Average time it takes to be seen by a provider
Verified providers with a 4.8 average rating
In the business of finding quality care for patients
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for an Acupuncturist in Chicago, book an appointment, and see the Acupuncturist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Acupuncturists in Chicago who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Chicago Acupuncturist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Acupuncturists in Chicago and book appointments instantly. You can search for Chicago Acupuncturists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for Chicago Acupuncturists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Acupuncturists in Chicago who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Chicago Acupuncturists with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Acupuncturists in Chicago who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
Acupuncturists in Chicago on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Acupuncturists who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Acupuncturists in Chicago who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Acupuncturist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Acupuncturists in Chicago. Many Acupuncturists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice involving placing tiny needles under the skin at specific locations. These needles stimulate particular points on the body. People choose acupuncture for both therapeutic and preventive purposes.
There are two types of acupuncturists. A licensed acupuncturist who has studied acupuncture and oriental medicine is qualified to maintain patients' health. A certified acupuncturist is a licensed dentist or physician who has finished an educational program equivalent to at least 200 hours and 100 hours of supervisory experience. However, programs and certifications may vary depending on your state.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) states that an increasing number of people are using acupuncture for pain management. With approximately 35 million Americans regularly receiving acupuncture, the need for certified acupuncturists is high.
A certified acupuncturist near you may practice one of two types of acupuncture.
Traditional Chinese acupuncture, as we know it today, is still considerably modified from the oldest practices. Traditional acupuncture incorporates the concept of yin and yang and the five elements: Metal, Earth, Wood, Fire, and Water. Practitioners believe improper qi flow (the life force thought to flow through your body) can cause illness, and acupuncture can restore qi flow.
Another name for it is dry needling. Medical acupuncture reduces pain and enhances physical performance by stimulating particular body areas. These points could or might not match those found in classical Chinese acupuncture. Typically, medical acupuncture treats musculoskeletal disorders. When these musculoskeletal points are activated, the body produces natural pain relievers like endorphins.
Acupuncture relieves discomfort linked with several diseases and conditions, including:
In the first acupuncture session, the acupuncturist will start by checking your general health. Every treatment is unique to the individual, facilitating effective results. During an appointment, the acupuncturist will inquire about past treatments, current symptoms, sleeping patterns, patient and family medical history, diet, digestive system, and emotional health. They will also take the pulse on the wrists to check how energies flow in the body. In addition, the acupuncturist will assess your tongue's structure, color, and coating to determine your affliction.
An acupuncture session takes up to one hour or shorter. A typical treatment plan for a single complaint involves one or two weekly treatments. The overall treatment duration depends on the condition and its severity. Generally, it's common to receive six to eight treatments. Before commencing the treatment, the acupuncturist will explain the process and then ask you to lie flat on a table. The treatment procedure can involve the following:
Experts recommend that patients eat approximately two hours before an acupuncture treatment. However, this could cause discomfort during the session. Patients should avoid unhealthy, overly processed foods and coffee before their session. If the patient feels lightheaded after their session, advise them to take a rest.
Important things to consider before undergoing acupuncture treatment include the following:
Risks of acupuncture
The risks involved in acupuncture treatment are minimal when it is conducted by certified acupuncturists using sterile needles. The general treatment side effects include bruising, minimal bleeding, and soreness at the needle insertion point. These are effectively managed with medications and usually go away within a few days. The standard practice of using disposable, single-use needles during treatment has further minimized the risks of infections.
A few things that you should avoid doing immediately after acupuncture therapy include the following:
Alcohol intake harms the body, and you must avoid it, especially after undergoing acupuncture therapy. Alcohol intake can disrupt the natural healing process of the body. It can cause dehydration and worsen the hangover system. Alcohol intake may even lead to bruising or bleeding at the needle sites.
Talk to an acupuncturist about the risks and side effects of alcohol intake after treatment. Avoid alcohol intake for a minimum of 24 hours after acupuncture treatment.
You may feel dizzy or lightheaded after the session, as acupuncture causes a drop in your energy levels. Any strenuous physical activity or exercise may worsen these symptoms and even increase the risk of injury. Therefore, allow your body to relax and recover for a few hours after treatment. Gentle household activities are fine, but avoid strenuous physical activities.
Junk foods include processed foods, sugary drinks, and fast foods. These foods contain very high salts, fats, and calories but have low nutrient value. Such foods can quickly negate the positive benefits of acupuncture treatment. Moreover, junk foods can lead to weight gain, inflammation, and other chronic health problems. Therefore, eating healthy and nutritious foods helps enhance acupuncture treatment's positive results.
Avoid caffeine immediately after treatment, as it could negate acupuncture's relaxing and calming effects. Caffeine produces more stress hormones, further worsening your existing disorders. It is natural to feel dull or tired after treatment. You can seek natural ways to boost your energy. Or, allow your body to relax for a few hours before you return to your daily routine.
You must avoid watching digital screens immediately after acupuncture treatment. This includes tablets, phones, laptops, computers, and TV screens. The light emitted from these digital screens can interfere with the positive results of acupuncture treatment. Therefore, avoid facing digital screens as much as possible. Do it for short periods if you need to, and take breaks often. Avoid continuous screen exposure.
Although acupuncture is a popular treatment choice worldwide, finding and selecting the right acupuncturist can be challenging. Zocdoc is here to make finding the right acupuncturist easy. Zocdoc makes finding an experienced acupuncturist in Chicago easy to meet your healthcare needs. Create a free account with Zocdoc. Then, select the doctor's specialty, your location, and dates. A comprehensive list of doctors based on your search criteria will appear.
If you want to find a provider who accepts your insurance, add your insurance information (your insurance provider and plan) to the Zocdoc search. You will see in-network providers who accept your plan. When you search for providers on the Zocdoc app, upload a photo of your insurance card. The app will then scan and display your insurance plan (the option for vision and dental plans is unavailable). Check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.
At Zocdoc, we believe in long-term, trusting patient-physician relationships. Every acupuncturist has a unique profile. You can learn about their teaching credentials, board certifications, clinical interests, expertise, experience, gender, and language. Additionally, verified patient reviews and user ratings can help you make an informed decision before seeing an acupuncturist near you.
To better understand your acupuncturist, you can book a video appointment on Zocdoc before your in-person visit. Look for the purple video icon in the acupuncturist's profile or filter your selection of video appointments. All bookings with Zocdoc are accessible, secure, and free.
In the state of Illinois, there are around 3250 acupuncturists. The Illinois Society of Acupuncturists was established for the state's professional growth and advocacy of acupuncturists. It also aims to educate the general public about the scope of acupuncture services.
Several studies have reviewed the benefits of acupuncture. In a randomized controlled study, 23 individuals receiving acupuncture were assessed. Patients reported a substantial decrease in pain and improved arm function and maximal strength.
A study of 72 pregnant women reported acupuncture to relieve low-back and pelvic pain without adverse effects during pregnancy. Around 1041 patients with headaches were evaluated in 22 randomized control trials; evidence reported acupuncture to help manage headaches.
Moreover, in a controlled multicenter trial, nearly 46 specialized physicians in six hospitals and 32 private outpatient clinics treated around 422 patients with seasonal allergies with acupuncture.
Progressive Acupuncture Wellness Center
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.