About
INSPIRATION AND MISSION
Meet Natalia Eichstaedt, L.Ac., C.SMA
Founder of Roots Wellness Center | Licensed Acupuncturist | Certified Sports Medicine Acupuncturist | Doctoral Candidate | Peptide Therapy Health Coach
Natalia Eichstaedt’s journey into acupuncture began with a deep-rooted desire to help others and to be part of a healthcare field that utilizes a full spectrum of healing tools to restore balance, prevent illness, and promote long-term well-being. She envisioned a practice that integrates science, movement, and ancient wisdom and she has brought that vision to life.
Now a Doctoral Candidate in Chinese and Integrative Medicine, Natalia continues to advance her clinical expertise by bridging Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern physiology. She is one of only four Certified Sports Medicine Acupuncturists (C.SMA) in the state of Illinois, having completed advanced, doctorate-level training in kinesiology, cadaver-based anatomy, and orthopedic acupuncture. She is also Certified in Peptide Therapy through the SSRP Institute, founded by William Seeds, allowing her to guide and support patients on both the structural and biochemical levels of healing.
Natalia began her acupuncture career in 2008 after completing her training at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California. During her time there, she apprenticed at the Circle of Living Clinic under the renowned Kastner Team, where she spent four years immersed in orthopedic-focused care, treating both everyday patients and professional athletes with complex musculoskeletal conditions.
Her clinical training expanded through diverse medical settings, including an internship at Rady Children's Hospital working with oncology, hematology, and chronic pain patients, as well as a year in hospice care supporting patients and families through end-of-life transitions, an experience that deeply shaped her compassionate, whole-person approach.
She also participated in a medical outreach program in Nicaragua, working alongside physicians and healthcare providers in underserved communities, and later contributed to integrative oncology care at the Creticos Cancer Center at Illinois Masonic Medical Center.
Natalia spent nearly eight years at Elite Rehabilitation Institute in Oak Park, where she worked within a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting alongside chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists. This environment further refined her ability to integrate Eastern and Western medical approaches, particularly in the treatment of orthopedic and movement-based conditions.
Before entering Chinese Medicine, Natalia earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Illinois(2003), following earlier studies in Industrial Engineering(1998-2002). This background continues to support her structured, analytical, and results-driven approach to patient care.
After more than 20 years of clinical experience, Natalia is the owner and sole practitioner of Roots Wellness Center in Western Springs, Illinois. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCBAHM), and maintains Clean Needle Technique certification through the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. She also holds current CPR and First Aid certification.
Her mission is to help individuals reconnect with their bodies and restore balance through a comprehensive approach that blends Traditional Chinese Medicine, sports medicine acupuncture, exercise physiology, and modern integrative therapies.
In a society that is over-stressed, over-worked, and often under-cared for, Roots Wellness Center offers a healing space that brings together the best of both ancient and modern medicine.
EDUCATION
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2026: Pacific College of Health Sciences
Pursuing Doctorate Degree
2025: Dr. William Seeds, Orthopedic Surgeon, SSRP Founder
SSRP Institute Peptide Therapy Certification
2017: Matt Callison, L.Ac, C. SMA
Sports Medicine Acupuncture Certification
2014: Robin Greene, L.Ac.
Pediatric Acupuncture
2011: Battlefield Acupuncture
Nogier's Auriculotherapy
2010: Dr. Richard Teh Fu Tan
Dr. Tan's Balance Method
WORK, SCHOOL, LICENSURES
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2017-Present: Owner of Roots Wellness Center, Western Springs, IL
2010-2017: Elite Rehabilitation Institute in Oak Park, IL
Integrative Health Team including Chiropractors, Physical Therapists and Massage Therapists
2008-Present: Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2008-Present: State of Illinois
Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist
2008: Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Clean Needle Technique Certification
2008: Pacific College of Oriental Medicine; San Diego, California
Masters in Traditional Oriental Medicine
2004-Present: First Aid
CPR Certification and Basic First Aid Safety
2003: University of Illinois
Bachelors Business Management and Marketing