MIMI's Clinic at Marchionda Imaginative Medicine Institute

MIMI's Clinic at Marchionda Imaginative Medicine Institute Our mission at MiMi is to promote health, well-being and quality of life through compassionate imaginative & integrative healing arts.

Demo day today.  Come in and check it out.
06/25/2026

Demo day today. Come in and check it out.

Wildfire smoke isn't just unpleasant - it can be harmful. The tiny particles in smoke can travel deep into your lungs an...
06/25/2026

Wildfire smoke isn't just unpleasant - it can be harmful. The tiny particles in smoke can travel deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream, affecting your heart and overall health.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe:

Stay Indoors
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Set your air conditioner to recirculate.
• Use a HEPA air purifier or a MERV 13+ furnace filter if possible.

If You Must Go Outside When & the Air Quality Is Poor
• Wear a well-fitting N95 or P100 mask.
• Avoid strenuous activities like exercising, yard work, or running.

While Driving
• Keep your windows closed.
• Set your vehicle's ventilation to recirculate.

Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
• Avoid candles, incense, fireplaces, and smoking indoors.
• Skip frying or broiling foods when possible.
• Wet mop or wipe surfaces instead of dry sweeping dust and ash.

Who Needs to Be Extra Careful?
Children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or diabetes are at greater risk from wildfire smoke.

Seek Medical Care Immediately If You Have:
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Heart palpitations
• Symptoms that are worsening despite staying indoors

Check Your Local Air Quality
Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) each day and limit outdoor activities when air quality is poor.

Stay safe and breathe easy.

At the Summer Solstice retreat, we spent a great deal of time talking about space - not physical space, but mental and s...
06/23/2026

At the Summer Solstice retreat, we spent a great deal of time talking about space - not physical space, but mental and spiritual space.

Space for intuition
Space for stillness
Space for reflection
Space to slow down, to do less, even to do nothing at all
As we explored these ideas, We found ourselves returning to a simple phrase one group member said:

Do less. Be more.

In a world that constantly encourages us to produce, achieve, and stay busy - to do more and be less - there is profound wisdom in creating space simply to be.

The Summer Solstice reminds us that growth and nourishment don't always come from doing more. Sometimes they come from pausing long enough to listen, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves.

This season, I invite you to make a little more space in your life - for stillness, for presence, and for being.

Do less. Be more.


ANNOUNCING - GOOD VIBES DAY THIS THURSDAY!



Good Vibes Day is a chance for you to demo various equipment and technologies that work via vibration and wavelength. This could be PEMF, Light, laser, sound, and other vibrational techniques. Some folks call this "biohacking", I call it Good Vibes.

This week we are hosting:

OlyLife Demo Day - Thursday, June 25th, 11:00 am - 1:00pm

Hope to see you there!

Extreme Heat Can Be Deadly - Protect Yourself and Those Around You As temperatures rise, so does the risk of serious hea...
06/18/2026

Extreme Heat Can Be Deadly - Protect Yourself and Those Around You

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of serious heat-related illness. Extreme heat can affect anyone, but certain groups are especially vulnerable, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, athletes, and those without access to air conditioning.



Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

Stay Hydrated

Drink water regularly - even if you don't feel thirsty.
Limit sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages.
Monitor your urine color; dark yellow may indicate dehydration.
Stay Cool

Spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
Visit cooling centers, libraries, malls, or other public buildings if your home is too warm.
Take cool showers or baths and seek shade when outdoors.
Stay Connected

Check on family members, friends, neighbors, and anyone who may be at higher risk.
Sign up for local emergency weather alerts.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have health conditions that increase heat sensitivity.


Know the Warning Signs of Heat Illness

Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms may include:

Heavy sweating
Weakness
Dizziness
Nausea
Cool, clammy skin

Move to a cool location, hydrate, loosen clothing, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Heat Stroke Is a Medical Emergency
Signs include:

High body temperature
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion
Severe headache
Fainting
Nausea or vomiting

Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler location and begin cooling measures while waiting for emergency assistance.

At MIMI’s Clinic, we encourage everyone to take heat safety seriously-especially during prolonged periods of high temperatures. A few simple precautions can prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke.



Stay hydrated. Stay cool. Stay connected. Stay safe.

Coming soon to MIMI's Clnic - Flowpresso! Flowpresso is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared therapy that utilizes compression, f...
06/11/2026

Coming soon to MIMI's Clnic - Flowpresso!

Flowpresso is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared therapy that utilizes compression, far-infrared heat, and deep-pressure stimulation to support the lymphatic system. For lipedema, it is primarily used as a tool to mange fluid retention, reduce inflammation, and alleviate the feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the limbs.

How Flowpresso Works
The treatment involves a specialized bodysuit that provides localized, sequential pneumatic compression across zones like the legs, abdomen, and arms.
Compression: 22 chambers inflate and deflate sequentially to stimulate lymphatic drainage and enhance blood circulation.
Deep Pressure: Provides a gentle, hug-like pressure intended to regulate the autonomic nervous system and promote relaxation.
Heat Therapy: Gentle infrared heat helps increase circulation and soothe inflamed tissue.

Role in Lipedema Management
While it is not a cure for lipedema, managing the condition often requires addressing both the abnormal fat tissue and the secondary lymphatic fluid build-up.
Fluid Reduction: Just like Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Flowpresso can help shift excess fluid and reduce the swelling and aching commonly associated with lipedema.
Nervous System Support: The deep pressure and relaxation elements help shift the body into a "rest and repair" state, which can help lower stress hormones linked to inflammation.

Important Considerations
Not a standalone treatment: Managing lipedema typically requires a multifaceted approach, including specialized compression garments, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and targeted movement.
Professional Consultation: It is highly recommended to consult with a medical professional when integrating Flowpresso into your comprehensive care plan.


Flowpresso is also used for:

Enhanced Detoxification: Supports the body's natural removal of cellular waste and environmental toxins.
Muscle Recovery: Aids in post-workout or post-surgical recovery by reducing inflammation, soreness, and swelling.
Stress and Sleep Management: Shifts the autonomic nervous system into a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state to improve sleep quality and lower anxiety.
Lymphedema Management: Encourages lymphatic drainage and fluid movement
General Vitality: Users often report increased energy levels and improved flexibility and mobility


Interested in being one of the first to use our Flowpresso?

Give us a call to join the waitlist at (970) 628-1624

What Is Lipedema? Understanding a Common and Often Misunderstood ConditionHave you ever felt like your legs or arms seem...
06/11/2026

What Is Lipedema? Understanding a Common and Often Misunderstood Condition

Have you ever felt like your legs or arms seem disproportionately larger than the rest of your body, no matter how healthy you eat or how much you exercise? Do your legs feel painful, heavy, or bruise easily?

If so, you may be dealing with a condition called lipedema.



What Is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic condition that causes an abnormal buildup of fat tissue, most commonly in the legs and sometimes in the arms. It almost exclusively affects women and often develops during times of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.

Unlike typical weight gain, lipedema fat accumulates symmetrically on both sides of the body and is often resistant to diet and exercise. One of the hallmark signs is that the hands and feet are usually unaffected, creating a "cuff" or "bracelet" appearance around the ankles or wrists.

Experts estimate that lipedema may affect up to 1 in 10 women, yet many women go years without a diagnosis.



Common Signs and Symptoms

Lipedema can look different from person to person, but common symptoms include:

Enlarged legs from the hips to the ankles

Fat accumulation in the arms

Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied

A feeling of heaviness in the legs

Swelling that worsens throughout the day

Easy bruising

Difficulty losing fat in affected areas despite healthy lifestyle changes

Reduced mobility as the condition progresses

Many women report feeling frustrated when their efforts to lose weight improve their overall health but do little to change the size or shape of their legs.



Why Does Lipedema Happen?

Researchers are still working to fully understand lipedema, but several factors appear to contribute:

Genetics

Lipedema often runs in families, suggesting a strong hereditary component.

Hormones

The condition frequently appears or worsens during periods of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Circulatory and Lymphatic Changes

Emerging research suggests that blood vessel fragility, inflammation, and changes in lymphatic function may contribute to fluid buildup and fat tissue expansion.



How Is Lipedema Diagnosed?

Currently, there is no specific blood test or imaging study that definitively diagnoses lipedema.

Diagnosis is based on:

Medical history

Physical examination

Symptom patterns

Exclusion of other conditions such as obesity and lymphedema

Because lipedema is often misunderstood, finding a healthcare provider familiar with the condition can be an important first step.



Can Lipedema Be Treated?

While there is currently no cure for lipedema, many treatments can help reduce symptoms, improve mobility, and slow progression.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Approaches

Compression Garments

Specialized compression garments can help decrease discomfort, reduce swelling, and improve daily function.

Lymphatic Support

Manual lymphatic drainage, pneumatic compression devices (like Flowpresso), and other lymphatic therapies may help reduce swelling and feelings of heaviness.

Exercise

Low-impact movement is highly beneficial. Activities such as:

Walking

Swimming

Water aerobics

Cycling

Strength training

can improve circulation, support lymphatic flow, and help maintain mobility.

Nutrition

Although no specific diet cures lipedema, many patients report improvements in inflammation, energy, and overall well-being with:

Mediterranean-style diets

Lower-carbohydrate eating plans

Anti-inflammatory nutrition approaches

A personalized nutrition plan can help support overall health and weight management.



What About Liposuction?

For patients whose symptoms remain significant despite conservative treatment, specialized lipedema liposuction may be considered.

Unlike cosmetic liposuction, lipedema-focused procedures are designed to remove diseased fat tissue while preserving lymphatic structures.

Research has shown that lipedema liposuction can:

Reduce pain

Improve mobility

Decrease heaviness

Improve quality of life

Reduce limb circumference

Most experts recommend attempting conservative treatment first before considering surgery.



Living Well with Lipedema

Receiving a lipedema diagnosis can bring relief after years of frustration and confusion. While the condition is chronic, many women find significant improvement through a combination of:

Proper diagnosis

Compression therapy

Regular movement

Anti-inflammatory nutrition

Lymphatic support

Appropriate medical care

The most important thing to remember is that lipedema is a medical condition - not a result of laziness, lack of willpower, or poor lifestyle choices.

If you suspect you may have lipedema, talk with a healthcare provider knowledgeable about the condition. Early recognition and treatment can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes and quality of life.





References:

1. Lipedema: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead. Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity. 2025. Cifarelli V.RecentReview

2. Lipedema: A Call to Action!. Obesity. 2019. Buso G, Depairon M, Tomson D, et al.Review

3. Lipedema Diagnosis, Clinical Manifestations, and Therapeutics: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Dermatology. 2026. Vazirnia A, Smart DR, Mohseni Y, Amron DM.RecentReview

4. Experiences of Sexual Health and Intimate Relationships in Women With Lipedema: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2025. Falck J, Mårtensson J, Jonasson LL, Dudek J, Nygårdh A.Recent

5. Cause and Management of Lipedema-Associated Pain. Dermatologic Therapy. 2021. Aksoy H, Karadag AS, Wollina U.Review

6. Current Evidence-Based Clinical Nutritional Approaches in Lipedema: A Scoping Review. Nutrition Reviews. 2025. Atabilen Pınar B, Çelik MN, Altıntaş Başar HB, Ağagündüz D, Karaca OB.Recent

7. Vascular Changes and Their Implications in Lipedema. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. 2026. Al-Ghadban S, Guo Y, Juskiewicz ZJ, et al.RecentReview

8. Lipedema World Alliance Delphi Consensus-Based Position Paper on the Definition and Management of Lipedema: Results From the 2023 Lipedema World Congress in Potsdam. Nature Communications. 2026. Kruppa P, Crescenzi R, Faerber G, et al.RecentReview

9. The Usefulness of the Application of Compression Therapy Among Lipedema Patients-Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023. Czerwińska M, Teodorczyk J, Spychała D, Hansdorfer-Korzon R.

10. A Randomised Controlled Multicentre Investigator-Blinded Clinical Trial Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Surgery Versus Complex Physical Decongestive Therapy for Lipedema (LIPLEG). Trials. 2021. Podda M, Kovacs M, Hellmich M, et al.RCT

11. Prevention of Progression of Lipedema With Liposuction Using Tumescent Local Anesthesia: Results of an International Consensus Conference. Dermatologic Surgery : Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. 2020. Sandhofer M, Hanke CW, Habbema L, et al.

12. Observational Study of Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction for Lower Limb Lipedema on 191 Female Patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2026. Hersant B, de Clermont-Tonnerre E, Argentino G, et al.RecentObservational

13. Selective Combined Liposuction (SCL) for Lipedema Treatment: Outcomes in Symptoms Improvement and Aesthetic Self-Perception. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS. 2025. Pereira N, Venegas J, López A, Oñate V, Ruiz-Tagle J.Recent

14. Comparing the Safety and Effectiveness of Different Liposuction Techniques for Lipedema. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS. 2024. Fijany AJ, Ford AL, Assi PE, et al.SR

15. Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life and Symptoms Following Lipedema Liposuction: A Longitudinal Study. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2025. Karri V.

Core Benefits of Fresh, Local Food Higher Nutrient Density: Fruits and vegetables begin losing vital vitamins and antiox...
06/08/2026

Core Benefits of Fresh, Local Food

Higher Nutrient Density: Fruits and vegetables begin losing vital vitamins and antioxidants within 24 hours of harvest. Local produce is picked at peak ripeness and lands on your plate quickly, maximizing its health properties.
Superior Seasonal Flavor: Crops allowed to ripen naturally under the sun boast a richer, more robust flavor than produce picked early to withstand long-distance shipping.
Fewer Additives: Locally sourced items generally bypass chemical ripening agents, heavy preservatives, and excessive packaging materials needed for cross-country logistics
Boosts Your Community: Every dollar spent with regional growers circulates back into your neighborhood economy, preserving open farmland and sustaining jobs for small-scale operations.
Enhanced Food Safety: Shorter supply chains equate to fewer handoffs,. reducing the risk of contamination from food borne pathogens during shipping.

Simple Ways to Source Locally
Shop Your Local Farmers' Market: These seasonal hubs connect you directly with independent growers selling freshly harvested produce, eggs, and artisan cheeses. Start with the Palisade Farmer's Market which opens tomorrow!
Join a CSA Program: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) allows you to purchase a "share" of a farm’s harvest up front, securing a regular box of seasonal produce directly from the fields. Learn more about CSA's at https://www.mesacd.com/community-supported-agriculture.
Look for Regional Compliance Labels: Keep an eye out for official agricultural stamps - such as the Colorado Proud program - when browsing neighborhood grocery aisles.
Support Local Restaurants: Dine at establishments that explicitly partner with area farms to craft seasonal menus.

Longer days and warmer weather mean more time outdoors, but it also means more exposure to harmful UV rays.Here are some...
06/03/2026

Longer days and warmer weather mean more time outdoors, but it also means more exposure to harmful UV rays.

Here are some simple ways to keep your skin healthy all summer long:

Avoid the strongest sun between 10 AM and 4 PM whenever possible.
Seek shade, but remember that UV rays still reflect off water, sand, concrete, and snow. Shade works best when combined with sunscreen and protective clothing.
Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day on exposed skin.
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours - or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Don't forget commonly missed spots:
Ears
Lips (use SPF lip balm)
Neck
Scalp
Tops of your feet
Cover up with lightweight long-sleeved clothing and consider UPF-rated sun-protective apparel.
Choose a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck.
Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
Choose reef-safe sunscreens when possible
If you'll be swimming in the ocean (or in rivers, lakes, etc.), consider using mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens. These products help protect your skin while minimizing harm to coral reefs and ecosystems. They are also a great option for sensitive skin.
For babies under 6 months, focus on shade and protective clothing rather than sunscreen. For children and sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often the best choice.

Remember: Sun protection isn't just about preventing sunburn. It helps reduce your risk of skin cancer and slows premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots.

Check out the EWG's sunscreen guide for more information at https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/

Stay hydrated, enjoy the outdoors, and make sun protection part of your daily wellness routine!



References:


1. Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2018. US Preventive Services Task Force, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, et al.

2. Sun Exposure in Travelers. CDC Yellow Book. 2025. David Fivenson and Scott A. Norton.

3. Cutaneous Melanoma. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2025. Joshi UM, Kashani-Sabet M, Kirkwood JM.

4. Position Statement:Broad-Spectrum Protection of Sunscreen Products. American Academy of Dermatology (2022). 2022.

5. Sun Protection 101—Your Guide to Sunscreen. JAMA Dermatology. 2026. Ugoh GA, Lim HW.

6. Role of UV Light in Photodamage, Skin Aging, and Skin Cancer: Importance of Photoprotection. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2009. Gonzaga ER.

7. From Ultraviolet to Visible Light: Emerging Concepts in Comprehensive Photoprotection. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2026. Mohammed H, Kohli I, Lim HW.

8. Photoprotection: Current Developments and Controversies. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV. 2024. Pellacani G, Lim HW, Stockfleth E, et al.

9. Photoprotection According to Skin Phototype and Dermatoses: Practical Recommendations From an Expert Panel. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV. 2021. Passeron T, Lim HW, Goh CL, et al.

Summer Is Just Around the Corner! June has arrived, bringing longer days, warmer temperatures, and plenty of opportuniti...
06/02/2026

Summer Is Just Around the Corner!

June has arrived, bringing longer days, warmer temperatures, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors!

Summer means:

Boating and camping adventures
Festivals, fairs, and farmers' markets
Sunshine-filled days and outdoor gatherings
As temperatures rise, remember to:

Stay hydrated throughout the day
Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure
Take breaks in the shade during the hottest parts of the day
Also, beginning June 1, many utility companies switch to "peak hours" electric pricing. Be sure to check with your electric provider to find out when peak hours occur in your area - electricity rates during these times can be up to three times higher than off-peak rates.

Stay cool, stay safe, and stay energy-wise this summer!

06/01/2026

Blue Moon: A Rare Pause for Reflection & Reset

A Blue Moon - the second full moon in a calendar month or the third in a season with four - doesn’t actually glow blue, but its rarity gives it symbolic weight. It’s a natural invitation to slow down, take stock, and realign.



What Makes a Blue Moon Special?

Astronomically, a Blue Moon happens about once every 2.5–3 years due to the mismatch between our calendar months and the lunar cycle (which is ~29.5 days long). That extra full moon is what creates this “bonus” moment in time - a built-in pause in the rhythm of the sky.



Blue Moon: Key Themes

1. Introspection & Emotional Awareness
The brightness of a full moon has long been associated with heightened awareness - both externally and internally. A Blue Moon can feel like an emotional spotlight, helping you notice patterns, reactions, and truths that may have been sitting just below the surface.

2. Release & Transformation
Think of this as a natural checkpoint. What are you ready to let go of? Old habits, beliefs, or emotional weight can be acknowledged and gently released.

3. Intentional Reset
Because it’s rare, a Blue Moon carries a sense of significance. It’s an ideal time to “plant” intentions - clear, grounded, and meaningful goals you want to move toward in the coming months.



Simple Self Care Practices

Meditation:
Sit quietly and focus on your breath. Visualize releasing what no longer serves you and making space for what does.
Journaling Prompts:
What am I holding onto that I’m ready to release?
What feels aligned for my next chapter?
What patterns keep repeating - and why?
Nature Connection:
Step outside, even briefly. Observing the moon can be a powerful grounding practice—reminding you of cycles, timing, and perspective.


A Few Astronomy Facts

The Moon is tidally locked, meaning the Moon takes the same amount of time to rotate on its axis as it does to orbit Earth. This synchronization causes the same side to always face Earth.
The Moon's gravitational pull influences ocean tides - and subtly, our biological rhythms.
Despite its name, a Blue Moon has no change in color - it’s purely a calendar phenomenon.


A Blue Moon is less about mysticism and more about permission - a reminder to pause in a busy world. To reflect. To reset. To move forward with clarity instead of momentum alone.

Address

106 Lorey Drive
Grand Junction, CO
81505

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19706281624

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when MIMI's Clinic at Marchionda Imaginative Medicine Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to MIMI's Clinic at Marchionda Imaginative Medicine Institute:

Share