NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
& ACUPUNCTURE
NOW SUPPORTING ONCOLOGY PATIENTS
RESTORATION CENTER CHICAGO PARTNER
Dr. David Vang, N.D., M.S.O.M., L.Ac.
Naturopathic Doctor & Acupuncturist
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I focus on treating the whole person (mind, body, and spirit). I aim to identify and treat the root cause of illness using natural, gentle, and effective therapies to stimulate permanent healing. Moreover, I am passionate about integrating my Chinese medical training to optimize your body to a state of balance and healing through Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na (Asian body work), Gua Sha (gentle scraping), Chinese herbs and more. I customize treatment plans tailored to you.
I have a deep desire to connect with you. I meet you where you are at and value your individuality. Your body was intelligently designed by God and has the inherent ability to heal itself. I want to help empower you to achieve your health goals and to improve your quality of life. I enjoy using modalities such as herbal medicine, physical medicine, functional nutrition, lifestyle modification, Acupuncture, Tui na (Asian Bodywork), cupping, and Electro-stimulation. Whether you are dealing with stress, sleep issues, poor focus, GI issues, pain, headaches, infertility, post-surgery, chronic illness, hair loss, or weight issues, I am here to support your healing journey. I can’t wait to meet you.
SERVICES
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
& ACUPUNCTURE
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2 hours - $250
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30 min - $70
60 min - $110 (Presentation of Treatment plan is free)
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
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1.5 hours - $200
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30 min - $70
60 min - $110
ACUPUNCTURE & TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
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1.5 hours - $150
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30 min - $70
60 min - $110 (Acupuncture + other therapies)
Cupping - $50
TESTIMONIES
COMBINED NATUROPATHIC
& ACUPUNCTURE SERVICE
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The integration of Naturopathic Medicine with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine provides the ultimate solution for optimizing health and healing. This consists of a thorough health history including nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors. In addition, assessments pertaining to Traditional Chinese Medicine will be performed such as pulse and tongue diagnosis. Physical exams including vitals and orthopedic tests will also be performed if necessary. Finally, an individualized treatment plan will be presented to you along with the first acupuncture treatment session.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
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Naturopathic medicine focuses on treating the whole person; the mind, body and spirit. It looks at all aspects of health and addresses any determinant that is out of balance. Naturopathic Medicine aims to identify and treat the root cause of illness using evidence-based natural therapies, such as nutritional counseling, botanical medicine, physical medicine, hydrotherapy, lifestyle modification, supplementation, and more. The goal is to help establish and maintain optimal health which will promote wellness, longevity and improve the quality of life.
ACUPUNCTURE & TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient Chinese system of healing that has been used for thousands of years. TCM assesses the pulse, tongue characteristic, symptoms, and the person’s constitution to assess the whole body. The most widely known method of TCM is Acupuncture. Acupuncture uses very tiny needles on specific points of the body to promote proper movement of blood circulation and oxygen to stimulate healing. One of the goals of Acupuncture is to bring balance to the whole body, mind, and spirit. In areas where there is too little oxygen or blood circulation, practitioners will stimulate certain points to bring balance to the body. On the other hand, in areas where there is excess, practitioners will sedate certain points to achieve balance. Other techniques to establish balance include cupping, Tui Na (Asian body work), Chinese herbs, tai Chi, Gua Sha (gentle scraping), Qi Gong, Moxibustion, and more.
Furthermore, in recent years, there has been growing evidence by the scientific community showing the benefits of Acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine. Some of the conditions that Acupuncture and TCM has been shown to help with include sleep, anxiety, stress, pain management, health maintenance, post-stroke, post-surgery, addictions, infertility, musculoskeletal issues, GI issues, bell’s palsy, hair loss, skin rejuvenation and more.
NATUROPATHIC, ACUPUNCTURE &
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE FAQs
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Currently, we do not accept insurance for Acupuncture visits. However, you are encouraged to contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. If your insurance covers Acupuncture, the practitioner can provide you with a superbill for you to request for reimbursement through your insurance. Here are a few questions to ask:
Will my plan cover acupuncture?
How many visits per calendar year?
Do I need a referral?
Do I have a co-pay?
Do I have a deductible?
If yes, has it been met?
What is the process for requesting reimbursement?
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Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of medicine that has been used for decades and is still very relevant today. Acupuncture is a treatment that uses very tiny disposable stainless-steel needles inserted into strategic Acupuncture points. Acupuncture points send signals to the brain and nervous system to release feel good neurotransmitters (Endorphins, Dopamine, Serotonin) while simultaneously blocking pain signals. It also increases blood circulation to the local areas, improves nerve conduction, reduces muscle tension, and improves healing time. The goal of Acupuncture is to bring balance to the body to enhance the body's processes to function at an optimal level. Most people feel that Acupuncture treatments are very relaxing and rejuvenating. Many also experience immediate results after the first treatment. For some, it may take a series of treatments to have lasting effects depending on the patient and the patient’s condition.
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Some people feel a small pinch during the insertion of the needles, but the sensation typically subsides. Patient comfort is our priority, so if there are any needles that cause discomfort, they are removed. Some people don't feel the needles at all.
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Many clinical studies have shown that Acupuncture successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility. Effective Acupuncture treatments many times results in reduced stress levels, reduced pain and improved sleep. Many people also experience relief from headaches, reduced eye strain, improved immune system and reduced sick days, enhanced mental clarity and increased energy leading to increased work productivity and improved overall health.
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In your first treatment, the practitioner will perform an initial examination and health history to assess your condition, which includes an examination of your tongue and pulse.
Then, you will be instructed on how you need to be positioned for the treatment. In most cases you will be fully clothed, but in the event you need to undress, the acupuncturist will step out to allow you to disrobe and lie under the treatment table sheets.
The acupuncturist will create a point prescription, which will typically include 10-20 points; most of which are located near the extremities.
Once all the needles are positioned, you will be left to relax for about 20 minutes. The acupuncturist may return to reposition or stimulate the needles.
Once the treatment is complete, the needles will be removed and disposed of, and you’ll be good to go. Depending on your specific treatment plan, herbal consultations and additional modalities may be implemented before or after acupuncture.
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Come in with any and all questions; they are encouraged so you feel relaxed during your treatment and comfortable with your treatment plan. Wear loose comfortable clothing that can be easily rolled up to the elbows and knees. We will also likely need access to areas of the body with pain and discomfort.
Avoid large meals immediately before the treatment, but don’t come on an empty stomach.
Be open to healing and able to set time aside for the mind and body to relax.
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Results always vary from person to person because there are many factors that contribute to treatment outcomes. Some of those factors include how long you’ve had the condition, how severe it is, and most importantly, how your lifestyle is at home. Many people notice changes immediately, while other people may take longer. Generally, significant and lasting improvements are noticed after repeated treatments. Acupuncture is meant to be a practice that you incorporate into your regular health and wellness routine. It is recommended to continue treatments regularly to support your constitution and prevent future imbalances.
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The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to maintain health results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. People see the most significant changes after 4-6 consistent treatment sessions.
Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi (Vital energy). An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups.”
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Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen within the superficial muscle layers. It is commonly used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain, lymphatic movement, and the common cold. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place small glass or plastic “cups” over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. You may leave the office looking as though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness will dissipate within a couple days.
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Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness, and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. Gua Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.
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Tui Na (pronounced “Tway Na”) is a therapeutic form of massage that has been used in China for more than 5,000 years. Practitioners use their finger, hand, or elbow to apply pressure to a specific body location. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension and inflammation and promote healing. The goal is to establish the harmonious flow of energy/oxygen throughout the body and bring it back to balance.
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Acupuncture and facial cupping/gua sha help with facial rejuvenation by increasing oxygen-rich blood circulation, promote collagen production, strengthen skin and connective tissue, reduce muscle tension, and help with stress and headaches. All of which lead to the brightening of skin, minimizing of fine lines and wrinkles, tones chin, jawline, neck, decrease in puffiness, regulating oil production, improving nutrient delivery and absorption to the face.
NATUROPATHIC PRINCIPLES OF HEALING
DO NO HARM
Naturopathic physicians choose the most non-invasive and least toxic treatments necessary for each patient.
THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE
Naturopathic doctors recognize the body’s inherent ability to heal itself.
IDENTIFY AND TREAT THE CAUSES
Naturopathic doctors identify, address and remove the underlying causes of disease.
DOCTOR AS TEACHER
Educating and supporting patients on personal health management is an important role for naturopathic doctors. They empower patients to take responsibility for their own health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON
This is a holistic concept that recognizes the body, mind and spirit as an integrated whole. Naturopathic doctors treat the patient, not the disease. A naturopathic assessment addresses the nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors in a person’s life.
PREVENTION
Naturopathic doctors promote a focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.
“Stretch out Your hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the name of Your Holy Son, Jesus!” Acts 4:30
We are committed to natural methods of healing the body through alternative options to traditional medicine.
Harness the healing power of nature through a holistic approach to your body’s health. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how naturopathy can help you.