Karen Marks, L.Ac., has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese Medicine since 2003, when she received her Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College, in Boulder, Colorado, which included an intense education in both acupuncture and herbal medicine, as well as classes in the western medical biosciences, physics and chemistry.

In her practice, Karen primarily uses Japanese-style acupuncture, as well as adjunct therapies such as moxa, cupping, tuina/shiatsu, electrical stimulation, injection therapy and trigger point therapy (sometimes called dry needling).

Karen founded Alpenglow Acupuncture in 2014.

In addition to her work at Alpenglow Acupuncture, Karen has worked with many non-profits over the years. In 2005, she accompanied Acupuncturists Without Borders to serve in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. She was one of the first acupuncturists to volunteer for the Chanda Plan Foundation, a non-profit that helps provide alternative treatment to individuals with disabilities. In 2010, Karen went to Uganda on two different visits to help teach local healthcare providers, such as nurses and midwives, how to use simple acupuncture protocols in their practices. These simple protocols have helped conditions such as splenomegaly, symptoms related to Malaria, TB and AIDS (while also treating with western medications), sleep disorders, and pain. Karen was recognized for these efforts in 2011 with the Arvada Young Professionals Leadership Award.

Karen first became interested in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine when she was successfully treated for back pain and asthma while studying music at UCLA. After graduating Cum Laude with a double specialization in jazz studies and music education, she spent a year in Japan teaching English and studying the Japanese culture and language. She also visited Thailand, Mongolia and China during this time.

After returning to the US, Karen attended Southwest Acupuncture College (SWAC) in Boulder, Colorado. There, she received her Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine, which included an intense education in both Chinese and Japanese style acupuncture and herbal medicine, as well as classes in the western medical biosciences, physics and chemistry.

Karen took part in many specialized internships, including those at the Longmont Oncology Clinic, Boulder County AIDS Project, and Golden West Retirement Community. At the onsite clinic at SWAC, she also participated in the Japanese-style, sports medicine and herbal specialty clinics, as well as the regular acupuncture/herb clinics

From 2006-2014, Karen was a co-owner and practitioner at Olde Town Acupuncture & Wellness Center, where her focus was on community acupuncture. She has taken this experience and built upon it to create what she believes is a better experience for patient and practitioner alike, here at Alpenglow Acupuncture.

Karen is a native of Arvada, Colorado, and she enjoys hiking, biking (both on road and off), skiing and travelling, as well as listening to or performing music, reading and spending time with her family.