We accept BCBS PPO. If you have BCBS PPO, we recommend emailing us at info@revitalizewellnesscenter.com so we can check your insurance benefits as not all plans have the same coverage. You also may still owe a copay or coinsurance if you have not yet met your deductible. We also have self-pay options. We accept all major credit cards and cash as forms of payment. Additionally, we do offer package discounts. If you have Medicare and low back pain, we recommend you call Revitalize Medical Center at 847-834-4018 to explore acupuncture as an option. You would have to be evaluated first by Dr. DeCaria to see if you meet criteria to obtain acupuncture via Medicare. 

Acupuncture is a discipline of medicine aimed at naturally promoting health and alleviating sickness through the stimulation of very specific anatomical points throughout the body. These points generally lie along meridians, or energy channels, that run through and along the surface of the body. Acupuncture has been in use in some form for at least 2,500 years. It originated from traditional Chinese medicine but has gained popularity worldwide since the 1970s. Currently, it is used in 103 out of 129 countries according to the World Health Organization for treatment of disease. The theory behind acupuncture is that pain and illness occur when these channels are blocked and by stimulating acupuncture points, these blockages can be removed. Acupuncture aims to restore blood and energy flow and promote the body's natural healing processes.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture removes the obstructions in the energy channels, or meridians, in the body. These channels are rivers of energy and need to flow along regular pathways to nourish the body's organs and tissues. An obstruction causes an imbalance that manifests as illness and pain. Acupuncture restores the flow of energy so the body can heal.

On the other hand, western science proposes a different theory. They propose that needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release biochemicals, such as endorphins, immune-fighting chemicals, and neurotransmitters. Release of these chemicals plays a vital role not only in healing and reducing pain but can improve hormonal balance, optimize digestion, and improve mood. The best part? It is a natural healing process, without medication.

When administered by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is a very safe form of therapy. At Revitalize Wellness Center, our licensed acupuncturist has obtained a Doctorate and Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in the US and has years of experience. Licensed acupuncturists in Illinois are certified in utilizing the clean needle technique and adhere to strict safety guidelines, such as the use of sterile,  disposable needles, to minimize the risk of infection. 

Thousands of studies have been done that show that acupuncture can effectively treat a wide range of health concerns. Because acupuncture encourages the body's natural healing processes and positively impacts the nervous system, it can be used to safely treat a wide range of conditions, such as musculoskeletal issues and chronic pain (back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, etc.), tension headaches, cancer pain, migraines, digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, infertility, hormonal issues, changes in modd (stress, anxiety, depression), seasonal allergies, autoimmune disorders, and more. The NIH Website has the extensive reserach backing up acupuncture.

For most people, acupuncture causes minimal to no pain. The needles used are very fine. A client may feel a slight prick, like a bug bite, when the needle is first inserted. At times, a tingling, dull ache, or warm sensation may be experienced at the point where the needle is inserted. This usually disappears after a few minutes and is not an undesirable effect. Often, during an acupuncture treatment, a patient is so relaxed that they will fall asleep. Most people leave their acupuncture sessions feeling relaxed, refreshed, and pain-free.

During your initial visit, our acupuncturist will take a detailed health history, fully investigate your chief complaint, perform a physical exam, which includes looking at your tongue and examining your pulse, and determine a treatment plan for you. This comprehensive plan may include acupuncture as well as additional therapeutic techniques, such as cupping, electrostimulation, gua sha, or heat therapy, if necessary. Treatments during subsequent visits will be adapted to your progress and will generally last about 45 minutes to an hour.

The number of acupuncture treatments needed varies from person to person. Your acupuncturist will discuss the number of expected treatments and a treatment plan at your initial visit. Some people experience significant improvement after two or three treatments, while others may take weeks or months to achieve lasting results. Chronic conditions generally take longer to resolve. We typically recommend a client receive acupuncture for five to six sessions to obtain lasting benefits. You may need to come once or twice a week initially. Then, as your condition improves, you will need less frequent treatments.

In the state of Illinois, licensed acupuncturists are required to complete a minimum of 3 academic years of study, which includes thousands of hours of classroom time, with hands-on clinic time treating patients. Also, to become licensed, acupuncturists must pass a rigorous national board examination given by the National Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). At Revitalize Wellness Center, our acupuncturist is licensed, board-certified and has many years of experience. In contrast, other practitioners, such as chiropractors and physical therapists can practice acupuncture or "dry needling" with as little as 100 hours or even less of training. Dry needling is also entirely different than traditional Chinese medical acupuncture. It is inserting needles directly into muscles that are sore. Acupuncturists may use dry needling techniques for some musculoskeletal issues as well, but they predominantly utilize Chinese medicine and its theories in their treatment plans.