Dr. Helena Para, L.Ac, DACM, MSTOM

About Dr. Para

Dr. Helena Para is one of our acupuncturists at Aligned Modern Health River North. Helena completed her undergraduate education at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She went on to earn both her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine as well as a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Science in Chicago.

Dr. Para has been practicing in Chicago since 2016, specializing in the treatment of infertility and women’s health. Dr. Para also works as a general practitioner, regularly treating chronic/acute pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression and digestive disorders. She is also certified in Acuregen cosmetic acupuncture.

Q&A with Dr. Para

What are you most passionate about professionally? Personally?

I am passionate about mental health, self care, and giving my patients the tools to check in with themselves and take charge of their health. I want my patients to be able to prioritize their health and happiness and to balance life so they feel fully fulfilled.

What three traits define you?

Genuine, Witty, Kind

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

Acupuncture and baking.

What are you surprisingly good at?

I make FANTASTIC French macarons and crème brulee.

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

Coffee

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

My patients come back with their whole families.

What’s your biggest accomplishment?

Helping patients get pregnant and then seeing all the baby pictures!

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

I love science and lab work but undergrad made it obvious that my place is in the clinic interacting with people, not in isolated study. I always knew I belonged in health care but it took a little fine tuning to zero in on the type. I started off in dentistry, but the collaborative aspect of Chinese medicine is what makes it such a good fit for me.

What problems do you consistently solve for your clients?

Issues with sleep and anxiety are prevalent- getting my patients more rested and happier makes a great foundation for resolving bigger problems.

What are you complimented on most in your work?

I am very open and welcoming, a visit with me feels more like coming to a friend for help than a doctor appointment. My patients quickly feel like they have known me for years. I am good at reworking my strategy, if something is not working, I will keep searching and updating my treatment protocol until I am satisfied with the result.

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

My ideal client is someone who is experiencing roadblocks to health and well being, who would like to learn how to resolve and prevent these issues naturally. I like working with high stress individuals and helping them manage their stress response so that it doesn’t impact their sleep, mood, body and fertility.

What is your grand, audacious goal? What do you wish people would know, believe, do?

I want people to know they are writing their own story and have total ownership over their lives. Everyone needs something different in order to flourish and whether the roadblock is physical or emotional, I hope I can empower my patients to pursue their purpose.

Do you have any other passions of personal goals that you would like to share?

My husband and I are both from southern Poland, it is my dream to eventually move back there and open a practice since acupuncture is not very accessible there.

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

I love to spend time in nature hiking or biking. I also love both coffee and food and of course Chicago is a great city to explore various coffee roasters and new foods. I spend most of my time trying to elevate my skills as an acupuncturist through reading and continuing education.

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

My husband and I own a startup watch brand. We are working on launching our first microbrand watch through Kickstarter! www.carpathiawatches.com check us out!