Our goal at Apex Acupuncture is to help people find and maintain their highest point of health.

There is a fundamental idea in East Asian Medicine that there is always something about us that is “upright”, or correct. The fact that we are alive means that many things are working as they should.

We see patients as whole people, not simply as their illnesses or injuries. There may be something (or many things) out of balance, but we don’t see people as “sick” or “well”, because we are all “sick” and “well”. This medicine nudges the body to use what is working well to correct that which is not.  We ask questions about your whole body, particularly about sleep, digestion, and mood because those are keys to how well you are functioning, regardless of what brought you into the office.

When something within us is out of balance, it will eventually lead to greater injury or illness. We strive to tackle your physical and mental/emotional frustrations and annoyances, and help you successfully manage your stressors so that you can move freely, sleep well, and feel your best.

Jana Bricker, L.Ac., C.SMA

I was first introduced to acupuncture following a shoulder surgery, and continued treatment to relieve chronic headaches and debilitating migraines.

My fascination with acupuncture theory and the success of the treatments made me want to learn more. A lot more. After four years of school, over 3000 training hours, and four board exams, I became a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist. My respect for, confidence in, and fascination with East Asian Medicine continues to grow, and I continue to further my education and share what I learn with my patients.

I call myself an acupuncturist and often reference the fact that I went to “acupuncture school”, but in truth, I am much more than an acupuncturist, and school was much more than learning about acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a technique. East Asian Medicine is a way of looking at and living in the world. We are interconnected at all times – interconnected with other people, with nature and the seasons, and with what is going on in our community and the world.

In order to be effective, those who practice this medicine must understand the body in both Eastern and Western terms. We diagnose through observation, discussion, and palpation. The modalities of treatment often include much more than just acupuncture – I often use cupping, gua sha, and herbal medicine, along with discussion about food therapy, and breathing and meditation techniques.

I am endlessly curious about how humans work and the interconnectedness of all things. Through my desire to relieve suffering, and my joy in testing East Asian medical theory to solve the puzzles of the human body and psyche, I am able to create a healing space to bring about positive results.

I go out of my way to make sure that all questions are thoroughly answered during office visits. I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know my patients and be a part of their “team”. I truly love the work that I do.

Please feel free to contact me if I can answer any questions or help you determine if acupuncture, and/or Chinese herbal medicine is right for you.

CREDENTIALS AND DEGREES

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMISSION FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE (NCCAOM)

  • Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
  • Diplomate of Acupuncture
  • Diplomate of Herbology

MIDWEST COLLEGE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE

  • 3000 hour professional program with approximately 2000 classroom hours and 1000 supervised clinical hours
  • Summa Cum Laude Designation
  • Master of Science in Oriental Medicine
  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

SPORTS MEDICINE ACUPUNCTURE® CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

WHITE PINE INSTITUTE GRADUATE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

THE ACUPUNCTURE SPORTS MEDICINE APPRENTICESHIP CERTIFICATION

  • 60 hour apprenticeship with Whitfield Reaves (www.whitfieldreaves.com)
  • Certificate of Achievement in Acupuncture Sports Medicine

SA’AM ACUPUNCTURE

  • 100+ hour foundational and advanced coursework with Toby Daly. Korean Sa’am acupuncture is a tradition that has been passed down through a lineage of monk practitioners.

THE BALANCE METHOD

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

  • Licensed Acupuncturist (#198.000984)

COUNCIL OF COLLEGES OF ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE

  • Clean Needle Technique

YOGA ALLIANCE

  • Registered Yoga Teacher