Dr. Jennifer Lechman, DACM, L.Ac, is the owner of Jentle Acupuncture in Elmhurst, Illinois. Her specialties range from treating chronic pain, addressing psycho-emotional conditions, and supporting women’s health. Dr. Jen’s clinical experiences at Rady’s Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California, and the Anesthesiology Department of John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, Illinois have provided her with a broad understanding of health conditions, and the demand for acupuncture & TCM in an integrative setting. Additionally, Dr. Jen developed an interest in mind-body-spirit medicine with the discovery of yoga. She believes the road to healing is a multi-level process that begins with the desire to create change in one’s life. She is dedicated to co-creating this path of growth, health, and healing with all of her patients.
Hello Dr. Jennifer Lechman, DACM, L.Ac.!
Welcome to the Acupuncturist of the Month interview.
So, tell us about the spark that led to your pursuit of the acupuncture and TCM field.
I started practicing yoga when I was in college. Through yoga, I discovered the incredible connection between mind, body, and breath. This journey of self-awareness and healing led me to explore acupuncture. The blend of these two practices has profoundly transformed my well-being. It has allowed me to find a deeper sense of connection to myself.
How long have you been practicing acupuncture for, and what are your specialties?
I’ve been practicing as a general practitioner for five years, with a particular passion for treating women’s health and mental health. After completing my acupuncture program, I became a Reiki Master, which deepened my understanding of energy healing and enhanced my ability to support my patients’ well-being.
How has your undergrad background in psychology influenced your practice today?
My psychology degree has greatly enhanced my approach to treating pain and mental health, allowing me to understand the psychological aspects of both and offer more comprehensive care.
You have a world of experience in the eastern medicine field. Which work or educational experience do you feel impacted you and your practice the most to get you to the point you are today?
Reiki has enhanced my ability to connect with people on a deeper, soul level, allowing me to intuitively sense their needs even before they do.
What was your biggest takeaway from your internship at the Anesthesiology Department at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County?
My experience working in a hospital allowed me to understand pain. The impact of pain on mental health is profound, often leading to emotional strain, stress, and changes in mood or behavior. Understanding this connection allows for a more holistic approach to healing, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of well-being.
How do you believe acupuncture can best benefit patients in an integrative setting?
Being in an integrative setting has helped increase acupuncture’s acceptance among more patients, as they can see how it complements other treatments, providing a well-rounded approach to their health and healing.
We saw that you offer abdominal toning acupuncture, how interesting! Tell us a little more about that and what kind of results patients can typically expect.
Abdominal toning acupuncture offers several benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced metabolism, reduced bloating, and support for weight management. It also helps balance energy in the digestive system, promotes relaxation, and can improve overall abdominal muscle tone and function. This form of acupuncture is often used for its ability to support both physical and emotional well-being.
What makes you feel inspired about acupuncture?
Acupuncture often brings immediate changes for many people, such as reduced pain, increased relaxation, and a sense of overall calm. Some may experience improved energy levels, better sleep, and enhanced mood right after a session. These quick changes highlight the body’s natural ability to respond to acupuncture, initiating healing processes that continue long after the treatment. Seeing immediate changes in patients is incredibly rewarding.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Trust the process and be patient with your growth. Mastery takes time, and every experience adds to your expertise.
What keeps an acupuncture practice going?
A combination of dedication to healing, ongoing personal growth, and the strength of a supportive team
What are specific roadblocks to watch out for as a new acupuncturist?
If you start off with having your own private practice right out of school I found that building a patient base and navigating a slow schedule in the beginning was challenging. Allow yourself patience and grace as you begin to grow organically and share this medicine with the world.
Sometimes, the best resource for improving our skills is by learning from the other acupuncturists we meet along our professional journey. What is one thing you learned from a mentor or fellow acupuncturist that has helped you in your professional growth and care for patients?
Focus on your intention and attention with each treatment, and your care will always come from the heart, leaving your patients feeling happy and fulfilled.
What daily habits or rituals do you practice that keep you feeling like your best-self, both as an acupuncture practitioner and person?
My favorite self-care routines include red light therapy, connecting with nature, and relying on a great support system to navigate life’s challenges. These practices help me maintain balance and well-being, both physically and emotionally.
The kindest thing a patient said to you recently:
“I’ve tried so many treatments for my chronic pain, but acupuncture has been the only one that truly made a difference. I can’t thank you enough for giving me my life back.”
The funniest thing a patient said to you recently:
“I swear, I haven’t been eating anything unhealthy… other than the cake, chips, and chocolate I had last night.”
What are you most proud of thus far in your professional journey?
I take great pride in having created a team of skilled healers and in being surrounded by inspiring women who are both empowering and uplifting. If it wasn’t for my team I wouldn’t be able to serve my community in such a profound way.
If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be and why?
Pay attention to the messages your body is sending you. It’s trying to communicate something important, and it’s essential to listen.
What is your definition of success?
Success as an acupuncturist and business owner means creating a thriving practice that not only offers effective treatments for patients but also fosters a positive, supportive environment for both clients and staff. It involves balancing clinical expertise with strong business acumen, building meaningful relationships, and continuously growing in both skill and personal development.
If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Elemental control because it would enable you to integrate nature’s most essential forces into your healing practice, offering truly transformative care that extends far beyond conventional treatments.
Rapid fire questions!
Morning or night? Morning
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Sun or moon? Sun
Cupping or Tui na? Cupping
Yin or Yang? Yang
Meditation or exercise? Meditation
Instagram or Facebook? Instagram
Top 3 Favorite Books? Woman Code by Alisa Vitti, The Spark in the Machine by Daniel Keown, Spirit Babies by Walter Makichen
Spirit animal? Monkey
Where can other licensed acupuncturists, students, and patients go to learn more about your work?
Jentle Acupuncture – Holistic Medicine Through the Wisdom of Nature <–Website
@Jentleacupuncture on Instagram and Facebook
