Lincoln Square Acupuncture

My son and I went a few times and we both thought it was really relaxing. I was impressed with the service and surroundings, especially since they are set up for honor system payment. The only reason that I haven’t continued to go on a regular basis is because of the distance from my home. I highly recommended them. Only issue is that appointment availability is scarce, but that’s to be expected when it’s that good.

Great customer service and very patient. Both practitioners know what they are doing and will listen to your issues. I only wish the room was a little larger.

i was skeptical. I went in for stress/​anxiety. He asked me several questions about what was going on and then proceeded with the needles part. I was extremely tense even though im usually good with needles. Every poke hurt a little bit. I was still extremely tense for the first half but then i started to feel really sleepy and relaxed. When i was finished and got up, im not sure if it was from the needles or just sitting in one position so long, my whole body felt tingly and amazingg. I left and felt nothing could bother me. i will be definitely going back.

Absolutely loved this place. Me and my husband went in today for the first time. My husband has been suffering from his sciatic nerve for the past 3 weeks, our doctor wants him to just take these hardcore medications and we aren’t into popping pills. I also went in because I am always feeling a lot of stress and anxiety. Long story short my hubby’s leg felt so much better and I felt so relaxed and amazing.
The receptionist Rosa and Acupuncturist David were super sweet, caring, and informative. We will definitely be coming again.

This is a gem in Lincoln Square. Staff is great. I always feel better when I leave there. David and Ingrid are consummate professionals.

I had my first session with David at Lincoln Square Acupuncture, and I will be back. David was knowledgeable, sensitive, and intuitive. This is community acupuncture, which means that the client remains clothed and receives the treatment in a room with other persons. In this case, there are six lazy-​boy chairs in the back room. You lean back, and David does his thing with the needles. Soft music is piped in, and it’s not obnoxious or so New-​Agey dissonant that you want to tear your hair out. It is soothing and comforting.
I’ve had community acupuncture before, and I wasn’t crazy about it, mainly because the room was never warm enough. In the case of Lincoln Square Acupuncture, even in winter, the room was comfortably warm. I lay back with my bare feet, and I was never less than comfortable. Trust me, if you’re cold in such a setting, it’s really miserable, so it’s very important that the heat is adequate.
There’s a call button at the chair, so you can call whoever’s doing your treatment when you’re ready to go. That is a little odd to me; I’m used to a private room where the acupuncturist comes in at a certain time. Apparently you can hang out for quite a while. I did see two people who were probably sleeping when I came in, and were still there when I left.
If you are curious about acupuncture and want to try it in a safe, non-​threatening setting, this is the right place for you.

The best value/​quality acupuncture in the city that I know of. I went there for the horrible cold that lingered on for three weeks. One visit here cured it all for me.

I was referred to Lincoln Square Acupuncture by the Swedish Midwives Group. I was 38 weeks pregnant and trying for a VBAC, and they suggested I seek treatment to help me induce labor. I went to 6+ sessions over the course of 3 weeks (I was 5 days late). My son was posterier and he did turn by the time I was in labor, and I was able to have the VBAC because I went into labor on my own. David was great and ended up prescribing some herbs to take as supplements, gave my husband and I homework to work on for reflexology points to induce labor, and I got little needles to stick into my toes as well. Overall great experience.
My suggestions for optimal treatment are the following:
1) Bring your own headphones and music. They do have relaxing music but if it’s something you’re not into you should bring your own.
2) Plan on staying at least 90 minutes a session.
3) Do arrive early because often times they can see you right away

Do not go to acupuncture angry! (or maybe warn your acupuncturist if you do)
I’ve been recovering from a running injury for about a year. I’m running again, but at times I have this ever-​present, nagging discomfort. It got to the point where it was driving me a little bananas and massage alone wasn’t cutting it, so I decided to revisit acupuncture.
Here’s the deal, if you’re one of those instant gratification types or hyper literal, this might not be for you. I went for four visits and this is how it went:
Visit 1:
David sure is nice, but why isn’t he putting needles near my hip — that’s what hurts. I don’t think this is going to work.
Visit 2:
Again, no needles by my hip. Lots of people like this place? Maybe it’s a scam.
Two days later…
«I’m going to acupuncture because my hip really hur… Wait, my hip actually feels good. I mean, I really haven’t noticed it much since my last visit at all. Acupuncture is a sneaky devil and that David, he’s a genius!»
Visit 3:
Hip, what hip? zzzzzzz
Visit 4:
OW, OW, OW!
OK, visit 4 is totally not their fault. I arrived incensed about something and didn’t mention it. It made every needle hurt to the point where the acupuncturist noticed one of my sites throbbing (with rage likely) and impossible to relax. If you’re that upset, I recommend rescheduling; unless you like throwing money away.
Compared to Sage in Logan Square, the studio is a little like your grandpa’s basement, if your grandpa liked to open his basement up to a bunch of human pincushions. Lazy Boy style chairs are much closer together, but also are much more comfortable. They also give you little buttons to push when you’re ready to leave (you can stay as long as you like) or you can tell them when to wake you. At Sage I always felt like the leaving part was a little awkward. Overall, I must like the grandpa’s basement feel because I felt more relaxed at LSA than I did at Sage.
Community acupuncture is great because it makes treatment affordable and being in a room full of strangers with needles isn’t as weird as it sounds. LSA’s provides a suggested price range and you pay what you can afford/​think is fair.
Got pain or other stuff? Stick it!

I cannot speak highly enough about this place. First and foremost, if it weren’t for them, I would not be able to afford acupuncture. But even bigger than that, they were some of the nicest people I have ever met. They are so kind and attentive and patient. My first visit, I suppose there was a mix up with times and they were just calm and helpful and made me feel welcome and still got me in. I was sick as a dog and just over everything happening, so to be able to walk into an atmosphere and put all that aside and be in a place where people actually treat you like they care and you’re an actual person is a relief… let’s you know there’s still hope in this world.
I’ve been back about 4 times since then and try to go every week. I look forward to going. Is it working? I’m not sure, but either way, I am happier and calmer when I go there, so that’s enough for me. I also love that I can afford it. I wish I could pay more than the minimum every time, but I love that they just smile and accept my payment without judgement. They don’t ask questions, nor do they treat me any differently from the rest. So on that note, I go in with a smile on my face and am just so thankful that this place exists, and hopefully one day when I win the lottery or non-​profits decide to pay more, I can pay them maximum because they do such a wonderful job there!

where did my review go??? I KNOW I posted it and it’s not here.
Anyhow, haven’t been there in a year due to distance & other issues, however, that said, this place is TOPS! They listen, they care and they do whatever it takes to keep helping. Believe me, I’m FAR away (Alsip) but if I could make the long drive each week or more, I’d do so. .Right now I KNOW I need to go back but just been one tough winter to facilitate that part of my health objective (again, given the drive, gas & effort).
Also IF concerned about «community setting» as I initially was, don’t worry… you will still have privacy warranted for treatment & won’t much notice those around you. David the owner is fabulous, knows his acupuncture & Michael (not sure he’s still there) also proficient & capable. I’m pretty confident anyone they hire will be of same high quality, can’t seem them choosing to compromise that.
Heck yeah, I gotta go BACK! You are missing out IF closer than me & not trying them out (if you have any malady or issue you’re struggling with! If you don’t…boy, count yourself lucky!!!).

I’ve had acupuncture before and I feel the results vary a lot depending on the skill and knowledge of the practitioner. David is great. I’ve had good results and I love the relaxed atmosphere of the room. It is a very healing space. Would highly recommend!

I’ve never had acupuncture before but I’m happy I had my first experience here.
I followed other Unilocalers suggestion and went to David for my first appointment. He was very kind and patient. Basically, I have had crazy, intense shoulder and neck pain, and migraine headaches all on the right side of my body.
David listened and agreed that I had a lot going on as in too much going on.
With this being my first appointment, I was a bit nervous about what was going to happen but the vibe in there is so relaxing. I personally love the community feel. It is a room of people healing together… what is better than that?
You enter, take off your shoes, grab a seat w/​ottoman and begin to relax. You will receive a consultation, needles go in, you relax for 45 min and then you go home. EASY!
So for you newbies out there, I experience what some call a «zinger». The needle went in, he moved it around a little and BAM, my whole body jerked like I had electricity running through. Not the most comfortable feeling but it lasted only seconds. My point in telling you this is that I didn’t realize it could ever feel like this. I am a bit more quick to tell them when I feel the needle now so it doesn’t happen again. However if it does, you will live. Do not let this deter you from going.
After my first session, I was in the most relaxed state for 3 days. It was strange but also a sign that I had way too much stress in my life.
My second session was with Marguerite who I found to be very soothing. She made me feel at ease and I felt like she really cared about me and what I was going through. Excellent patient care!
One of the things I like best about acupuncture is how each session feels different. You will get different sensations throughout your body. They are not painful but just interesting. I’m not sure how else to put it but it’s pretty damn cool.
If you have any ache, pain or stress, please check this place out. Everyone is caring and is there to increase your quality of life.
Oh…and yes, my pain went away :)

I have been coming here on and off for about 2 yrs. or so & have had no complaints until today.
I had a 3p appointment today which was in between the shifts of the acupuncturists. I was seen by Marguerite the last couple of times I was there as well as today. She did my treatment and never came back. She left without letting me know that she was leaving. I would have appreciated it if she told me that I could stay as long as I want but I have to leave or something to that extent. Luckily I didn’t fall asleep, otherwise who know how long I would have been there & may have gotten a parking ticket for an expired meter.
Luckily the other acupuncturist, David was there & I guess he figured it out as he seemed confused as to who I was or why I was still there because he did not do my treatment.
If I do (ever) come back, I will come back to see David as I read that most people recommend him. I used to see Michael who I thought was excellent before he left. I did see more (almost instant & longer lasting) results with Michael’s treatments, too bad he’s gone. I may consider giving David a try if/​when I come back.
For the record, I have no problem with the treatments & I understand that everyone has their own different styles. This visit just left a bad taste.
I did learn something though, I learned what those things on the seats do (the thing that is attached to what looks like a string) — its a call button to let them know that your’re ready for them to take the needles out.

I’m writing an update to my first review b/​c after going here for over 2 years, I’ve developed into quite the loyal client.
I’m a runner, and the sport can bring on aches, pains and injuries. And while I’ve done traditional PT for some things in the past, I find I’m getting better results from acupuncture. I’ve come in for problems with my hip flexor, IT band, tight calves and residual pain from a foot stress fracture. And for even the most nagging issues, I’ve seen results in 4 — 5 sessions.
I’ve also come in for issues with insomnia, headaches, sinus pressure. A treatment or two and I’m good. My insomnia can be bad and tends to return after a few months, but when it does I pop back in for a refresher session. I’d much rather get this treatment periodically than take drugs daily.
I’ve seen all 3 practitioners: David, Michael and Marguerite. Each of them have their own style and approach. If you’re coming in for the first time and/​or are new to acupuncture I’d reco seeing David. He’s very calm, patient and thorough.

Love these guys! I went here for infertility related treatment because going often is key and LSA makes it affordable to do so. Super awesome experience every time. Michael and David are great at their techniques and I highly recommend them to any couple going through IVF or other infertility treatments.
The only reason I gave them four stars is because of the rest of the staff– stand offish is the best way I could explain a few of these gals. And I saw a big handful of them during my years of treatment, it’s not just one here or there or that they were having an off day. Other than that, this place is tops!

This clinic is soooo fantastic, I don’t even know where to begin. I started coming for anxiety/​trouble sleeping and saw results immediately. The community set-​up is surprisingly nice, especially considering how affordable treatments are because of it. It did take me a couple visits to get used to being treated in a room with other patients, so I recommend bringing headphones and/​or something to cover your eyes with if you’re easily distracted while resting like I am.
Mike and David both have fantastic bedside manners and are great at taking your feedback into account to make treatments more effective. Even on days when their schedule is full they’ll allow you to rest with the needles in longer and never rush you out, even if there’s another patient waiting for your spot.
tl, dr: I wish I had 6 stars to give them.

This is the best of both worlds! Great care by the staff here at affordable prices. Traditional acupuncture is more than I can justify, but in the community setting with the «pay what you can» philosophy it’s a perfect fit for my budget.
I started seeing David in 2009 for sleep issues, then when my fiancé started having problems with muscular pains I introduced him as well. We started back up again together and within just one treatment the future hubs was feeling better!
Just know coming here, it’s not the fanciest and you’ll be seated with others during your treatment… however, the comfy chairs, soft music, billowy curtains and the soft voices of David prior to the treatment make it seem tranquil. Close your eyes and melt away during the 30 – 40 minutes while the needles are in.

The last time I had an acupuncture session was in northern California for pain management and it worked. came here for a series of sessions to help with some thyroid and anxiety issues. I was just as pleased with the results here.
The entrance to the studio is a little hidden — which I actually like and it’s very close to Merz Apothecary. BONUS! You walk upstairs and check in with the receptionist who is very helpful and fill out a patient history form. The atmosphere is quiet, calm and warm. Sessions are by appointment so definitely keep that in mind.
I was shown a chair and sat quietly for a couple of minutes until David came by and softly asked me questions about what was going on, how I was feeling overall, any medical issues, etc… After that, he started inserting the needles in various places on my hands, feet, and ankles and said he would check on me. Insertion sensations for me vary from warmth to a tightening of the muscle and slight ache to just a slight stick.
Frankly, I don’t remember if he did come by to check on me or not because each time I fell asleep about 5 minutes after the needles were inserted. Out. Like Rip Van Winkle. No joke. I always emerged feeling refreshed and very relaxed.
I like the community acupuncture setting and I like the cost. Everyone is very respectful of the space and the environment. But most of all, I love that it’s still effective. Definitely a great studio to go to and I will be returning.

I love this place. They offer acupuncture that I can afford, as long as you don’t mind being on an easy chair with 5 other folks. And it’s never bothered me because I always fall deep asleep.
I’ve been going for health issues that I’ve been seeing slight improvements, but what prompted me to write a review update? I went in on Wednesday with a spring cold. They treated me for that and gave me herbs ($ 3 for a 3 day supply) that came in the cutest little box and vials. My cold got even worse that night, I felt lousy Thursday morning, but I was able to do everything I needed to that day, and right now, Friday morning, I feel amazing. I’ve never bounced back from a cold that fast before!

I’ve been to other acupuncturist when I had better insurance. They were all in a more clinical setting so I wasn’t sure how I would like the group setting. Everyone is very focused on thier own treatment and are all very considerate so it wasn’t ever an issue.
The thing about this place is David Kato. With my other acupuncturists I never felt a real bond. The clinical settings just felt cold. David would listen to every word I had to say. He took very detailed notes and knew where I was in my treatment at any given time with out me having to remind him. He is a very warm person that I now totally trust.
I had first gone in for my knees and back. I soon realized there were plenty of other things going on in my 40 year old body. I also have a very demanding 14 hour a day job that was just killing my soul. After two sessions with David I was feelling really positive and energized. Once I told him my job was giving me stomach aches. He did something and no more aches, in fact my whole digestive tract seemed to function better. What the hell? I’m truely blown away after every session. It takes a day or so to really feel the effects but they’re there for sure.
So my back was the real issue. My Doc. wants me to get an MRI but even with insurance it’s a few grand just to confirm what she already thinks. David put me on the table in a private room and used the suction cups. After two sessions the pain is gone! Pain I had been living with for a few years. I can roll over in bed, hell I can get out of bed! I stopped going to see if it would really stop and to make sure it wasn’t in my mind (I’m a sceptic at heart). I’m still great! I’m going back soon for a few reasons. One, I just want to support them. Two, maybe he can make me smarter and better looking… who knows?
And with the sliding scale,$ 20-​$ 40, come on! I don’t know how he feeds himself!
SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS!
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