Dr. Emma O’Neil, DACM, L.Ac, Dipl. OM

About Emma

Emma O’Neil, DACM, graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Human and Organizational Development with a concentration in Health and Human Services from Vanderbilt University. She spent several years working as a project manager in healthcare I.T., working with large hospital-based organizations across the country. This experience emphasized the importance of integrated healthcare and inspired her to move to a direct patient care role rather than staying behind the scenes in healthcare. Around the same time, she was introduced to traditional East Asian medicine as a patient, and after her own healing experience realized this was the career for her.

Emma has particular interest in treating reproductive health, headaches, digestion, and stress. She has also trained in Japanese Meridian Therapy and Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture.

Q&A with Emma

What are you most passionate about professionally? Personally?

I’m most passionate professionally about helping patients feel more in control of their health and better manage their stress.

What would you do even if you didn’t get paid to do it?

Acupuncture and cupping

What are you surprisingly good at?

I am pretty great at figuring out what you mean when you’re talking about “that movie with that guy”

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Limes

What’s the biggest proof that you’re good at what you do?

Patients referring friends and family!

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

Not that weird,  but I’d say election judge.

How do your education connect to your professional career? What about personal experiences?

During undergrad I took extra classes in nutrition and biology in case I wanted to go back to school later (thank you, past self!). I also minored in Child Development just for fun, and it’s ended up being quite useful having more developmental biology and psychology especially working with fertility patients and parents.

What problems do you consistently solve for your clients?

It seems like almost everyone wishes their sleep was better, and I’ve had a lot of success helping people with insomnia and other sleep issues.

Who is your ideal client and why should they connect with you?

Everyone! Chinese medicine can make an impact in so many areas of peoples lives. I also grew up VERY afraid of needles and ended up an acupuncturist, so if you’re afraid of needles we can work through that together too.

In your work or creative process, what concepts are sacred? What rules have you made, which ones do you follow?

Always keep an open mind and keep learning.

Where do you live?

I live in Chicago and love being near the lake!

What do you do for fun in your spare time? What are your hobbies?

I love walking and hiking – there are so many great trails even in Chicago and it’s a great way to explore different parts of the city.

Share something unique that most people don’t know about you.

I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, and got to see a concert of the Danish band Aqua (of “Barbiegirl” fame!)