Acupuncture

According to classical theory, acupuncture works by removing the obstructions in the energy channels, or meridians, in the body. Like rivers of energy, these meridians flow along regular pathways to irrigate and nourish the body's organs and tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these rivers is like a dam that backs up the natural flow of energy, causing an imbalance that manifests as sickness and pain. By inserting needles and stimulating acupuncture points, an acupuncturist removes these dams and restores the natural balance and smooth flow of energy throughout the body.

In contrast to the classical theory, modern science proposes that needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release biochemicals, such as endorphins, immune system cells, and neurotransmitters, in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. In addition to killing pain, these chemicals can influence the internal regulating system of the body and affect involuntary bodily functions such as blood flow, immune reactions, body temperature, and digestion. By stimulating the nervous system and influencing these these bodily functions, acupuncture can help the body heal itself naturally.

For most people, acupuncture causes minimal to no pain. The needles used during acupuncture are very fine and are nothing like the hypodermic needles used to give injections at a doctor's office. A patient may feel a slight prick similar to a mosquito bite when the needle is first inserted. At times, a tingling, dull ache, or warm sensation may be experienced at the point where the needle is inserted. This is a desired affect and should not be uncomfortable. Often, during an acupuncture treatment, a patient feels so relaxed that he or she will fall asleep. Most people leave their acupuncture sessions feeling relaxed, rested, and refreshed.

When administered by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is a very safe form of therapy. Licensed acupuncturists in Illinois are trained and certified in Clean Needle Technique, which requires the adherence to strict safety guidelines, such as the use of sterile, disposable needles, to minimize the risk of infection.

During a typical first visit, your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history, fully investigate your chief complaint, perform a physical exam, which includes looking at your tongue and examining your pulse, and determine a differential diagnosis for you. From this, a treatment plan is designed and administered. This plan may include acupuncture as well as adjunctive techniques, such as cupping, bodywork, electro stimulation, gua sha, or heat therapy, if necessary. This may take 60 to 75 minutes but is necessary to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your unique health condition while focusing on your main concern. Treatments during subsequent visits will be adapted to your progress and will generally last about 50 minutes.

The number of treatments needed varies from person to person. Some people experience significant improvement after one or two treatments, while others may take weeks or months to achieve lasting results. Chronic conditions generally take longer to resolve than acute ones, and the longer a patient has had a condition, the longer it usually takes to resolve. Other factors that influence the number of treatments needed include the severity of the problem and the patient's lifestyle, overall health, and constitution.

Your acupuncturist should be able to give you an idea of how many treatments will be needed after he or she becomes familiar with your unique situation and needs. He or she may suggest one or two treatments per week during the initial phases of treatment, and then less frequent treatments as the condition improves.

In the state of Illinois, licensed acupuncturists are required to complete a minimum of 3 academic years of study, which includes well over 1000 hours of classroom time as well as over 600 hours of hands-on clinic time treating patients. In addition, in order to become licensed, candidates must pass a rigorous national board examination given by the National Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). In contrast, other practitioners, such as chiropractors, medical doctors, and physical therapists can practice acupuncture or "dry needling" with as little as 100 hours or even less of training. Licensed acupuncturists use acupuncture and its underlying theories as their main therapy, enabling them to utilize their expertise to effectively and safely treat even complicated cases. Their extensive training allows them to take advantage of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine's broad range of applications as well as go more in depth in treating individual cases, helping them to attain optimal results.

We do not bill insurance directly on behalf of patients. Instead, we provide a detailed superbill so that patients can submit claims directly to their insurance for reimbursement.

• Superbills are receipts you will submit to your insurance for reimbursement.  They are only available for private acupuncture appointments and can be printed for you or emailed after each visit.

• You will be responsible for payment at the time of service and then submitting your superbill to your insurance provider.

• We recommend that you confirm what your provider’s reimbursement rates are.

At Santos Clinica, we believe in providing affordable acupuncture treatments so that patients can get the amount of treatments they need. We don't cut corners on quality of care, but we do try to keep our rates low enough so that patients can get the number and frequency of treatments needed.

Initial Acupuncture Session: $95
Follow Up Acupuncture Session: $75