FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
If you are new to acupuncture and Chinese medicine, you likely have many questions. Many common questions about acupuncture, Chinese medicine and the Acupuncture Health Center of Willowbrook are addressed in the FAQs below. If you have a question that is not addressed here, or simply would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a complex branch of ancient Chinese medicine used for thousands of years for the prevention and treatment of medical problems. It involves the insertion of very small needles into certain points (acupoints) in the body in order to restore the normal balance and flow of Chi or Qi (pronounced “Chee”). When balance is restored to Chi, the body’s organs and systems can work together property in order to help the body repair itself and maintain its own health. -
What is Chinese medicine?
Chinese medicine is a complete medical science developed over thousands of years. It is a practice that views the human body as a well integrated system rather than a collection of individual parts. Chinese medicine focuses on restoring and maintaining balance in the human body as a whole, and it has its own diagnostic techniques and treatment methods, including acupuncture. -
What makes acupuncture a good treatment option?
Acupuncture has virtually no side effects. In treating many common health conditions, acupuncture can be effective enough to reduce or even eliminate the need for drugs to control pain or alleviate symptoms. Acupuncture has proven to result in faster recovery from injuries, decreased symptoms of stress and improved circulation. It also helps to strengthen the immune system, making the body better able to fight off colds and other minor infections. -
Is acupuncture painful?
Every patient experiences acupuncture differently, but the technique is rarely described by anyone as painful. Unlike needles used for injections or for drawing blood, acupuncture needles are flexible and come to a finely tapered point, as opposed to a stiff, beveled cutting-edge point. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin – no bigger around than a human hair or a piece of thread. Lastly, because acupuncture needles are solid, not hollow, they do not remove tissue as would occur with a hypodermic needle. This makes acupuncture needles safer and virtually painless. -
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture has few, if any, side effects. In fact, the most common side effects from acupuncture are a feeling of deep relaxation and an increased sense of well-being. As with any puncture, a slight discoloration at the acupuncture site may occasionally occur. This is temporary and is not dangerous. Plus, the fact that modern acupuncture needles are disposable and used only once eliminates the risk of transmitting infections from one person to another.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Generally speaking, acupuncture treatment is safe if it is performed properly by a well-trained practitioner. Unlike many drugs, it is non-toxic, and adverse reactions are minimal. This is probably one of the chief reasons why acupuncture is so popular in the treatment of chronic pain in many countries. As mentioned previously, acupuncture is comparable with morphine preparations in its effectiveness against chronic pain, but without the adverse effects of morphine, such as dependency.”
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What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been used to treat countless health conditions over thousands of years. The National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize acupuncture to be effective in treating hundreds of health conditions. At the Acupuncture Health Center in Willowbrook we specialize in the treatment of a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. -
Why should I choose Acupuncture Health Center?
Michael Moy is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) and Traditional Chinese Medical Doctor (T.C.M.D.) and is certified through the State of Illinois, the Asian American Acupuncture Association and the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.Michael doesn’t just practice acupuncture and Chinese medicine – he lives them. A native of China, Michael has been immersed in these ancient techniques his entire life and has been practicing in the United States for over 17 years. Michael graduated from the University of Chinese Medicine in Guangzhou, China and regularly returns to his homeland to study.
Other healthcare providers such as chiropractors and physicians sometimes also practice acupuncture, but they often receive much less training than Licensed Acupuncturists such as Michael. In fact, in the state of Illinois, medical doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors and even dentists can practice acupuncture without any specific training at all. While these providers generally receive only a few hundred hours of training, if any, Licensed Acupuncturists generally receive from 2,500 to 4,000 hours of training in Chinese medical theory, acupuncture and medical science.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are sciences that take many years to master. Michael Moy has extensive experience in the successful treatment of hundreds of medical conditions. Call us today to see how we can help you.
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What should I expect on my first visit?
During your first visit, we will take a comprehensive medical history and detailed evaluation of your condition. In order to achieve our goal of treating each patient on a physical, emotional and spiritual level, we will discuss many aspects of your life – not just the condition that has led you to seek treatment. We will conduct a physical examination which may include taking your pulse, examining your tongue and checking for areas of tenderness. This first visit is longer than subsequent visits, usually lasting 60 minutes to 75 minutes, including the consultation and the first treatment. Subsequent visits usually last 45 to 60 minutes. -
How long do treatments take?
The initial visit, which begins with an extensive consultation that includes taking a full medical history, lifestyle discussion and physical examination, usually lasts 90 minutes to 2 hours. This includes the consultation and the first treatment. Subsequent visits usually last 45 to 60 minutes. -
How often and how long will I need treatment?
The ideal course of treatment for your individual needs will be determined after the first visit, and reassessed after each session.Treatments usually begin on a weekly basis. Two or even three treatments per week may be necessary for certain conditions in the beginning. Once the condition is controlled and symptoms have sufficiently diminished, the treatments are done less frequently.
The number of treatments required will depend on the duration, severity and nature of the condition. Often, conditions that have been unresolved for a long period of time will require more treatments to resolve than newer conditions.
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Are any non-needle treatment options available?
Yes, there are effective means of bringing about the desired physiological response without the use of needles. At the Acupuncture Health Center, we specialize not only in acupuncture, but also in the following non-needle therapies and services in order to help our patients achieve wellness:Acupressure
Chinese herbal medicine
Cupping
Moxibustion
Nutritional counseling
Tui Na (massage therapy) -
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies now offer policies that cover acupuncture and related services performed by a licensed acupuncturist. Contact your insurance company to find out if your policy includes coverage for acupuncture treatment.While the Acupuncture Health Center does not bill insurance companies directly, patients receive an itemized receipt for all services that includes the proper medical coding to faciliate processing the paperwork with insurance companies for reimbursement.
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How much does acupuncture cost?
Treatments start at $65. Please call (630) 455-1528 for specific pricing. -
What are the hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.Please call us at (630) 455-1528 to schedule an appointment. Last-minute and emergency appointments are welcome.
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Where is the office located?
The Acupuncture Health Center is located in Willowbrook, directly south of the Hinsdale Nursery. We are conveniently located within a few minutes’ drive from Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Darien, Downers Grove and Western Springs.Acupuncture Health Center
7320 S. Madison Street, Suite 900
Willowbrook, IL 60527
Testimonial
- Dr. Michael Moy is an outstanding holistic practitioner. He is the one doctor at the Acupuncture Health Center of Willowbrook. Michael Moy is certified in acupuncture through the State of Illinois and a board member of the Asian American Acupuncture Association. His specializes in the treatment of chronic debilitating conditions and acute pain. Michael has been in practice in the United States for over 20 years and treated patients of varying ages and health conditions, from children to athletes as well as with the elderly. He is able to manage his time and set appointment to accommodate his patients during the week and weekend. Dr. Moy was able to treat several of my physical health problems. He focused on my individual needs and explained how the acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese supplements would progress my healing. After being diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, he was able to reduce my symptoms of stress-induced cardiomyopathy. He was able to bring my blood pressure and cholesterol back to the normal range with acupuncture and supplements. I feel that he was able to treat the physical, mental, and spiritual being to help me achieve a healthy balance for my lifestyle. In the past, Dr. Moy had gone out of his way to accommodate my back injury and sciatica. He made a house call for me when I threw my back out and could not get out of bed and down the stairs into my car to drive to his office. He personalized his service with acupuncture, cupping, and supplements. My health clearly improved after three sessions as my pain was gone and I was able to go back to my work out routine. Acupuncture has been able to restore the flow of energy in order to promote self-healing. It has proven to result in faster recovery from injuries, decreased symptoms of stress and improved circulation. I believe that acupuncture and supplements continue to strengthen my immune system and restore my body to a better balance. The other service that is offered at the Acupuncture Health Center for energy and healing is massage therapy. My husband had acupuncture, cupping, and massage therapy for his repetitive motion injury of his arm and elbow. After a few sessions he was back to work and playing golf. Whether he was golfing outdoors or indoor practice, he was impressed with Dr. Michael Moy as he was able to swing a golf club in just a few sessions. Dr. Moy’s office is clean, decorated nicely, and runs on schedule. He provides a comfortable environment with soft music and a heat lamp to keep you warm during a session of acupuncture. His private practice provides a sympathetic understanding of each patient’s needs that concentrates on holistic healing and wellness. His ancient Chinese techniques along with the herbal remedies and natural supplements are essential to my health maintenance. I would highly recommend Dr. Michael Moy’s Acupuncture Health Center of Willowbrook.
- I would like to thank Dr. Michael Moy for everything he has done for me. I am from the Czech Republic, while visiting my son and daughter-in-law, my son’s friend Petre recommended for acupuncture for my lower back pain. The doctor, actually 6 of the back specialist from the Czech Republic recommended me for back surgery because of herniated and bulging discs. At first I never thought acupuncture can help with my condition. I know about acupuncture in my country where people mostly use it to quit smoking and lose weight, but never use it to treat lower back and sciatica. When I first met with Dr. Moy, he told me that this condition can be fixed without surgery, I was very skeptical about this. After 4 sessions of acupuncture all my pain disappeared. I felt like I never had a problem. I’m 62 years old and feeling like 20. When I returned to the Czech Republic, I went back to my doctor, they told me that I’m lying, and should have my surgery anyway. Dr. Moy is better than all my doctors put together. Thank you Dr. Moy. Anna Czech Republic
- I had been suffering from seasonal allergies for years, and had tried every method of relief for chronic sinusitis. My last bout resulted in steroid treatments and cat scan. The drug regimen that followed was minimally effective, and unpleasant. I had seen Michael about 10 yrs. previous for a shoulder injury that lingered for months with Dr. care, and was very pleased with the level of relief I experienced. Last fall, I approached Michael about my sinus condition and he began treatments. I was amazed at the relief of symptoms almost immediately. I felt this was too good to be true & waited to see if the results were short or long term. Well, it has been over a year now since treatments, and I have not had 1 day of sinus complications since. I would not believe someone if they told me this, but I am proof of the results. I never went anywhere without my nasal spray and drugs before Michael's treatment, and am now happy to be drug free! I kept waiting for the relief to end, but to no avail. This has profoundly enriched my everyday life, and I would highly recommend seeking acupuncture treatments. Michael, you are the embodiment of the term, "A Breath Of Fresh Air" Thankfully, Rick
- I had a "frozen" shoulder and couldn't raise my arm above shoulder height. I spent 8 weeks and $2000 going to physical therapy with minimal improvement. When my next 8 weeks of therapy couldn't get scheduled immediately, I decided to try acupuncture and Mike due to a friend's recommendation. Three acupuncture appointments later I called up my physical therapist and cancelled the remainder of those appointments and told my therapist I was 100% with full range of motion for my shoulder. She was stunned. I've been going to Mike ever since and received great relief for back pain, neck pain, and tennis elbow.
- I have had two memorable injuries that are worth mentioning here. I chose Michael Moy to treat both of them. One was a back injury that I incurred from working with cement in the wrong manner. I had painful days and better days, but it did not get better. After six months, Michael Moy treated it two times on consecutive days. I have not had any of the pain since then, and do not think about it anymore. The second was a foot tendon injury. Thankfully, I received emergency care from Michael. Michael treated me with acupuncture, herbal treatment, tui na and cupping. The foot continued to show new red bruising across the bottom of the foot for ten days. When the bruising stopped worsening and was only black, Michael recommended an herbal soak. After three more days, the entire black bruise was gone. No bruising could be seen. No more bruising appeared. Michael treated me three times each week, for a month, I started walking carefully with a cane and stopped using a walker as an ambulatory device. I continued to return for treatment twice each week for two more weeks, and only once each week after that. I could walk normally after four months. My choice was to receive acupuncture from Michael Moy. I did not elect surgery. I have no scars with which to commemorate the injury. I do not believe that surgery could have given me results this good for this injury. I feel fortunate to have the great tradition of acupuncture available to me, without traveling to a distant country. Michael Moy has extensive knowledge of the disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He listens carefully to my concerns, and I am grateful for his help.
- In October 2011, I adopted a 4 year old retired racing Greyhound, due to his background he had severe arthritis. After getting 3 opinions from various Vets, I decided to give acupuncture a try. After only 4 treatments he is running again, and has not had anymore problems. After seeing how acupuncture has helped my dog, I told myself I would also give this a try. Well, 1 month ago, my Greyhound got ahead of me going out the garage, the overhead door was open, I ran out to get him, missed the 2 steps down and jarred my right knee, which I had arthroscopic surgery on for removal of torn cartilage. The knee immediately swelled up, this happen on a Saturday morning. The pain was intense and I was limping. I thought I just pulled something and gave it a day. Sunday morning I was searching on the internet for an Acupuncturist and came across Michael Moy. His hours, closeness, availability, background, and knowledge; is what brought me to him. He told me there is no miracle and if I follow his treatment plan, the quicker I will heal. I found that hard to believe being that I was in severe pain. After the 1st treatment, I was walking better with less limping. I know I did not want to have a knee replacement and go through another surgery. I have had a bad right knee since early childhood. After my 5th treatment, I am walking quicker stride better than before, I was told by many people that a torn meniscus needs surgery, but I refused. Being that I contacted Michael the day after my injury helped him minimize the amount of treatments to a full recovery. I am so happy with my results that I definitely will come see him for maintenance and for other health issues. Michael listens at the start of each apt, to get feedback and proceeds with treatment according to how I feel. He never rushes through appt. I get personal attention and recommend him to everyone.
- I had heard about acupuncture, but I didn’t think it would help me. Then I met Michael Moy. I had constant pain in my elbow and shoulder after I broke three bones in my elbow last year. The surgery was successful, but the pain never completely went away. I had done physical therapy and I was not getting better. After 4 treatments here, it was a miracle. My pain was gone and even arthritis that had developed in my hands went away, an added benefit! He can fix anything! I highly recommend him. He also is funny and has a delightful personality. Thank you, Dr. Moy for making me better.
- My husband went to acupuncture for his shoulder pain. He was so happy with the results that insisted on me going to Michael too for my back and knees pain, associated with the pregnancy and taking care of the newborn. While having the treatment we talked with Michael about my difficulties to get pregnant for the 1st time, because of my hormonal disbalance. Since we wanted to have the 2nd child, Michael suggested the course of acupuncture treatment my husband and I should do. Since we were fixing our problems, anyway so to say, we agreed and continue the visits. WOW, in no time I was pregnant with our 2nd child. After about 10 visits, 1st one starting for the back pain, we were on the way to be a parents for another miracle. I would defiantly recommend it to the couples that have any fertility problems.
- Michael Moy has treated me, as needed, since 1997. Based on the quality of his care, during this same period, I have not had to need to visit a “western” physician for anything, other than standard “sports physicals” as required by my position. Under Michael Moy’s care, I am now 52 years old, with a recent blood pressure reading of 115/76. Further, I do not take any medications, of any kind. In addition, I regularly engage in snowboarding, kayaking, bicycling, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, swimming, daily weight training, and martial arts. On the occasions when I do experience any sort of injury or illness, Michael Moy successfully treats the problem, usually with no more than one or two visits, and without the need for standard “medicine”, surgeries, etc., as would typically be employed by most physicians. In addition to my various “hobbies”, I am also a World Championship Boxing Referee, and featured in the upcoming book, “The Top 33 Referees in Boxing Today”. In this capacity, I work with combat athletes competing at the very highest level of sports. Further, I am a Black Belt, and Instructor, in Kosho Ryu Kempo. Again, the athletes involved in this sport are of the very highest caliber. I have routinely sent these athletes to Michael Moy, to address a myriad of injuries. In all cases, he has treated them successfully, with minimal time away from their respective sports. In addition to sports injuries and ailments, Michael Moy has successfully treated me, as well as my children, for such routine maladies as sciatic nerve irritation, allergies, headaches, sinus issues, digestive issues, and stress. We all enjoy a very healthy and active lifestyle, and under his care, both of my children participated in both high school and college sports, and also both won the Teenage World Bench Press Championships. I am quite confident that individuals who participate in golf, tennis, aerobics, racquetball, gymnastics, wrestling, etc. will find that periodic treatment by Michael Moy will be of considerable value in the prevention of injuries, as well as the treatment of any ongoing irritation, inflammation, etc., generally associated with recreational and competitive sports. I give my very highest recommendation to Michael Moy, for any person who is seeking a healthy, and cost effective alternative to the standard “western medicine” treatments, and who is desirous of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle for themselves, as well as their families, without relying on the use of daily medications, and ongoing doctor’s visits. Chief of Officials – Chicago Golden Gloves Boxing Assistant Chief of Officials – United States Amateur Boxing World Championship Professional Boxing Referee Black Belt and Instructor – Kosho Ryu Kempo Former A.A.U. Illinois Powerlifting Chairman Former Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine
- I am so glad I met Michael Moy. My sciatica pain in my lower back, left leg and buttocks started in the beginning of May. After months of seeing various doctors, having many tests, x-rays and pain injections, the pain continued without relief. I was on morphine medication which did little to help my pain. Six months of treatments and still in pain, I had back surgery. After recuperation, I found I was still in the same amount of pain. I wished I had learned of Michael Moy’s acupuncture treatments 9 months earlier. I have had treatments from him for the past 3 weeks and no longer take the morphine and other medications I had relied on. I finally have sciatica pain relief and I have Michael Moy to thank for this.
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