How do you take thousands of years of traditional medicine and incorporate it with modern medical technology? Dr. Jana Royer-Morian and the team at Inspired Wellness Center do just that every day. “I believe our unique approach is beneficial to patients because we do a great job at translating a very old medical model into a modern, research-informed, understandable medicine,” shares Jana. “We can be very effective at helping people with complex medical conditions because of how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) looks at the body.”
The practice of acupuncture may seem mysterious to some, but the method is used effectively worldwide. “At a patient’s first visit, I will often explain that the World Health Organization (WHO) has proven acupuncture to be effective in treating, or helping manage, over four hundred different medical conditions,” says Jana. “It’s very effective for things like pain, headaches/migraines, stress and other mood disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and more.”
“We have found a sweet spot of having a very balanced approach with practicing Chinese medicine but delivering it in a way that feels comfortable to people who have only been exposed to Western medicine,” she adds. “We see a lot of medical professionals, first responders, and military which I believe is because they feel comfortable with somebody who is very science-based in our approach.”
An important aspect of the profession includes a solid educational background. “To practice we must have an undergraduate degree in a science and then complete a four-year master’s degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine,” explains Jana. “Both Candace Canerdy and I have the same education: a four-year undergraduate degree in pre-med/science, a three-to-four-year master’s degree in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and a two-year post-graduate degree in a doctor of acupuncture and integrative health program.”
“By understanding many of the disease processes in the body that contribute to major health concerns, we can try to address issues when they are small so they don’t continue to fester into larger, more concerning problems,” she adds. “We also know the limitations of what we can treat and know when to refer out when necessary.”
At Inspired Wellness Center, they work with patients who experience pain and sports injuries in addition to addressing general wellness issues such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and ensuring the immune system is functioning properly. Their specialty, however, falls in the areas of fertility and working with cancer patients.
According to Jana, in the areas of fertility and oncology the benefits of acupuncture can be life-changing. “I have spent quite some time at two of the major cancer hospitals in the country, MD Anderson in Houston and Sloan-Kettering in NYC, as they both have huge integrative medicine programs,” she explains. “In cancer treatment, it is important to remember that acupuncture is a supportive role, and not a primary treatment method. Our goals are to offset symptoms of traditional cancer treatments so patients can stay healthy enough to both stay on their prescribed treatment plan and have a decent quality of life during treatment. We help manage things like pain, nausea and gastrointestinal disturbance, blood counts, depression and anxiety, neuropathy and more. If symptoms are well managed during treatment, then generally recovery after treatment is much easier.”
“In fertility medicine, I meet people in all different stages of the journey from those thinking of getting pregnant to those who are all in with IVF and other artificial reproductive methods,” says Jana. “Many of the women I work with conceive naturally as acupuncture can help correct irregular cycles, regulate hormones, and help address structural disorders like blood flow issues and endometriosis. Acupuncture is also super effective in helping women manage stress levels which is useful in the fertility journey as it is a hugely stressful time for many couples. Stress can impact everything from cycles to inflammation, so stress is always a part of our treatment plan.” A special place in the office hosts pictures of babies conceived with the help of acupuncture treatments.
A large part of the charm of Inspired Wellness Center is the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. “We are casual and we treat those who come in as friends,” shares Jana. “Our team is special in the way we really like each other and I think it shows. We strive to have fun in the office and I think people enjoy our sense of humor. We take what we do seriously but never ourselves.”
The staff ensures quality service by taking a well-rounded approach to patient care. “We all have our roles and the things we do best,” says Jana. “Stephanie, our office manager, makes things look professional and beautiful. She is the gatekeeper to everything and runs a pretty tight ship. She is the reason we look good. Dr. Candace has been with us for a year and is originally from Memphis, Tennessee. She brings some Southern charm, a huge smile, and the best laugh. She brings back some of the “traditional” in TCM. She has a love for herbs and nutrition that really benefits our patients, and as a newer provider she is eager to tackle everything and help all of those who enter our office.”
One of the many things Jana enjoys about her work is developing relationships with her patients. “I love meeting new people and getting to know not only their health goals but also learning about their family, their history, their wins and hearing their stories,” she says. “I love seeing an acupuncture skeptic turn into a long-time patient. I love that people trust us with their very best days, “I’m pregnant. My cancer is in remission. My chronic pain is gone,” and their very worst days [cancer reoccurrence, pregnancy loss, other major health diagnoses]. The good days are great and the bad days are soul crushing but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
LEARN MORE
Inspired Wellness Center is located at 8435 W. 80th Avenue. To schedule an appointment, visit inspired-wellness.com or call (303) 377-1365. On the website, see the introduction video on the home page and visit the frequently asked questions page for answers to common questions and concerns. Follow @InspiredWellnessCenter on Facebook for fun educational and encouraging updates.
"I believe our unique approach is beneficial to patients because we do a great job at translating a very old medical model into a modern, research-informed, understandable medicine."
“I love meeting new people and getting to know not only their health goals but also learning about their family, their history, their wins and hearing their stories."