Hidden Gems: Meet Monica Edlauer of Boulder Family Acupuncture LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Edlauer.

Hi Monica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
When I was 17, I did not have much hope for a future. Surrounded by other drug addicts, I struggled to survive on the streets of Los Angeles. Not much to be proud of, and certainly not a road to success. By some stroke of luck, I got clean and off the streets at 27, and have been trying to improve my life ever since. I moved to Boulder from L.A. with my boyfriend in 1996. I had just turned 28. At 33, I graduated from Naropa University with a couple of degrees, built our first child, and then went back to school to get a Masters in Chinese Medicine and obtain acupuncture licensure in 2007. During my first pregnancy, I had learned the benefits of acupuncture firsthand, when it turned out to be the only thing that helped with intense bouts of morning sickness.

I started Boulder Family Acupuncture in 2008, just after the birth of our third child and made pediatric and prenatal care the focus of my practice. When my youngest was a few months old, their dad left me – and left me without much choice… I had to hit the ground running and care for my family. I had just graduated from a Master’s program in Acupuncture, and needed to start my health care practice and a new life as the only adult caregiver for my kids. I struggled for years, needing to rely on food stamps and Medicaid and government housing to keep us afloat, while building my acupuncture practice. Still in recovery and with a brand new BSN degree at 53, I am proud to be a single mom and successful role model for three amazing children. Everything that I do and say and think and dream is currently driven by my desire to give them a better life too. Boulder Family Acupuncture is thriving, and I hope to expand my love for moms and newborns by working as an L&D nurse in one of my favorite Boulder County hospitals as soon as humanly possible. I am excited to incorporate a broad base of Nursing knowledge to benefit my current patients, while enabling to help engender a more holistic approach within the hospital on a full-time basis.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Life is as smooth as I choose to view it. Struggles are plentiful but can be seen as opportunities if one has the proper perspective. When the 2013 Boulder flood destroyed Boulder Family Acupuncture, I knew we would bounce back stronger than ever after abatement and rebuilding. After my house caught fire in 2015, I had a feeling that it would end up being a lesson in letting go of possessions and starting anew. With the pandemic this past year, there have been many more opportunities to restructure my business and roll with it. And in between, single mom life, nursing school, financial strains, and preteen / teen angst have definitely given me a run for my money. I am extremely lucky to have amazing friends, terrific kids, a wonderful boyfriend and the plentiful resources of Boulder County to see me through.

As you know, we’re big fans of Boulder Family Acupuncture LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Boulder Family Acupuncture has been serving residents of Boulder County and beyond since 2008. Although prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric care have been a primary focus, I treat patients from all walks of life with all health care needs. That’s why I call it Family Acupuncture. My youngest patients are just a day old, and my most seasoned patients are in their 90’s. And I adore them all. The modalities used by the business are extremely effective and as comfortable as desired. Most people are “afraid of needles…” Of course! Me too! That’s why I offer so many other modalities, in addition to needle-free treatments for anyone I treat. Herbal medicine, medical massage, touch-free Frequency Specific Microcurrent, cupping, gua sha, and moxabustion provide amazingly effective treatments in addition to – or instead of – acupuncture.

For eight years, I have also treated inpatients at Boulder Community Health’s Foothills hospital, where I remain on staff as an Acupuncture Practice Professional… as well as at many inpatient rehabs and long-term care facilities in the area. I work very closely with many of the areas’ talented birth professionals as well, often attending home-births or simply bringing acupuncture to those who cannot leave their homes. Boulder Family Acupuncture prides itself on treating anyone in need, regardless of financial status. We are in-network with nearly all Colorado health insurance companies and can bill insurance directly. We also offer income-based rates, Medicaid and Medicare rates, payment plans and pro bono work for first responders and disaster survivors.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Hard to imagine! Please feel free to ask if you have any questions. I am textable, day and night, at our main office number. And I am always happy to chat with patients or anyone curious about what acupuncture can do for them or their families.

Pricing:

• Initial visits for adults are typically $115 without insurance
• Hospital visits are $120 without insurance

Contact Info:

• Email: boulderacupuncture@comcast.net
• Website: www.boulderfamilyacupuncture.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoulderFamilyAcupuncture
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/acumama_boulder
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/BoulderFamilyAcupuncture

Image Credits
Lisa Waldo, Sarah Boccolucci, Daily Camera