Golden Hour Acupuncture Chicago
Meet Our Team
Amanda Dobron
Acupuncturist, and Owner of Golden Hour
Amanda Dobron began her study of Chinese Medicine in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and later graduated with a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine – Chicago. She is certified nationally through NCCAOM and licensed in Illinois. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
While a student, Amanda committed to extensive outside study of Classical Chinese Medicine in the lineage of Dr. Jeffrey Yuen. This lineage spans 88 generations and continues to inspire Amanda’s dedication, with its heart-centered, rich, and comprehensive understanding of the medicine. Her treatments incorporate a combination of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, and herbal therapy. She also relies on dietary and movement therapy to help patients achieve their goals. Amanda is a teaching assistant at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago and a 2018-2019 Albert Schweitzer Fellow.
Jada Banko - Acupuncturist
Jada Banko is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, a board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist, and a Diplomate in Canonical Chinese Medicine. As a healthcare provider committed to a holistic and integrative approach to medicine,
Jada works closely with each patient to best understand the underlying causes of their symptoms. She strives to educate her patients in self-empowerment and healing while working with them collaboratively to find a path that works best for them. Through acupuncture, nutritional guidance, herbal medicine, and various other lifestyle modifications, Jada works with her patients to achieve balance, well-being, and their optimal health.
Jada received her doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at Pacific College of Health and Science in Chicago
Ariel Leonard - LMT
With over 13 years of experience, I am passionate about helping people feel and move better through the power of therapeutic touch. I graduated from Cortiva School of Massage Therapy and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2016.
My career began in the fitness industry, where I developed a deep understanding of body mechanics and physical performance. Over time, my work naturally evolved from relaxation-focused massage into specialized pain management and therapeutic treatments.
Demerria Murray - Shiatsu / Massage Student
Demi is an aesthetician and Zen Shiatsu practitioner whose work is guided by a deep respect for the body’s innate wisdom and its ability to respond to intentional, supportive touch. Her journey into esthetics revealed the profound influence facial work can have on the entire body, sparking a lasting passion for facial massage as a pathway to balance, relief, and nervous system regulation.
This curiosity naturally expanded into her studies of Zen Shiatsu and East Asian bodywork, where she developed a deeper understanding of the body’s meridian systems and internal rhythms. Demi’s approach weaves together traditional esthetics, Ayurvedic-inspired rituals, Zen Shiatsu principles, lymphatic techniques, and intuitive touch to create deeply restorative, whole-body experiences.
Each session is offered as a calming ritual—an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and support both skin health and overall well-being in a grounded, nurturing space.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Dynamic balance: Chinese medicine creates balance on the inside of your body, which in turn radiates outward into your life.
Many patients experience a sense of deep relaxation, immediate pain relief, and a quality of centered well-being immediately after a treatment. In the following days, the body continues to heal. You may notice increased energy, better digestion, improved mood, mental clarity and more range of motion. When a condition is chronic, it takes the body longer to come back into balance, but over time, it does indeed find its way back to health.
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Make sure and eat something beforehand. It’s best not to receive acupuncture on a totally empty stomach. Wear comfortable clothes. Come as you are. You are an amazing person. You’ve made a choice to invest in your health. That is something to be proud of!
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After completing paperwork, we will have a thorough conversation about your health, your goals for treatment, and any concerns you have. We’ll develop a treatment plan together. After that, you’ll receive a full treatment. This may include acupuncture, herbal consultation and accessory techniques.
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First treatments usually take about 75 minutes. Follow-up treatments are between 45 and 60 minutes long.
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A typical course of treatment is usually about 10 treatments, but varies depending on how long you’ve had the condition, and how much we collaborate on the healing process. Results vary by individual and specific condition.
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Acupuncture needles are as thin as a hair, and most patients report feeling a dull, heavy sensation once the needles are inserted. Julie is known for her gentle technique, and many patients remark, “I didn’t feel a thing!”
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Yes! We are In-Network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. We can also provide you with a detailed receipt called a SuperBill to submit to your insurance company. Payment is due in full at the time of service. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
Cancellation Policy
When cancelling an appointment, please note that we require 24 hours notice. Cancelling with less than 24 hours notice will incur a late cancellation fee that is 50% the cost of the appointment.
We understand that unforseen circumstances and emergencies arise and will give special consideration when they do.
If you know you’ll be arriving late, contact us as soon as possible. When able, we will accomodate a late arrival. However, more than 15 minutes late is considered a late cancellation.
