Phranque Wright

Acupuncturist

4007 N Broadway Chicago IL, 60613 Show map

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About

Phranque Wright is an acupuncturist practicing in Chicago, IL. Dr. Wright evaluates and treats patients based on the concepts of oriental medicine. Acupuncturists complete their evaluations by getting a patient history and looking at and touching the body. Then, they place very fine acupuncture needles into specific points on the body. Stimulating these points and nerves is how Dr. Wright treats the patients condition. Many of the bodys systems respond to acupuncture, and it can treat physical pain as well as emotional stress.

Education and Training

Oregon College of Oriental Medicine Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 2007

Colorado School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Diplomate of Acupuncture 1998

Beijing Herbal Medical Acupuncture Institute Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Diploma 2000

Board Certification

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Provider Details

Male English

Phranque Wright

Phranque Wright's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can acupuncture be dangerous?
Acupuncture is only dangerous when it is done by someone who had not been fully trained. The side effects of acupuncture are so rare that malpractice insurance for us is in the hundreds of dollars, not thousands, like it would for MD"s or other medical practitioners. Most people who receive acupuncture feel better right away, almost all people who get acupuncture feel a stronger sense of wellbeing and relaxation. The most common 'negative' side effects are small droplets of blood released, minor bruising, minor aches where the needle was, dizziness (usually because patient didn't eat first or was very anxious about treatment), etc. Serious side effects like pneumothorax, again, are so rare and only happen with extreme negligence on the side of the practitioner or from untrained practitioners or a completely unexpected accident. You seriously have more to worry about when taking medications than you ever would with a qualified Licensed Acupuncturist. READ MORE
What are the negative side effects of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is only dangerous when it is done by someone who had not been fully trained. The side effects of acupuncture are so rare that malpractice insurance for us is in the hundreds of dollars annually, not thousands of dollars, like it would for MD"s or other medical practitioners. Most people who receive acupuncture feel better right away, almost all people who get acupuncture feel a stronger sense of wellbeing and relaxation. The most common 'negative' side effects are small droplets of blood released, minor bruising, minor aches where the needle was, dizziness (usually because patient didn't eat first or was very anxious about treatment), etc. Serious side effects like pneumothorax, again, are so rare and only happen with extreme negligence on the side of the practitioner or from untrained practitioners or a completely unexpected accident. You seriously have more to worry about when taking medications than you ever would with a qualified Licensed Acupuncturist. Your practitioner can discuss this more thoroughly, so find a Licensed Acupuncturist in your area (L.Ac.) and they will be happy to talk with you more about this. READ MORE
Relieving pain with acupuncture?
Chinese medicine has a differential diagnosis system that assesses what the root cause of the pain is and clears out that factor. Sometimes the pain is from constant movement, sometimes it is from a cold or hot issue, sometimes it is from a lack of nourishment, etc. The doctor will assess the root cause and come up with a treatment plan that helps the body fix itself. I cannot speak of your pain directly because I have not diagnosed you - but I'm sure your practitioner would be happy to talk you through the process. Go find a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in your area that you feel comfortable being with and let your journey to wellbeing start. Good luck. READ MORE
Does acupuncture reduce inflammation?
Yes, it does and it helps promote healing and it relieves indigestion, menstrual cramps, infertility and any other medical issue. Acupuncture is part of a medical system that helps promote wellness and assist the body in fixing itself. To ask if acupuncture helps reduce inflammation is the same as asking if drugs reduce inflammation. The answer is yes, but it depends on how it is used. Your practitioner will make a differential diagnosis to assure the best treatment plan with the acupuncture. So go find one you like and get yourself better sooner. Good luck. READ MORE
Does acupuncture work for mental illness?
Mental illness is a part of human health and acupuncture is a medical procedure, so yes, acupuncture can help with mental illness, but you would want to find a practitioner who has had experience working with mental illness. As you find a practitioner ask them if they have experience, as you would any other medical field, and go with one you trust. Good luck. READ MORE
Acupuncture and depression?
The acupuncturist would need to make a differential diagnosis on the root cause of your depression. I cannot say how yours in particular would work, because I have not personally diagnosed you. The practitioner will then help balance out the body systems that are involved from a Chinese medical point-of-view. Our medicine is not the same as western medicine i.e. we do not have a "one treatment fixes everyone" mindset, we treat according to an individuals personal situation. Go find a licensed acupuncturist in your area (an L.Ac) and be sure they have some experience on depression and be sure it's one you feel comfortable with. Keep in mind that you can go find another practitioner if your first choice doesn't work out very well. Just like any other medical practice or public service, some people have a better fit with you than others do. Good luck. READ MORE
Is it normal to feel dizzy after acupuncture?
People can get dizzy after an acupuncture treatment when A. They don't have a proper meal before the treatment B. When the treatment is one that does some moving of blood and this gets the brain to be more oxygenated (i.e. it's getting fed oxygen) or when a person gets super relaxed from the treatment and just gets up too quickly. it isn't a serious side effect, but beware that it happens to you so try to keep your practitioner informed so they can alleviate it next time. READ MORE
What does acupuncture actually do?
Acupuncture helps the body regulate itself. The practitioner finds how the body is not communicating with other body systems, how the vital substances of the body are lacking, how emotions are preventing proper function or how external substances, like weather, can be affecting the health. It is an entire system of health developed from the Chinese's observation of nature and natural laws, how the body is coordinated between all of the systems (respiratory, digestive, circulatory, etc) and how it relates to the environment around us. The practitioners diagnose by signs and symptoms and come up with a plan to reset the body to function more properly. Find a practitioner in your area, so they can discuss your particular case, I cannot speak on your case because I have not diagnosed you. READ MORE
What alternative healing practices can reduce my back pain?
Acupuncture is your best bet, followed by massage and Chiropractic or Osteopathic treatments. There is also stretching techniques and of course proper lifting/ergonomic positioning to keep you from having the back pain in the first place. Sleeping properly, resting properly, eating properly, as well as stretching properly and using proper body mechanics is the key to prevention. Acupuncture will help you reset and massage will help your muscles stay relaxed. In severe cases you may need an Osteopath to realign you, but then the massage, acu and preventions should be the main focus. Good luck. READ MORE
Is there evidence that acupuncture works?
There is a long list of studies that show the efficacy of acupuncture and there are hundreds of practitioners who use acupuncture on a daily basis for their patients, including myself. Currently, the AMA and the FDA are even suggesting acupuncture to treat pain problems because the effects are better than some pain medications and because it is non-addictive and has minimal to no side effects. I use acupuncture for patients that have all kinds of pain including neck pain and they leave my clinic with minimal to no pain and the result can last days, weeks, months, or years. I suggest you go try it and see how it can help you. Be sure to find a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in your area, do not go to some DC or MD who "does acupuncture" go to someone who is fully trained in Chinese medicine. You can search for someone in your area here: NCCAOM.ORG - use the "for patients" link. READ MORE
Why does acupuncture help fertility?
I do not specialize in fertility treatments with acupuncture, but have worked for some in the past. Acupuncture helps regulate the menstrual cycle and helps rid the body of toxic build-ups and helps regulate hormonal functions and other aspects of the body's ability to conceive. Keep in mind that your husband should also be receiving treatments to help his sperm count and his vitality stay vibrant. It is not always the woman's body that isn't helping the pregnancy, so be sure he has some treatments or check-ups too. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with headaches?
Yes. Acupuncture is very effective with headaches. In fact it is most helpful with any pain issue. Your practitioner may need to do a differential diagnosis and it may take more than one treatment for full recovery, but you should start feeling better right away. READ MORE
What do acupuncture needles feel like?
There are different feelings depending on what area is being treated and what technique is being used. Be sure to let your practitioner know your fears so they can help walk you through or tier you up to different styles. Basically, the insertion is a minor (and I mean minor) prick - you've had worse pain through hitting your arm or getting a splinter. Most times you cannot even feel the insertion, so a lot of practitioners will just insert and leave it there. Sometimes, there is a feeling of energy running up or down the body like a zap from your elbow to your fingers (funny bone hit type feeling or tingle). If the needle "hurts" (I mean REALLY hurts), then it's probably a bad insertion. Just tell the practitioner and they'll take it out and reinsert so it's not resting on a painful spot. Other techniques will elicit more intense feelings, but for now, just ask your practitioner to do gentle needling and you'll be fine. READ MORE
Can acupuncture treat migraines?
It is true, acupuncture can be very effective in treating migraines. There are a variety of causes for migraines, so the practitioner will need to diagnose the root cause to help. It may take a few treatments or a series or it may be helpful right away, no one really knows which for each individual. Find a licensed practitioner in your area, so they can start soon. Keep in mind that you don't have to stick with your first choice, if you somehow don't click with your first practitioner there are others to choose. Healing takes time and it's important to have a good relation with your doctor. Good luck. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help fertility?
There are many good acupuncture clinics that focus primarily on fertility issues. I would seek out one of those to help you and your husband. Both parties should get treatments, it's not always just the woman's body that needs work, the male body has to be healthy and do it's part too. So, go find a good clinic near you and see if they can help. Time is an issue with fertility and it can take a few months, so you'll want to start soon. Good luck. READ MORE
Where are acupuncture needles placed for migraines?
Acupuncture can be very effective to help reduce and even prevent migraines, so I do suggest you try it if your medications are not helping. As to where the needles go, there is no standard answer because there is a variety of issues, from a Chinese medical stand, that lead to migraines. Different issues would call for different point selections. You will even get different points in different treatment sessions. Go find a licensed acupuncturist in your area to start treatments. Keep in mind that not all practitioners and patients click, so if your first acupuncturist isn't working out, you can find another who may help better. Good luck. READ MORE
Can vertigo be treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture can help if there are no dramatic structural issues. So if no one else has been able to help you should definitely go find a licensed acupuncturist in your area. Good luck READ MORE
Can acupuncture work for acne?
Yes, it can be and is helpful in many cases. The practitioner may also have herbs or lotions mmade with herbs to help. There may be a dietary or emotional component involved too so find a licensed acupuncturist in your area to help. A trained professional can help sift through a variety of options our medicine has for you. Good luck READ MORE
Can acupuncture be used to treat depression?
It can help, but we would also need to know if he's been to an MD to check for medical issues that could be involved as well. READ MORE
Will acupuncture help me with hand pain?
I have helped many people with this issue ranging from artists, musicians, athletes, elderly people and others who have repetitive motion issues that lead to the pain. You would need to go find a Licensed Acupuncturist in your area (an L.Ac. not an MD or Chiro or PT who "also uses needles"). Pretty much any practitioner should be able to help this because pain issues are easy for us to treat. Good luck. READ MORE