my journey with Modern Acupuncture

I’ve been receiving acupuncture treatments for a little over a month now and can honestly say it’s changed my life.

I, like so many I have talked to, was very weary when I was first approached about trying acupuncture. The only experience I’d had with it was seeing it dramatized in TV shows and movies. I talked to my husband, a personal trainer with a Masters in Sport & Exercise Psychology, and he encouraged me to give it a try, saying that everything he’d heard about acupuncture was positive and it might be able to help in some areas I’d been struggling with. Finally, a member of my family who suffers from severe migraines said they had great success in migraine relief because of acupuncture, so I decided it was worth a shot!

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In case, like me, you are not familiar with modern acupuncture, here is a brief synopsis:

Acupuncture is believed to have been practiced for more than 2,500 years. The Modern Acupuncture® method is based on the latest science and research targeting the individual needs of each patient while maximizing relaxation and comfort.

Acupuncture utilizes tiny needles (smaller than a human hair) to access distinct points on the body to help restore balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, promote relaxation and/or improve overall well-being. Acupuncture treats the whole person and your licensed acupuncturist will work with you on your individual goals when you come in for your treatment.

Modern Acupuncture Website

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I went during the Grand Opening of the new Modern Acupuncture location in Lincoln Park for my first appointment. I truly had no idea what to expect, but wanted to keep an open mind. From the second I walked into MA, I felt so comfortable and welcome. The owner, Nilam, and her staff were there to greet me and walk me through the process of the first appointment. It’s as if they sensed my anxiety and were able to keep me calm and relaxed. We talked about what I was struggling with– stress, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches– and I went in for my first session.

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I also want to note that from the very first day, MA has had impeccable safety measures put in place to keep their clients safe & comfortable. The following are precautions they have in place every day.

• UVC lights to sanitize the air at each chair and table
• HEPA filters used throughout our clinic
• Sanitize chairs and tables before and after every treatment with Aqueous Ozone Solution
• Sanitize all surfaces in the clinic before and after every patient
• Staggered appointments
• More than socially distanced appointments. No two treatments ever happen next to each other
• COVID screening and temperature checks for patients and staff

Because my issues were focused in my head and neck area, my first treatment was given on an acupuncture table. I met my, not even exaggerating, AMAZING licensed acupuncturist, Anais, explained what my issues were, and she went to work. She had such a kind and calming presence that I genuinely wasn’t nervous at all. She explained where she would be focusing on and gently places about 10-15 needles in my ears, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet. Sessions are 30 minutes each, which makes them perfect for a quick getaway during your lunch break or for when mama needs a little “me time” during the week.

I was on the table for about 20 mins after getting the needles put in, and, I kid you not, I could feel the tension in my neck melting away as I lay there. After my time was up, Anais returned to painlessly remove the needles and discuss my treatment plan. She explained that she wanted to continue focusing on my neck and shoulder area to help with the tension and migraines, as well as the areas that would help address stress and insomnia. We decided I would start a two-visit-a-week treatment plan and scheduled my next appointment for the upcoming week.

That night, I realize they were not kidding when they said that acupuncture can relax you to the point of feeling fatigued. I wanted to nap as soon as I got home and was ready for bed by 8pm. And for the first time in months, I had a full night of uninterrupted sleep. The next day, I woke up without a headache and without the need to instantly need caffeine in order to feel awake. I can’t express how amazing that feeling was.

As a mom, you get used to feeling tired a lot of the time. It was something I had grown accustomed to– not sleeping well, largely due to everything on my mind and the stress of everyday life. Being able to have a deep, quality night’s sleep was more than I ever expected from ONE acupuncture treatment. I continued sleeping well each night until my follow-up session. I also remained headache free for 48 hours.

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I went to my next appointment and shared my positive feedback with Anais and she joined in my elation at my results. We decided to do another session similar to my first to target the same areas. I did my second session on the acupuncture table again– it was essentially the same experience as my first visit. I left with less tension in my neck and a totally zen feeling.

Again, that evening I experienced amazing sleep and didn’t get a headache for over 48 hours, and one had one headache overall until my next appointment. At my third appointment, we decided to switch me from the acupuncture table to the reclining chair because of my progress.

I can’t tell you how much I look forward to sitting in that chair each week. After Anais puts in the needles, she turns on heat and massage in the chair, which usually ends up putting me to sleep for the next 20 minutes. If you’re a parent, you know what a rare occurrence even a 20-minute nap during the day is. After, I almost can’t talk because I’m in such a relaxed state.

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Over the next three weeks, we continued with my acupuncture routine and I continued seeing amazing results, specifically, of less tension in my neck and fewer headaches and migraines. Even during times of high-stress and anxiety, I found it easy to control and manage, which I truly feel was largely in part to the acupuncture.

After one month of sessions, we reevaluated my treatment plan, and because of the wonderful results I had during that time, we have decided to cut down my sessions from twice a week to once a week as long as I maintained my results.

So far, I am a little over a week into my new session schedule, and I am still experiencing the same amazing results as I was when I first started my acupuncture journey. If you asked me what the most surprising part about acupuncture is for me, I would say the quality of my sleep. I was suffering from insomnia, waking up constantly all night, and waking up with headaches almost EVERY DAY, and that’s GONE now. I seriously sleep so soundly and rarely wake up. And I couldn’t even tell you the last time I woke up with a headache– and I know that is, without-a-doubt, because of acupuncture.

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If you’re suffering from anxiety, stress, headaches, insomnia, or even other ailments like digestive issues, infertility, chronic pain, PMS symptoms, morning sickness, or even ALLERGIES, acupuncture can help you, too. If you’re in the Chicago area, I cannot recommend the whole team at Modern Acupuncture enough. They will create a custom treatment plan for you and help you get the results you’re looking for.

To get your first session at Modern Acupuncture for FREE click here. And because I know you’ll love it, mention my name (THEWINDYCITYMAMA) and get an additional free session when you purchase a monthly session package.

If you’re looking to give the gift of relaxation this year, MA currently is offering a fantastic Holiday Special– you can get 3 sessions for only $109! This is also a great option for those wanting to keep a few sessions in their pocket for anytime you might need a little “me time!”

If you have ANY questions regarding acupuncture or my experience, please feel free to drop a comment below or reach out on social media to myself or Modern Acupuncture!

Thanks for reading all about my journey with modern acupuncture!

xx, the windy city mama