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ABOUT US
Healing Starts Here.
Essential Acupuncture Chicago, an acupuncture clinic located in Logan Square for over a decade, specializes in treating trauma and PTSD along with the conditions associated with them. EAC approaches care and healing as a collaboration between practitioner and patient. We work with each person to help restore health and balance using patient identified goals.
We are honored to be a part of the process and are committed to thoughtful, compassionate, and respectful care for everyone.
OUR TEAM
Feel Empowered in Every Aspect of Your Wellbeing
OWNER & ACUPUNCTURIST
Leigh Gilkey
L.Ac. | Dipl. O.M. | ILSA Member | NCCAOM Certified
Leigh was introduced to acupuncture as a patient in 2002, as a last resort to dealing with a chronic digestive problem after exhausting all familiar medical treatments. This began her journey to healing, not only her digestion, but avenues she did not know acupuncture could help with.
After graduating with her Master’s of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine in 2010, she opened Essential Acupuncture Chicago. Her continued studies and life experience have formed her specialization in Women’s health and Trauma/Mental/Emotional health.
ACUPUNCTURIST
Danielle Désiré
L.Ac. | Dipl. O.M.
Danielle found acupuncture in 2009 after a 10 year battle of insomnia and trying all other Western medicine to treat it. After her first treatment and experiencing firsthand how powerful acupuncture and herbs could be, she knew that becoming an acupuncturist was a must.
She graduated from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in 2013 and has been practicing as a licensed acupuncturist in the Chicagoland area since. Danielle’s lifelong experience with using chiropractic care, naprapathic treatments and massage for her health led her to becoming a massage therapist in 2004.
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Discover the Difference Each Session Can Make
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture
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Common sensations experienced with acupuncture are warmth, heaviness, tingling, or other responses in and around the needle site.
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We meet you and your body's needs exactly where you are in the moment. That varies the number of points chosen for a treatment. Some treatments may be 2 points. Generally speaking, we use about 8 – 12 points per treatment.
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The needles are placed along Channels/Meridians that traverse the body. To activate the Channels, most points are found on the arms, legs, torso and head.
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There is typically no bleeding but if there is, it’s just a drop. Unlike hypodermic needles (used for injections and to draw blood), acupuncture needles don’t cut you. And, they are sterile and disposable so there’s no risk of infection.
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You will most likely come for treatment once weekly. For more serious conditions – like significant acute or chronic pain – we might recommend twice weekly to start.
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Everyone is different, but many people feel a shift of some type after their first treatment. We will discuss result expectations based on your personal goals at your free consultation or initial appointment.
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We recommend beginning with weekly sessions for 6-12 weeks. Depending on your health goals, we will determine a treatment plan that meets your needs and reassess when necessary.
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We will address lifestyle habits which includes diet and nutrition. How you nourish yourself daily is a part of our treatment plan.
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Monday—Saturday by appointment only
OUR SERVICES
Rooted in Tradition, Tailored to You
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Acupuncture
A WORLD OF WELLNESS THAT WORKS IN TANDEM WITH ACUPUNCTURE.
GET STARTED
Not Sure if Acupuncture is Right for You?
If you do not see your condition or concern listed, please ask us if acupuncture and herbal medicine would benefit you.