Work with Ancient Roots Acupuncture in Frankfort, Illinois

Meet the Practitioners

Dr. Shannon McMahon, DACM, L.Ac.

Shannon McMahon has a doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Science in Chicago.

As a clinician, Dr. Shannon McMahon strives to advance ethical and patient centered care while practicing Traditional East Asian Medicine. These values carry over into serving and educating the community in which she lives and practices.

She is a member of the Illinois Society of Acupuncturist (ILSA) and is serving on the ILSA Continuing Education Committee in order to facilitate continuing further education for acupuncturists in Illinois and throughout the midwest.

Credentials

Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Pacific College of Health and Science. Licensed acupuncturist (IDFPR) and NCCAOM board certified.

Internships: RUSH Hospital (oncology patients), Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (veterans).
Illinois Society of Acupuncturists (ILSA), Continuing Education Committee member.

Paul Arrivo, LMT, MAc

Paul Arrivo, LMT, MAc graduated Kaplan College in 2010 with a clinical massage certificate and has been practicing as a licensed massage therapist in the state of Illinois since 2011. While working as a massage therapist over the past 14 years he eventually made Tui Na massage a focus for bodywork, thus combining his love of Chinese Medicine with massage. Tui Na utilizes a combination of acupressure, stretching, kneading, pressing, rolling, and shaking to balance the bodies energy systems, treating a range of issues from musculoskeletal, insomnia, headaches, and digestive disorders.

Paul was first introduced to acupuncture in 2016 when suffering from insomnia. After hearing that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for insomnia he booked his first treatment. After his first session, he knew what he wanted to do & broadened his studies by obtaining his Master of Science in Acupuncture from the Pacific College of Health & Science (Chicago) in 2023. He is currently in the process of becoming a licensed acupuncturist.

Adam, Clinic Assistant

Adam is the friendly face that welcomes patients to our clinic. He ensures each visit runs smoothly by assisting with scheduling, patient check-in and check-out, insurance coordination, and maintaining a clean, comfortable treatment environment. With a genuine care for patient well-being and an appreciation for the healing power of East Asian medicine, Adam helps create a calm and supportive atmosphere for everyone who visits the clinic.

Rachel Rivers L.Ac., MAcCHM, Acupuncturist and Herbalist

This time-honored medicine, philosophy, and lifestyle have enthralled Rachel ever since she began seeking the meditative martial arts of Wudang, which are based in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, to help her avoid shoulder surgery. During that journey, she also received TCM herbal formulas that effectively reversed her insomnia.

Upon returning to the United States, she completed her Master of Science in Acupuncture, with a Specialization in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Her experience as a practitioner continues revealing to her, not only the profound ability of this medicine to heal and harmonize the mind, body, and spirit – but to raise our standards of wellbeing, and cultivate a higher quality of life – for those seeking more robust longevity, and thriving, vibrant health.

Testimonials

“I am a 68 year old male who has worked a lifetime of heavy physical skilled trades work. This work has taken a toll on my body. After two shoulder surgeries and taking prescription pain killers I am still in pain making it difficult to sleep. I started using the Tendon Liniment along with the Magnesium Cream by Ancient Roots Acupuncture on my shoulders in the evenings and it has reduced my pain significantly allowing me to sleep.”

- M. Timmerman

“I truly can’t say enough about Shannon—she is a phenomenal acupuncturist and a genuinely wonderful human being. When I first came to her, I was barely able to walk due to bulged discs and intense sciatica. Thanks to Shannon’s incredible skill, compassion, and care, I’m now able to move freely and feel like myself again! She is kind, patient, and deeply talented. From the moment we walk through her doors, it’s instant relaxation. Her space radiates calm, and her presence is grounding. My husband and daughter also see her now, and we all feel incredibly grateful to have Shannon as part of our wellness routine. She has made such a difference in our lives. Highly, highly recommend!“

- AC McGoldrick

“Shannon McMahon is a very skilled acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her office is an oasis of peace and calm. Shannon has helped me tremendously with sciatica, sleep, gut function and overall energy levels. Because each treatment balances the flow of energy in the body, issues other than the one that prompts me to book an appointment improve as well!”

- T. Lynch

“I cannot recommend Dr. Shannon enough. From the moment you walk in, you’re enveloped in a deep sense of calm—the space is not only beautifully decorated, but also feels sacred. It’s clear that every detail was chosen with care, creating a safe and nurturing environment where healing feels truly possible. Dr. Shannon is kind, gentle, and deeply knowledgeable, always taking the time to listen and offer thoughtful self-care suggestions that extend far beyond the session. Whether it’s a custom tea, an herbal ointment, or simply holding space to breathe and reset, every visit feels like a gift. There’s an authenticity here that’s rare—a true breath of fresh air. This is more than acupuncture; it’s holistic care with heart.”

- M. Odonnell

“I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee as I was experiencing severe knee and joint pain. After seeking medical care with an orthopedic specialist, a chiropractor and another acupuncturist, I discovered Ancient Roots with Dr. Shannon Mcmahon. I am a very active person who exercises, and I appreciated the time she took to listen not only to the issue but gain an understanding of my overall well being including sleep and stress level to properly treat me. She then catered the treatment to the issue while also addressing my overall system. This has helped me tremendously and continues to naturally heal my body from within. In these times, it is better to find natural ways to heal and not medicine which at most is a temporary patch on the problem. For months now, I have not experienced knee and joint pain; my overall body and wellbeing have improved and I truly appreciate her professionalism and the high level of care.”

- Courtney J.

“Words cannot express how grateful I am for that one day in August 2024 when my daughter went online and scheduled my appointment to see Dr. Shannon. I went from two years of having pain shooting from my piriformis muscle down my leg, up my spine and even to the top of my head. Nerve ablations, cortisone shots and spinal rehabilitation barely put a dent in improving my quality of life from the constant discomfort. After just a few visits to Ancient Acupuncture, I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A few months later, I was virtually pain-free and started getting back to being “me” again… exercising, losing weight, and enjoying life. I literally went from having to crawl out of my bed, onto the floor to do a half hour of stretching to receive enough comfort to withstand standing up and going to work to now jumping out of bed, going to the gym, walking with friends, playing pickleball at night, and… wait for it… running again (I even surprised myself with that one LOL). Dr. Shannon got my wellness journey kick-started, and one year later, I’m a new person because of it.“

- Lynn

“Dr. Shannon McMahon is an absolute gem in the world of acupuncture and healing! I embarked on a journey with her for several months, seeking relief from various health concerns, and the experience was nothing short of transformative. Her expertise and compassionate approach immediately put me at ease. Dr. McMahon took the time to thoroughly understand my health history, patiently listened to my concerns, and crafted a personalized treatment plan that targeted my specific needs.

Throughout each acupuncture session, Dr. McMahon’s skillful application of acupuncture was not just therapeutic; it was truly a holistic experience. Her gentle demeanor and insightful guidance created a calming and nurturing environment. I found myself not only experiencing physical relief but also a profound sense of mental and emotional balance after each session. What truly sets Dr. McMahon apart is her genuine dedication to her patients’ well-being. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every visit is comfortable, informative, and tailored to address individual needs. Her wealth of knowledge in acupuncture, combined with her warm and empathetic nature, makes her an exceptional practitioner. Under Dr. McMahon’s care, I noticed remarkable improvements in my overall health and well-being. The treatments were not just about alleviating symptoms but also about promoting long-term wellness. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Shannon McMahon to anyone seeking a skilled, caring, and effective acupuncture practitioner. Her commitment to healing and her remarkable abilities make her an invaluable resource in the field of alternative medicine. Thank you, Dr. McMahon, for your dedication and for making such a positive impact on my health journey!”