By Mary Kirker      

According to John Candea, D.O.M., Dipl. Ac., NCCAOM, "Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treat all kinds of problems. It’s a complete form of medicine, so it addresses everything really." With over 27 years experience as a natural health therapist and educator, Candea began teaching Yang style T’ai Chi Ch’uan in 1976. Sixteen years ago he expanded his practice to include traditional Chinese medicine as a licensed acupuncturist. 
 
"In Chinese medicine, they never made this distinction between mind and body as we did in the west," said Candea, "so that treating …mental and emotional concerns are done in the same way that they treat physical problems." 

The emotions and a patient’s mental state are seen as tied to physical problems. According to Chinese medicine, extreme emotions or emotions held for too long eventually can cause disease or problems, allowing the body to become unbalanced. Candea includes Chinese herbal medicines, massage, diet, and daily exercises in his health treatments to cover all aspects of the body.

"I think most commonly people come to acupuncturists for problems related to pain, headaches and injury problems. That’s what people are most familiar with," Candea said. He offers service in his home office or makes house calls throughout Boulder County. The initial consultation is free, and a one-hour minimum is recommended for each visit. 
Candea searches for an energy pattern within the individual patient and then develops a treatment plan. 

"Acupuncture is great for any kind of functional disturbance of the organs, where your system isn’t operating correctly for one reason or another," Candea continued. He was quick to point out that non-needle therapies are part of his practice for those who feel anxious. Needles used during acupuncture are significantly different from those that we may associate with shots.

Candea offers T’ai Chi classes at the Arapahoe YMCA in Boulder and the Longmont Athletic Club. Regarding exercise, he explains, "It kind of comes from the Chinese idea of working the movement in such a way that you’re opening up the internal energy, the meridian and so forth that you see on charts." He admitted, "It’s a martial art but it’s also an exercise to keep the joints free, loose, open and flexible." It is low-impact, minimally aerobic and especially suitable for seniors or others just beginning an exercise program. 
 
Through principles of balance and harmony, the practice of T’ai Chi can unify the mind and body, relieving stress while increasing energy, confidence and well-being. Nicknamed the "Swimming Dragon," the exercise has been practiced in China for at least 300 years. Candea learned the technique in 1985 from Tzu Kou Shih.
 
Candea worked in Hawaii and Manitou Springs, Colo. before arriving in Niwot about a year ago. He offers workshops and seminars to groups who would like to learn more about Chinese medicine or specific topics, such as insomnia, fatigue, addictions, depression and chronic pain. 
 
John Candea can be reached at 303-652-1439. His home office is located at 142 Franklin Street near historic downtown Niwot.
  
Photo by Mary Kirker
John Candea of Acupuncture Plus.