Hands reaching up towards the sky

MORE THAN A TREATMENT

Specializing in the delicate process of trauma healing, we integrate acupuncture as a bridge to calm your body, mind, and spirit, releasing emotional burdens and restoring your inner balance.

How Acupuncture Works

The changes induced by acupuncture are literally like new pathways your body won’t soon forget.

Healing Reel
HELPS YOUR BODY SUSTAIN OPTIMAL FUNCTION

When you apply acupuncture as a weekly therapy for several weeks, your body naturally and gently begins to undergo positive changes. This is different from drugs and surgery which represent drastic, sudden change your body may not be able to sustain. 

OPENS & REGULATES MICROCIRCULATION

When we use acupuncture to bring more blood flow to the glands and tissues that need the most support, those tissues naturally work better. This means key tissues like thyroid, liver, adrenals, ovaries, and others are able to function at peak levels.

PROMOTES TISSUE HEALING

When you use acupuncture to stimulate your body’s healing process, it gets right to work repairing and restoring all cells and tissues. Acupuncture harnesses the vast healing intelligence your body contains to help you heal faster.

CALMS & BALANCES YOUR BODY

When your Neuro-Endocrine Axis is calm, your hormonal system, immune system, digestive, and circulatory systems all calm down, too. This means more hormonal balance, less inflammation, better circulation and nutrient absorption.

EXPLORE OTHER SERVICES

Relief from Stress, Pain, & More

Fire icon for Moxibustion heat therapy

MOXIBUSTION

Heat therapy that helps reduce pain by releasing tension held in an area due to increasing the flow of blood and lymph.

Gua Sha Icon for releasing tension in the body

GUA SHA

Gentle manual therapy applied to the skin to create an anti-inflammatory response, increase blood flow to the muscles to relax and release tension.

Cupping icon for cupping therapy on muscles

CUPPING

Gentle manual therapy using cups to create suction over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, increase blood flow and promote relaxation.

Bowl of tumeric, ginger roots, and herbs for Chinese herbalism

CHINESE HERBALISM

A World of Wellness Awaits

Skillfully prescribed, herbs are some of the safest medicines on Earth. And, our herbal supplier has some of the most stringent quality controls in the world. Herbal medicines harness and amplify the most powerful healing tool ever discovered – YOU. Their power lies in their ability to awaken and guide your body’s innate healing resources. Instead of forcefully pushing your body where it doesn’t want to go, herbs act as a gentle suggestion that reminds your body how to heal.

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of therapy on planet Earth. The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and other major institutions now incorporate herbal medicine. Individual results may vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (read a full disclaimer here).

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture & More

  • Common sensations experienced with acupuncture are warmth, heaviness, tingling, or other responses in and around the needle site.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • We will address lifestyle habits which includes diet and nutrition. How you nourish yourself daily is a part of our treatment plan.

  • Monday—Saturday by appointment only

Discover the Difference Each Session Can Make

Testimonials
ANXIETY + DEPRESSION

“I can't like this enough. Leigh is phenomenal. I started here 3 years ago for my anxiety (lifelong) and seasonal depression (I'm from the sunny South originally). I can honestly say after going to Leigh regularly in the winter, I haven't had any issues with SAD and my anxiety has dramatically dropped.”

— Mollie R.

INSOMNIA + SLEEP

“I can't describe how much I love this place and my acupuncturist Leigh! I was referred by my friend and am so grateful! This was my first experience with acupuncture and now I'm hooked. It's a clean, relaxing, & friendly environment. Their prices are really reasonable as well. Leigh has this calming presence about her and she really takes the time to understand you and your body. She then customizes your treatment accordingly explaining the whys behind everything along the way. In just 5 weeks my circulation, allergies & sleep cycle are so much better. I would recommend Essential Accupuncture to anyone and everyone. It's so wonderful! Thank you so much Leigh!!”

— Kristin H.

PAIN RELIEF

“It's been my good fortune to have found Leigh. I was amazed that her treatments for both my TMJ and lower back pain brought instantaneous short-term relief, and over the course of only three treatments, has completely resolved the TMJ. The change in my back has been nothing short of astounding! Her treatments have not only brought me a virtual total elimination of pain and stiffness, but have changed the internal sensation of how I experience the lower back. Where once it felt brittle and inflexible, it now feels malleable and dynamic. The change in my quality of life has been nothing short of remarkable. I have referred her to many of my friends as I regard Leigh as a highly intuitive and skillful practitioner of the healing arts.”

— Russ K.

DIGESTION + IBS

“Leigh Gilkey has been my acupuncturist for a little over 2 years. She has been a great help, the best really because I have been drug free for 2 years with a condition called Ulcerated colitis!! Of course this is not an overnite treatment or voodoo she did! It's been lots of work on her side (Chinese herbs) and patience on my part. I would highly recommend her to anybody who wants an alternative for a doctor visit. She is a great people person who really cares and listens well.”

— Ceciel F.

ANXIETY + DEPRESSION

“I have been seeing Leigh at Essential Acupuncture for nearly 6 months and it has been tremendously helpful in many aspects of my life. I had never had acupuncture before, and didn't think I'd stick with it for so long, but I was pleasantly surprised at how deeply therapeutic the practice is. Leigh is gentle, kind, and patient. She is an amazing listener, and has helped change the way I view my own stressors and anxieties. She has a very soothing presence. She is experienced, and very, very good at what she does!”

— MG

INSOMNIA + SLEEP

“This is my first experience with acupuncture. I cannot say enough about how impressed I am. I have seen Leigh for a couple weeks, and have already seen results. I'm sleeping better and feel less stress in my life. I highly recommend Essential Acupuncture, Leigh is caring, compassionate, and kind. Definitely give acupuncture a try!!!!”

— Melissa W.

FERTILITY + HORMONAL

“I saw Leigh at Essential Acupuncture for moxibustion and acupuncture at 35 weeks pregnant for a breech baby. A week later, I found out that the baby had turned! Leigh’s calming presence and personalized treatment put me at ease and I enjoyed all of our interactions. The space itself is clean and lovely. I highly recommend Leigh and Essential Acupuncture.”

— Ashley B.

PAIN RELIEF

“I'd originally had sciatic pains and couldn't find a solution. My family suggested trying acupuncture. Wow. I'd researched a few places online and found Essential to be highly rated. It has been a life changing decision and I continue to go for pain and overall wellness sessions. Leigh has been a blessing.”

— Mike T.

Essential Acupuncture Chicago Treatment Room with chair and bed

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.