Acupuncture is a part of the medical system from China called Chinese Medicine (CM). Its history dating back more than two thousand years, it is a technique of inserting hair-thin needles into the influential points throughout the body called acupuncture points.

Unlike the Western biomedical understanding, the Eastern model of health and wellness was based on an energetic system.  In Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi (pronounced like “Chee”). Qi can be described as a form of bioenergy that flows through the body along 14 major pathways (“meridians”). If Qi gets blocked, it shows up as an imbalance or illness. Basically, if you have a health condition, some part of your body’s system is out of whack. Chinese medical theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance and balance it.

In terms of modern medical theory, acupuncture appears to work by stimulating the body to release natural biomolecules such as neurotransmitters, vasodilators, and hormones. The exact mechanisms which bring this about are unknown, but the effects are measurable.

Most people barely feel a thing when needles are inserted. Some people feel a slight pinch, and others ask “Is it in yet?” The reason acupuncture needles don’t give the painful sensation you might expect is because they’re very, very thin in comparison to the hypodermic needles used to give injections. About forty acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle.

Acupuncture is very safe.  Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Acupuncturists get extensive training in anatomy so as to avoid accidentally inserting a needle in a place that can cause damage.

Acupuncture and herbs work whether you believe in them or not. Good results are seen in the majority of cases. When all other treatment methods have failed, this indicates a systemic imbalance – exactly what acupuncture and herbs excel at treating, restoring balance.

During (or prior to) your first visit, you’ll fill out a questionnaire which details your specific symptoms as well as your general health and lifestyle. The acupuncturist will ask you some more focused questions to get a more exact picture of any health imbalances you might have. We examine the condition of your tongue and check your pulse on one or both wrists. Then, based on the information gathered, a treatment plan which will include the acupuncture pathway to treat, points to use and herbals to combine.

After the consultation, you will be seated in one of the recliners in the community room or in a private treatment rooms, and the needles will be placed in the appropriate points.  The needles are then retained for about 30-45 minutes while you relax. At the end of the treatment, the needles are removed.

Your subsequent visits will be simpler, usually a short review of your progress followed by an acupuncture treatment.

Typically acupuncture treatments are given 1-3 times per week. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture. Usually frequent treatments are done for the first few weeks; after that, the frequency of treatment may be reduced as your health is restored.

Absolutely!  The main purpose of Acupuncture and CM is “Wellness” and “Prevention”.  Prevention of illnesses was considered the most important duty of physicians in ancient China; unfortunately, it is one of the most overlooked aspects in modern healthcare.

Some people come in for treatments to relieve stress or to just promote their balance.  For wellness and prevention, a treatment once a month, or once at the change of every season can help you to stay healthy all year round.

The number of insurance companies that cover acupuncture in Illinois is growing but still limited. Patients should contact their carrier to inquire

Acupuncture can treat a lot more than you might think. Acupuncture and CM is a complete medical system that has been used to address a wide variety of conditions for people all over Asia for thousands of years. Click here for the list of conditions treated by acupuncture.

Community acupuncture is acupuncture practiced in a group setting in a large room.  This is a type of acupuncture practiced commonly seen in many Asian countries.  By receiving acupuncture in a shared space, this helps to bring the cost down making acupuncture more affordable and accessible for our patients.

Absolutely. Since we offer both private and community treatments at our clinic, we are able to customize health plans for each individual that addresses their health concerns while keeping within their budget. For example, many patients can begin with a private treatment and then move into community treatments. Some who begin with community treatments decide to schedule a private treatment as needed to have a deeper experience.

The history of herbal teas, also known as Chinese herbal medicine, goes even further than acupuncture and has evolved for thousands of years.  It is a part of lifestyle for many cultures in Asia today to drink herbal teas to treat diseases and support a person’s well-being.