773-915-3683 info@palmgrenacu.com
115 N Marion St, Ste 8, Oak Park, IL 60301 Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture | Massage | Chinese Herbs

Office Policies | Further Interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture

How does acupuncture work?
Whenever something happens to your body – trauma, overeating, stress, a bad night’s sleep, whatever it is – it throws your nervous system off. This results in a health concern, such as pain, for example. What acupuncture does is it rebalances your brain waves and nervous system. Once that occurs, your body heals itself and the health concern resolves. Acupuncture gives your body a boost so it can heal from the inside out.
What does acupuncture treat?

It can treat chronic pain, fatigue, depression/anxiety, seasonal allergies, and headaches, to name a few.  Acupuncture is part of a comprehensive medicine and can treat almost everything. Learn more about what we treat here.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
How many treatments you need depends on several factors. Two important factors are how long you have experienced your health concern and the severity of the health concern. Chronic concerns (i.e., lasting more than 4 weeks) usually take several treatments to resolve whereas acute concerns typically take only a few treatments. These are general guidelines. At your initial appointment, we discuss your concerns and design a personalized treatment plan for you.
Does acupuncture hurt?

No. Acupuncture is a pain-free way to improve your health. If you feel anything at all, you may feel a tiny sensation like a mosquito bite when the needle is inserted and then, it goes away. Many times patients fall asleep during their treatments.

How big are acupuncture needles?
They are about as wide as 1-2 strands of hair.  They are much thinner than the needles used at the doctor’s office.  You can fit about 100 acupuncture needles inside of one doctor’s needle.
Is it safe?
Yes.  When acupuncture is performed by a licensed acupuncturist, it is very safe.  We use pre-sterilized, disposable, one-time-use only acupuncture needles on every patient according to Clean Needle Technique.  Used needles are safely disposed of in a sharps container and treated as medical waste.
Do I have to completely undress for acupuncture?
No. For most of our treatments, you are fully clothed and asked to roll up your sleeves to the elbow and pants to the knee. For some treatments, for example with treating back pain, we often ask patients to remove clothing to do acupuncture on the back. At all times during your treatment, you will be draped with a sheet or towel. You undress to your comfort level. Whatever you decide, we respect your choice and honor it.
Do you reuse or recycle acupuncture needles?
Never. After an acupuncture treatment, all acupuncture needles are immediately disposed of in a sharps container and treated as medical waste.
This is my first acupuncture session. What can I do to prepare?
Please eat something before your appointment and wear or bring with you loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Check out the article “What to Expect at Your 1st Acupuncture Treatment” for more info.
Do you accept insurance?
Insurance companies are covering acupuncture now more than ever. We encourage you to contact your insurance company and ask about your coverage relating to acupuncture. Regardless of your insurance coverage, payment is due at the time of your appointment. If you are planning to turn in a claim for your treatment, please let us know and we will prepare a billing statement for you.
What are your rates for acupuncture?

Initial consult & acupuncture treatment, 1.5 hours $155
Follow-up treatment, 1 hour $105

What types of payment do you take?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and checks as well as Flexible Savings Account (FSA)/Health Savings Account (HSA) debit cards/checks. We also offer zero-contact payment options such as Apple Pay, Android Pay and email invoicing. For returned checks, we charge a fee of $40/check.

Right now we are not accepting cash. 

Acupuncture may qualify as a medical expense for tax purposes. Ask your accountant for more information.

Do I tip for acupuncture?

No. Our licensed acupuncturists do not accept tips.

Back to the top

Massage

Do I have to completely undress for massage?
No. You can undress to your comfort level. Rest assured, we provide the utmost privacy for your massage session. At all times during your massage, you will be draped with a sheet or blanket. Whatever you decide, we respect your choice and honor it.
Will I be covered during the massage?
Yes, at all times. You will be covered with a sheet or blanket and only the region/area of the body that is being worked on will be uncovered. Our massage room is equipped with a space heater and fan to ensure your comfort.
What type of lotion/gel/oil do you use during a massage?

We have the options of massage gel, lotion or oil for you to choose from. All of them are unscented, nut-free, and paraben-free. 

What are your rates for massage?

Therapeutic Massage, 60-minute session $100
Therapeutic Massage, 90-minute session $140

 

Do I tip for massage?
Yes. For your convenience, if you are paying by debit card or credit card, you may add the tip to the cost of your massage.
Back to the top

Chinese Herbs

How do Chinese herbs work?
Chinese herbs work with your body to rebalance it. Each Chinese herb has its own action on the body. For example, many Chinese herbs increase circulation and help alleviate pain. Others regulate your respiratory system to help stop coughing. At Palmgren Acupuncture, we customize Chinese herbs to address your specific concerns and needs.
Are Chinese herbs safe? What are the side effects?
Chinese herbs are safe when taken under the supervision of a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. They typically do not have side effects. However, some patients may experience very mild stomach symptoms such as indigestion or nausea. Often these symptoms are alleviated when patients stop taking Chinese herbs. We always recommend contacting your practitioner if you have any questions or concerns.
What type of Chinese herbs do you have on-site?

Our Chinese herbal dispensary is comprised of granules (or powdered) and capsules. 

Will Chinese herbs interact with my over-the-counter medicine and prescriptions?
We carefully cross-reference each Chinese herb we recommend with all of your medications to prevent interactions. Generally speaking, most Chinese herbs do not interact with medications.
I know what Chinese herbs I need. Can I come and pick them up?

No. Chinese herbs are only available to our clients. We recommend making an herbal consultation with one of our Board-Certified Chinese Herbalists to get a recommendation.  

If you have any questions or concerns about Chinese herbs, contact us at 773-915-3683 or contact us here. 
Back to the top

Office Policies

What is the cancellation policy?
If you are unable to make your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. We may charge a fee of $50.00 on the credit/debit card we have on file, for cancelling less than 24 hours before your appointment.
Can I use my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for my treatment?
Yes. Acupuncture is a qualified healthcare expense for Flexible Savings Accounts and Health Savings Accounts. If you have any questions about whether your plan’s coverage, please contact your provider directly.
When is payment due for my treatment?
At the time of your appointment.
What is the privacy policy?
We protect your health information according to HIPAA. For more information, read our Notice of Privacy Policy here.
Back to the top

Further Interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine

A great resource is The Web that Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine by Ted Kaptchuk which provides a comprehensive look at the theory behind Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a must-read for all acupuncture enthusiasts.

Got questions we didn’t cover? Email us here for more information.

Back to the top

Hours
By Appointment Only

Monday 11:30 am - 7 pm

Tuesday 9 am - 7 pm

Wednesday 11:30 am - 7 pm

Thursday 8 am - 5 pm

Friday 9 am - 7 pm

Saturday 9 am - 2 pm

Sunday Closed

Location

Address: 115 N Marion St, Ste 8, Oak Park, IL 60301
Phone: 773-915-3683
BOOK NOW

Pin It on Pinterest