Nicole Bzdel, L.Ac.
Hi, I’m Nicole, acupuncturist, lifelong wellness enthusiast, outdoor‑lover, and a new practitioner at Jade Mountain Health. I’m so glad you’re here, and I’m honored you’re taking a moment to learn a little about me and the path that led me to this medicine.
Rooted in Family, Culture, and Community
I grew up in Colorado Springs, raised by a strong, loving circle of women: my mom, my sister, and my grandmother. Our home was full of warmth, resilience, and plenty of laughter. As a first‑generation Polish American, much of my childhood was shaped by my family’s culture: big gatherings, homemade food, traditions that traveled continents, and a deep sense of connection to community. Those experiences instilled in me an appreciation for caring for others and an understanding that healing is not just physical, but emotional and cultural, too.
A Curiosity for the Human Body
From the time I was young, I knew that I wanted to work in healthcare. I was always the kid who loved science class, especially biology and anatomy, anything that explained how the body worked. I was fascinated by the intelligent systems within us and felt drawn to a future where I could help people heal and feel at home in their bodies.
Building a Foundation in Integrative Physiology
That passion carried me to the University of Colorado Boulder, where I majored in Integrative Physiology. I truly enjoyed my coursework. I spent much time studying structure and function, movement, and the intricacy of the human body. I was fortunate to deepen that knowledge as a Teaching Assistant in the cadaver anatomy lab for several semesters. Being in that lab profoundly shaped my respect for the human body and strengthened my desire to work hands‑on with people in a meaningful way.
Inside the Healthcare System—and Its Limitations
Alongside school, I worked in multiple healthcare environments: physical therapy clinics, chiropractic offices, and hospital settings. Each experience taught me something different. I saw patients regain mobility, find relief from injuries, and feel seen by providers who truly cared. I also witnessed the limitations and pressures of the system, where time with patients felt too short and where symptoms were addressed but not always the whole person. These contradictions stayed with me. I loved the work, yet felt a growing sense that something was missing in the healthcare landscape, at least for me.
A Year That Changed Everything
After graduating from CU, I decided I needed room to breathe and figure out the path that truly resonated. So I packed a backpack and left for what I thought would be a short trip, one that turned into nearly a year traveling through Southeast Asia. I wandered through Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, and later continued to Australia. That year changed everything. I experienced different cultures, different approaches to living, and different ideas of wellness and connection. My love of travel continues today, and I’ve now been to 17 countries so far!
Discovering Mind‑Body Medicine
Somewhere between hectic hostels, temple visits, and long bus rides, I completed my yoga teacher training. Yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork became core practices in my life. I fell in love with approaches that acknowledged the mind and the body as inseparable, and I knew without a doubt that whatever I chose next needed to honor that same truth.
Finding Acupuncture—and Knowing It Was Home
Returning to Colorado brought clarity. I wanted a career that blended science with intuition, structure with flow, and physical healing with emotional well‑being. That is when I was introduced to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. From the very first moment, something clicked. It combined everything I had been searching for: holistic philosophy, a deep respect for the body’s natural ability to heal, meaningful time with patients, and a therapeutic relationship that viewed people as whole beings, not just conditions.
I enrolled in Southwest Acupuncture College and began my Master’s program in Acupuncture. Those years were filled with learning, studying theory, practicing techniques, working with patients, and immersing myself in a system of medicine that felt both ancient and timeless. The more I learned, the more I loved it. Acupuncture quickly became the work that made the most sense to me.
Returning to Boulder, Again and Again
After graduating and earning my license, I set down roots once again in Boulder, a place I have left a few times but always returned to. Now I live here with my husband Patrick, and no matter where I have traveled, Boulder has this magnetic pull that always brings me back, its mountains, community, slower pace, and the space it creates to breathe deeply.
Life Outside the Clinic
When I am not in the clinic, you can find me outside as much as possible. I love hiking, backpacking, yoga, and spending lazy summer days laying by the creek. Every summer, Patrick and I carve out time for a longer backpacking trip, just the two of us, unplugged and immersed in nature. One of my favorite memories is getting engaged on the Teton Crest Trail, surrounded by mountains, wildflowers, and that peaceful feeling that comes from being far from everything except what matters.
I have also spent nearly 14 years working in Boulder’s restaurant industry, which gave me a deep appreciation for community, hospitality, and good food. I still love exploring Pearl Street, trying new restaurants, and enjoying nights out with friends.
How All of This Shapes My Practice
All of these pieces—my upbringing, my travels, my education, my work, and my love for nature and movement—shape the way I practice acupuncture today. My goal is always to meet people where they are, create a welcoming and grounded space, and support each person’s unique path toward health.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I am truly grateful, and I hope to meet you in person soon.