Spring Stream Acupuncture

Edwin is a healer. He has been my savior during a lot of pain. He’s great at what he does and uses a variety of techniques that leave you feeling euphoric. His special concoctions and his knowledge in herbs is just another plus. Place is very relaxing. Great music during your treatment. Thanks Edwin.

Edwin is a very kind man who puts all his energy into helping you heal. I leave his peaceful atmosphere always feeling like I’m a lot more open and a lot less tense than when I went in. He asks good questions to help gauge how you are doing and then does his thing. I sincerely feel it when I miss a week. Please ask him to make you some tea even if you aren’t feeling under the weather. That too really help me feel better from the inside out and let’s be honest that’s why we are all here.

By nature I am pessimistic each time I go to see Edwin. However he has never disappointed me. In fact I am amazed at his work and his intuitive way he feels problems and treats them. He is an amazing find and an excellent practitioner! Thanks Edwin for your great healing ability!

Went here on a groupon since I was visiting Chicago. I get massages semi-​regularly so I know the drill. I asked my upper back and neck be worked on as I was getting headaches. He did and also worked on my lower back and legs.
Every muscle is connected so a good massage therapist will work on other parts of your body, knowing that where you experience muscle tightness is not always the source. He was very good about noting where one side was imbalanced and giving tips on preventing strain. I got an hour massage and was a little late so in total had about 50 minutes.
He certainly knows his muscle groups and where to work on things while moving your limbs to get into deeper tissue. Next time I’m in Chicago I’ll definitely go back to him.
The only thing I would critique is that he didn’t have water for his clients afterwards, and that’s typically a given following a massage. The massage table is also squeaky which distracts from the relaxing part. A rug or perhaps tightening some screws would help.
He also offers acupuncture and cupping (a Chinese practice) to get out toxins if you want something other than massage.

I had doubts about using a non-​asian for acupuncture.
I was WRONG!!!
Edward is not just skillfully amazing, he is patient and he will do what he needs to to get you healed. I have searched high and low literally for a massage/​natural healing method to work on my muscle spasms. I’m not 100% healed but I have a really good jumpstart with the help of Edwin.
I’ve used so many 10 pack deals from other healing agencies. One I really liked quite a bit started out great but she started to show up late, stop early, heard her life story, … not professional. Others are so sweet but not so gifted. Some have great intentions but are limited in their knowledge, ex may know how to relax massage but don’t understand fascia work, etc.
Edwin is unique because he uses different techniques of eastern medicine of multiple asian countries. Bottom line he is professional, knowledgeable, patient and kind. And yes we have established a relationship but our conversations are always uplifting and delightful.
He is truly gifted and a decent human being so glad you’re in the neighborhood.
My only complaint… YOU HAVE GOT TO GET ANOTHER HEATER. I’m going to get you one soon if you don’t.

Great ambiance in a simple space.
We went for the community acupuncture special. Lovely!

I was in Chicago only briefly, and my knee siezed up so that I could barley walk. I’ve never had accupuncture, but a friend reccomended I go to Edwin at Spring Stream. My knee is a bad mess, with cartilidge damage, torn meniscus, and a bone cyst.
The treatment was not painful and took about an hour. Immediately after I was able to stand up and walk without limping, which was great ! I did not expect immediate results, but was thrilled to be on my feet again. If I was going to be in Chicago longer I would continue to get treatment… the long term results must be really great.

I’ve had several massages with Edwin and I’ve waited this long to write a review because in the beginning I couldn’t believe how good he was (is). At first I was very skeptical but after 3 times, I have to admit he has amazing hands. I’ve had massages at many other places in this city and nothing nor no one works wonder like he does.
I first found Edwin through a Groupon deal and decided to give it a try since my right foot and my lower back was killing me. My first appointment, I walked in with an achy foot and explained to Edwin the pain. He has a very calm and gentle manner which really makes these appointments more relaxing. He worked on my right foot, as I asked him to, and by the time I walked out, the pain disappeared! I had been limping for a week and on my way back I could not believe that there was no pain and I could walk normally.
The second time, I came in with terrible back pain and again, I walked out feeling like 18 again (you know, when nothing is wrong with your body).
Today, I contacted him asking for a same day appointment and luckily, he was able to squeeze me in. I just got back from a trip where I went snorkeling and somehow pulled a muscle in my left leg. The pain was a little unbearable and I’ve been having difficulty sleeping and walking. Additionally during the trip we took a plane ride that was a little scary which resulted in lots of tensed muscles around my neck and shoulders. I really didn’t expect much since I just wanted a massage, but I told him about my leg anyway. He worked on it first, and carefully checked in with me to make sure the pressure is ok. By the end of the massage, I walked out and could not believe that the pain was almost gone. From being unable to lift my leg I was running up the stairs to my apartment, so excited that my leg was working again.
His place is clean and simple. I’ve been texting him to get appointments and he is very responsive which I appreciate. Highly recommend Edwin for his amazing skill! I’m contemplating trying his other services as well!

I had a massage here on Saturday. I had bought a deal through Amazon Local after reading the great reviews. Though I was a little disappointed that in the interim the location had changed from Lakeview to Uptown, I made my appointment and brought my knot-​ridden back in to get worked on. I have had several massages and by far, this one really worked out all the kinks. The space is low-​frills, but all i really want is a back that doesn’t ache all the time. I have to say, two days later and everything still feels looser. I like a «strong» massage, and definitely got it, as I have some knots/​tightness that really needs to be worked through. It certainly wasn’t the most relaxing massage, but I went in to get the pain out, not to take a nap!

Edwin was amazing. I have had many massages and his was very memorable. I could tell he was knowledgable in assessing my muscle needs and my shoulders felt much looser afterwards. Thank you!

Had a lot of pain in my legs during my 2^nd & 3^rd trimester. I was lucky to come across an advertising for Spring Stream. I felt relief immediately after my first session. We scheduled an appointment for cervical ripening but given the work I do I gave birth 2 weeks earlier than expected. Edwin is a kind & understanding & flexible. I’d definitely go back.

This is the first review of any service that I have taken time out to write. The service at Spring Stream Acupuncture was nearly top notch. The office was professional, relaxing, and inviting. Edwin was extremely flexible with scheduling. I felt very comfortable undressed under the white sheets. The pain in my knee is completely gone, and had been inflamed and stiff for at least 5 months. This was my first acupuncture treatment, so I didn’t know what to expect (the only compliant I can honestly report is that he didn’t cover what I should expect, so I was very tense at the beginning), however, he made me comfortable by constantly asking my level of pain and what I was feeling. He also did the cupping, which was a new experience for me (again, he didn’t cover what it was or what it would do), it was pretty painful and made huge marks in my back which I hope will go away (he didn’t cover what I should expect post treatment either). I feel about 80% relieved of the back strain that I had at this moment, so I think he did a great job. With a little more communication, I would definitely give him a 5 star rating.

I just got a massage from Edwin! He has some magic hands! Thanks Edwin will definitely see u again:)

I found Edwin Alvarez, L.AC., and his business, Spring Stream Acupuncture, because I had a Living Social coupon for acupuncture and cupping. I liked the initial treatment so much that I made another appointment, at the regular price, and went back the following week.
I had two complaints when I first met Edwin. First, I sleep in a funny position, on my side, for the very logical and middle-​aged woman reason that my cat likes to be cuddled and I pillow my head on her, at least for a while each night, and that twists my right arm and shoulder into a weird position. Also, I am a licensed bodyworker, and my dominant hand and arm get a workout regularly.
My second complaint was tingling and numbness in my fingertips. Not carpal tunnel, maybe thoracic outlet syndrome? Maybe Renaud’s syndrome? Who knows, it’s undiagnosed by an MD. All I can tell you, it’s annoying.
Edwin’s space faces onto Sheffield Avenue and is shared with other body workers and health-​related workers. There is a pleasant lobby with seating and magazines. Edwin’s room is big enough for his equipment, a treatment table, and his I-​Tune speaker system. The space is soothing and quiet.
Edwin has a quiet demeanor that I liked very much. When I told him about my issues, he listened quietly, asked logical questions, and demonstrated to me that he knew his stuff. Although he looks and is young — well, what a baby boomer like me thinks is young — he said he has been practicing four years. While he may not be a seasoned veteran, he is not a beginner, either. I felt more at ease with him after we talked, and believed that I would be in good hands.
At my first appointment, Edwin did cupping on my shoulder, and used the acupuncture needles and heat for the numbness issue. Boy, some of those points were really intense! I’ve had acupuncture off and on, starting in 1988, and oh boy, this was as painful as I can ever remember. The sensation does die down fast and quickly becomes tolerable, but wowie!
Edwin recommended some Chinese medicine pills for the numbness and tingling, and I did purchase those for $ 15.00.
I booked another appointment for the following week. The full price for that was $ 60.00. In the second session, Edwin concentrated on the numbness. Again, some of those points were really intense! But I’ve had really good results from acupuncture over the years, and so I was willing to endure momentary pain for lasting results.
As for the results? A day or two after the first treatment, my shoulder pain cleared up and has not returned. I was a little more doubtful about the numbness issue. After the 2^nd appointment, I still was experiencing the tingling and numbness sensation. I thought to myself, well, girl, you one for two. The shoulder got fixed, but not the fingers.
But you know what happened? A week or two later, I realized that I no longer had the tingling or numbing sensation in my fingertips. It disappeared so gradually, I didn’t even realize it had happened. Now, several weeks later, the problem has not recurred. I guess I made the mistake of thinking that I had to have an instant effect, when acupuncture doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes the effects take a few days to manifest. And that’s what happened with me.
Bottom line: two appointments and one bottle of Chinese medicine resolved both issues I presented to Edwin. Definitely two thumbs up for him and his knowledge!
The only issue I have had with visiting Edwin is parking. I went mid-​morning on weekdays. The first time, I found street parking a couple blocks away, free. Score! But the second time, I had to drive around for 15 minutes before I found a spot, I was actually a few minutes late for my appointment, and I am NEVER late!
The Belmont El station, and the Belmont bus, are only a couple blocks away, so there is that alternative. Personally, I avoid public transportation at all costs. If you drive, give yourself extra time to find parking.

Edwin was very helpful in alleviating several of my patient’s health concerns such as pain, smoking cessation, and psoriasis. Thank you for your awesome work!