Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Elmhurst, IL

At Integral Med, we embrace a holistic approach to health by integrating the principles and practices of Chinese medicine—also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—into our comprehensive care model. Chinese medicine, also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is an ancient healing system that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is based on the belief that the body’s vital energy, known as “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), flows through pathways called meridians. The balance of this energy is considered essential for maintaining health. TCM combines various therapeutic practices, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and massage (Tui Na), aiming to restore balance and harmony in the body. It views illness as a disruption in the flow of Qi, and treatments are designed to reestablish proper energy circulation.

In addition to acupuncture and herbal remedies, TCM emphasizes lifestyle and dietary changes tailored to the individual’s constitution and the season. It focuses on holistic care, addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms. TCM practitioners believe that maintaining a balanced mind-body connection is key to long-term wellness, and treatment plans are customized to each person’s unique needs, often combining multiple modalities for comprehensive care.

Whether you are seeking relief from a specific health concern or striving for improved wellness, Integral Med provides personalized care that honors the wisdom of Chinese medicine within a modern, integrative healthcare setting.

At Integral Med, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care, and Chinese medicine is an important aspect of our integrative approach. Chinese medicine works by aiming to restore balance and harmony within the body through the flow of vital energy, or “Qi.” It is based on the concept that Qi circulates along pathways known as meridians, and health depends on the free, balanced flow of Qi throughout the body. When Qi is blocked, deficient, or in excess, illness or discomfort can arise. Chinese medicine addresses these imbalances using a combination of techniques, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and massage.

Acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into specific points along the body’s meridians to stimulate and restore the proper flow of Qi. Herbal medicine uses plants, roots, and minerals to tonify, regulate, and harmonize the body’s energy. Additionally, dietary therapy involves eating foods that are believed to strengthen or balance the body’s internal environment. These treatments aim to address not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of well-being, promoting overall health and vitality. By focusing on the body’s natural healing processes and maintaining equilibrium, Chinese medicine strives to support long-term wellness.

At Integral Med, we emphasize not just the treatment of illness but also the maintenance of optimal health. By encouraging balanced nutrition, regular movement, emotional resilience, and harmony with the natural world, we help you cultivate lasting wellness. We are here to support your health journey with personalized, integrative solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Chinese medicine can treat a wide range of conditions, both physical and mental, by focusing on balancing the body’s Qi and restoring harmony.

Some of the conditions commonly treated by Chinese medicine include:

• Pain and Musculoskeletal Issues: Conditions like back pain, arthritis, neck pain, headaches, and migraines can benefit from acupuncture, herbal remedies, and Tui Na (therapeutic massage).

• Digestive Disorders: Chinese medicine can help manage conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, and bloating by regulating digestive function through herbs and dietary adjustments.

• Respiratory Issues: Asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and common colds can be treated with herbal formulas, acupuncture, and breathing exercises to strengthen lung function and balance the immune system.

• Mental and Emotional Health: Chinese medicine is used to address stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mood imbalances by regulating the flow of Qi, supporting emotional well-being, and fostering relaxation.

• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like menstrual irregularities, menopause symptoms, and infertility are commonly treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine to regulate the endocrine system and promote reproductive health.

• Chronic Illness and Fatigue: Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other long-term conditions can benefit from Chinese medicine’s ability to boost energy, strengthen the body’s Qi, and improve overall vitality.

• Skin Conditions: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin issues may be treated with both internal and external remedies, aiming to address the root causes of imbalances.

• Immune System Support: Chinese medicine works to enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and prevent illness, supporting overall health and resilience.

Chinese medicine is highly individualized, so treatments are often tailored to the person’s specific condition, lifestyle, and overall health. It aims not only to relieve symptoms but to address underlying imbalances that may contribute to health problems. At Integral Med, our integrative approach means we often combine Chinese medicine with conventional treatments to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We encourage open communication with all members of your healthcare team and recommend consulting with our team before starting any new therapy.

The time it takes to see results from Chinese medicine can vary depending on the individual, the condition being treated, and the type of treatment used. In general, some people may begin to notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require several weeks of treatment to experience noticeable changes.

For conditions like pain management, patients might see relief after the first few acupuncture sessions, especially for acute issues. Chronic conditions, such as digestive disorders, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances, may take longer—typically 4 to 6 weeks of consistent treatment—before significant improvements are felt. Herbal remedies often take longer to take effect, as they work gradually to restore balance in the body.

It’s important to remember that Chinese medicine works on the principle of restoring long-term balance and promoting the body’s natural healing process, rather than just providing immediate symptom relief. The length of time required to see results can also be influenced by lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress levels, and exercise, as well as the individual’s overall health condition. Regular follow-up sessions and adherence to lifestyle recommendations will help ensure the best outcomes.

If you’re considering Chinese medicine at Integral Med, we invite you to discuss your health goals and expectations with us. We’ll work together to create a personalized treatment timeline and help you understand what to anticipate based on your unique needs.

Dr. George Zdravkov, MD, at Integral Med in Elmhurst, IL, blends his extensive training in Western medicine with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to offer a well-rounded, holistic approach to healthcare. With an MD in neurology and additional certification in acupuncture, Dr. Zdravkov brings a unique perspective to his practice, combining the best of both medical worlds. This allows him to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of various health conditions, ensuring a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

At Integral Med, Dr. Zdravkov integrates acupuncture, herbal remedies, functional medicine, and personalized lifestyle adjustments to create customized treatment plans for his patients. Whether it’s chronic pain, digestive issues, stress management, or hormonal imbalances, his holistic approach aims to restore balance in the body and improve overall health. By focusing on individualized care, Dr. Zdravkov helps his patients achieve lasting wellness, promoting not just physical healing but also emotional and mental well-being.

For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 340 W Butterfield Rd Suite 3C, Elmhurst, IL 60126. We serve patients from Elmhurst IL, Westchester IL, Addison IL, Carol Stream IL, Franklin Park IL, Berwyn IL, Bloomingdale IL, and nearby areas!