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

Will acupuncture treat my menstrual cramps?
I have had tremendous success with treating menstrual disorders for many women. I even had a patient so happy, she bought me a scooter and one who was so shocked by the lack of period pain that she didn't even know her cycle was going to happen when it did. There were some patients, though, who were suffering from PCOS (multiple cysts on the ovaries) or some other cystic problem that had to be addressed first. A few have had success with Chinese herbal formulas in addition to acupuncture and some had to have surgery first to "start over'. Not knowing your full case, I would suggest you rule out any major issue like cysts or copper IUD problems, etc. Lacking those, Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be very helpful. Make sure your practitioner is licensed as an acupuncturist (not just a DC or MD who "does acupuncture" and def not a PT doing "dry needling"). Find someone who is comfortable working with female issues (most are) who has had good experience with this issue. Find someone you are comfortable with and who will answer your questions, etc. Give it a few months to regulate and if one doesn't work, go find another practitioner before giving up - just like you would try different OTC medications, you can shop around for a good practitioner that fits you well. Good luck. READ MORE
Would you recommend an acupuncture treatment for treating a hyperactive thyroid?
I would, yes. I would expect you would stay in contact with your MD to maintain an appropriate level of medications they are prescribing so you can have that monitored and adjusted as you get treatments. The acupuncture could help you reduce the needs, dosage, etc so it is important to keep open the communication of what types of treatments you are getting and how things change as you move forward. Find a licensed acupuncturist in your area (not just a DC or MD who "does acupuncture but a fully licensed L.Ac.) and good luck to you. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help me quit smoking?
There are a few layers to your question, so I will try to elaborate without being too wordsy. Yes, acupuncture can help with quitting smoking and yes acupuncture may be able to help you but there are perimeters. First, you need to want to be a non-smoker. You have to embrace the idea that you never want to smoke again. Smoking is a habit, but also a lifestyle and for some people a social event or a coping mechanism. To quit forever, you have to decide and choose this to happen. In other words, acupuncture can help you quit, but if you don't want to acupuncture can't "make you" quit. The choice is always in your hands to buy a pack, bum a cig, etc. We have no control over your free will. Because it is an addictive substance, nicotine can easily pull people back into the habit if they slip back into usage. To quit because someone else wants you to or you think it's a good idea might have you quit for a while, but if you really like smoking and take a few now and again, you will most likely become a smoker again. This is a repeat of paragraph one, which is the most important concept and trickles to this paragraph. So, for the very end of your question "how will it get me to quit for good" isn't up to the treatment only, but up to you. It's like eating healthy, we can start you on the right track, but you have to stay on it. What happens during a session varies with each practitioner and with each patient. The treatment will usually involve some needles on your ears (for the addiction) and some body points (to regulate body functions, emotional components, etc) and may or may not include an herbal formula. Some patients can quit right away, most after 3 days (I generally require a 5-day in a row strategy, but not all practitioners do) some need a repeat but most can be done in 3-5 days. Of course, this is dependent on paragraph one above - if you keep sneaking cigs or just don't care, we cannot force you to quit. We can only help your body regulate itself to clear out and help the organs function more adequately. There is an ear point that can help you be repulsed by the smell, so that can help too, but I had a patient rip it out b/c they hated the taste of the cigs (obviously they cared more about smoking than quitting if they rip out the needle to smoke). The treatments will help you feel calmer, help you feel more settled, help your body process the toxins and function more smoothly without the habit, etc. Always be honest with your practitioner of your progress and be sure to get a licensed practitioner and someone who has done this in the past with success. Not all practitioners are well versed in an appropriate process. Good luck. READ MORE
Does having acupuncture hurt?
Yes, you can feel the needles, but it is not the same as getting a shot or getting a tattoo. The needles are thin like a hair and do not cut through the skin like a hypodermic b/c it is a solid piece of steel. In most acupuncture sessions, the patient isn't aware of the needles, but some sensitive people feel the prick and some areas are more sensitive than others, so those areas are painful b/c of the sensitivity in that area. These include the bottom of the feet, the palms, inner wrist, etc. The feeling usually wanes pretty quickly though. Keep in mind that different practitioners use different sized needle gauges and there are many different acupuncture techniques and styles. Thicker needles hurt a little more and more aggressive techniques you can feel, but it is all relevant to the skill and style of each practitioner as well as the reason for treatment. For example, If you are coming in for just relaxation, the needle session should be quite pain free. If you are coming in for tight muscles, there may be some technique that "jumps" the muscle - that can be an intense feeling, but it retreats immediately. It is basically the muscle twitching from tight to relaxed as it resets to normal from a tense state. Or you may feel some traveling sensation as the body is resetting itself, i.e., something going down leg or up to head. These are all normal reactions the body is doing as it regulates itself. You should never be "in pain" though. If you are "in pain" from an inserted needle, let the practitioner know so they can adjust it. No one really can explain an acupuncture treatment; you really have to go to experience what it is for yourself. I hope it helps. Good luck. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with TMJ?
Yes, acupuncture is very effective with pain issues including TMJ syndromes. The practitioner may use local points to relieve the pain and may use some distal points to help with issues surrounding stress, tension or other emotional issues that may be related to the problem. It may take a few treatments, but you should get at least some relief during the first session. Find a licensed practitioner in your area that you feel comfortable working with. Good luck READ MORE
Can acupuncture treat my digestive disorders?
I have treated many people with digestive issues using acupuncture alone. The practitioner will need to differentially diagnose what they see as the root of the issue, but they should be able to get things moving smoothly. There may be more things involved, such as emotional turmoil, life style habits, work related or relationship related issues, too - so, if the practitioner starts asking about these things, know that it is part of their diagnosis to help get to the root of the issue. Be sure to use a Licensed Acupuncturist that you trust and are comfortable with. Good luck. READ MORE
I have arthritis, and I'm considering acupuncture. Will it help?
If you look at reviews for any type of treatment, you will find mixed reviews and there is a variety of reasons for this phenomenon of humanity that isn't necessary to go into to answer you question. To answer the question = if acupuncture is good for anything, it is good for pain management - both acute and chronic. So, yes, acupuncture can help with arthritis pain when done by a trained professional. Do not just go to some DC or PT who stick in needles, find a Licensed Acupuncturist, and maybe one who already specializes in sports injury, pain, senior issues or the like. They don't really have to be specialists though, because, again acupuncture is great for pain management. This is not something that will be a one-time-all-done experience though. It may take time, it may help right away and then return a day, week, month later. It may last a very long time or it may take a few times a week to get under control. There may be some salves, ointments, herbal patches, herbal pills, etc that may be recommended, but a good acupuncturist should be able to help with needles alone. The extras (patches, etc) are good for in-between treatments if there's a flare up, or something and can assist the needle work. Like any medicine or medical practice, some patients have different results from others, so if a formula, patch or treatment isn't working for you let the practitioner know the truth, so they can keep working on the right treatment for you. Don't give up on the first try and don't have high expectations and you might be surprised by how well it can and does work. Find a practitioner that you trust, like you would find a mechanic you like - you don't have to go with the first one you pick unless they are helping you. If it doesn't work out, you can seek another practitioner. I have had people come to me when no one else could help them and I've had people go to others after my stuff didn't help - so remember it is just like any other type of help. Good luck. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with weight loss?
Acupuncture can help with the body's metabolism and can help with hormonal balancing and help the digestive system work smoothly - but it cannot make you lose weight on it's own. You would need to consult with a dietician, and an exercise program tailored to your personal body to help it completely. Diets don't work alone and exercise doesn't work alone - it is a full life style adjustment that has to happen. It also takes time and work - and you should also check for any physical issues i.e. thyroid problems, etc to see what may be an issue with your body's mechanics. Discuss your situation with a licensed acupuncturist who works with weight loss patients as well as finding a nutritionalist and proper coach. Good luck. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help treat an excessive sweating problem?
I have worked with hyperhydrosis patients in the past with varying degrees of success. There are some herbal formulas that could be helpful, depending on your case and there are other issues needling can address. Find a licensed acupuncturist in your area and see if they do or know someone who can help you. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with nausea?
It can quite easily as long as there are not extreme medical issues causing the nausea. Acupuncture can be helpful if the nausea is a side-effect of drugs or a general issue, but be sure that there isn't a serious issue creating the nausea first. READ MORE
How is arthritis treated with acupuncture?
It can help with arthritis in many cases - find a licensed practitioner in your area for more information. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with ulcer pain?
Stomach ulcers are almost always caused by one of the following: A. An infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or B. Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen Rarely, a condition known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers by increasing the body’s production of acid. This syndrome is suspected to cause less than 1 percent of all peptic ulcers. I would advise getting medications to eliminate the H. Pylori - which is the most common reason to have an ulcer and I would certainly stop taking any NSAIDS for pain. Acupuncture and herbal formulas can help with pain, but if it is a true H. Pylori ulcer, I would get medications to eliminate that and use acupuncture to reduce the pains that lead one to use NSAIDS. READ MORE
Can acupuncture treat chronic fatigue syndrome?
I had a patient diagnosed with CFS and treated her for a few years until I moved away. In the beginning, she needed to come twice a week, but eventually only had to come once a month. Each time she came in, her symptoms reduced from an 8 to a 5 (on problem scale) and in time went from 5 to 2, etc. So, symptoms became less problematic and less frequent in time. If you find a licensed practitioner in your area, I am confident they can help, but it will not be a one-time thing. You will need to stay with it for awhile. READ MORE
Does acupuncture help in treating skin disorders?
Acupuncture can do some help if you have a really well-trained needler, but you would probably have more luck with an herbal salve, rub or tincture. Find an acupuncturist who is trained in herbs and has good experience with skin. READ MORE
Is acupuncture helpful in treating anemia?
I believe you should find a qualified Licensed Acupuncturist to see if they can help. Also be sure to monitor your husbands diet and stay in touch with the MD's to monitor the blood levels and see if there is a reason the levels are staying low. Good luck. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help in relieving my mother's depression?
Acupuncture can help with emotional issues for sure, but your mother would need to see one regularly and should be open to other modalities that can assist. If you see a "Worsley trained" 5-Element practitioner they are very well versed in working with emotional issues but most well trained Licensed Acupuncturists should be able to help. If your mother's condition gets extreme, I would advise she try medications to keep her balanced while getting other treatments as well. READ MORE
Lately I've been experiencing a lot of fatigue. Can acupuncture help?
It can, but I do need to ask if you've had a regular check-up from an MD to determine if you have any thyroid issues or other conditions that we would need to be aware of. We would also need to know your sleep patterns, habits and other lifestyle issues. First make sure there isn't a serious condition that is affecting your body with some general tests, if the MD's are not able to find anything or if they do and they can help but you want complimentary help from acupuncture, then be sure to communicate this between both your MD and the Licensed Acupuncturist you decide to work with. Good luck READ MORE
How effective are acupressure slippers?
I am not a big fan of products marketed to the general public that run along this trend. If you buy the slippers and they make you feel better because they massage your feet, then by golly go ahead and use them. They are not, however the same as getting an actual treatment through acupuncture or acupressure by a trained professional This is a bit similar to lying down on beads for a massage - sure it will press on some areas, but it is not massage therapy. I would rather people spend their money on services tailored to their specific conditions. READ MORE
Does acupuncture help in treating depression?
I have treated quite a few patients with acupuncture for many emotional disturbances. You will want to keep her moderated with her medications so stay in communication with the prescribing MD as well as the L.Ac. so dosages can be adjusted accordingly. It may be helpful if your daughter sees a Worsley Style 5-Element Acupuncturist because emotional issues is their specialty. They may also be called "Classical 5-Element" practitioners. If you cannot find a 5E practitioner, you can still have her treated by a Licensed Acupuncturist, just research a few in your area and find one who is comfortable treating her and one who will respect the medications and it's monitoring. READ MORE
Can insomnia be treated with acupuncture?
My very first acupuncture treatment was actually for insomnia and it worked like a charm. It may take you a few treatments depending on what the differential diagnosis is, but most people become extremely relaxed after a first treatment and many of my patients even fall asleep on the table during treatment. Give it a try and don't give up if it doesn't work right away. Also, it could be ok to start taking meds if the treatments don't work right away and eventually you can be weened off of them. I'm not saying to start taking meds now, but keep them as an option or compliment to the treatments. READ MORE