Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, can support overall health and treat a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture (insertion of very fine needles through the skin) is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment modality and is increasingly applied in conjunction with Western medicine in the U.S.  It is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which treats health holistically and promotes optimal homeostasis (balance) in the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat a wide array of health and wellness concerns. Consider trying it for:

• Chronic Pain

• Headaches

• Frequent Colds and/or Infections

• Digestive Issues

• Stress, Anxiety, and/or Depression

• Menstrual Cycle Irregularities

• Fertility Enhancement

Acupuncture Options

The Pacific College of Health and Science offers acupuncture appointments at CHWC with supervised interns from the college on Thursday evenings. Appointments with the interns are offered on a sliding scale from $80-$25.

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Schedule an appointment with CWHC's collaborating practitioner, a licensed acupuncturist. Appointments are held at CWHC, on Tuesday afternoons and early evenings. Individual appointments are offered on a sliding scale of $80-$40.

For more information on payment procedures and the self-pay sliding scale, visit our Paying for Services page.

Your First Acupuncture Appointment

Because Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the whole individual and not just symptoms, it requires an in-depth intake process. After completing confidential paperwork, you will spend 30-45 minutes discussing your health history and concerns with your practitioner. Additional diagnostic tools include observations of the tongue and feeling the wrist pulse.

Your treatment then lasts about 30 minutes. Our practitioners use single-use, sterile, disposable needles. Needle insertion can elicit warmth, a slight ache, or, occasionally, a brief, sharp sensation (any of these should subside within a few minutes). Your practitioner will communicate with you about your level of comfort. Once the needles are in place, you will rest on the table for the remainder of treatment. Most people find this time deeply relaxing, pleasant and rejuvenating.

What to Bring

• Bring or wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

• It may be helpful to bring the following items, but is not required: Medical history and current diagnoses, most recent blood work and labs, medications and supplements you are currently taking

In Preparation for Treatment

• Don’t brush your tongue, as your tongue coat provides useful information for your diagnosis.

• Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before treatment. Don’t come in hungry or over-full.

• Refrain from recreational drugs and alcohol the day of treatment.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel, please try to give at least 48 hours notice by calling 773-935-6126. We have an appointment cancellation fee of $25 dollars for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance, or for no-shows.

Bodywork + Massage

CWHC offers bodywork and massage therapy appointments with licensed massage therapists and bodyworkers on a sliding scale.

To schedule an appointment, call 773-935-6126. Appointment days and times vary. We welcome clients and practitioners of all gender identities and expressions.

Benefits of Massage, and Bodywork

• Stress relief and relaxation

• Decrease in muscle tension and pain

• Improved sleep patterns

• Increased circulation and metabolism (encourages detoxification of the body)

• Accelerates healing of muscle injuries and helps prevent injuries

• Improved athletic performance

• Improved range of motion

• Increased sense of overall well-being, body awareness, and experience of being in the body

• Improve and address chronic physical and emotional health concerns

Modalities and Practitioners

Massage and Bodywork includes numerous styles and techniques. Practitioners are often trained in multiple techniques and combine them to meet their clients’ needs. We aim to offer a range of modalities and practitioners so that you can find the care that is best for you.

Swedish Massage and other similar massage techniques are designed to relieve stress and reduce muscle tension. The techniques can be applied to the whole body or focused on problem areas. The sessions are typically done on a massage table. The recipient is undressed to their comfort level and covered by a sheet. Only the part of the body that is being worked on is exposed. Oils or lotions are often used.

Many styles of bodywork, including energy work, are available for individuals experiencing acute or chronic pain, range of motion issues, tightness or muscle spasms, past injury, or in need of healing at the emotional or energetic level. Some examples include trigger point therapy, myofascial release, cranial sacral therapy, shiatsu, Thai bodywork, reiki and more. Depending on the techniques used, the work may be done over loose clothing or directly on the skin. Wear comfortable clothes, and let your practitioner know if you prefer techniques that do not require you to remove clothing.

Practitioners may be trained in techniques not listed above.

Tips to get the most out of your session

• Ask the practitioner to explain their technique and go over what to expect during the session and afterwards.

• Let the practitioner know about any areas of tightness, discomfort or pain or if there are any areas where you would like the practitioner to focus.

• Let the practitioner know if you are not comfortable with having work done on certain parts of your body or in certain positions.

• Give the practitioner feedback during the session about the pressure and sensations you are feeling. It is always the practitioner's goal to work within the client's comfort level.

• Ask the practitioner for suggestions on self-care.

Sliding Scale

As with all of our services, CWHC strives to increase access to affordable and quality health care. To this end, we offer appointments with a sliding scale from $80-50. Within that range, we will recommend an amount based on your income and household size. If that amount is not comfortable for you, you can select the amount in the range that you are able to pay. Call 773-935-6126 to schedule today!

Volunteer as a bodywork practitioner

We are currently looking for more bodywork volunteers! For more information, email Erminia Williams, Clinical Services Co-Director, at ew@chicagowomenshealthcenter.org.

Integrative Health Partners

Gina Saka

A Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Yoga Instructor, Gina will soon offer a range of services, including Massage and Guided Breathwork and Meditation, on Tuesdays from 12-4pm at CWHC. Interested clients should contact Gina directly via email at infoibchi@gmail.com to book appointments, and should be sure to mention that you are coming through Chicago Women’s Health Center in order to receive sliding scale rates. Click here for a full list of services and fees and information on booking appointments with Gina.