I've been a patient at Eastland Accupuncture for over 9 years and I honestly say Dr. Z is one of the best Acupuncturist I've seen. Over the years Dr. Z has helped me with a wide range of issues. He also has an in depth knowledge of herbs. I no longer live nearby, but whenever I am in town I always make sure to stop in for an appointment. read more

Dr Z is excellent at providing safe and nurtured environment while leveraging his extensive knowledge of Eastern health techniques. Highly recommend as an alternative to traditional medicine for any type or pain, pregnancy support and sleep issues. read more

Dr. Z has been providing me with great care and expertise. My blood pressure has been high, and he indicated that the medication I take for thyroid may be one of the reasons that is affecting my health. I brought to my physician, and an adjustment has been made. I feel great after four sessions. It is comforting to know that you are being treated by a real doctor, very intelligent, caring and respectful. He is not a 5 but a perfect ten! Maria Cristina read more

I've had good experience with Dr. Z. I've been seeing him about my pains for sometime now and because of his help I'm able to stay comfortable most of the time. I definitely feel that he's a master of his trade because no one else was able to help me before. I have been recommending him to other people and I will do so because he's just good at what he does. Thank you Dr Z! read more

I went to Eastland the first time and I couldn't stand up straight, my back was in so much pain. After 3 sessions I could! Since then we've done maintenance and he keeps being amazing. Recommend to everyone I talk to, such an amazing practitioner. read more

Maybe I shouldn't tell you how awesome Dr. Z is because I like having easy access to the best health care ever. But you should have access too. I have seen three different acupuncture practices in Chicago over the last 4 years for various reasons, and Dr. Z and Eastland Acupuncture have been the best. The others were good too. But this is creme de la creme. In short, Dr. Z makes the pain go away. He makes the whatever is bad with you go away. From crazy mood swings, horrible cramps and most recently a soaringly aching tooth, he has fixed it for me. And he totally respects Western medicine (told me I need to get my butt into a dentist) so I trust that he knows what he can do, what they can do and how to get you better in a wholistic fashion. I think he can probably fix anything. Seriously. read more

I'm not sure whether to give two or three stars. Here's why: I went to Eastland Acupuncture because I had back pain off and on for about a year. Lately, though, it's been more on than off. I also had some hip pain for about four years that my medical doctor could not diagnose. So, feeling frustrated with Western Medicine, I tried acupuncture for the first time. First, let me say that Monica, the assistant, was very pleasant, professional and informative. She checked my insurance before my visit and called me to let me know what my coverage entailed. When I got to the office she was very courteous and remembered me from our phone conversation. I must also say that the office itself is clean and peaceful. My visit with Dr.Z went well, but the after effects did not. Dr. Z doesn't do much talking, he just gets to work. He asked me a few questions, then proceeded to check my problem areas. I was amazed at his ability to perceive exactly where my pain was; also, his knowledge of the body is extensive. He saw things I hadn't even mentioned. Unfortunately, after each session (I went to two) my pain got worse, not better. My back pain, which had been mild, became more intense. I did some yoga, though, and that fixed it right up. My hip was another story. I'd been having pain in my hip that only occurred when I stood up from a seated position--and only after sitting for a long time. My medical doctor could not figure out where the pain was coming from. Dr. Z also wasn't quite sure, but had some ideas so we tried some things. He did acupuncture on my hip and then attached this electrical pulse gadget. I thought it went well while I was at the office, but things got worse over the next few days. Previously, I'd only had the pain after sitting for long periods, now I feel pain while I'm walking and even lying down. So even though I loved the office and thought the staff were great, the treatment aggravated my pain instead of helping. Would I still recommend the office? Probably, just with a disclaimer. read more

I had fallen off my bike about four months ago when the left side of my handlebars snapped off. I went down and about three days later I started feeling it in my lower back. The pain steadily got worse over the next couple of months. My doctor did nothing but take xrays and prescribe vicodin. Friends suggested acupuncture, but I was extremely skeptical. The rough painful evenings and sleepless nights continued. I was beginning to think that I am just going to have to accept this for the rest of my life. After a particularly painful evening, I got up the next day to see a twobuck duck deal in my inbox. I bought it and went in. He put a few needles in my back and then pushed and pulled in a few strategic points and said that I should be good after another session or two. To be honest, I was not buying it. I thought there was no way anything he did was going to stop the almost constant pain that I had been in for the previous four months. However, exactly one week later, I am in zero pain. I didn't go in for the recommended two extra sessions, but perhaps I should. I am still a bit stiff, but the pain is totally gone. I must admit, I want to be skeptical, but the truth is, I am no longer in pain. I will definitely go to Dr Z in the future if my body needs it, and I would definitely recommend him to friends and family. read more

I had a horrible experience with Dr Z a couple years back when I lived in Chicago. I never bothered to review until now, but the experience has stuck with me. I went in for a consultation session that was supposed to be a set price. I did not feel that Dr Z listened to me, and he then stuck needles in me and left me in a dark room with a blanket over my body. I've since had other acupuncture experiences and this was by far the worst experience I've ever had. I was completely uncomfortable with the blanket over me pressing into the needles and he did not come back to check on me. He then charged me much more than the advertised price and criticized me for being vegetarian. No bedside manners at all. I don't live in Chicago anymore, but I would not recommend this place to anyone. I had a much better experiences at the community acupuncture centers in Chicago. read more

I sought out Dr. Z about a year and a half ago for neck pain due to arthritis that had gotten unbearable -- my pain was severe, my range of motion extremely limited. I had tried acupuncture previously with mixed success. An orthopedic doctor told me the only thing to do for my pain was a lifetime of pain medication which I was loath to do. Under Dr. Z's care I began to see improvement almost immediately -- I literally cried with joy when about 2 months into treatment I realized that I had no neck pain at all. My neck pain continues to be minimal and sporadic - rather than severe and constant. Before treatments at Eastland Acupuncture I had grown to expect pain to debilitate me for the rest of my life -- Dr. Z changed that reality. Dr. Z has since treated me for a variety of ailments, from colds to digestion issues to other aches and pains -- but more importantly to me he has formulated a therapy of general wellness that I think is making me a healthier person. I now seek his advice and treatment before I go to my 'western medicine Doc' -- whom I love and has been my Doc for years. Dr. Z is a wizard with his needles and hands and an alchemist with herbs. His demeanor is calming and authoritative. His ability to diagnose is almost uncanny. Monica is always a pleasure and her demeanor adds to the calming, professional atmosphere of the office. I am a convert to and true believer in Chinese medicine due to my experience with Dr. Z -- I consider it to be a road to wellness and wellbeing that I will continue to follow for the rest of my life. read more

Eastland is my second experience with acupuncture. My first experience at another place, was not pleasant at all, but I decided to give acupuncture a second try. On my first session, Dr. Z checked my pulse and we talked about symptoms I was having. In all 4 sessions, the experience was painless and relaxing. Eastland's facility was also very nice and comforting. It's been about a year now, and the symptoms haven't returned so I'm pretty happy about that. Thanks Dr. Z! read more

I was trying to get pregnant for 2 years without success and it took me 5 weeks of acupuncture sessions with Dr Z to make this miracle happen! I can't even express how much I am thankful to find this gifted and talented Dr who helped to make my dream come true! Highly recommend to those who are trying to get pregnant! read more

My daughter, my husband and myself all see Dr. Z at Eastland Acupuncture Center for treatments. My daughter calls him the "miracle worker" because he was able to eliminate the pain she was in from a broken rib plus speed the healing time. Dr Z has helped my husband become pain free from arthritis in his hands. He has treated me successfully for many ailments including neck pain, arthritis in my shoulder, anxiety and hot flashes. The clinic is serene and beautiful and Monica, the office manager, is a delight. Dr Z seems to intuitively know where to put the needles and what underlying issues need healing. I highly recommend him. read more

Dr Z has quite literally changed my life. A few years ago, I was regularly suffering from muscle spasms in my lower back. They would strike about every six months, and I would be out of work for a week each time. I had gone to doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors--nothing worked. Nothing! After a particularly bad bout, uncomfortable for weeks, I happened to walk passed EASTLAND ACUPUNCTURE. I have never tried acupuncture, never believed in it really, but thought "what can it hurt?" Laying on his table that first time, he felt along my spine and said "Here. This is where the problem is." In just moments he had isolated the vertebrae that were out of place. After one session only, I was immeasurably better. Before I was unable to sit comfortably for any length of time, but that evening I was in a lawn chair at a BBQ for hours! After a few weeks, I was fully PAIN FREE! I had forgotten what it was like to not feel pain in my lower back! I have been going to DR Z ever since. Whenever my back feels tweaky, I visit him straight away and after I am right as rain. Since I started seeing him, I have had one--ONE--muscle spasm in over three years, and that was when I was away on a business trip and couldn't get to him. I tell everyone about Dr. Z--and everyone that sees him agrees. He's a miracle worker. read more

I'm not sure how to rate my experience at Eastland. Regarding Dr. Z., I feel that he is a skilled acupuncturist and has somewhat helped me. Regarding his billing practices, I have a lot of problem. When I first came in, my insurance benefits were verified and I was told that I did not need to pay upfront, as my insurance would cover the services. So I scheduled 5 appointments. Some time after my 5 appointments, Monica, the office assistant sent me an email saying that because my insurance company takes a long time to reimburse, I have to pay for the 5 sessions and they will reimburse me after they receive a payment from my insurance (apparently it takes a year). Although this was indicated in their policy - that nobody reads -I feel this is unfair because I was encouraged to schedule these appointments. Obviously, if I would've known I wouldn't have scheduled 5 sessions. I was given a due date to pay via email, so I set up my online bill pay for that date. However, a week prior to the due date, Monica emails me stating that they did not receive the payment as yet. IT'S IN THE MAIL!! According to my bank records the check was issued, sent and delivered on time. A week after the due date, I receive another email from Monica pestering me about the bill and threatening me with collections. Apparently, they did not receive the payment. I called my bank and they reissued a check but I have a suspicion that Eastland Acupuncture lost the original payment. Now, I appreciate the fact that they want to get paid, but encouraging clients to make appointments, saying that you don't have to pay upfront and then demanding the money seems like poor service. Furthermore, pestering good customers about a bill that was never late and then threatening with collections a week after the due date (even though this was probably their error) seems rude and certainly deterred me from making any future appointments. read more

I went into see Dr. Z a few months ago when a neurologist told me that the reason for the numbness in my arm was from a pinched nerve in my neck. After accessing the problem Dr. Z gathered that rather than a pinched nerve (which he treated anyway) it seemed like i had some carpal tunnel systems. He refocused his energy on the carpal tunnel and soon after a few sessions the feeling came back to my arm. This was a huge relief since the next steps would have been a cortisone shot and at the very worst surgery. Another thing to understand about this situation is that I am deathly afraid of needles but I figured surgery would be worse. Dr. Z was able to get me through my needle fears to the point where I was looking forward to it because I knew that at the end would be "relief". You should know that Dr. Z studied Western Medicine in the past so he can easily translate your ailments into accupuncture solutions. He will also let you know where the limitations with accupuncture are and when you should seek other types of help. Best of all for me is that my insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) totally covers my visits! I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Z for anyone who is having any type of ailment. read more

Dr Z is the ideal healer: He combines the best of eastern and western medicine in his approach. He knows the body and has a quiet confidence that is extremely reassuring to the patient. I've gone to him for several years now for many things--a broken neck, sciatica pain, insomnia. Now my niece is going to him for her colitis and digestion problems. I completely believe in acupuncture because of this man. I wish more people would us it. Rest assured, you are in amazingly capable hands with Dr. Z! Both he and Monica provide the warmest welcome, too. read more

Do yourself a favor and book an appointment with Dr. Z stat! He is incredible. I went to see him for some chronic upper back pain I had been suffering. And while I can give Dr. Z a positive review on this, what REALLY sealed the deal is when he fixed my shoulder: I am in my 20s and too much yoga + my serving job led to my getting bursitis in my right shoulder. Started off as mild on-and-off shoulder soreness and then all of a sudden one day became SO excruciating that I ended up in the ER. I was practically begging for my arm to be amputated to stop the pain (at the time I had no idea what was causing the pain since it started seemingly out of nowhere). Anyway, Western docs took their sweet 'ol time diagnosing me and prescribed me MONTHS of narcotic pain meds in the meantime as "treatment." Not okay with this course of action, I went to Dr. Z, who diagnosed it as bursitis and started his acupuncture therapy asap. Pain: nearly gone after the first session! And he took great care in telling me about what I might have been doing in yoga to hurt myself. He recommended certain exercises to strengthen my rotator cuff muscles to heal and prevent this injury in the future. I went back to my western docs to see what they had to say. After an MRI and a looong, expensive and drawn-out diagnosis process, guess what? Bursitis. Then they basically recommended physical therapy (same kinds of exercises as Dr. Z recommended) + more narcotic meds for the pain (it was seriously excruciating). Well, I went with the phys therapy but nixed the meds for Dr. Z's acupuncture a couple times a week and that was THE way to go. THANK YOU DR. Z! His office is peaceful and relaxing. They are so good about finding out what your insurance covers, etc. Never any surprises. And while Dr. Z is kind of quiet at first, he is an amazing practitioner and will warm up when he gets to know you a little better. HIGHLY recommend! read more

At 30 weeks pregnant I really notice pain in my pelvic area. It's called Pelvic Girdle Pain, sometimes referred to as Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction, and I also found out my baby was breech. First I went to a chiropractor and then a massage therapist but it seemed to only minimally relieve the pain for a bit and then over the next couple of weeks things started to progressively get worse. Tasks like getting dressed, getting in and out of the car, standing up from sitting, bending over, turning over in bed, etc, were all an excruciating experience. I made an appointment with Dr Z at 33 weeks pregnant. As a few other reviewers noted Dr Z was a little quiet at first but I think for him he just takes his craft very seriously and wants to be in tune with your body. Each time we would chat a little more and by the 6th visit I was asking him all about his studies and how he came to practice eastern medicine - I should note Dr Z first studied western medicine and then he studied eastern medicine. Each time he would ask me a few questions and get right to work examining my back and hips, deciding where to place the needles. I was amazed at how intuitive he is. Each visit was more specific to the way my body was changing in response to his treatments. I've never experienced that with any doctor, not even the chiropractor or massage therapist. I went to see Dr Z 6 times total. Each time he would place needles primarily in the right side of my pelvic, perform moxibustion to encourage baby to flip, and then after that was all finished he would check my spine and give me a gentle adjustment - not like the chiropractor but 100 times more effective. I had never been to an acupuncturist before so I was kind of skeptical of the whole thing but I was in so much pain and I really wanted our baby to turn I was willing to try anything! The first time he placed the needles only one hurt and the rest just stung a little but only when they were administered. Then he turned down the lights, turned on relaxing music, and I just closed my eyes and felt no discomfort at all. He left for a little while and then came back to do the moxibustion (which had baby moving like crazy!!) and then left again for a few more minutes. When he came back and took out the needles I could tell something was different. As I sat up I still felt slight pain but it had significantly reduced. Each day I went back for treatment I got better and better. Only the first day "hurt" when he put in the needles, but everyday there after I didn't feel anything more than a faint sting - less than that of a bug bite! And each time I left his office I was walking more easily, getting in and out my car with less pain, and things were really starting to change. By my last appointment Dr Z didn't have to do any adjustment to my lower back. I was finally able to sleep through the night without waking up with back pain or pubic bone pain, and my life was relatively back to normal despite being 34 weeks pregnant. My pain was essentially gone! The best part is that when I left Dr Z on my 6th visit I could tell baby had really been moving a lot better and was making bigger movements. I had to wait almost a week from the time I saw Dr Z last till my Dr appointment to confirm with an ultrasound that baby had indeed flipped! If you have any type of pain regardless if you are pregnant or not you really should see Dr Z. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER THROUGH YOUR PAIN!! He has so much knowledge, he is intuitive, encouraging, kind, and he obviously has a gift. I am now 35 1/2 weeks pregnant and I am still pain free and baby is in the proper position. I plan to seek Dr Z for any other ailments or discomfort I may experience in the future and I highly recommend you do, too! read more

I have been going through IVF for the past few years and my nurse recommended I try acupuncture. I went to Eastland and saw Dr Z. before my transfer so he could help me with anxiety, back pain and my fertility issues. I have been to him 5 times now and will continue to go indefinitely! I am happy to report that my anxiety and back pain is significantly lower and I am now 6 weeks pregnant. I would suggest any women dealing with infertility go to Eastland and see Dr. Z. He is so intelligent and friendly and has a true gift for healing. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Z regularly for about 6 months; he's helped me tremendously with everything from insomnia to joint pain. Dr. Z is very knowledgable and takes time to understand my concerns and treat the root of the problem. Tired of prescription pills, I first came to Dr. Z to address chronic insomnia. I was thrilled to start getting quality sleep after a few weeks of acupuncture and taking natural herbs. Since then, Dr. Z has treated back pain and muscle inflammation around one of my problem hips. I highly recommend Dr. Z and his expertise within alternate medicine! read more

I ended up having to have a micro discectomy surgery on my L5 S1 disc. No more sciatic nerve pain. I had a huge leak in my disc of 22mm. If I had kept proper posture, diet, and exercise program it would not have been necessary. I will go back to Dr. Z because I have had nerve damage and numbness in feet. Maybe acupuncture can treat it. Will update. read more

I have been going to Dr. Z now for almost 8 years. He is amazing - it's as simple as that. He has a quiet confidence that is so reassuring when you are looking for relief from whatever ails you or when you are trying something (acupuncture) new for the first time. I am an overly energetic personality type and his calm energy was a perfect compliment to mine. He has helped me heal from a dislocated shoulder, from numerous colds and flu conditions and menstrual pain relief among other things. He is my "go to" guy whenever I have something that needs attention. I prefer seeing him whenever I can over going to my "Western" doctor. I can't explain how acupuncture works, but I can just tell you that it does. Dr. Z and Monica are a great team and they provide a relaxing, reassuring and restorative atmosphere. I would not hesitate to recommend Eastland Acupuncture to anyone who seeks relief in a natural, organic way versus taking numerous medications that only cover up the illness rather than treat it. If you go, have patience and let the "magic" happen... you will feel better. Guaranteed. read more

I saw Dr. Z a couple of years ago when i hurt my back and couldn't walk for a week. I had a vacation planned inVail and was heartsick. My MD couldn't help except with pain pills. In 3 sessions Dr. Z had me walking, and in 3 weeks I was able to ski like a demon! I am a long distance runner and run about 1500 miles a year since 1974. I've run 12 marathons. This March I broke down and couldn't run because because of foot and hip pain. I saw 2 orthopedic surgeons and a podiatrist.... no kidding, one treats the Bulls players, and the other the Bears players. Smart docs... but none of the 3 could help beyond orthotics, medication and meds. My wife reminded me of Dr. Z so I went back to see him. He was very friendly, remembered me, and was happy to help. He made a very different diagnosis and began to treat my back again. rather than my foot and hip directly. I was surprised, but went along. Gradually his work made sense to me and my very painful disability improved week by week. I walk long distances pain free and for the firrst time in almost a year I have hope of running again! I am grateful to Dr. Z and feel that he helped me when others could not. His office is very clean and relaxing and Monica his assistant, and Dr. Z are very friendly and kind. Monica recently helped me with my computer after a session with Dr. Z. I recommend Eastland very highly. I never saw an accupuncturist before and had no idea what to expect. I have been very delighted with the outcome of my treatment! read more

I would have given this place 0 stars if i could! Dr Z was unprofessional, rude, and did a horrible job with the acupuncture. I went to him because I read all the reviews and i am sorry but i will never go there or recommend this place ever again! read more

I went to Dr. Z several years ago for help with asthma, and was very happy with the results. Since then he has "fixed" a number of other problems - one was particularly dramatic. It happened that when Dr. Z was out of town I experienced intense pain in my back and side. My PCP and her colleague both diagnosed my problem as shingles, and started me on antiviral medication. When Dr. Z returned I went to him hoping to get some relief from the pain. He saw immediately that I didn't have shingles, but a pinched nerve, and he just fixed the problem! After not being able to stand upright for over a week, I walked out of his office like a normal person, and was fully recovered in just a few days!! Best thing was throwing out the drugs. read more

I'm still feeling great! Dr.Z helped me immensely. I had physical therapy for 4 months just to get my back muscles strong again. I'm back and running 3 miles a day. I can bike, jump rope, lift weights, play tennis, swim, and I owe it all two Dr.Z. read more

Eastland Acupuncture Center is a great and not really well discovered place yet (perhaps because they spend more time helping and treating you)! I have been through some very serious back pain problems for almost two years till 2009 (I am pain free for more than two years now, and seeing Dr. Z. for some minor adjustments about ones a month). Those who ever experienced that unstoppable pain know how tough it is to conquer it. There are lots of traditional medical treatments that are available for the patients, and I practically tried them all except for undergoing surgery. I tried numerous and even best pain doctors, shots and physical therapists (with some positive temporarily results), as well as wonderfully advertised chiropractors which had big offices and very official and long procedures. My MRIs and other analyses were done by then. However, many of those chiropractics are clear in business and not for your help. While you are in pain and need help they offer you "another very important exam" and would sell you at least 10 appointments (often asking to prepay before you even been treated). I'd like to make my comments short about this office. Dr. Z went right on with my problems - right on the very first visit. He is extremely knowledgeable and honest. I prefer less talk and more to the point. I got very good results and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg. One more great thing: Dr. Z can make your pain even less if you carrying BCBS and some other insurances! Here is my final point - I have been seeing the same patients coming back to him, and even my physician went to him for help! Isn't it the best compliment for a good doc? read more