Alchemy Acupuncture + Herbs is a holistic clinic and apothecary in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood with a mission to support mind-body wellness for all people. We use the ancient wisdom of acupuncture, herbs, cupping, guasha and moxibustion to address modern ailments at their root cause.
We offer patient-centered care that is both effective and compassionate.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can powerfully shift the physical, mental and emotional state – to calm the nervous system, heal the pain, regulate the body, move the trauma. True healing is not just a lack of symptoms, but a transformational process that touches the core of who we are and ripples out to our relationships, community and planet.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny needles into the skin to tap into the body’s bioelectrical system. This electricity, known as qi, runs through a complex circuit system of acupuncture channels, and the acupuncture points are epicenters where this bioelectricity is concentrated. The needles act as conductors to create a communication with the body and stimulate its innate healing abilities. Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, and releases endorphins, immune cells, neurotransmitters and neurohormones.
How does acupuncture work?
In a healthy body, blood and Qi, flow freely like a river through the body’s landscape via meridians. The meridian system is like a highly complex electrical circuit. Acupuncture points lying along the meridians are epicenters where the body’s Qi (electricity) gathers. Metal needles inserted into these points act as conductors to move, tonify and drain Qi, returning the body to a state of health.
From a Western scientific perspective, acupuncture primarily produces its effects through regulating the nervous system which aids the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. These affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.
Who would benefit from acupuncture?
Although acupuncture is touted for its effects on chronic and acute pain, it actually treats a wide array of ailments including: acne, addiction, allergies, asthma, anxiety, depression, common cold, diabetes, diarrhea, gastro-intestinal issues, fatigue, fibromyalgia, headaches, heartburn, infertility, insomnia, menopause, menstrual cramps, post-surgery, sinusitis, skin disorders, smoking cessation, stress and weight control.
Learn more about how acupuncture can help your specific condition.
Insurance companies in the Midwest are increasingly covering acupuncture. We would be happy to check your benefits. You can use a Health Savings Account/Flex Spending dollars toward your acupuncture treatments. Discounted treatment packages are also available. |
Michelle Young is a licensed acupuncturist, Chinese medical herbalist and founder of Alchemy Acupuncture & Herbs. She graduated from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in 2008, earning a Master’s in Oriental Medicine. She is board-certified in acupuncture and herbology through the NCCAOM. In addition to her formal training and 15 years of clinical experience, Michelle continues to deepen her understanding of Chinese medicine, and is currently studying post-graduate classical herbal medicine with Sharon Weizenbaum.
Michelle combines knowledge with intuition to address the underlying pattern of imbalance and heal the whole person – mind, body and spirit. She offers individualized treatments that are a fusion of acupuncture, herbal remedies, Chinese dietary therapy, cupping and guasha.
Michelle grew up with natural medicine, foraging foods and herbs in the woods with her mother. This path led her to the natural healing system of traditional Chinese medicine which views the body as a whole being, inherently part of nature, ebbing and flowing with the sun cycles, moon cycles, seasons and weather. Michelle feels inspired every day to practice a form of holistic medicine that engages the patient to participate in their healing process.
Michelle treats a wide array of health imbalances including chronic and acute pain, digestive problems, anxiety, depression, allergies, menopause and insomnia. She empowers patients to interpret biofeedback into practical lifestyle changes. She teaches people how to use food as medicine to treat and prevent disease. Happily, many of her patients have been able to reduce medications and avoid invasive surgery.
Women’s health is of special interest to Michelle, as she helps women conceive both naturally and in conjunction with reproductive technology. Fascinated with the process of childbirth, Michelle has been a doula since February 2012, and offers various forms of labor support, including acupuncture for pain relief, stalled labors, turning breech babies, and reducing pregnancy hypertension.
Outside of her practice, Michelle enjoys being tackled by her three rambunctious boys, communing with nature, cooking colorful food and practicing yoga. |