Digestive disorders treated in Boulder
with functional medicine, Chinese herbs, and acupuncture
Why this matters to me
Digestion is personal for me
In my early 20s, almost everything I ate gave me brain fog, bloating, pain, fatigue, and IBS-like symptoms. Working through my own recovery is what led me to study digestion so closely. Today I eat freely (I avoid gluten by choice), and since 2002 I have helped thousands of patients with digestive problems at my Boulder clinic.
What I treat
Common digestive problems I see
SIBO
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, including cases that keep coming back.
IBS
Bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, or both.
Reflux and GERD
Heartburn, reflux, and upper-abdominal discomfort.
H. pylori
Including infections that did not clear with antibiotics.
Food sensitivities and leaky gut
Reacting to more and more foods, and intestinal permeability.
Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
Support alongside your GI doctor’s care.
Parasites and candida
Including recovery after Giardia. See Should I do a parasite cleanse?
Low stomach acid
Hypochlorhydria, a common hidden driver of SIBO and poor digestion.
How I work
Treatment built around you, not just a test result
1. Your symptom pattern
Where the bloating sits, the type of constipation or diarrhea, appetite, nausea, and breath. Two people with the same SIBO result often need different treatment.
2. Your constitution
Pulse, tongue, body type, whether you run warm or cold, and how you hold stress. This comes from the deep roots of Chinese medicine and often points to the underlying cause.
3. Targeted testing
When it will change your treatment, I order functional labs such as comprehensive stool analysis, SIBO breath testing, and H. pylori testing, at discounted practitioner pricing.
I combine all three into one plan: a custom Chinese herbal formula, acupuncture, and, where they help, specific probiotics and prebiotics, diet changes, and supplements. As you improve, the plan changes with you.
“I have been dealing with digestive problems for years. I’ve seen many health care providers, including specialized medical doctors. Nothing so far has helped – in fact some of the Western medicine made the condition worse. Jason’s diagnosis from a Chinese perspective was spot on and tied in with other symptoms I had been experiencing. The acupuncture is extremely effective and the herbs he prescribed also make a big difference. After only two visits I feel much, much better.”
Nicole B., Aug. 2013
My approach
Why test results alone are not enough
- Testing is useful but imperfect. SIBO breath tests can miss cases or flag ones that are not the real problem, and most food sensitivity panels are unreliable.
- Not every organism found on a stool test is causing your symptoms.
- IBS is a label for a group of symptoms, not a single cause. SIBO is one common driver, and SIBO itself has many causes, including low stomach acid.
- Causes link together. Chronic stress can lower stomach acid, low stomach acid can lead to SIBO, and gut inflammation adds to the stress load. Treating only the test result misses this web.
- Antibiotics such as rifaximin can help, but SIBO often returns when the underlying cause is not addressed.
Chinese medicine has treated these patterns for 2,000 years, and modern research is now studying some of the same herbs, such as berberine (from coptis), ginger, and pomegranate husk. I combine that tradition with functional medicine to treat the underlying cause.
What to expect
Getting started
Your first visit
A 90-minute evaluation covering your full history and prior labs, with your first treatment.
Follow-up visits
We adjust your herbs, supplements, and diet as you improve.
Patient testimonials
Energy and microbiome restored after Giardia
Google (Sept. 2022) – Karla R.Jason’s knowledge and living connection with Chinese herbal medicine as well as Accupuncture is helping me so much in getting my energy back and microbiome into balance after having Giardia. I receive ongoing support from him and watched my partner recover twice as fast from Covid with Jason’s help. Highly recommend.
Hashimoto’s, food sensitivities and digestive issues
Google (June 2022) – Alayna S.I started seeing Jason in February after receiving a Hashimotos diagnosis along with a long list of sensitivities and digestive issues. Jason has changed my whole life and I have never felt better, even just after a few months of treatment. Each time we add another supplement I continue to see vast improvement in my mind and body. I am so grateful for Jason and I cannot recommend him enough!!
H. pylori cleared after antibiotics failed
Google (Dec. 2017) – Sandra P.I had digestion problems and was diagnosed by a doctor as having H. Pylori bacteria in my system. That problem was treated with a intense dose of antibiotics that was painful and made me sick and disoriented. After the treatment I still had the bacteria. The doctor wanted to give a another mega treatment of antibiotics. I couldn’t go through that again. That is when I began treatment with Jason. Acupuncture and herbal tea and over the counter supplements that he recommended. I did this for two months. Then I had another test made for H. Pylori and the results were negative! Thank you Jason for your knowledge, treatment and helpful counseling. I am so grateful.
Gut issues – finally heading in the right direction
Google (Nov. 2019) – Mary C.I am happy to say that I’ve been progressively getting better and really appreciate Jason’s knowledge of gut and other issues, as well as the tangible solutions he provides. After several years of seeking help, I finally feel like I’m heading in the right direction. I highly recommend Jason Blalack Acupuncture & Functional Medicine!
Intestinal problems, H. pylori and sleep issues
Yelp (Jan. 2019) – Alesia B.My family has been seeing Jason for over a year and we are very thankful for his attentive care. His intuitive abilities to diagnose coupled with the approach of a functional medicine practitioner were very helpful in dealing with intestinal problems, obgyn concerns, getting rid off HPV and H. Pylori, back issues and sleeping problems. As a medical practitioner myself, I highly recommended Jason to my patients, family and friends. Thank you for all you do!
Avoided gallbladder removal
Google (2014) – Errol W.I was told by my doctor that I would need to have my Gallbladder taken out. I went to see Jason and he prescribed some herbs and did some acupuncture. I have not had my Gallbladder taken out and it has been about three years now. I have not had any problems with my Gall Bladder either. I was very pleased with the results.
Digestive issues and recovery from shoulder surgery
Google (2014) – Stephanie W.I came to see Jason for several reasons; digestive issues and shoulder surgery. He was very professional, listens well, and is keenly interested in helping people feel better. I greatly benefitted from his care.
Digestive concerns and repetitive-motion pain
Genbook (April 2014) – MelanieThorough and Consistent
Jason has a mastery of acupuncture that places him at the top of his profession. He listens to my health concerns and applies his prowess. He has helped me with ongoing digestive concerns as well as numerous aches and pains due to repetitive motions. He is thorough and consistent in his gathering of information and implementation of the appropriate method of treatment.
Migraines for 50 years – and IBS
Genbook (April 2014) – Hassan G.Migraines
I’ve had migraines for about 50 years, usually about once a week. I have tried many treatments but always treating the symptoms. Jason did a great sleuthing job with a variety of symptoms to zero in on the probable root problem. The first acupuncture treatment made a noticeable difference and I am looking forward with hope to continuing treatment. The root problem also explains my IBS symptoms of about 40 years so hope for that condition is a bonus.
Long-standing digestion problems
Genbook (Sept. 2011) – I.P.very relaxing sessions
I have been enjoying Jason’s care for about 2 years. It has always been done on a very professional and educational level. I am on the path to unravel digestion problems that went for many years without the proper treatment from traditional medicine. He always listens carefully and also does a lot of research to address specific issues. Just a wonderful person and easy to talk to.
Rare inflammatory skin disease into remission
Google (2014) – Erin M.I saw Jason for a very rare skin disease that caused inflammation throughout my entire body. Jason’s knowledge of the body, how it works and his deep understanding of chinese medicinal herbs that can heal, support and strenghthen the body helped me get to remission much faster than many individuals that are afflicted with the disease. Jason was also able to address g.i. issues that have plagued me for years. I feel fortunate to have been under his care.
Ready to fix your digestion?
Book your first visit, or send a free inquiry if you’re not sure this is right for you.