acupuncture is the main technique used during an oriental medicine treatment. thin needles are inserted into specific points on the surface of the body. a variety of acupuncture styles and techniques may be used during your treatment. the following are the most common types used:
Chinese Style Acupuncture
chinese style acupuncture is the main type of acupuncture taught in american schools. the focus of this style is for the patient to obtain a "de qi" sensation which signals the arrival of qi at the needle. this sensation may be a heavy feeling, a radiating feeling, tingling, a warming or cooling effect or a sensation of pain being alleviated. points are chosen in combination to provide maximal therapeutic effect. it is common for the chosen acupuncture points to be located far from the location of the problem.
Japanese Style Acupuncture
there are many styles of japanese acupuncture, but the japanese meridian therapy form is commonly practiced in the u.s. the focus of japanese meridian therapy is to restore an even balance of qi to all acupuncture channels, thereby restoring harmony so that the body can heal itself quickly. this style of acupuncture relies on extensive use of pulse reading and palpation to ensure a proper diagnosis of channel imbalances. in general, very thin needles and very shallow insertion is used in this style of treatment.
Korean Hand Acupuncture
korean hand acupuncture, commonly known as koryo therapy, is the insertion of tiny needles into the hand. the hand is considered a microsystem of the human body (i.e., the whole body can be imaged onto the hand). koryo therapy can be used as the primary treatment or it can be used in combination with a whole body acupuncture treatment.
Electro-acupuncture
electro-acupuncture, also called e-stim, is the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles during a treatment. this acts as a substitute for continual stimulation of the needles by the acupuncturist. it is most often used to assist with pain relief, but it can also be used for post-stroke rehabilitation, neurological disorders, general rejuvenation effects in the body and for other conditions.
Musculoskeletal Acupuncture
this type of acupuncture focuses on musculoskeletal injuries or dysfunction. it incorporates the modern technique of needling specific areas, which contribute to the misalignment of the body. the main attention during this type pf treatment is on the injured area or the area of dysfunction.
Auricular Acupuncture
auricular acupuncture is the application of small needles to the ear, which is considered a micro-system of the human body (i.e., the whole body can be imaged onto the ear). ear treatments can be administered alone (e.g., for addictions, weight loss, stress relief) or in combination with whole-body acupuncture.
Pediatric Acupuncture
needles are not generally used in young children. instead, treatment relies on the stimulation of acupuncture points using either japanese shonishin tools or tui na (a chinese style of bodywork). both techniques are gentle and effective and can be used even on infants. chinese or japanese-style needling may be used with older kids. pediatric acupuncture can be used to treat such ailments as teething pain, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chronic cough, bedwetting, night terrors, asthma, allergies and the symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Acupuncture Treatment Options
Private Acupuncture Treatment
private acupuncture treatments allow you to discuss your condition in depth with the practitioner and receive any of the of oriental medicine services (acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxa, herbal consult), as appropriate, during your treatment.
Community Acupuncture
from time to time we will be offering community acupuncture sessions at specific dates and times. community acupuncture is similar to the way acupuncture is practiced in asia --several people are treated in the same room at the same time. many people find that the shared atmosphere of healing and relaxation is supportive to the healing process. it also allows friends and family to come for acupuncture together. during community treatment sessions, you will always have the opportunity to privately discuss your health concerns, but to simplify the process we will mainly rely on the traditional diagnosis methods of tongue and pulse evaluation to determine your treatment. please call our office for more information regarding community acupuncture sessions.
Oriental Medicine Techiques
Gua Sha
gua sha is a technique that involves stimulating the skin surface using a smooth-edged instrument. it is used to promote blood circulation to a large part of the body. gua sha treatments can not only help relax muscles, it is used in the treatment of acute respiratory illness.
Cupping
cupping consists of glass jars applied to the body with a partial vacuum. this technique increases blood circulation over the treatment area to release stagnant qi and to alleviate pain.
Moxibustion
moxibustion (moxa) is a form of heat therapy used in oriental medicine. the herb artemesia vulgaris (mugwort) is smoldered on or near acupuncture points to warm the body and to move stagnant qi. moxa can be placed on a needle or held directly over the skin.
Chinese Herbs
Herbal Medicine Is One Of The Principle Branches Of Treatment In Traditional Chinese Medicine.
it can be used as the primary mode of treatment or in conjunction with acupuncture to help correct imbalances and promote wellness. unlike western pharmaceuticals, chinese herbs are custom blended for each individual to minimize or eliminate potential side effects. herbal treatments are meant to correct the underlying imbalance and normally will not be needed on a long-term basis.
Our Clinic Offers High Quality Herbal Granules Which Have Been Tested For Potency And Safety (including Testing For Heavy Metals, Pesticides And Microorganisms).
our practitioners have been trained in the safe use of chinese herbal medicines both as a stand alone treatment or in the case of a patient currently taking biomedical drugs. they have demonstrated professional competency by passing the nccoam's certification exam in chinese herbology and participate in continuing education to maintain up to date knowledge of herbal medicine.
Asian Bodywork
asian bodywork is performed with patients wearing loose-fitting clothing. generally, no oils or lotions are used. treatments may be performed on a table, in a chair or on a thick futon mat on the floor. asian bodywork has its roots in the theories of oriental medicine.
Acupressure
acupressure is the application of finger pressure on acupuncture points along the body. it rarely used as a stand-alone treatment, but rather is incorporated into acupuncture, tui na or shiatsu treatments. the choice of acupuncture points used in acupressure is determined by oriental medical theory.
Tui Na
tui na is one of the principle branches of treatment in traditional chinese medicine. this form of asian bodywork focuses on balancing yin and yang within the body by influencing the qi within the meridians. tui na helps to stimulate areas of deficiency and sedate areas of excess in the body to achieve balance. it is commonly administered in conjunction with acupuncture.
Shiatsu
shiatsu is a type of asian bodywork originating in japan. it involves light pressure on acupuncture points or along meridians, gentle stretching, and meditation in order to balance the qi in the body and promote relaxation and healing.
Nuad Boran (thai Style Bodywork)
nuad boran, also known as thai bodywork, is an ancient form of bodywork that is believed to have originated out of yoga and oriental medicine. yoga-like stretches are combined with finger, palm, and foot stimulation along meridians in order to allow the balanced and smooth flow of qi and blood in the body.
Qi Gong
Qi Gong
qi gong, related to the more widely-known tai chi, translates to "energy cultivation" or "working with one's life energy." it consists of exercises that involve coordinating the mind, the eyes, the breath and movement to improve health and harmony. like acupuncture, the goal of qi gong is to move qi within the body and balance or harmonize for optimum functioning. there are thousands of qi gong exercises that can be used both by practitioners during a treatment and by patients during classes or at home. similar to meditation, qi gong is an ongoing practice that takes years to fully master, but provides many benefits along the way.
Chi Nei Tsang (cnt)
chi nei tsang (cnt) is a healing technique that increases energy flow to internal organs by manipulation and pressure of specific points in the abdominal area. cnt is based on ageless taoist technique that corrects and balances the energy flow of all major systems in the body: digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and muscular. it frees the blockages in the abdomen and guides the healing energy through the entire body. some of the benefits of cnt:
Helps To Get Rid Of Abdominal Pains.
Improves Digestion And Absorption Of Nutrients.
Releases Physiological And Emotional Blocks.
Detoxifies And Strengthens Weak Or Damaged Organs.
Boosts Immune System.
Helps To Eliminate Regularly.
Corrects Old Chronic Structural Problems That Resisted Other Treatments.
Price List
Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
includes herbal consultation. the initial session includes an in-depth consultation and lasts 1 1/2 hours. follow-up treatments include a progress update and generally take 1 hour. *cost of herbs is not included.
Acupuncture
multiple sessions are available at a reduced rate (please call for details).
Initial Treatment*$80.00
Follow-up Treatment*$70.00
Community Acupuncture
initial treatment is private, refer to prices above follow-up treatment.
(per visit)$35.00
Herbal Consultation
Initial Consult*$35.00
Follow-up Consult*$25.00
Chinese Herbs
customized granular formula. topical formulas range in price.
(- $30.00)$20.00
Asian Bodywork
30 Minutes$35.00
60 Minutes$65.00
Energy Work (qi Gong)
60 Minutes$70.00
Chi Nei Tsang
60 Minutes$70.00
Insurance
We Are Not Currently Able To Process And Provide Insurance Billing For Our Services, But We Can Provide You With A Receipt To Submit To Your Insurance Company.
our receipt contains the appropriate codes that your insurance company would need if your policy entitles you to reimbursement. if you have insurance benefits, we strongly encourage you to confirm your coverage with your health insurance carrier prior to treatment to avoid any unpleasant surprises (see faq). while insurance may cover some of your care, patients can incur some out-of-pocket expenses.
In Many Cases Our Receipt May Also Be Submitted To Flex Spending Plans Or Health Savings Accounts For Reimbursement.
Payment Is Due At The Time Of Service.
We Accept Cash, Checks And All Major Credit And Debit Cards, Including American Express.
Our vision is to make the benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine easily available to everyone in our community by providing quality, affordable care to each and every patient. AcuBalance Wellness Center is conveniently located in the heart of Chicago’s Norwood Park neighborhood, with easy access via car or public transportation from the surrounding communities. Our practitioners are committed to providing the highest quality of holistic health care services and your treatments will be given with your comfort and safety foremost in mind. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your healthcare team! Traditional Oriental medicine is an integrative and alternative therapeutic solution that offers many benefits