Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the first visit?
Approximately one hour, which includes documenting your health history, formulating a diagnosis, treatment plan and your first treatments.
How does Dr. Chen diagnose my condition(s)?
Using a combination of Chinese and modern medicine, Dr. Chen will do the following: Talk with you about your situation, previous treatments and what you would like to see happen. In many cases, he will ask to see your X-rays, MRI’s, blood test results, etc. To make the most of your first visit, obtain them from your other physician(s) and bring them with you. In the treatment room, you will lie down on a treatment table so that Dr. Chen can take your pulse. This is not the same procedure as a nurse checking your heart rate. Dr. Chen will place three fingers on the inside of both of your wrists, one at a time, and “tune in”to the strength and flow of the energy in your major channels. He may also ask to see your tongue. In Chinese medicine, the tongue reflects the state of each one of your body’s organs, which is vital information included in formulating a diagnosis. He may do acupuncture or Tui Na or both, depending on your ailment.
What are the treatments like?
Acupuncture:
You will lay on the table for the treatment, relaxing for about 45 minutes. Dr. Chen will place the needles, dim the lights, then leave the room, returning later to remove them. All you have to do is relax, listen to soft, healing music and, if you like, meditate or take a nap. When its time to get up, do so slowly and easily.
Tui Na:
Tui Na is Chinese medical body work and Dr. Chen himself does these hands-on treatments. There are many hand movements in Tui Na, used to massage not just the muscles (as in typical western massage therapy) but also the cartilage, tendons, ligaments, synovial membranes, bones and acupressure points. Sometimes he uses an infared, radiant heat lamp as well as needles and Tui Na.
Do the treatments hurt?
Most patients don’t even notice the acupuncture needles going in or out of their body. They do not go in deep, where the nerves are, but are on the surface. Most patients report Dr. Chen’s sensitivity to your pain threshold when working TuiNa ,and feel much better after each treatment.
What results can I expect?
Pain relief, decrease in symptoms, increased energy, vitality, flexibility, and an ability to function (including sleep). Oftentimes these effects are immediate, noticeable after one treatment. With other ailments, it may take time, with results coming more subtly. Dr. Chen has an uncanny ability to accurately tell you the changes that will occur in your body, usually in terms of the specific day/week/month.
What type of ailments can be treated?
Treatments cover a wide variety. If your issue is not on this list, please contact Dr. Chen either through this website via this link to Ask the Doctor or by telephoning him at 630.916.0781 or 847.832.1111 for a direct consultation.
Anxiety & Depression
Infertility
Arthritis, Tendonitis, Joint pain and most orthopedic injuries
Asthma & Allergies
Auto Injuries
Bladder and Kidney Infections
Cardiac Palpitations (Irregular Heartbeat)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Common Cold & Influenza
Degenerative Disk Disorders
Diet, Nutrition, & Weight Control
Fibromyalgia
Headaches & Migraines
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Indigestion, Gas, Bloating, Constipation
Insomnia
Menopause Symptoms
Musculoskeletal pain
Nausea
Orthopedic Conditions
Pain - other kinds
PMS & Menstrual Irregularity
Sports Injuries
Tension / Stress Syndromes
Tinnitus
Work Injuries
Do the needles hurt me?
No, most people barely feel the needles. The needles are thin, solid, sterile, and made of stainless steel. The doctor lightly taps the needles into the acupuncture points to mobilize energy (Qi) flow and invigorate the proper function of muscles, nerves, vessels, glands and organs. Once the needles are in, the patient has approximately 45 minutes to relax, meditate or take a nap, and let the energy flow.
How are Chinese herbs used?
Herbs are an important component of TCM treatment and prevention. Many of these natural formulas are ancient, yet we also use many advanced formulas. Currently, Chinese manufactured herbs use only plant products, not animal. Herbs are not addictive, but are powerful and should be taken as directed by your doctor. As your condition improves, different herbs may be used. Be sure to check in with your doctor after each visit to make sure the herbs you are taking are still the best ones for you.
How long is a treatment?
Plan for one hour. Some patients require both acupuncture and Tui Na, which may take a bit longer.
How much does a treatment cost?
$70– 95 per visit, depending on the type of treatment.
How much to the herbs cost?
Prices for the herbs range from $10-15 per bottle. Each bottle lasts about 30-60 days, depending on your dosage.
Does insurance cover the treatment cost?
Increasingly insurance companies partially cover the cost of acupuncture. The national publications report that over 40% of US companies’ insurance contracts include acupuncture. If your employer’s insurance provider does not, be certain to communicate to your employer's benefits department that you need acupuncture and ask them to negotiate with the insurance carrier to include it in the next plan year. If enough people do this, your employer/insurance company can and will work this out. If your insurance does cover acupuncture, we can provide you with the necessary documentation and receipt for services including diagnostic codes.
What alternatives do I have for fiscal help on my acupuncture fees?
The Medicare/Prescription Drug Bill signed into law by President Bush in December, 2003 allows for any individual covered by a Qualified High Deductible Health Plan (QHDHP) to establish an account with a bank to pay for their medical expenses pre-tax, regardless of who you work for called an HSA. These accounts do not have a “use it or loose it” requirement and acupuncture is a qualified medical expense per their publication 502. For more information contact www.hsainsider.com. Or in Illinois , contact American Chartered Bank at www.americancharteredbank.com.
What should I wear to my treatments?
Optimally, you will wear loose comfortable clothing so that you can relax on the table.
Does Dr. Chen work with other doctors?
Yes, Dr. Chen refers patients and receives many referrals from physicians in the Chicago area. Because he was trained as an MD in China, he is comfortable in discussions with western medically trained doctors. In all cases, he honors your privacy and consults with the patient on these matters.