Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist Stephen Bonzak offers a full range of Traditional Chinese Medicine services, including:

• Acupuncture
• Chinese Medicine, Chinese Herbs, Chinese Herbalist
• Qigong and Reiki therapy

Strengthening the Immune System

In Chinese Medicine, wei qi (pronounced "way-chee") is responsible for protecting the body from the external invasion of bacteria and viruses. Acupuncture and herbal therapy can work directly on the wei qi to supplement and ensure its proper functioning. Research has shown that stimulating wei qi can regulate the function of the immune system by increasing the activity of monocytes and natural killer cells which help fight infection.

Releasing Stress

Stress is a well-known cause of disease (see articles by the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health). Even in young, strong people, stress and emotional imbalances can cause the muscles and organs to tense and block the smooth flow of qi in the body.

Acupuncture provides a time to calm the mind, feel centered and let stress melt away. Needling acupoints stimulates the body to release natural endorphins that moderate pain and generates a feeling of deep relaxation. Acupuncture can also modulate the release of cortisol (a well-known stress-inducing molecule) and can reduce imflammation in the body.

Emotional concerns often dissolve as the needles free blockages of qi in the channels. Most people feel energized by acupuncture treatment as qi is freed to circulate in the body.

For More Information

See the following research reports:

• on acupuncture and the nervous system in Neuroscience Letters (March 2002)
• on acupuncture outcomes, expectations, etc., in American Journal of Public Health (October 2002)
• on Chinese herbs and the human immune system in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapy (December 2005)

Call (773) 470-6994 to make your appointment today.