- One Community
Acupuncture Center342 S Main St.
Unit 1 Lower Level
Bartlett, Illinois 60103(630) 837-4241 Hours
Mon3pm-7pmTue9am-1pmWed10am-1pm, 3pm-7pmFri10am-1pm, 3pm-7pmSat1pm-4pm
Reviews from Google
Carlos is an incredibly knowledgeable and professional acupuncturist. He has he helped me with various ailments ranging from emotional instability to physical pain over the course of the last four years. His kind and compassionate demeanor is exactly what you're looking for when it comes to a healthcare provider. I highly recommend him and all of his massage therapists at OCAC.EleLotus Yoga Amy B01:02 12 Aug 18For years I suffered from migraines and as a result I was taking two medications. I was beginning to have serious side effects from the medication so I decided to try acupuncture with Carlos. I am happy to say that I am now completely off all medication and I don’t have migraines anymore! It is amazing what acupuncture can do and Carlos is a master. I have referred many family members to Carlos (including some who were afraid of needles) and they all had positive results. My husband’s back injury was cured quickly while my daughter finds acupuncture and cupping helpful in relieving stress. I have a relative with lupus who could not sleep due to pain in her legs and she found great relief after seeing Carlos. I have also known women with fertility issues who were able to conceive after treatment with Carlos. I believe that any problem, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or psychological can be helped by acupuncture and Carlos’ friendly manner and gentle approach puts his patients at ease.Teresa22:36 18 Feb 18In my experience, Carlos is the most experienced and skillful acupuncturist in Chicago's western & northern suburbs. Highly recommended. Very kind. Very reasonable rates. Carlos made a big difference in my successful recovery from surgery as well as calming stress.P Rush14:33 18 Dec 17I had been experiencing digestion issues for over 6 months. I tried traditional medicine and multiple remedies before finding Carlos. I couldn't be more grateful I did. After regular weekly visits (which include acupuncture and cupping), I am off all medications recommended by doctors and back to having a full functioning digestive system in and of itself. Carlos is incredibly knowledgable and makes every experience an enjoyable one. Would highly recommend him to anyone.Meryl Cripe23:42 31 Jul 17Carlos was able to alleviate my back and shoulder pain in just a couple sessions. My experience is always relaxing and I would recommend to anyone looking to avoid pain medication and other traditional treatments which tend to provide only symptomatic relief but require constant use.Kristin Kinnaman21:36 14 Aug 17Carlos is great! He helped me with a shoulder issue before a big event, without his help I would have struggled through the event.Nicole Pawola00:13 22 Nov 18A friend of mine recommended Carlos for a shoulder issue that I was dealing with. I was so grateful because after 2 sessions he had me back to 100% range of movement. I highly recommend Carlos. He's very knowledgeable and compassionate.Patti Salwach01:23 15 Mar 19Carlos is incredible! I struggled to get pregnant for over a year, and was referred to acupuncture. My chiropractor shouted Carlos’ name without hesitation! Carlos has such knowledge and precision in his practice. He has helped calm my anxiety, migraines, body aches, and with a few months of treatment, I was able to get pregnant. I had a small surgery in between, but acupuncture helped ease the pain and was able to get me up and running in no time. It has also helped me to relax in my pregnancy. I look forward to my sessions for the calm, inward focus of myself. Carlos has taught me a LOT. Thank you for all you have done thus far!Carmella Mahaz02:35 01 Aug 19I highly highly recommend Carlos. Before I started Accupuncture, I had horrible back pain, migraines, anxiety, depression, mood changes. After 10 meetings, I feel so great, so relaxed and "me" again. In the last 3 years, I did Phisical Therapy, I was taking medicines for migraines, but non of them helped me that much and in a shorter period of time how Accupuncture did. Carlos has "golden" hands and is very knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with Carlos, you won't regret it!mirela craciun19:16 04 Oct 19I have been experiencing overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks for years. I've tried traditional medicine and read all the books and websites to learn how to manage my anxiety, I've tried it all with minimal results. I finally decided to try acupuncture. I can't tell you what a difference it has made. I have my quality of life back, and within 3 visits. Carlos is caring and dedicated and wants to help you feel better and be you best self. The office is a relaxing and warm environment. Best decision I have ever made. I highly recommend you visit Carlos and get your health back.Paula Kintzel02:19 19 Dec 16I had been dealing with groan strain for years, I could not believe how effective Carlos's treatment was. Highly recommend his practice.Thomas Tukiendorf17:48 26 Apr 21I have chronic neck pain, that drs wanted to burn my nerves in my neck to help with pain management. Carlos has helped me with the pain without the surgical treatments.Cami Mears19:15 05 Mar 21Carlos is amazing at what he does. He is very dedicated to his work and extremely knowledgeable of acupuncture. He helped me get rid of my pain and I highly recommend Carlos to anyone suffering.J M18:27 17 Sep 20Carlos Carpintero, L.Ac. Is a very good acupuncturist. He is very professional and has a good personality to put you to ease. I would whole heartedly recommend Carlos.Scott Trebes21:47 01 Jun 21I've been coming for few months now and can say all the good things about the place and Carlos. He's helped me with my back pain, bad migrainces, low energy levels, high stress level and boost my immune system. I continue going to keep myself healthy. I since then sent there my husband with his back pain and my Mom for her back problems, hands numbness and high blood pressure. Highly recommended!Aneta Cybruch21:27 14 Jan 22I have been experiencing join pain and chronic fatigue for 6 years. I have seen multiple doctors and have have been diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia. I have tried medicine with minimal improvement. My friends kept asking if I had ever tried acupuncture. 2 months ago, I have decided to make an appointment at One Community Acupuncture Center. At that time, I was experiencing constant fatigue for 3 weeks struggling to make it to the end of each day, taking care of my kids and having full time job. It was very easy to make an appointment with Carlos since he was willing to work with my schedule. The office setting is very calm and relaxing. Carlos provided compassionate care from the very beginning demonstrating effective listening skills, in depth knowledge about various treatments and accurate assessment of physical and emotional state of his patient. Just after the first acupuncture treatment my fatigue was gone! After every visit I feel relaxed, and when I wake up the next morning I keep thinking about how much energy I have all day, even when I work 12 hour shift! Carlos also provided treatment with cupping and that was incredibly helpful as well. My energy level increased so significantly that I am able to exercise on regular basis now. I am also able to manage my stress level much better. I am extremely happy and thankful for all the positive changes I have been experiencing since my first visit with Carlos. I feel 90% better now then before my first visit. Carlos’ compassionate and insightful manner was not only able to improve my physical but also my psychological well-being, which I believe has significant impact on our overall health. I highly recommend One Community Acupuncture Center.Magdalena Socki10:49 16 Sep 21I came here by recommendation from my chiropractor suffering with very painful hip bursitis pain. Within 2 treatments I felt significant relief. The bonus treatment I received was relaxation, the acupuncturist Carlos found relaxation points to relax me as well. Outstanding treatment. Carlos listens, cares, and treats pain until it disappears!! I highly recommend One Community Acupuncture.Myra Onesimus12:00 20 Oct 21Carlos has been treating my husband for the past 2 month. He’s been able to help him regain his strength and relieve pressure in his head that no neurologist has been to help him since there is no medical diagnosis. I highly recommend visiting Carlos.Alejandra Gonzalez01:44 01 Sep 21I started going to Carlos a little over a month ago after I tried many different types of therapies to try and relieve my upper back pain, but nothing was helping. Carlos took the time to understood my pain and the issues that I was feeling. After the first two sessions, I felt great! I have never had acupuncture or cupping before, so I was unsure what to expect. However, he takes the time to explain the process and makes you feel right at ease. I also feel so relaxed afterwards, which is another reason I like going. For anyone looking to get some pain relief after trying many different therapies, I would highly recommend trying acupuncture and going with Carlos.Ian Petersen20:35 14 May 22I had been struggling with bone on bone arthritis in my shoulder for almost 2 years. After a car accident the end of October, I began seeing Dr. Carpintero twice a week. After six weeks, my pain has significantly lessened and my range of motion is greatly improved. At the same time I am receiving acupuncture for the plantar fasciitis I have in both feet. That condition has also greatly improved. Surprisingly, one of the most profound shifts I have experienced is been in the amount of stamina and energy I have regained after adding acupuncture to my wellness practice. For anyone looking to enhance their health and well-being, I definitely recommend One Community Acupuncture Center.Pam Schilling21:06 14 Dec 22Great place he helps with all kinds of pain I've been having headaches for years I had an MRI from my doctor then went to the neurologist but nothing worked till I seen Carlos now I have no headaches it even helped me with anxiety try this place its covered by most insurance 5 stars I would give him 10 stars if I couldRon Rose21:37 01 Dec 22‹›Follow Us!
- Sign up to receive news and updates and get my free report:“The Top 10 Reasons to Try Acupuncture”
-
Latest Articles:
- • Healthy Choices for a Healthy Spring •
- • Tips and Tricks for a Sparkling Spring •
- • Fitness Routine Spring Cleaning •
Uncategorized
Food as Medicine
Mama Always Said: You Are What You Eat
Maybe mom really did know best when it came to nutrition. As research has shown, what we eat can actually impact our health profoundly. Over the years, we have learned that our dietary choices can influence our risk of disease. And some have made it a profitable business to teach us new ways to look at food (anti-inflammatory diet, Keto, heart healthy, etc.). continue reading »
Food as Medicine was last modified: January 2nd, 2023 by admin
How Acupuncture Can Improve Lung Health
The health of our lungs isn’t necessarily talked about a lot when general health is discussed. Typically, cardiovascular health, chronic pain, cholesterol and stroke risk tend to be the more common topics. Many don’t think about lung health until there is a problem and then improving it becomes priority number one. continue reading »
How Acupuncture Can Improve Lung Health was last modified: October 26th, 2022 by admin
Cancer Treatment Side Effects? Acupuncture to the Rescue
Cancer treatments can cause a variety of other side effects that also need to be addressed. More and more research is showing acupuncture as a viable option for additional pain management for those receiving chemotherapy or surgery and for the common side effects those treatments can bring. These side effects can include neuropathy, dry mouth, constipation, anxiety, and nausea. continue reading »
Cancer Treatment Side Effects? Acupuncture to the Rescue was last modified: August 22nd, 2022 by admin
Herbal Spring Cleaning: 3 Surprisingly Powerful Herbs for the Liver

Timing is everything. Nature knows this and teaches us if we are paying attention. From winter to spring we can witness a drastic change in our environment. As that fresh spring breeze blows in and the cold barren landscape transforms into a vibrant display of life, we may feel like getting outside and shaking off some of that winter sluggishness.
In Chinese medicine, Spring is liver time, which is a time of rebirth, growth and movement. It is also a perfect time for supporting our liver function with some gentle detoxification. In accord with Chinese Medicine theory, the regeneration of liver cells is measurably more prolific after the spring equinox. Our bodies know what to do. Liver function, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), includes regulating the movement of qi (energy) and blood in the body. It’s all about getting things moving again after nature’s slow season.
From a western biomedical standpoint, the liver is mainly an organ of detoxification. The liver degrades old red and white blood cells and breaks down toxic chemicals, cleansing and refreshing the blood. It actively filters 1.3 – 1.5 liters of blood every single minute. It also synthesizes bile which carries toxins out of the body through the intestines.
There are 2 main phases of detoxification in the liver that process contaminants like medications, alcohol, and environmental toxins. Phase 1 is responsible for transforming fat-soluble compounds into water-soluble compounds. Phase 2 converts pesticides, alcohol, toxic metals, excess hormones etc. into safer compounds that can then be eliminated by other organs.
Herbology is the internal medicine branch of TCM. We can support liver function and in turn our natural spring renewal process with the use of some Chinese herbs. With an understanding that the safest and most effective herbal therapy is a customized one, we can look at a few herbal detox superheros:
Turmeric: (jiang huang)
TCM categorizes this herb as a blood mover. It unblocks qi and blood stasis and eases pain.
Western pharmacology recognizes its blood-moving and anti-inflammatory properties as well. It is known to support both phase 1 and phase 2 of liver detox. A study on mice showed it also improved liver detoxification by lowering inflammatory markers, reducing oxidative stress and increasing glutathione (another important body detoxification product made in the liver).
Turmeric can be enjoyed as a food, seasoning, supplement, or in tea. ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder can be added to meals. Be sure to add a little black pepper to increase absorption. You can also grate fresh turmeric root into soups, salads and curries.
Schizandra Berry (wu wei zi )
This amazing medicinal herb is also known as 5 flavor berry because it exhibits all 5 flavors. It also remarkably enters all 12 meridians and therefore has multiple beneficial effects on the body. It is mainly thought of as having an astringent action, which can treat symptoms of liver and kidney deficiency by preventing loss of qi and yin fluids. Bio-chemically, it is known to support regeneration of healthy liver cells. It has been used to help induce regeneration of liver tissue after part of the liver was surgically removed. It also activates the phase 1 detox pathway, helps to decrease free radicals, protects cell membranes, and can assist in lowering stress-related increases of liver enzymes.
Small amounts of the berries can be eaten fresh or dried and there are also tinctures, powders and supplements. But why not relax with a cup of some medicinal and delicious 5-flavor tea?
Gold Coin Grass: (jin qian cao)
Another herbal powerhouse to keep on hand for spring cleaning is Gold Coin Grass. TCM functions are to drain damp, remove heat and toxins, and eliminate stasis. In Western herbology, it is recognized for its ability to dissolve and prevent gallstones and promote bile secretion to help to move sediment and clear bile ducts. This is in addition to it’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects
Gold Coin Grass is known for making a drinkable tea, but can also be taken as a supplement or tincture. It is not advisable for patients with diarrhea or those on anti-diuretic medications.
Listen to your body this spring. You may hear it calling for exercise, or emotional release. While you’re at it, try one of these 3 herbal superheroes and see what their powers can do for you!
To discover the full benefits of Chinese herbal therapy and how it can help you optimally adjust to the changing season, call your Chinese Medicine practitioner to schedule your next appointment!
Herbal Spring Cleaning: 3 Surprisingly Powerful Herbs for the Liver was last modified: April 14th, 2022 by Carlos Carpintero
Effortless Healing: Can Imbalances Clear up on their Own?

Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Yes, but…..there are a few things to consider when relying on our ‘natural propensity towards health’. The most important of which is entropy, the second law of thermodynamics, a disorderly force we must contend with. It runs counter to the organizational efforts of nature, but also works in balance with them, in yet another dynamic expression of yin and yang.
Entropy is played out in living systems as the natural deterioration of the body. As we age past mid-life our body tissues and physiological systems gradually lose their vibrance. Structure and function suffer, as entropy takes over in the process of decay necessary to the cycle of life. So, where we are in the stages of development/decline in life is a big determining factor for the ability to self-heal.
How much entropy are we up against? Imbalances have a much better chance of resolving themselves while we are young and more in the yang (growth) phase of our life versus the yin (decline) phase. Severity of disease or injury also dictates the level of counter-entropy efforts needed.
Regardless of age, however, and even the severity of our condition, we can still tap into our innate healing energy under certain conditions. And yes, some of those conditions can be practically effortless, depending on how you look at it.
One condition is: stop doing the things that are pushing your body into a state of entropy. Don’t keep eating toxic food, don’t keep putting yourself in overly stressful situations (as much as you can control it), in other words: don’t keep banging your head against the wall.
The other condition is that your qi must be strong. In TCM terms, qi IS that natural healing force. It is that spark of life that organizes chaos into form and function. Qi can be supported by even minimal efforts such as adequate sleep, meditation, or simply sitting quietly in a restful but conscious state.
While some of us call it qi, others think of it as the inborn system of self-preservation. Zhigou Wang, a biomedicine researcher from China, breaks down the ways the human body resists entropy into 4 processes[1]: self-organization, self-defense, self-healing and anti-wear and tear.
Self-organization can be witnessed in the miracle of development, the way a single cell matures into a full grown organism. Scientists at Tufts university looked at this miracle in early stages of tadpole development. In doing so they documented a perfect physical representation of the organizing power of qi: patterns of visible bioelectrical signals outlining and directing the development of the embryo.[2]
Self-defense includes our immune system, inflammatory response, endogenous antioxidants, the stress response, autophagy and apoptosis (the destruction and removal of sick cells).
Self-healing includes compensatory mechanisms like the increase in heart rate that occurs to compensate for slow circulation due to heart damage. This is also the category of cell/tissue renewal. Think of a wound healing, or a broken bone that seems to magically repair itself over time. When a large number of cells are destroyed, surrounding cells replicate to make new ones. Self healing also happens on a molecular level with DNA repair. There is a natural editing process at work correcting damaged or mutated DNA. Finally, anti-wear and tear is simply the daily process of upkeep necessary to mend minor internal injuries that arise from continued use of the body’s tissues.
And while these self-preservation mechanisms can help to slow or even reverse the degradation of our living system, there are no guarantees (well, except eventual death).
Effortless repair and renewal does happen, even in seemingly miraculous ways, but every little effort to support this process gives us a better shot at healing, and a better chance at enjoying the best quality of life. Acupuncture is one of the best tools for supporting all aspects of this self-preservation system. It has been shown to strengthen immunity and regulate inflammation[3] , aid in tissue renewal[4], and even DNA repair[5]. It does this because it supports the driving force of this self-preservation system, that spark of life, that intelligent bio-electrical energy that organizes and directs our growth and healing: or as practitioners of Chinese medicine have called it for millennia: qi.
Yes, it takes effort to call and make an appointment but once you are on the table you can relax and allow your acupuncturist to support your own effortless healing abilities. The gentle placement of needles at various acupuncture points will free up the flow of your own qi-driven self-preservation system.
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095809921003866#!
[2] https://now.tufts.edu/news-releases/face-frog-time-lapse-video-reveals-never-seen
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4540978/
[4] https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1939-acupuncture-muscle-regeneration-discovery-2
Effortless Healing: Can Imbalances Clear up on their Own? was last modified: March 1st, 2022 by Carlos Carpintero