharing information.

Website: https://www.gracefulhealingacu.com

Instagram: gracefulhealingacu

Image Credits
Mary Brand Danser