Frequently Asked Questions in Flower Mound TX

Chiropractic is a natural care that focuses on aligning the spine, unpinching and improving nerve function. It helps relieve pain, improve movement, and support overall health - without drugs or surgery.

Headaches, back pain, neck pain, diziness, balance issues, TMJ, joint stiffness, sciatica, auto and sports injuries, poor posture, and nerve-related issues.

Chiropractic adjustment is a gentle, hands-on technique where a chiropractor realigns the spine or joints to improve movement, reduce pain, and restore proper nerve function.

Chiropractic treatment is safe when performed by a licensed professional, Dr. Shim has been practicing Chinese medicine combined with Chiropractic for more than 2 decades. It’s a gentle, non-invasive approach with a strong track record of helping people of all ages feel better and move easier.

It depends on your condition, how long you’ve had it, your lifestyle, and your goals. Some patients feel relief after just a few visits, while others with chronic issues or long-term misalignments may need ongoing care over several weeks or months. At Acupuncture & Integrated Healthcare clinic is more effective because Dr. Shim combines acupuncture, chiropractic treatment and spinal decompression - relaxing the muscles, making it easier to achieve a better adjustment - and the problems don’t come back. Dr. Shim will recommend a personalized plan based on your needs.

Chiropractors treat more than just back pain - they help restore proper alignment and nervous system function, which can benefit many areas of your health. Conditions commonly treated include neck and back pain, sciatica, joint stiffness, headaches, poor posture, and sports injuries. But that’s not all - chiropractic care can also support people with chronic fatigue, stress-related tension, nerve irritation, and mobility issues. By improving how your spine and nervous system work together, chiropractic care helps your body heal more efficiently and move more freely - naturally and without medication.

Chiropractic care is generally very safe when performed by a trained, licensed professional. Some people may experience mild soreness after an adjustment, but serious side effects are rare. At Acupuncture & Integrated Healthcare, we will always assess your health and tailor care to your needs to keep it safe and effective.

Not at all! For first-time patients, even kids, chiropractic adjustments are gentle, safe, and carefully tailored to your comfort. You might hear a small “pop,” but it’s just air releasing from the joints, not your bones cracking. Most people feel relaxed, lighter, or even relieved right away. Dr. Shim always takes the time to explain each step so you or your child feel completely at ease.

Chinese medicine is a holistic system of health and healing developed over 3000 years. It includes practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, qigong, dietary therapy, and tai chi. Instead of just treating symptoms, Chinese medicine focuses on restoring balance in the body’s Qi energy, blood circulation, calming your nervous system, and activating natural healing responses, to address the root cause of illness.

Acupuncture is a gentle, time-tested therapy (over 3000 years) that helps your body heal from the inside out. Using ultra-fine and disposal needles placed at specific meridian acupuncture points based on conditions. Dr. Shim strongly believes in boosting vital Qi energy, clearing Qi and blood stagnation (often linked to inflammation), and restoring healthy circulation of blood—which delivers nutrients, oxygen, plasma, and stem cells to damaged soft tissues, organs, or nerve cells to support their healing and regeneration.

Herbal medicine is a key part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, used for over 2,000 years. It involves customized formulas made from natural herbs to restore balance and treat the root cause of illness. Today, over 13,000 medicinal herbs are documented in use, and studies show many formulas are effective for conditions like digestive issues, insomnia, and chronic pain. Dr. Shim has received intensive training in Chinese herbal medicine, including knowledge of interactions with Western drugs. Dr. Shim prescribes herbal formulas based on precise, individualized diagnoses. Dr. Shim has successfully helped thousands of patients safely. The formulas are natural, plant-based, and produced under strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. Each formula is carefully crafted by a licensed and professionally trained doctor.”

Fire moving cupping is a traditional therapy that uses heated glass cups to create suction on the skin. The cups are then gently moved to improve blood and lymphatic flow, detox, release muscle tension,blood stagnation and clear stagnant Qi. It’s commonly used for pain relief, detoxification and relaxation.

Qigong acupressure combines the principles of Qigong with gentle pressure on specific acupuncture points to stimulate the flow of Qi (energy). Dr. Shim helps release mind and body tension, balance the body’s energy, and support healing.

Moxa, or moxibustion, is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (a healing herb) near or on acupuncture points to warm the body, stimulate circulation, and boost the flow of Qi. It’s commonly used to relieve pain, strengthen immunity, and treat colds, relax and deliver babies naturally, turning baby normal position before delivering baby or any stagnant conditions.

Dr. Shim has been helping thousands of patients with a wide range of conditions - from any chronic or acute pain, headache and anxiety to neurophy, autoimmune, arthritis, fertility, digestion, IBS, detox, weight loss and sleep issues...et - by supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Most patients at our clinic are surprised by how relaxing and restorative it feels - some even describe it as a “reset” for the body and mind.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions by addressing both the symptoms and the root cause. Commonly treated issues include chronic and acute pain, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, foot pain, anxiety,depression, autoimmune, fibromyalgia, chemotherapy side effects, bell’s palsy, post stroke and surgery recovery,arthritis pain,insomnia, digestive disorders, IBS, hormonal imbalances (include menopause symptoms), fatigue, dizziness, allergies, sinusitis, infertility, auto and sport injury and more. They work by restoring balance, improving circulation, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Absolutely. Acupuncture is a very safe and gentle treatment, especially in the hands of a qualified, licensed practitioner. At Acupuncture & Integrated Healthcare, we use single-use, sterile, hair-thin needles that are inserted with care and precision. Most patients feel little to no discomfort—and many find the experience surprisingly relaxing. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as brief soreness or light bruising. If you’re new to acupuncture, Dr. Shim will explain everything step by step so you feel comfortable and confident throughout your session. Dr. Shim has been helping from a 6-year-old kid to a 101-year-old patient.

The number of treatments varies depending on your condition, how long you’ve had it, and how your body responds. Some people notice improvement after just one or two sessions, while others with chronic or complex issues may benefit from a series of treatments over several weeks. Acupuncture works cumulatively - meaning each session builds on the last. During your first visit, Dr. Shim will create a personalized plan that fits your specific needs and health goals.

Chinese medicine takes a more holistic approach—addressing the root cause of imbalance throughout the entire body. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and improves circulation, reducing pain, inflammation, and stress. Herbal medicine works internally to support organ function, balance hormones, boost immunity, and enhance the body’s natural healing.

Together, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and herbal therapy not only relieve pain like chiropractic care but also treat the underlying issues—whether they’re related to digestion, stress, fatigue, or hormonal imbalance.

Dr. Shim strongly believes the combination between Chinese medicine/ acupuncture and chiropractic which focus on spinal alignment and neuromusculoskeletal adjustments creates a powerful, complementary approach to healing. This multi-layered approach often leads to faster recovery, longer-lasting results, and improved overall well-being.

Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. The needles are sterile, single-use, and extremely thin, minimizing discomfort and risk. Most patients experience no side effects, though occasional mild bruising, soreness, or lightheadedness may occur. Serious complications are extremely rare. Before treatment, Dr. Shim always reviews your health history to ensure acupuncture is safe and tailored to your needs - including if you’re pregnant, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

Not at all for most people! The needles are super thin - most patients feel little to nothing. Some feel a light pinch or a warm, tingly sensation, but many find the experience calming and even fall asleep. Dr. Shim always makes sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.

Because Dr. Shim does more than just adjustments (neuromusculoskeletal) - he takes time to understand your whole story. His care is gentle, personalized, and focused on your long-term wellness, not just short-term pain relief. Whether you’re dealing with chronic discomfort, recovering from injury, or just want to feel your best, he tailors each treatment to your body’s unique needs. Plus, with his integration of acupuncture and holistic therapies, you’ll receive a deeper level of care that supports healing from the inside out.

Rather than just treating symptoms, at Acupuncture & Integrated Healthcare, we focus on whole-body wellness, giving you more complete, longer-lasting results. By combining spinal alignment, neuromusculoskeletal adjustments, acupuncture, and herbal therapy. Dr. Shim helps your body heal faster, feel better, and stay healthier—naturally and holistically.

Your first appointment might take a bit longer - around 45 to 60 minutes - because Dr.Shim will do a full assessment and discuss your personalized treatment plan. Follow-up visits focus on treatment and usually go faster.

Dr. Shim is originally from South Korea. He has been practicing Chinese medicine combined with Chiropractic for more than 2 decades in Flower Mound, Texas and surrounding area. Dr. Shim is a Certified Texas Licensed Acupuncturist, recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin. He has since obtained a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Parker College of Chiropractic. He graduated from four years of Chinese medical school. He has completed acupuncture and Herbal Medicine included a year-long internship, close to 3,000 training hours.

Yes! Both chiropractic care and acupuncture are safe and highly beneficial during pregnancy when performed by experienced professionals. Chiropractic care helps relieve back pain, improve pelvic alignment, and reduce pregnancy-related discomforts. Acupuncture can support relaxation, ease nausea, improve sleep, and help with overall well-being. Dr. Shim uses gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of both mom and baby throughout your care.

No - neither chiropractic care nor acupuncture is physically addictive. These treatments simply help your body function better, which is why many people choose to continue after experiencing the benefits. Just like eating well or exercising, ongoing care supports your long-term health and balance. You’re always in control of your treatment schedule, and Dr. Shim tailors care to meet your goals - whether for short-term relief or ongoing wellness.

That “crack” or popping sound you hear during an adjustment isn’t your bones—it’s simply gas releasing from the joint. When a joint is gently stretched, small bubbles of gas (mostly nitrogen and carbon dioxide) are released from the fluid inside, creating that familiar sound. It’s completely normal, painless, and often a sign that the joint is moving more freely.

No, self-adjusting is not recommended. While you might hear a pop when you twist or stretch, you’re not actually correcting joint misalignments. In fact, trying to adjust yourself can lead to instability, overuse of certain joints, or even injury.

Yes - Combining acupuncture, chiropractic care and spinal decompression is a highly effective, non-surgical approach for treating back pain. Chiropractic care realigns the spine and improves nerve function, acupuncture reduces inflammation and relaxes tight muscles, and decompression therapy gently relieves pressure on spinal discs and nerves. Together, Dr. Shim takes care of both the structural and muscular causes of pain, promotes healing, and provides long-lasting relief without medication or surgery.

If you’re struggling with neck pain, a combined approach using chiropractic care, acupuncture, and spinal decompression therapy can offer powerful, lasting relief. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper spinal alignment, relieve nerve pressure, and improve mobility. Acupuncture reduces muscle tension, inflammation, and promotes natural healing by improving circulation and energy flow. Spinal decompression therapy gently stretches the neck to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves.

By addressing the muscular, and neurological aspects of neck pain, Dr. Shim provides a safe, drug-free solution that not only relieves pain but also supports long-term healing and prevention.

Acupuncture and chiropractic care work together to treat the root causes of headaches - such as muscle tension, nerve irritation, stress, and poor posture. Chiropractic adjustments restore alignment and reduce pressure on nerves, while acupuncture relieves tension, improves blood circulation, and balances the body’s Qi energy. Dr. Shim uses a drug-free approach to help reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches.

While both aim to relieve pain and improve movement, they focus on different approaches. Chiropractic care emphasizes the alignment of the spine and nervous system, using precise adjustments to restore function and balance. Physical therapy focuses more on rehabilitating muscles and joints through exercises, stretches, and strengthening techniques.

At Acupuncture & Integrated Healthcare clinic, chiropractic and acupuncture work together to not only correct the root cause but also support your body’s ability to heal and stay well—naturally.

Absolutely. Sports injuries often involve both structural imbalances and soft tissue damage. Chiropractors address misalignments, joint dysfunction, and biomechanics, while acupuncturists target inflammation, muscle tension, and pain through the body’s natural healing systems. Together, Dr. Shim will help you recover faster and perform better.

Yes. Poor posture is often caused by a combination of spinal misalignment, muscle imbalances, and chronic tension. Chiropractic care corrects alignment issues and restores proper joint function, while acupuncture targets deep muscular tension and promotes better neuromuscular balance.

Together, Dr. Shim can help to retrain your body to hold itself correctly - reducing strain on the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Over time, this combination not only improves posture but also helps prevent pain, fatigue, and injury linked to poor body mechanics.

On your first visit, Dr. Shim will start with a thorough consultation and exam to understand your concerns. If chiropractic care is right for you, he will perform a gentle adjustment using targeted pressure to realign specific joints, most often in your spine or neck. You might hear a small pop—that’s just gas releasing from the joint, not anything breaking.

The adjustment itself is usually quick and comfortable, and many people feel relief, improved movement, or even a sense of lightness right away. Dr. Shim will guide you through every step so you feel relaxed and confident throughout your care.

Most people feel little to no discomfort—just a mild tingling or a warm, relaxing sensation. The needles are typically left in place for 20–30 minutes while you rest. Many patients feel deeply relaxed during and after the session. Depending on your condition, Dr. Shim may also use techniques like electric acupuncture, far-infrared light, cupping, moxibustion, ear acupuncture or acupressure for added benefit.

Yes, both acupuncture and chiropractic care are safe and effective for children when performed by licensed, trained professionals. Dr. Shim adjustments are very gentle and specially tailored to a child’s growing spine and nervous system. Acupuncture for children often uses fewer or no needles at all—sometimes using non-needle techniques like laser acupuncture, acupressure or auricula therapy.

Dr. Shim can help with a variety of childhood issues, including digestive problems, allergies, sleep disturbances, anxiety, ADHD, and posture-related concerns. Most importantly, they support natural development and help build a foundation for lifelong wellness—without drugs or invasive treatments.

Dr. Shim is a Licensed Acupuncturist (DOM, L.Ac.) and Licensed Chiropractor. A Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) has completed extensive, specialized training - typically 4 years (more than 3,000 hours training and 2 years internship) of graduate-level education - focused solely on acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including herbal medicine, diagnosis, qigong, cupping, moxa and theory. They are required to pass national board exams and meet strict state licensing standards.

A Chiropractic Acupuncturist is a licensed chiropractor who has received additional training in acupuncture, often through a certification program ranging from 100 to 300 hours. While they can incorporate acupuncture and chiropractic, their training is more limited compared to that of a Licensed Acupuncturist.