2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 19
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Chicago Acupuncturists on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 2008, Acupuncture for Balanced Wellness has offered acupuncture services to the Chicago area for more than a decade. All acupuncturists at the Chicago Loop wellness center are board certified, licensed and experienced in treating infertility, digestive issues, facial rejuvenation, stress, and pain problems. In addition to acupuncture, the health center takes a holistic approach to treatment with complimentary options, such as bodywork, heat therapy, electro-stimulation, and herbal therapy.
Why choose this provider?
Chicago Holistic Medicine is an acupuncture clinic that helps patients from the Chicago metro area. Licensed acupuncturist Dr. Robert Wallace performs acupuncture as well as massage therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, and nutritional counseling to resolve a range of health issues. These include immune disorders and chronic headaches, infertility and PMS, as well as anxiety, depression, and stress. Dr. Robert Wallace earned his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine-Chicago.
Why choose this provider?
Acupuncture Healing Center has several locations in Chicago and is dedicated to helping clients maintain their bodies' internal balance through its services. Its acupuncturists are authentically trained in performing traditional Chinese techniques together with modern innovations. Clients suffering from digestive, respiratory, or emotional disorders can seek treatment from the professionals at this firm. This clinic also offers gua sha therapy, cupping, Tui Na massage, and chiropractic services. Founder Long Huynh is a licensed acupuncturist and has been mentored in Chinese medicine for over 20 years.
Why choose this provider?
Urban Acupuncture is a Chicago wellness center, using acupuncture methods to mitigate patients’ arthritis, PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, and other problems. Kyla Boles is the licensed acupuncturist who owns and operates the practice. She has received a Master’s of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Additionally, Ms. Boles trains continually to learn new holistic procedures, including cosmetic acupuncture and nutritional counseling.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 4.5 (13)
- 4.7 (12)
Why choose this provider?
Pain Therapy Associates, located in Schaumberg since 1982, focuses on helping people in the Chicago area who are suffering from chronic pain disorders by combining Western and Oriental methods of pain relief. Patients come to Pain Therapy Associates for arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and migraines, among other painful illnesses. Dr. Carey B. Dachman, the practice’s owner, is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Academy of Pain Management, and the American Board of Rheumatology. His multidisciplinary team of physicians includes lead acupuncturist Kara Canga-Arguelles, who is licensed and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Why choose this provider?
Eastland Acupuncture Chicago is a local wellness center with two qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners on its staff. Yevgeny Zakusilo and Monica Rousey-Schuldt provide their services to Chicagoans suffering from anxiety, depression, allergies, hypertension, constipation, erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections, and a host of other ailments. Dr. Zakusilo earned his M.D. in 1986, while he was still living in Russia, and then in 1987 he received acupunctural certification from the Institute for Advanced Medical Training, in St. Petersburg.
Why choose this provider?
For more than 18 years, Source Healing in Chicago, Illinois, has been providing acupuncture and holistic health services throughout the metropolitan Chicago area, including Winnetka and River North. It focuses on treating pain- and stress-related conditions and women's fertility and health. Its main services include acupuncture, neuromuscular bodywork, and traditional Chinese medicine. Source Healing treats migraines, joint and back pain, sports-related injuries, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It also offers holistic treatment of postpartum conditions, menstrual irregularities, IBS, and acid reflux.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (7)
Why choose this provider?
Mark Reese, who serves as the Director of the Northside Holistic Center, has practiced in the field of alternative medicine for more than 15 years. A graduate of the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, Mr. Reese now serves on the faculty at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and has served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (78)
- 5.0 (8)
Why choose this provider?
Founded in Wicker Park in 2009, Division Chiropractic and Acupuncture has a team of chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. The staff’s licensed acupuncture practitioners are Michelle Young, Samara Reigh, and Cassie Devine. All three are board-certified, meaning that each has received a diploma from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 4.5 (79)
Why choose this provider?
Aligned Modern Health is a group of Chicago acupuncture clinics, with 11 locations including Streeterville, Park Ridge, Southport, South Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, West Loop, Jackson, and Wicker Park. All centers provide chiropractic care, massage therapy, and clinical nutrition, as well as acupuncture. Additionally, Chicagoans looking for a holistic fitness program can take advantage of Aligned Modern Health’s classes in yoga and Pilates, intended for students of various skill levels.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.9 (11)
Why choose this provider?
Alternative Health Group, LLC, is an Oriental medicine clinic with patients from all over Chicagoland. Dr. Timothy I. Suh, who serves as the Clinic Director, earned his doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Later, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine granted him board certification in Acupuncture as well as Oriental Medicine.
Why choose this provider?
Balance Health + Wellness opened in Chicago 1994, under the name “Chiropractic Health Resources.” Massage therapist Richard Bryan, who has owned and led the clinic since its inception, now works alongside a large team of qualified Oriental medicine practitioners. Among them are trained, licensed, and experienced acupuncturists.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (18)
Why choose this provider?
Dr. Larisa Turin, the founder and owner of Chicago Acupuncture, is a formidably experienced medical practitioner, having worked in the profession for more than four decades. After graduating from the First Moscow Medical Academy, in Russia, Dr. Turin spent five years working as an M.D. in China and Mongolia. During that time she learned the techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture.
Why choose this provider?
Be Well is the private practice of Janice Scott Staron, a Windy City native and a licensed Chicago acupuncture specialist. Ms. Scott attended a four-year Traditional Chinese Medicine education program before entering into private practice. She focuses especially on addressing women’s health issues and providing pregnancy support. Ms. Scott is a member of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, as well as the Illinois Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Why choose this provider?
For the past two decades, the GreenMedChicago team has worked on behalf of local residents suffering from digestive problems, depression, fatigue, and diverse pain syndromes that include headaches, neck pain, and back pain. Leading the team of acupuncturists and chiropractors is Elizabeth A. Davis, a board licensed chiropractor who received her Doctor of Chiropractic from the National College of Chiropractic as well as additional training at the Midwest College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and National University of Health Sciences.
Why choose this provider?
Magnolia House, in Chicago, is the private practice of licensed acupuncturist Claire Mooney. Ms. Mooney, who also has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition, provides patients with three service packages to choose from, beginning at $40 for a no-commitment initial appointment, which is an ideal choice for patients who are completely new to acupuncture and want to try it before they commit more fully.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (31)
- 5.0 (3)
Why choose this provider?
Iris Zhao and Gram Pommerehn, who jointly own Chicago InHealth Center, are licensed and board-certified Chiropractic Physicians. Of the two, only Dr. Zhao practices acupuncture. She is formally trained and experienced in Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapies, including not just acupuncture but also cupping, guasha, and moxa. She has devoted her professional life to helping people who suffer from chronic pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, menstrual irregularities, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and other conditions.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (69)
Why choose this provider?
At Southport Wellness, a Chicago wellness clinic, Dr. Christopher Wolcott leads a team of trained, experienced pain management professionals. Dr. Wolcott’s three colleagues are licensed massage therapists who focus on assisting expecting mothers, athletes, and oncology patients. Dr. Wolcott, who received his chiropractic doctorate from the National University of Health Sciences, is also a fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (20)
- 5.0 (5)
- 5.0 (2)
Why choose this provider?
At West Meets East Acupuncture, Kathy Hanold provides residents of the greater Chicagoland community with holistic solutions for a range of physical and emotional conditions. In addition to being a Registered Nurse (RN) who has practiced at Western hospitals, Ms. Hanold has earned certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Compare our Top Acupuncturists
Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acupuncture for Balanced Wellness | 223 W Jackson Blvd Ste 860, Chicago, IL60606 | View More | ||
Chicago Holistic Medicine | Chicago, IL60613 | View More | ||
Acupuncture Healing Center | 239 West Cermak Road, Chicago, IL60616 | View More | ||
Urban Acupuncture | Chicago, IL60640 | View More | ||
Pain Therapy Associates | Schaumburg, IL60193 | View More | ||
Eastland Acupuncture Chicago | Chicago, IL60625 | View More | ||
Source Healing | 650 N Dearborn STE 800, Chicago, IL60654 | View More | ||
Northside Holistic Center | Chicago, IL60640 | View More | ||
Division Chiropractic and Acupuncture | Chicago, IL60622 | View More | ||
Aligned Modern Health | Chicago, IL60614 | View More | ||
Alternative Health Group, LLC | Chicago, IL60622 | View More | ||
Balance Health + Wellness | Chicago, IL60614 | View More | ||
Chicago Acupuncture | Chicago, IL60610 | View More | ||
Be Well | Chicago, IL60618 | View More | ||
GreenMedChicago | Chicago, IL60601 | View More | ||
Magnolia House | Chicago, IL60647 | View More | ||
Chicago InHealth Center | Chicago, IL60616 | View More | ||
Southport Grace Wellness Center Ltd. | Chicago, IL60613 | View More | ||
West Meets East Acupuncture | Chicago, IL60615 | View More |
FAQs
Introduction
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine technique. It involves the strategic placement of small, fine needles puncturing the skin on various areas of the body to relieve pain or treat other medical conditions. The needles are left in place for about 10 minutes to half an hour while the patient relaxes. The selection of the proper acupoints requires skill and knowledge.
The practice of acupuncture originated in Asia many centuries ago. Chinese acupuncture may also involve electrical stimulation or heat application for heightened effect. Some Chinese acupuncturists also slowly spin or twirl the needles after insertion. On the other hand, Japanese acupuncture is less invasive, with shallow needle insertion and no needle manipulation. Korean acupuncture focuses on needle placement only in the feet and hands.
Though acupuncture was highly controversial in Western medicine for many years, most of the medical community now recognizes its effectiveness for pain management. Only anecdotal evidence exists for treatments beyond pain relief.
How does acupuncture work?
Research hasn’t yet determined exactly how acupuncture works, but there are two main theories. One is that it operates on a neurological level by stimulating muscles, nerves, and connective tissues, triggering natural pain relief effects. Others believe acupuncture balances a person’s energies — chi — creating physical, emotional, and mental harmony, which relieves pain and improves health.
Does Medicare cover acupuncture?
Medicare Part B covers acupuncture solely to treat low back pain. The condition must have no known cause and have lasted for at least 12 weeks. Only a doctor or properly licensed and trained medical provider may perform the acupuncture. Medicare initially approves up to 12 sessions over 90 days. With demonstrated improvement, up to eight more visits may be allowed.
Is acupuncture effective?
Studies by the National Institute of Health confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture for addiction, nausea, headaches, asthma, some stroke rehabilitation, and pain management for various conditions. The NIH studies support the use of acupuncture alone and combined with traditional treatment methods. Additional research by other scientific and medical organizations demonstrates that acupuncture is typically successful in the treatment of pain.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture should not be painful. The unfamiliar sensation may be uncomfortable at first, but that typically goes away after the first session. People with high sensitivity levels or low pain tolerance may experience heightened sensations. However, any discomfort should be minor and brief. Some common feelings at the acupuncture points are warmth, tingling, heaviness, or mild achiness.
How much does acupuncture cost?
Acupuncture prices vary greatly, ranging from $50 to $300 per session. Initial sessions usually cost more than follow-up appointments. Initial sessions on the high end of the pricing scale usually include a consultation and medical exam along with the acupuncture session. Some acupuncturists offer membership price breaks or discounts for prepaid multiple sessions. Shop around before deciding on an acupuncturist.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Some health care insurance carriers cover acupuncture for specific medical conditions. But it depends on the location, insurance provider, insurance plan, and reason for the treatments. Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, United Health Care, Health Net, Banner Health, and Humana are examples of some private insurers that may cover acupuncture with various restrictions. Contact your provider to learn more.
What should you wear to an acupuncture appointment?
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your first acupuncture appointment. Shorts or pants you can pull above your knees are a good idea. Short-sleeve tops are also preferable. Slip-on shoes are helpful. If your treatment involves back or torso needle placement, your acupuncturist likely provides gowns. After your first visit, you have a better idea of suitable clothing.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe with a certified, reputable, and capable acupuncturist. When the practitioner follows the law using sterile, disposable, single-use needles, adverse effects are rare. The World Health Organization reported no major side effects and only 671 minor adverse events out of 10,000 treatments. Plus, acupuncture has none of the serious side effects of traditional pain medications.
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
Dry needling is also called intramuscular stimulation. The procedure involves the insertion of needles to treat muscular pain. Unlike the ancient practice of acupuncture, dry needling is relatively new. It’s not a well-regulated field either, while acupuncture is. Physical therapists and other providers can perform dry needling with no special training, licensing, or certifications.
What are some conditions that acupuncture can treat?
Acupuncture can help relieve pain caused by many medical conditions. Some examples are migraines, menstrual cramps, back pain, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, postsurgical dental pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients also experience improvement from acupuncture treatment for conditions, such as asthma, addiction, ADHD, and TMD. Plus, acupuncture may also help relieve nausea, stress, and anxiety.
How long does an acupuncture appointment last?
Initial acupuncture appointments typically last longer than routine sessions. They may include an interview about your health issues and a medical exam. With the acupuncture session, the entire appointment may take one to two hours. Successive sessions typically last about 30 minutes to an hour. The needles will be in place for only about 10 to 30 minutes.
How many acupuncture appointments will you need to complete a treatment?
It’s best to discuss how many sessions you’ll need with your acupuncturist during your initial consultation. Most patients who seek acupuncture to help with a medical condition and related pain need several sessions. They may start treatment with one to three sessions per week for a few weeks. Once they see improvement, treatments may taper off to in-frequent maintenance sessions.
What needles are used in acupuncture?
Metal filiform needles are the type commonly used for acupuncture today. These sterile, stainless-steel thread-like needles are available in varying diameters and lengths. The typical gauges range from 0.12 mm to 0.35 mm. Japanese acupuncture calls for thinner needles than Chinese methods. Acupuncture needles are designed for one use before disposal. Some acupuncturists use gold or silver needles.
Do acupuncturists need to be licensed to practice acupuncture?
Washington D.C. and 47 states require some type of licensing to perform acupuncture. South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Alabama don’t regulate acupuncturists. Elsewhere, credentialing requirements and standards vary. Most states with acupuncture legal oversight require National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams or certification in compliance with the Acupuncture Practice Act. California has its own licensing exam.
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