Frequently Asked Questions

  • From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) and regulates the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

    CNS: Acupuncture has been shown to release endorphines and other neurotransmitters which work to alleviate pain, decrease inflammation, and regulate factors such as mood, sleep, and appetite.

    ANS: Studies show that acupuncture can effectively modulate the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous systems, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and even affecting intestinal motility and the gut-brain axis.

    From a TCM perspective, acupuncture works to correct imbalances which are identified through pattern differentiation and diagnostic assessments including questioning (intake), tongue and pulse presentations, and palpation.

  • Common conditions include but are not limited to:

    • Pain - acute and chronic. This includes conditions such as fibromyalgia, EDS, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, adhesive capsulitis (aka “frozen shoulder”), and more. Also includes managing pain safely during pregnancy.

    • Digestive issues - IBD, IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, acid reflux, nausea/vomiting

    • Menstrual issues - cycle irregularities, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, PMS, PMDD, menopause symptoms, hormonal imbalances

    • Mental health issues - depression, anxiety, nervous system dysregulation, PTSD, burnout

    • Allergies - annual and seasonal

    • Sleep issues - insomnia, hypersomnia, frequent waking, restless leg syndrome, teeth grinding

    • Common cold/flu symptoms - come in if you aren’t feeling well, as long as you do not have an active fever and have tested negative for COVID-19. Masks are highly encouraged and greatly appreciated to treat these conditions.

    • Headaches - acute and chronic, including migraines

    • Major life transitions - feelings of grief/loss, gender transitioning, postpartum depression, divorce, relocation, etc.

    • Fatigue - acute and chronic

    • Stress - acute and chronic

  • Short answer: No!

    Long answer: If and when a needle is inserted during treatment, you may feel something. This sensation has been described as a quick pinch, tenderness, a tug or pull, a heavy sensation, mild pressure - but it is not painful, and the feeling dissipates shortly after the needle is placed.

    You may feel itchy or slightly warm at the point where the needle has been placed - this is also normal.

    I do my best to make the process as comfortable as possible.

  • The general consensus is that acupuncture is very relaxing.

    More often than not, patients fall asleep or enter a state that we practitioners lovingly refer to as “acu-land”, “acu-nap”, or “The Zone” - a mix between a meditative state and a short nap, where the mind quiets down and the body relaxes. Slight muscle twitches and minor temperature changes are normal, but don’t always occur.

    See the above section “Does acupuncture hurt?” for a more thorough description of what being needled feels like.

  • Yes, acupuncture is safe - when administered by a professional, licensed acupuncturist.

    Generally a very low risk therapy, conditions such as pneumothorax can occur but are exceedingly rare.

    Needles are single-use, come in sterile packs, and are disposed of in a biohazard sharps container after each treatment. In the treatment room, you will see what is called a “clean field”, where acupuncture needles, cotton balls, and other supplies live. This is managed according to Clean Needle Technique safety standards and other regulatory guidelines for our profession.

  • Acupuncture needles are typically retained for 20-30 minutes, depending upon the given condition or area being addressed.

    Due to the techniques I utilize, I will stay in the room with you and may manipulate the needles from time to time while you rest.

    You will not be left alone in the room with needles in.

  • That’s alright - I am, too.

    There are a variety of other tools and techniques within an acupuncturist’s scope of practice that can help.

    My favorite method is using a Japanese, non-insertive metal needle called a teishin which can be pressed, brushed, and prodded along meridians and acupuncture points without piercing the skin.

    Other modalities include direct moxibustion, acupressure, contact needling (where the acupuncture needle is held at the skin but not inserted) and Tuina massage techniques.

  • Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy, where moxa (dried, ground mugwort) is burned on or above the skin at relevant acupuncture points. It has a pleasant scent to most, similar to a light incense or patchouli.

    The type of moxibustion that I practice is the direct form, where small pieces of moxa (about the size of a grain of rice) are rolled, placed on a section of protective cream, and lit with an incense stick on the surface of the skin. Great for conditions like joint pain, menstrual cramps, digestive issues, and more.

    Notably, moxibustion is indicated for turning fetuses from breech presentation to vertex. Recent studies have shown how effective this therapy can be, with a success rate of about 70%.

  • Currently practicing out of Wildlight Yoga, located on the third floor of the Portage Arts Lofts building at 4041 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago.

    Street parking is available, and the building has an ADA accessible elevator.

  • Though we do not work directly through insurance companies, we are able to provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

    We do take HSA/FSA cards.