FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions 

Below, you’ll find answers to our most asked questions. 

If you would like more information, please email us at youracudoc@gmail.com or call us at 773-727-5042. 

We’re here to help you heal, recover, and thrive! 

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What should I know about Urban Acupuncture Chicago? 

We’re located at 3166 N. Lincoln Ave. Suite 405, Chicago, IL 60657. 

We see patients Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays by appointment.

We are an in-network provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield and United patients. We are happy to check your benefits. You can also pay for your sessions using Flex Spending or your Health Savings card. Please see more information about insurance by visiting this page on our site: https://www.urbanacupuncturechicago.com/insurance-fees/

Our main focus for care is autoimmune diseases, complex chronic conditions, women’s health, and fertility issues. These main focuses cover a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Please contact us if you have specific questions about your condition and if acupuncture may help. 

We also offer the following Traditional Chinese Medicine to complement your acupuncture treatment: Supplement and herb recommendations, cupping, trigger point therapy, gua-sha, electric stimulation, TDP heat lamp, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle counseling.

What Traditional Chinese Medicine services do you offer? 

We offer the following treatments to complement your acupuncture session:

Cupping

We apply heated glass cups along your meridians to stimulate energy, increase blood flow, and relieve tension. Common uses: Muscle tightness, back/neck pain, fatigue, poor circulation, and detoxification.

Trigger point therapy

A neuromuscular therapy (applying pressure) that targets specific knots or muscle tightness to ease tension and improve function.

Gua-sha

We use a tool to scrape the skin, promoting blood flow and healing. Common uses: Muscle pain, stiffness, headaches, cold/flu symptoms, and inflammation.

Electric Stimulation

We use mild electrical pulses (called electrodes) to ease pain by stimulating the nerves and muscles in a specific area of the body. 

TDP heat lamp

This lamp uses infrared light to penetrate the skin to treat pain, lower inflammation, and relieve muscle tension. Some therapists use these lamps during an acupuncture session to deepen the healing. 

Dietary recommendations

We suggest the best foods to nourish your body and promote recovery and healing. It has been said that all diseases start in the gut, so keeping your microbiome in tip-top shape helps improve your recovery times. 

Lifestyle counseling

We will help you choose better habits, make suggestions on how to reduce stress and anxiety, and assist you in finding more joy, so your health improves naturally. 

How does acupuncture work? 

Acupuncture works by stimulating certain points on the body known as acupoints and meridians. 

Our life force energy (or “qi”) circulates in the body to help our systems heal, repair, and thrive. When there’s a block from stress, illness, or injury, acupuncture helps to get that energy circulating again so the body can heal itself, which all bodies are designed to do. 

Stimulating the qi energy with needles helps connect to the central nervous system and release those yummy chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, helping alleviate pain, tension, and inflammation. 

The 12 acupuncture meridians are connected with a major organ or system:

• Lungs
• Large intestine
• Stomach
• Spleen
• Heart
• Small intestine
• Bladder
• Kidney
• Pericardium (the fluid-filled sac that protects your heart)
• Triple Burner (the functional system that regulates fluids, distributes energy, and supports the coordination of other organs)
• Liver
• Gallbladder

The acupoints stem from the meridian points, and there are believed to be over 2000 of them according to ancient Chinese texts, although the World Health Organization has devised 361 points according to its A Proposed Standard International Acupuncture Nomenclature Report. 

In short, acupuncture helps to get the body back “online” by encouraging its natural healing abilities and balancing the qi energy. 

Here’s a (very) brief history: Acupuncture originated in ancient China and dates back around 3000 years! 

Before the use of needles, the first practitioners may have used sharpened rocks or bones to stimulate the 12 meridian points and the over 2000 (according to ancient texts) acupoints on the body. 

The first document to describe acupuncture and the organization of the points is The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, circa 100 BCE. 

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles painful? 

No, acupuncture typically doesn’t hurt, although some patients report tingling sensations, a tiny prick, a dull ache or numbness, heat or warmth, soreness, and/or minor pressure at the insertion site. 

Acupuncture needles are very thin and are inserted between 0.5 – 5 centimeters deep. Some areas of the body (like the back and bottom) may require a deeper insertion, up to 10 centimeters. Most patients don’t feel the needles once they’ve been inserted.

It’s important to point out that everyone has a different level of sensitivity, especially in less fatty regions of the body (like parts of the face, hands, and feet). 

Always communicate with your therapist if you have discomfort or pain so the needles can be adjusted. 

Is acupuncture safe? 

Yes, acupuncture is considered safe when administered by a trained professional using sterile needles. 

It’s also the acupuncturist’s job to create an environment of safety so your nervous system can relax and receive the treatment. Low lighting, soft music, and a clean, comfy space tell your body that there are no threats, allowing your parasympathetic response (“rest & digest”) to be activated. 

There are always risks associated with any medical or medicinal procedure, and it’s important to trust your gut and follow your intuition when starting a new form of therapy. 

It’s recommended to tell your acupuncturist if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker. Certain acupuncture points can induce labor, and if your therapist uses small electrical impulses on the needles (this is used on a case-by-case basis), it may disrupt your pacemaker’s performance. 

Because acupuncture is non-invasive, many patients turn to its powerful healing effects as a natural alternative to surgery or pharmaceuticals. 

What conditions can acupuncture help with? 

Acupuncture may help treat and alleviate a wide variety of conditions and ailments. 

The most common are chronic pain, digestive or elimination problems, high stress or anxiety, fertility and pregnancy issues, and autoimmune diseases.  

Because acupuncture works to rebalance your entire system, its positive effects accumulate over time and help your body heal itself, as all bodies are designed to do. 

Other conditions acupuncture may help with are:

• Allergies and asthma
• Cancer and the effects of cancer treatment (like chemotherapy)
• Menopause or perimenopause symptoms
• Addiction to substances
• High blood pressure
• Obesity or weight concerns
• Insomnia or sleep imbalances
• Joint pain or immobility 
• Anti-aging and skin health
• Inflammation and water retention
• Dental pain after surgery
• Fibromyalgia
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tennis elbow
• Myofascial pain
• Osteoarthritis

The World Health Organization endorses acupuncture as a beneficial treatment based on clinical studies. 

It’s also important to remember that acupuncture can be used as a preventative measure to keep your health in check and prevent certain conditions and problems, especially as you age.  

How often should I get acupuncture treatments? 

The frequency of your treatments is determined by what condition(s) are being addressed, the severity or pain level, and how your body responds. 

Your acupuncturist will decide the consistency of your treatments, but most people start with 1-2 times a week. It’s important to stay consistent in the first few weeks of treatment as each session builds on the last.

As you recover, your sessions may decrease so your body can take over and do what it was designed to do. Also, keep in mind that acupuncture can be used as a preventive measure even after you feel improvement. 

What should I expect during my first acupuncture session? 

Your first visit with us includes a detailed discussion about your symptoms, general health, goals for treatment, and your lifestyle (your diet, exercise routine, sleep patterns, stress levels, and health habits). 

We will ask you about your pain levels, what’s bothering you, and how you generally feel throughout the day. We will also do a tongue and pulse analysis, which tells us what to focus on and the best points to place needles. 

Please know that we are here to help, not judge, so it’s crucial to be as honest as possible with your therapist so we can address all concerns and you can recover with more ease. 

If you’ve never had acupuncture before, it’s normal to be nervous or anxious. Let your therapist know if you’re feeling any stress so they can talk you through each step. 

Your first session can last between 30-90 minutes, depending on the specifics of your treatment. 

To learn more about what’s included in your first visit, please visit this page on our site: https://www.urbanacupuncturechicago.com/first-visit/

How can I get the most out of my acupuncture session? 

The best way to get the most out of your session is to remain relaxed and open. 

Practice deep breathing so your parasympathetic nervous system can respond fully to the treatment. The nerves that relax you are located at the bottom of your lungs, which is why it’s important to breathe long, slow, and deep. 

You can also set an intention for your session so your mind and body have specific instructions (this speeds up healing because everything is connected). Use a mantra or affirmation to keep yourself focused and open. 

Make sure to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest before and after treatment, and eat foods that nourish you like fruits and veggies, whole grains (quinoa and wild rice are great), and lean proteins (salmon, eggs, lentils, or tofu). 

It’s best to avoid caffeine, recreational drugs, alcohol, fried foods, and processed sugars before and after treatment. 

Wear loose-fitting clothes so you’re as comfortable as possible and avoid any strenuous activity right after your session. 

Because acupuncture compounds, it’s best to keep all your appointments, as the results build on each other. 

How do I know if acupuncture is working for me? 

The most effective way to know if acupuncture is working is simple: Are you generally feeling better?

• Have you noticed a positive change in your mood, stress levels, sleep, appetite, and general outlook on life and your health? 
• Have your pain levels decreased, disappeared, or become more manageable? 
• Can you take some focus off your body and participate in more activities and pleasures? 
• Is your body generally feeling stronger and more agile? 
• Do you feel more connected to life and your relationships? 
• Do you wake up with more energy, joy, and a sense of safety? 
• Are you responding differently to stimuli, old triggers, and habits?  
• Do flavors or smells seem more intense than usual? 

If so, you can be sure that acupuncture is helping your body reset and rebalance. 

The beauty of acupuncture is that it can complement and deepen other healing modalities like physical therapy, massage, Reiki, meditation, energy work, cupping, and other holistic treatments. 

Keep a journal or log of how you feel each day so you can look back and see your progress. Sometimes change and healing happen incrementally, so be sure to focus on the improvements you see, no matter how “small.” 

Are there any side effects from acupuncture? 

Most commonly, even after one session, people experience improved sleep, digestion, and mood. You may or may not feel relief of symptoms within the first few visits.

Because the body is experiencing new energy flow and releasing toxins, you can feel worn out. Listen to what your body needs and take extra naps, let yourself sleep in, and understand that you may need to slow down. 

Other side effects can include small bruising at the needle site, light bleeding or inflammation, and soreness, depending on the location of the needles. 

Because you’re detoxifying years of chemical and energetic build-up, some patients experience increased urination or bowel movements. This is normal and natural as the body attempts to regain coherence and balance. 

Lastly, some people experience the release of pent-up or ignored emotions after a session. If you feel the need to scream or cry after your treatment, this is evidence of old stored emotions getting released and cleared. 

Is it safe to receive acupuncture treatments if I’m pregnant or nursing? 

Yes, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that it is considered safe to receive acupuncture while pregnant or nursing when done by a therapist who is experienced in treating expectant mothers.  

Here are a few things to keep in mind for pregnancy-based treatment:

• Certain acupuncture points may induce labor and strong psychological effects — this is why it’s important to choose a therapist who is experienced treating pregnant women 
• Treatments may help with morning sickness, stress, low back pain, pelvic pain or discomfort, postpartum symptoms, and may reduce labor pains
• Other pregnancy-related benefits include help with depression, insomnia, indigestion, constipation, swelling (also known as edema), preeclampsia, and breech babies 
• Acupuncture may also be used to actively induce labor if needed

Can acupuncture help with fertility issues? 

Yes, acupuncture may help increase fertility in both men and women. 

In women, acupuncture may increase blood flow to the reproductive organs (specifically the endometrium, which helps the embryo implant, and the ovaries and uterus, which may enhance egg quality), reduce stress from trying to conceive, and help balance hormones that affect menstruation, conception, and pregnancy. 

In men, treatments may help improve sperm count and mobility because of increased blood flow and reduced inflammation. 

One study by the National Institute of Health found that acupuncture doubled the odds of getting pregnant when compared to a control group that received standard care. 

When paired with other fertility care like IVF, acupuncture may help increase chances of conception while reducing the stress that accompanies the process. 

To learn more about how acupuncture can help with fertility, please visit this page on our site: https://www.urbanacupuncturechicago.com/fertility-acupuncture-chicago/

Is it safe for children to receive acupuncture treatments? 

Yes, it is safe for kids to receive acupuncture treatments from a trained professional. 

It is a popular non-invasive option for many ailments and conditions in children. 

Have more questions or need something specific addressed? Don’t hesitate to reach out!