Meet Our Team

Palmgren Acupuncture opened its doors in 2013. Since then, we have proudly called Oak Park home. We’re fired up about healing the world with Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage. We’re passionate to encourage as many people as possible to try acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and massage. We’re motivated by our mission to prevent unnecessary surgeries and medications so people can live longer and fuller lives.

We give back to the community through volunteering at local non-profits and hosting our Acupuncture Day Celebration each year in October.

Lynn Palmgren-Arestopoulos, Co-Owner, Licensed Acupuncturist, Board-Certified Chinese Herbalist, JD

Lynn has helped hundreds of people improve their health naturally with Chinese medicine. Her goal is to help her patients feel good again. Lynn works with her patients as a team to create the right treatment plan for them. She specializes in acupuncture for pain management, insomnia, and hormone imbalance.

Lynn holds a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, Illinois; a Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa; and a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. She is licensed by the State of Illinois to practice acupuncture. Lynn is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

She was first introduced to acupuncture by a friend. Experiencing insomnia since Lynn was a small child, she was open to trying a more natural remedy. She was skeptical at first. However, after two weeks of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, Lynn was finally sleeping through the night. She was pleased with the results.

Working as an attorney amidst budget cuts, Lynn was ready for a change of pace and decided to take her career path in another direction: health. Her experience with Traditional Chinese Medicine attracted her to a career in acupuncture. Since enrolling at Pacific College, she has made it her mission to make acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine more mainstream.

In addition to over 3500 hours of classroom and clinical training and experience, she has received specialized training in Primal Reflex Release Technique developed by physical therapist John F. Iams. Lynn also has specialized training in facial rejuvenation and cosmetic acupuncture from Denise Ellinger, LAc., co-founder of the Mei Zen school. In addition, she has training in abdominal palpation (fukushin) and facial diagnosis.

One month after graduating from Pacific College, she founded Palmgren Acupuncture in downtown Oak Park in 2013. Lynn is active in the community. She is a Board member for the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce. Lynn is a member of the Executive committee and serves as a co-chair on the Membership Committee. She is also a member of Oak Park Toastmasters Club 614 and loves giving public speeches about health and lifestyle.

Lynn lives with her husband Nick and their son in Oak Park.

Nick Arestopoulos, Co-Owner, Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist

Nick encourages patients to make their health a priority. His goal is to inspire people to be the best version of themselves. Nick works closely with patients to design a course of effective treatment. He specializes in acupuncture for pain management and weight loss.

Nick holds a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbology) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, Illinois and a Bachelor’s degree in history from University of Illinois-Chicago. He is licensed by the State of Illinois to practice acupuncture.

He was first introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine when he was injured during a Judo class. At the time, Nick was teaching English classes to children in Korea. He received acupuncture and recovered quickly from his injury. Looking for a change in career upon his return to the U.S., he remembered how powerful the medicine was and enrolled at Pacific College. Since that time, he has been committed to helping prevent unnecessary medications and surgeries.

In addition to over 3500 hours of classroom and clinical training and experience, Nick has specialized training in Richard Tan’s Balancing Method, Kiiko Matsumoto’s Japanese palpation techniques and Five Element Theory (J.R. Worsley). He received specialized training in Primal Reflex Release Technique developed by physical therapist John F. Iams.

In his free time, Nick enjoys studying and practicing karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the area. He also teaches a self-defense course based upon jiu jitsu in Forest Park. In addition, he is an active member of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and volunteers his time there.

Nick lives with his wife Lynn and their son in Oak Park.

Kholood El-Helo, Doctorate of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Board-Certified Chinese Herbalist, RN

Kholood comes from a family immersed in the healthcare field and has been working as a Registered Nurse (RN) for 10 years. She was inspired to study acupuncture when a family member became ill and needed more care than what was provided. After witnessing such positive effects with acupuncture treatments, Kholood decided to study Oriental medicine and incorporate acupuncture.

What she enjoys most about being an acupuncturist is the versatility of the medicine and the ability to focus on each patient as an individual. Her philosophy of patient-centered care is to make achieving optimal health a priority. Kholood is committed to helping people make the necessary adjustments to achieve and maintain optimal health. Her specialties are gut and immune health.

Kholood holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as well as a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. She studied at City Colleges of Chicago to become a RN and has a Bachelor’s degree in biology from Northeastern Illinois University. She is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine certified through the NCCAOM and is licensed by the State of Illinois to practice acupuncture.

She belongs to the American Nurses Association and the Illinois Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Kholood spends her free time in nature at every opportunity. An avid reader, she keeps up with the latest developments in alternative and Western health care modalities.

Dave Richards, Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist

Dave’s inspiration to become an acupuncturist stemmed from East Asian Philosophy and Martial Arts. His main philosophy is to create a comfortable environment that enables and empowers people to share their experiences about their health and life. A lesson from the East Asian Martial Arts that Dave employs in the treatment room is a thorough evaluation looking at the totality of the situation which can provide novel solutions. He brings an active style of acupuncture which specializes in chronic ailments such as arthritis, asthma, and fibromyalgia, support for patients undergoing cancer treatments, and emotional distress.

What Dave enjoys most about being a practitioner is the deep effect it has for people by providing relief, especially for those who have exhausted every option.

He earned his Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dave has a Certification in Bodywork from Chicago College of Healing Arts. He is licensed by the State of Illinois to practice acupuncture.

In his free time, Dave spends time with his family, volunteers at his daughter’s school, and practices Tai Chi daily. He lives with his wife and their daughter in Berwyn.

Amanda Frotscher, Licensed Massage Therapist

Amanda is intuitive and knowledgeable. She works with her clients to foster a balanced lifestyle by promoting relaxation and stress relief.

Amanda dually enrolled in the massage and Master’s programs at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, receiving her massage license in 2015 and will graduate with her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 2018. At Pacific College, she has been able to refine her innate massage skills in a rigorous training environment.

Amanda offers a unique therapeutic experience that blends several Eastern and Western massage modalities providing ultimate pain relief and relaxation. She is licensed in the state of Illinois and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Amanda first discovered the importance of healing touch while she cared for her terminally-ill grandparents. She provided them with basic medical needs and used massage to comfort them while bedridden at home.

Amanda develops every session based upon the specific needs of the client. Her goal is to alleviate physical discomfort and emotional stress. Striving to help clients with mind-body awareness, she uses deep breathing techniques and shares stretches that they can implement at home. Amanda has been described as “intentional with a therapeutic touch” and is eager to help clients on their wellness journey.

Kasia Martenka, Licensed Massage Therapist

Kasia enjoys working with her clients and helping them achieve their goals. Her goal is to help them lead a more balanced life. Kasia specializes in sports massage and stretching.

She attended the Cortiva Institute in Chicago. Kasia is licensed in the state of Illinois and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She is currently studying Kinesiology at Triton College.

She offers Swedish/Relaxation, deep tissue, and sports massage. Kasia creates a personalized session that is designed to meet your needs. She aims to provide a relaxing environment that helps heal you.