Five Element Acupuncture treats the person as a whole; something that can be absent from Western medicine where we see several doctors to tend our whole person. Five Element acupuncture is natural, ancient, and simple form of medicine that works to help the person find their natural balance. Instead of looking at a person like a list of separate symptoms, Five Element Acupuncture looks at the person as a whole. Taking in the physical, the mental, and the spiritual; it is all encompassing way of looking at life and healing. Acupuncture is an ancient system of health care based on natural laws of healing, involving the movement of vital energy. This energy, called qi (pronounced chi), moves in pathways called meridians which support the functions of the body, mind, and spirit. When qi is not moving smoothly in the body; imbalances begin to surface in the form of symptoms. Acupuncture addresses the root cause of these symptoms, and creates a deep and lasting healing.

Acupuncture assists in treating immediate acute symptoms, as well as underlying chronic imbalances to a person’s well being by improving overall health and immunity. Many people say they have greater energy and focus following treatment. Early treatment can help prevent more serious health problems from arising. Many people committed to a healthy lifestyle use acupuncture to help them maintain their well being. Treatments are uniquely designed for each patient in this highly personal form of medicine.

At the Allergy and Acupuncture Center, we believe that healing is a personal journey and no two patients are alike. We carefully tailor in-depth individual treatment plans to meet and exceed every patient's needs. Our mission is to provide the absolute best in highly individualized, personal care for our patients as they journey towards wellness.

Karen is a graduate of the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago and received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. She is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Illinois as well as a National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certified herbalist. She is also a certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) and provides ear acupuncture as a part of a comprehensive model of care to help with addictions, PTSD, and behavioral health. She enjoys working with a variety of conditions such as emotional, stress-based conditions, anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, and women’s health. She believes in building partnerships with clients to promote their better health and optimal well-being through compassionate care to achieve an individual’s balance of mind and body.

Alabama born and in practice since 1989, Dr. Mick is one of the first American born doctors of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the country having training in the U.S., Europe and China. After completing a bachelors degree in pre-med health sciences on the East coast, masters and doctoral degrees in acupuncture and Oriental medicine on the West coast, Dr. Mick worked as an acupuncture intern at two TCM university hospitals in China

Upon returning from China, Dr. Mick has served as a professor and clinical supervisor at two acupuncture and Oriental medicine colleges and worked with medical doctors at integrative clinics around the U.S., Europe, Central and South America. Dr. Mick has successfully treated thousands of patients for a wide variety of conditions through decades of practice, including work as an acupuncturist volunteer for numerous Church medical missions in the U.S. and abroad.