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Apex helps patients maintain, achieve health
Jana Bricker (right) gives Caroline Tesar of Lake Bluff acupuncture treatment. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media
Apex Acupuncture Nutrition & Wellness
SPECIALTY: Help achieve and maintain whole-body health
LOCATION: 725 N. McKinley Road Suite 202, Lake Forest
HOURS: Mon.-Wed. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs. 3-8 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sun. 2-6 p.m.
CONTACT: (847) 989- 7176 or www.apexacu.com
Article Extras
Updated: December 16, 2012 6:05AM
LAKE FOREST — Jana Bricker is passionate about sharing Chinese medicine with her patients.
While they come to her for acupuncture treatments for injuries or ailments, patients leave with an understanding of how to improve their overall wellness, said Bricker, who recently opened Apex Acupuncture Nutrition & Wellness in Lake Forest.
“Chinese medicine is not just about the needles. It’s about food. It’s a lot about food,’’ she said.
Part of the initial consultation is a patient’s complete health history.
“I find out what they are willing to change and what they’re not willing to change. People just need to learn how to eat and sleep,” the Lake Bluff resident said.
As a yoga instructor and a tri-athlete, Bricker said she naturally attracts patients with sports-related injuries. But injuries are just part of what acupuncture treats, she said.
Ailments like digestive issues, menstrual issues and headaches also are good options for acupuncture, she said. “It’s really good for PMS,’’ she added.
With a career in print advertising, Bricker said she had been following the Chinese philosophy of healthy living. She believed in it so much she enrolled in the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago and completed the four-year program. She practiced acupuncture in Chicago before opening her own clinic.
“As you move farther north, there are fewer and fewer acupuncturists,’’ Bricker said. “It’s unique.’’
While training for the Chicago Marathon last year, patient Sarah Palmer began having foot pain. Though skeptical, she went to Bricker for treatment.
“I had a few treatments for my foot and the pain stopped,’’ Palmer said. “I no longer have the pain in my feet and run just as much as I always have. I also found an added benefit from acupuncture — it’s very relaxing.’’
