Michelle Uthoff-Campbell: Acupuncturist & Holistic Medicine Practitioner

Feb 10, 2010 by Gretchen Seefried

I never imagined letting a stranger stick a dozen needles into my body and then paying for the privilege…until I met acupuncturist and holistic medicine practitioner, Michelle Uthoff-Campbell.

The first thing that struck me about Michelle was her gorgeous skin; it is like a baby’s—pure peaches and cream.  I found myself muttering under my breath that if a few paltry needles could make my skin look that good, then she could stab away!

After an early and highly-acclaimed career as a professional dancer, Michelle graduated with a master’s degree in Oriental Medicine in 2002 from the Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colo. She has been in private practice ever since, working initially through a local chiropractic office then in an office of her own in central Denver.

She has taught seminars in advanced auricular acupuncture and pediatric acupuncture, supervised clinics at the Colorado School of Tradionial Chinese Medicine, and lectured on acupuncture and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She has published articles on both sports medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and TCM’s role in HIV/AIDS treatment. She has an advanced nutritional certificate from Robert Crayhon Research Institute as well as over 400 hours in continuing education in functional medicine. In 2008 she was honored to be part of a panel representing acupuncture at the 4th annual Colorado Health Fraud Conference.

A mom herself, Michelle loves treating kids. Not only do they heal faster, but the methods work better because their bodies have not been impeded by medication.  Acupuncture is especially effective in treating children suffering from acid reflux, colds, sinus issues, and muscle soreness.  She was featured on Fox 31 in 2002 for her work with pediatric patients.  One can only surmise that her own children benefit from her ability to listen carefully and her skills in soothing.

In a field of mostly men Michelle studied Oriental medicine under masters of the practice and then further specialized in the art and science of acupuncture.  While by Western standards the practice is still often viewed as inexplicable, high-resonance photography has proven the existence of the millions of tiny nerves which web the body just under the skin.  Michelle views acupuncture as an effective alternative and complements to traditional healthcare, and in fact receives many referrals from Western MDs.

Because of the multiple hours of nutritional study under her belt, Michelle is especially well versed in the benefits of specific supplements as well as the contraindications between them and certain medications.

She looks at the nutritional habits, health, medications, and emotional aspects of a patient’s life and while taking life-style into account, Michelle makes supplement and acupuncture recommendations that are realistic in terms of personal circumstances like economic factors, travel schedule and family situation.  While many practitioners encourage expensive supplements and frequent visits, Michelle is committed to her patients’ best interests both physically and financially.  Quality supplements and treatments work better…which means her patients feel better fast.  She is strongly opposed to multi-level marketing programs and warns that while there are many reputable and committed practitioners, there are just as many who have their own financial gain in mind.  Because Chinese medicine is a specialty that is relatively unknown to the layman, it is easy for a new patient to be swayed by a sweet-talker.  A licensed acupuncturist takes a four-year master’s course and has to pass a national test in order to legally practice in the United States.  To be absolutely sure about a potential practitioner or if you have questions about acupuncture, Michelle recommends contacting the Acupuncture Association of Colorado.

For thousands of years, people around the world, and especially in Eastern cultures have experienced the benefits of Oriental medicine.  Acupuncture can be helpful for myriad complaints including PTSD, anxiety, allergies, nutritional deficits, digestion issues, sexual dysfunction and more.  It is being used more and more by Westerners as they experience real relief and acknowledge that “proof is in the pudding!”

That growing evidence, along with her education and experience gives Michelle a quiet confidence.  Her office is small and welcoming with a leaf mobile that spins lazily overhead giving the space a sense of serenity.   With her engaging warmth and grounded calm, Michelle made getting needles stuck in me seem the highlight of my day!

Although I still have my same old skin, I’ve concluded that Michelle’s outer beauty is indicative of her inner spirit.  As she succinctly and modestly puts it, “I just want people to be well.” When a patient has a breakthrough or her pain has disappeared, Michelle feels the joy.  And that is a sign of a true healer.

Michelle Uthoff-Campbell is located at 1780 South Bellaire Street, Suite 695, in Denver, CO and can be reached at 303- 921-6263 or
. You can read Michelle’s informative blog and learn more about her by reading her MidChix profile.