Adam P. Hutchison

Training

Classical Chinese Medicine

I am trained in Classical Chinese Medicine. This differs slightly from the more common TCM in that it is based primarily on the original texts of Chinese medicine, compiled over 2000 years ago.  I seek to find the root cause of any particular ailment and will spend time with my patients to fully understand the different aspects of what contributes to their dis-ease.  I am also trained in Western allopathic medicine and sciences. I believe that to fully incorporate Chinese medicine into today’s world, we must fluidly connect these two understandings of health and wellness.

Acupuncture

With acupuncture, I practice both Japanese style and a more traditional Chinese style. Japanese style acupuncture is profound, yet gentle for my patients. Chinese style is useful for various conditions and patients who are less sensitive to treatments. I have also practiced and studied pediatric acupuncture, or Shonishin, offering children the most gentle of non-insertive treatments (no needles). Shonishin offers subtle treatments that help maintain a child's overall health and supports their immune system.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

I’ve primarily studied Chinese herbal formulas based on classical texts such as the Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage) and Jing Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet). My primary teacher in this field was Heiner Fruehauf as well as Brandt Stickley.

Bodywork and Shiatsu Massage

I studied Shiatsu for two years of my educational training, under the watchful eyes of Jim Cleaver L.Ac. I love to incorporate these simple massage techniques with my acupuncture treatments, providing more depth and relaxation for my patients.

I have also studied Sotai, which is a very gentle and simple form of bodywork. Sotai can be considered a form of body-movement reeducation, which serves to identify and remove discomfort and stress, wherever it may hide in the body. These are also a great addition to acupuncture treatments.

Additionally, I practice Qi Gong Massage for children with autism.  As a fully trained practitioner through the Qi Gong Sensory Training Institute (QSTI), I teach families a simple form of massage that they can use with their children, who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.  This technique helps a child re-balance their particular sensitivities and better connect with their family, their community, and their environment.

Essential Oils and Aroma Acupoint Therapy

Essential oils add a deeper level to my acupuncture treatments.  Aroma Acupoint Therapy, or AAT, is a gentle, completely safe and yet profoundly effective treatment modality that utilizes the energetic potential locked within pure essential oils. Treatment involves placing particular oils on specific acupoints or reflex zones on the body in order to trigger energetic changes in the individual that will bring her back to a state of balance. Aroma Acupoint Therapy works on the basis of mutual resonance through the systematic and intentional combination of essential oils and acupoints, resulting in a more significant clinical effect than using either of these treatment methods alone.

Cranial Sacral Therapy

I first studied Cranial Sacral Therapy with Anne Hill in Portland, Oregon.  After landing in Durango, Colorado, I shared an office and studied Osteopathic techniques with Dr. Paul Lee D.O.  

Most recently, I've completed the Engaging Vitality training incorporating Osteopathic techniques with acupuncture.  This three part course was taught by Dan Bensky, Chip Chase, and Marguerite Dinkins.

Emotional Healing

I’ve been fascinated with the emotional connections within Chinese medicine for quite some time. One deep dive was a 2 week silent qi gong retreat, learning about the 5-element emotional healing lineage of Wang Feng Yi. This intense time of looking inward, through the lense of xiao (filial piety / respect) and slowly clearing out the “garbage” inside us allowed for a gradual shift in how I see myself and how I relate to others in my life. Through the rigors of qi gong, movement, breath, silence and introspection - great shifts are possible and we can more easily remain within our own Tian Xing (Heavenly Nature).

I have also become very fond of the therapeutic approach within Internal Family Systems, IFS. The IFS model is an integrative approach to individual psychotherapy developed by Richard C. Schwartz. It combines systems thinking with the view that the mind is made up of relatively discrete sub-personalities (parts), each with its own unique viewpoint and qualities. IFS helps people heal by accessing and loving their protective and wounded inner parts. This process helps to integrate and live more fully as the Self. Self is understood to be our higher self or true nature.

Breathwork Facilitator

Elemental Rhythm is a unique experience that guides participants deeper into their own experience, through a progression of breathwork. Incorporating music, rhythm, breathing and a guided meditation, this breathwork journey will encourage a deep state of relaxation and release. See the EVENTS page to see what future journey work will be available.