Physician-Acupuncturist | TCM & Japanese Acupuncturist | Skin & Hair Restoration Specialist

Dr. Rebecca Han brings more than 30 years of medical experience to her practice at H&W. Raised in a family of medical professionals, she was immersed in the language and culture of medicine from a young age. With a long-standing intention to pursue a career in healthcare, she attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, studying Art History with a minor in Psychology, disciplines that deepened her understanding of human behavior, perception, and emotional expression.

Dr. Han began her introductory medical studies in Cambridge and London (UK), and then completed studies and training for her medical degree at St. George’s University (Grenada, London, and in the US). During this time, she gained extensive clinical experience across a wide range of medical rotations in hospitals throughout both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Her training within a socialized medical system highlighted the value of cost-effective, integrated, and holistic models of health care. Furthermore, her own experiences with migraine headaches, scoliosis-related back pain, and digestive issues sparked a deep personal interest in natural and complementary medical practices.

After completing her Western medical education, Dr. Han pursued formal acupuncture education and training at Pacific College of Health Sciences in Chicago, motivated by the profound impact acupuncture had on her own mental, physical, and emotional well-being. She simultaneously completed advanced training through Harvard Medical School’s “International Structural Acupuncture Program for Physicians” in Boston. As a top student, she discovered a passion not only for patient care but also for teaching, patient advocacy, and academic leadership. She was invited to teach Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology immediately after earning her Master’s degree in Traditional East Asian Medicine, and within two years was promoted to Department Chair of the Biological Sciences.

Dr. Han now divides her time between patient care at H&W and her teaching work at Pacific College. As a physician-acupuncturist, she has successfully treated digestive disorders, mental-emotional imbalances, generalized pain, and complex internal medicine cases. She has also cultivated a special interest in fertility support—an area close to her heart, inspired by her deep love for her husband and growing family.

Outside of clinical practice, Dr. Han enjoys traveling with her husband and partner at H&W, Dr. Jim Whalen, whom she affectionately describes as the funniest and most courageous person she knows.

Dr. Rebecca Han is currently seeing patients exclusively in at her location in Fairview Heights, IL for more information and booking please click here

Sports Medicine & TCM Acupuncturist | Orthopedic Specialist | Movement & Postural Expert

Dr. Jim Whalen is a board certified (NCCAOM now NCBHAM) acupuncturist and graduate of Pacific College of Health and Science in Chicago. Currently, he is the only acupuncturist dedicated and SMAC®-certified in Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Acupuncture in the state of Missouri and Southern Illinois. His passion for medicine began early in his career as a paramedic in the Chicago area, where he developed a deep interest in anatomy, physiology, and evidence-based patient care. This motivation led him to pursue advanced training at Pacific College of Health and Science in Chicago, where he graduated with top honors with a Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM), and later earned his Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM). Dr. Whalen then continued his specialty training in Sports Medicine Acupuncture under the instruction of Matt Callison, founder of the “Sports Medicine Acupuncture Certification Program” (SMAC).

Dr. Whalen offers an elevated and highly specialized approach to orthopedic pain, injury recovery, and performance-based care. Known for his precision, clinical insight, and results-driven treatments, Dr. Whalen blends modern sports medicine principles with advanced acupuncture techniques to help his patients heal from injury efficiently and recover with lasting strength and mobility.

With a strong focus on musculoskeletal dysfunction, posture, and movement mechanics, Dr. Whalen’s care begins with comprehensive postural and functional screening to uncover the true cause of pain, whether it originates from athletic training, repetitive strain, workplace posture, or chronic compensation patterns. His treatments are designed not only to reduce symptoms, but to correct underlying imbalances that limit mobility and performance.

Dr. Whalen is especially sought-after by athletes, active professionals, and individuals seeking a high-level alternative to medication, injections, or surgery. His clinical style integrates orthopedic acupuncture, neuromuscular re-education, corrective strategies, and adjunctive therapies such as electrical stimulation, cupping, gua sha, red light therapy, TDP heat therapy, and myofascial release. Patients additionally appreciate his ability to deliver both an exceptional therapeutic experience and a clear plan of care, grounded in anatomy, movement science, and individualized treatment. Dr. Whalen is committed to creating outcomes that are measurable, restorative, and long-lasting—helping each patient return to sport, work, and life with confidence and resilience.

When he is not in the clinic, Dr. Whalen continues to advance his knowledge through ongoing study and assistant teaching. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife, enjoying nature, hiking, camping, fishing, exercise, golf and being with friends and family.