Rooted in classical wisdom and evidence-based research, at Upstream Medicine we provide safe, effective, and natural treatments to help you feel more at ease in your body.
pain
fertility
menstruation / women’s health
digestion
stress & anxiety
sleep
headaches
autoimmune disease
common colds
men’s health
and much more…
Chinese Medicine is a thousands-year-old system of indigenous medicine developed over millennia through observation of how the human body relates to the natural world—and what happens when cycles get out of sync. It synthesizes the concept of Yin and Yang, or relational opposites, that exist everywhere in the known world, including in the human body. It is a complete system of medicine meant to treat any illness that arises.
At Upstream Medicine, we meet you where you’re at, with whatever ailment is affecting you.
We specialize in problems with:
What we treat
Initial acupuncture session
90min
Book your appointment
return Acupuncture Session
60min
Herbal consultation
60min
Meet Patrick
Patrick Riley, LAc, Dipl.OM, MSTOM is a Chicago-based licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who is committed to helping his patients get the individualized and high quality care they deserve. He prioritizes compassionate listening and open communication to ensure that everyone feels seen and heard in their unique physical and emotional needs — working closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan to help support their health and wellbeing. His practice is safe, trauma-informed, and dedicated to the comfort and individual needs of every patient.
Patrick holds a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine and is a Nationally Board-Certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist with the NCBAHM. He also has extensive post-graduate training in Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine and advanced forms of Orthopedic Acupuncture, allowing him to specialize in addressing internal imbalances like autoimmune conditions, and issues with stress, anxiety, digestion and menstruation - as well as treating common musculoskeletal conditions like neck and low back pain.
Patrick also specializes in fertility, women’s health, and prenatal acupuncture. He has worked with many people of all genders trying to conceive naturally and/or with the help of reproductive medicine and IVF. His acupuncture treatments and insight into herbs and supplements can improve fertility outcomes and offer patients a personalized and holistic approach to the sometimes long and complicated journey of the fertility process.
In addition to his years of Chinese Medicine experience and training, he is also an advanced Yoga Instructor (RYT500), specializing in Restorative and Therapeutic Yoga. He has taught meditation, breath work, and kinesiology workshops across Chicago. And he also has training in various forms of massage and energy work. All of these modalities inform his current practice, allowing him to offer each patient unique and diverse methods of treatment.
Upstream Medicine is about tracing the flow back to the source — finding the root cause of your particular imbalance. Every human being is unique, and every diagnosis presents differently in different bodies. At Upstream Medicine, Patrick works to identify your particular pattern to then gently encourage the body’s movement back towards balance — like clearing debris upstream to allow the water to flow freely. When we restore the natural flow of our body’s systems, we are able to find regulation, balance, and healing.
Patrick is committed to providing natural, effective, and compassionate care to help patients achieve their health goals, and feel more at ease in their bodies. He looks forward to meeting you and collaborating on your care.
What our patients say…
“While I was seeking pain relief for a specific area of the body, I deeply appreciated Patrick’s goal with acupuncture and herbs to treat the body and person holistically. He is an extremely talented provider and has clearly worked hard to develop a deep knowledge of this practice. I can’t recommend booking an appointment with Patrick enough to anyone who has been curious about acupuncture. The feeling I experienced was beyond anything I had anticipated and I’m looking forward to making this singular experience with Patrick a regular part of my wellness regime.”
-Laura M.
“From the very beginning, Patrick took time to sit with me and listen to my concerns. He formulated a treatment plan to best address all of my issues and explained the process thoroughly. With every visit I felt listened to and not rushed. Patrick helped me when ‘traditional medicine’ told me there was nothing they could do. I highly recommend Patrick and put tremendous faith in his ability to provide quality care.”
-Sue L.
“What truly sets him apart is his invaluable herbal mixtures tailored specifically for my needs. These unique blends were a game changer, addressing my concerns in a holistic and natural way. With his guidance, I noticed a remarkable improvement in my overall health, including reduced period cramps and pains. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking effective and comprehensive care.”
-Nilufer A.