Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitzi Labant, L.Ac. and Andrea Friedman Ishikawa, L.Ac.
Please kick things off for us. Where does this story begin?
We have been the best of friends for the past 30 years and have been business partners for half that time. We are the proud co-owners of Healing Spring Acupuncture Center in Glenview, Illinois. Our center is a place where our patients can come to replenish their health in a safe environment using gentle acupuncture, herbs, diet and lifestyle guidance. We both have strong foundations in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the energetics that makes for a powerful force for healing the body, mind and spirit.
Andrea first met Mitzi in 1984 when they drove together to a Tai Chi, Chi Gong and meditation class at Medina Temple in the city. Mitzi, a pioneer in Illinois acupuncture, and founder of the Illinois State Acupuncture Association, had already begun her practice.
After being introduced to the exciting field of acupuncture, Andrea then made a choice that would forever change her life. After completing her master’s degree in movement therapy at Columbia College and working in the field as a therapist for 7 years, she decided that she had to go to acupuncture school and enroll in a 3 year program to become an acupuncturist, or she would never be happy. You could say it was a “calling”.
Andrea became Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture in 1988 and was involved in the battle to legalize acupuncture in Illinois. Before going into business with her friend Mitzi, Andrea worked at Partner’s in Healing in Northbrook, and then had the opportunity to work at Northwestern Memorial Physician’s Group Center for Integrative Medicine for 7 years, alongside physicians, chiropractors and massage therapists in a rich collaborative environment. While at Northwestern that NBC and WGN approached Andrea to do a story on acupuncture and how it helped many women who were struggling with infertility. This was a time when people were beginning to discover the value of alternative and integrative medicine. These interviews can be viewed on our website, www.hsacupuncture.com.
Mitzi was studying Architecture at U of I Circle Campus when she took a Shiatsu class. What intrigued her was the way Oriental Medicine acknowledges how emotions and weather affect one’s health. It was during this class that her interest in Acupuncture blossomed. In 1979 her teacher, Paul Zmiewski, opened the first Chicago acupuncture school, now known as The Midwest College for Oriental Medicine. It continues to grow and thrive to this day. Mitzi decided to take the classes that were offered in the evening while continuing her architecture studies. After a couple of months, she realized it was more than a passing interest and decide to devote the rest of her life to
Oriental Medicine, her passion.
In order to get a well-rounded education working with a broad range of distinguished practitioners, Mitzi traveled and did internships with Dr. Michael Smith at Lincoln Medical Center in NY, Miriam Lee in Santa Monica, CA, and Chengdu Traditional Medical College in Szechuan, China. She also started studying Qigong and Tai Chi at the same time. She has studied with several teachers in the U.S. as well as Master Sun in Shanghai, China and another Master in Taipei, Taiwan.
Currently she practices acupuncture and teaches Qigong in Glenview.
Has it been a smooth road?
The major obstacle for all of us as acupuncturists was the long struggle to become licensed in the State of Illinois. It took many years to obtain the privilege to practice our work in the open. Young acupuncturists coming out of school often don’t realize that there was a time when acupuncturists were at risk while treating clients because acupuncture was a felony in Illinois except when practiced by a physician. Even though we had extensive training and were nationally board certified, it was illegal to hang up our shingle in Illinois. Today, due to our perseverance, acupuncture is a thriving profession. Our next big hurdle is to obtain better insurance coverage for our patients. Imagine how many people could be helped if acupuncture were more broadly accepted by insurance companies. We are now in the process of working on that.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Mitzi and Andrea have similar approaches and specializations that have made for a perfect partnership. We have our individual client bases, yet work with each other’s patients when the need arises. We have both worked extensively with pain management and mitigation, from sprained backs, ankles and knees, to migraine headaches. Acupuncture is surprisingly relaxing and has helped many patients with anxiety, insomnia and mild depression as well as infertility and menopausal syndromes. A large part of our practice involves helping patients with cancer go through chemotherapy and radiation. Many people don’t know that acupuncture can greatly assist in alleviating the debilitating side effects of cancer treatments, while at the same time helping to rebuild patients’ energy and strengthen their immune systems.
Both Mitzi and Andrea have trained extensively in NAET, an allergy elimination technique and have helped many patients with a broad range of sensitivities and intolerances to foods, natural and chemical substances.
Another technique that has helped hundreds of patients is Dr. Richard Tan’s global acupuncture treatment. These treatments have had profound effects on physical, emotional and mental health problems. Acupuncture is a way to bring balance into our lives, and when there is balance, healing can happen.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago, and more specifically for us, Glenview, is the perfect place to practice acupuncture. Our challenging Midwest environment actually promotes strength and stamina (strong Kidney energy) which can help us overcome adversity. In Chinese Medicine, we refer to this as strong Chi (energy). As we build our own Chi and strive to stay balanced in an unbalanced world, we transfer that balance and strength to our patients. And as more and more people are learning about the wonderful and fulfilling profession that is acupuncture, we encourage anyone who has the “calling” to go for it! We have mentored many acupuncturists as they are starting to build their acupuncture practice.
We also, encourage anyone who is hurting, or facing physical difficulties (or is just plain curious) to call us. We’re happy to help you find out if acupuncture is right for you.
Pricing:
- Initial Consultation & Acupuncture Treatment $100
- Subsequent visits $85
- Seniors over 75 $95/80
- Children under age 16 $85/60
Contact Info:
- Address: 1545 Waukegan Rd Ste 2-2, Glenview, IL 60025
- Website: www.hsacupuncture.com
- Phone: 847-901-1800
- Email: hsacu@hsacupuncture.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/healingspringacupuncture
Image Credit:
Stacey Greenhill
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