Integrative Medicine
Wellness Associates of Chicago was founded in 1990—one of Chicago’s first centers of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Howard, Dr. Chen, Gene Arbetter and Dr. Costas are all integrative practitioners (see our staff page.
Allergies
We specialize in treatment of chronic illnesses that can be associated with underlying allergies, and are often misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Chronic Sinusitis, ADD/ADHD, Migraine Headache, Fibromyalgia, Autoimmune diseases, and others.
We have 25 years of experience in diagnosing and treating allergies to foods. Sometimes allergies cause immediate responses like rashes or swelling in the face or lips, or hives. However, other reactions may be delayed. This delayed type of allergic response can cause inflammatory reactions in all parts of the body—the sinuses, digestive system, respiratory system, brain, blood vessels, kidney and bladder, and connective tissue. This chronic inflammation is often the reason for chronic diseases that just won’t go away unless you look for the foods or food additives or airborne allergens that are causing the problem, and eliminate them from your diet and environment.
We have seen children as young as 10 months old, and adults as old as 91. We help all ages of people move from chronically ill, or “not very well” to feeling good. Our families say we have made wonderful changes for the better in their lives. For example, one of our “miracle” patients, a child of seven, had been seeing doctors two to four times a month since she was two, with recurrent strep, gum disease, and sores all over her body. After two visits to our center, her mother later told us that she was in such good health after discovering her “hidden allergies” that she had had and doctor visits for an entire year except for one time when she hurt her hand on the playground.
Other Chronic Illnesses
Also, we help people find new solutions for old illnesses—heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, chronic pain, and Parkinson’s disease.
Individualized Health Plans
We make individualized health plans that fit your lifestyle. These include detailed food planning, exercise, stress reduction, supplement reviews and evaluation. We have saved our patients hundreds and even thousands of dollars by helping them to eliminate unnecessary supplements, and to take only what they really need.
Healthy Aging
Turn back the clock! If you are tired of taking costly drugs and not feeling better, and if you’re tired of hearing, “you’re just getting older” from your doctor, see us, and add years to your life.
We can help you discover how your aging process is affecting your health, and how to stay younger longer. Dr. Howard has 20 years of experience with integrative anti-aging methods.
Women's Health
Dr. Howard has 25 years of experience working with women’s health issues. She has been prescribing individually compounded hormone replacement therapy for 15 years.
Pain and Injuries
We also treat chronic pain, acute injuries, sports injuries, and repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain and sciatic pain. Sometimes the source of your pain is “under the radar” both to you and to your doctor. We recently had a patient who had spent about $20,000 getting the “full workup” for a mysterious pain in her side. It turns out no one had simply taken a good medical history and asked her what she did all day. She was constantly turning to pull files down from above her head at her work station. When we advised her how to change her work station, the pain stopped.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
We offer the best of Traditional Chinese Medicine—acupuncture, herbs, tui na (a very effective, skillful body structural adjustment), and infrared treatment. Both Dr. Howard and Dr. Chen are board certified in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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