M.Cristina Kell, L.Ac., LMT

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a component of an ancient complete and comprehensive health care system; Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes other therapies such as moxibustion, Tui Na (Chinese massage), Chinese herbal medicine, Qi Gong (exercise/meditation) & dietary/nutritional therapy.
Acupuncture originated in China, several thousand years ago and spread throughout Asia. East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life.
Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin needles, into specific points along meridians on the body. The insertion and manipulation of needles at specific points on the body, returns the body to its natural balance and promotes the body's ability to heal itself.
Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi, and balances Yin and Yang.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when I insert them. When I gently stimulate the needles they may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may feel warmth, tingling at the site of the needle or nothing at all. Most patients leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more than one treatment is necessary.
The number of treatments will vary from person to person as this depends on several factors; overall health, the body’s response to acupuncture treatments and the nature and duration of illness or injury.
Some people experience immediate relief, others may take months to achieve desired results. You can expect to notice a gradual improvement within the first 6 treatments. A recommended course of treatment is 10-12 sessions during a 4 week period. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis after your condition is under control.

Choosing an Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is a licensed profession in the state of Illinois.
All licensed acupuncturists (L.Ac.) must be certified by the National Commission for Certification of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
NCCAOM acupuncturists are awarded the title Diplomate in Acupuncture (Dipl.Ac.) and have met the minimum requirement of 4 years education in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy, pathology, differencial diagnosis, point location and needling, and training in Clean Needle Technique.

Is Acupuncture safe? 

Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncture is safe for children, and most often they respond more quickly than adults.

How should I prepare for an acupuncture treatment?

The following is recommended to improve results.
Wear loose comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points, as in most cases you can stay fully clothed.
Eat, but refrain from eating large meals before and after your visit.
Refrain from overexertion, working out, sexual activity, drugs, alcohol before your visit and at least 6 hours after your visit.
Avoid stressful situations. Take time to relax and get plenty of rest.
In between visits keep notes of how you feel and let your acupuncturist know on your next visit. 

Your First Visit

When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition, and I will examine your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points I choose will depend on your condition, but you can expect approximately 20 needles. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to lie comfortably for 15-20 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture.
Below are some common conditions that are treated with acupuncture.

Pain

• Sports injuries
• Muscle pain
• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Leg, ankle and foot pain
• Arm, wrist and hand pain
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tennis Elbow
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Jaw pain (TMD -TMJ disorder)
• Dental pain
• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Headaches and migraines
• Postoperative pain

Digestive Issues & Nausea

• Heartburn, Acid Reflux
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Chronic indigestion
• Chronic loose stools or constipation
• Peptic ulcer
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Morning sickness
• Nausea and vomiting

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Depression
• PTSD
• Addictions - tobacco, alcohol, drugs

Respiratory Complaints

• Sinusitis
• Allergies
• Asthma

Urinary & Reproductive Issues

• Incontinence
• Impotence
• Symptoms due to an Enlarged Prostate
• Infertility - male & female
• Increased efficacy of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Complications in Pregnancy - threat of miscarriage, breech presentation 
• PMS, Irregular, Heavy, Painful menstruation