Chicago acupuncture services

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture

Woman getting acupuncture Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy aimed at naturally promoting health and alleviating sickness by restoring the energetic balance of the body. This is achieved through the stimulation of very specific anatomical points, known as acupuncture points. To stimulate these points very thin, hair-like, sterile needles, are superficially inserted into the skin. Many studies have shown that acupuncture is effective at treating a wide range of conditions such as musculoskeletal issues, pain problems, infertility, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, anxiety, addictions, and much more. The goal of acupuncture is to increase blood and energy flow and encourage the body's natural healing processes.


Electro-Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture Electro-acupuncture involves the application of gentle electric current to acupuncture needles to further stimulate the acupuncture points. The use of electro-acupuncture provides controlled stimulation to the acupuncture points without causing tissue damage. It is used for the treatment of a wide range of ailments and is particularly useful for treating pain problems and chronic conditions. Electro-acupuncture has been found to increase the body's release of natural pain-killers, such as endorphins and enkephelins.


Herbal Therapy

Herbs and acupuncture For some patients, herbal therapy can be a very effective form of treatment. Along with acupuncture, natural herbal supplements can help bring the body back into balance and can serve as an effective way of continuing treatment even while not in the office receiving acupuncture. Only reputable, high quality sources of herbs are used.


Cupping

Woman getting cupping Cupping is a type of therapy that involves the use of glass cups, which are suctioned onto the skin for a few minutes at a time. This therapy is used to pull toxins out of the body, eliminate obstructions of qi (energy), and relax the muscles. It is most often used for muscular pain and tightness, but can also be used to treat cellulite, colds, digestive disorders, and more.


Cellulite Cupping Therapy

cellulute cupping Cupping massage therapy is applied to problemed areas of the skin, such as the back and outer thighs. The negative pressure created by heated cups along with herbal cream work to break down the fat deposits that give that cottage cheese like appearance as well as drain toxins and excess fluid in the area. This effective natural form of therapy feels much like a deep massage, and results can often be seen in as little as 2 treatments.


Gua Sha

Guasha and acupuncture Gua sha is a healing technique that involves the cutaneous stimulation of the skin in strokes using a round-edged instrument. The purpose of gua sha is to remove blood stagnation, which is considered pathogenic and a cause of pain. This results in increased circulation and metabolic processes, and often, the patient experiences immediate improvement of pain, stiffness, or respiratory issues.


Tui Na

tuina Tui Na is a form of massage based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. It is generally more vigorous than a massage you might experience at a spa. Various massage techniques and passive movements are employed and, like with acupuncture, it is aimed at alleviating pain by correcting imbalances and removing obstructions in the energy pathways. Often, special oils and balms containing pain-relieving herbs are employed along with the massage therapy.


Qigong

Qigong is a form of regulated movement and/or breathing exercises designed to cultivate and improve the quality of qi, or life energy. The purpose of this is for health maintenance, therapeutic intervention, spiritual growth, and to enhance martial arts ability. Practicing qigong is widely recognized for being beneficial in helping to alleviate stress, increase mental clarity, increase energy, and improve flexibility.


Heat Therapy

acupuncture with heat therapy Heat therapy is often used by acupuncturists to promote circulation and induce the smoother flow of qi (energy) and blood in cases of muscle pain, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, headaches, and more. The TDP lamp is a medical device that is a safe, relaxing, and effective way of applying heat therapy. This therapeutic device features a plate coated with a mineral formation consisting of 33 essential elements to the human body. When activated by its heating element, the mineral plate emits deep, penetrating waves that are readily absorbed into the tissues. This promotes faster healing by stimulating microcirculation, which delivers higher levels of oxygen and nutrients to injured cells while eliminating toxins and cellular waste.