“I always say in my previous life I was an engineer,” says Dr. Shannon McMahon, founder of Ancient Roots Acupuncture and Herbs in Frankfort. “I’ve always been interested in the environment and trying to heal the scars of pollution. But when I stumbled into acupuncture as a profession, I knew I had found my true calling.”
Her personal connection to natural wellness runs deep. “Growing up, we took a lot of vitamins, didn’t use many medications, and ate healthy fresh foods—which in those days was not as common as it is today.”
After earning her doctorate at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, she set out to create a clinic that felt as healing as the medicine itself. “I didn’t want to just treat so many patients per day—I wanted to take my time and do whatever I felt each person needed to help their body heal. I wanted people to enter a warm and inviting space where they could truly relax into a sleeping or meditative state.”
The name Ancient Roots reflects both the longevity and the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. “The medical acupuncture text that TCM is based on dates back to 2600 BC. Acupuncture has deep roots and has been used effectively for thousands of years. It’s also rooted in Daoist philosophy and our connection to the natural world. I feel deeply that we are all connected—to one another, to nature, and to the cosmos.”
Her approach blends multiple styles of acupuncture in a gentle, accessible way. “The patient generally doesn’t feel the needle being inserted. If they do, it’s like a tiny bug bite. I work on channels and use Hara diagnosis from the Japanese tradition, alongside Traditional Chinese and Korean styles.”
Pain is the most common reason patients come to her. “That’s what acupuncture is best known for in the West. But more people are coming for women’s health, autoimmune issues, and mental health support like anxiety or depression.”
Treatments often include more than just needles. “I offer Chinese herbal medicine—either in pills, granules, or raw herbs—so I can create personalized formulas that evolve as the patient progresses. I also use moxibustion, cupping, and sometimes medicinal mushrooms. I’m a huge fan of mushrooms like lion’s mane for memory, mood, and immunity.”
For Dr. McMahon, the healing journey often brings surprising benefits. “A patient might come in for back pain and notice their sleep improves or they feel calmer overall. I’ve had patients experience emotional releases—especially when we’re working on areas that hold trauma. I had one woman with severe jaw tension from past abuse, and when I placed a needle in that point, she cried and said she felt something finally release.”
She believes acupuncture is not only about symptom relief—it’s about restoring balance. “I always include points to regulate the central nervous system. In today’s world, we’re overstimulated and constantly in ‘fight or flight’ mode. Acupuncture helps bring the body back into balance.”
She’s seen a shift in how the local community views holistic care. “Ten years ago, it was hard to find an acupuncturist in this area. Now there are more of us, and more insurance plans are covering it. That’s a real sign of acceptance.”
And for those hesitant to try something new, she encourages small, mindful steps. “Sometimes it’s as easy as adding mushroom supplements or exploring gentle movement like Qigong or yoga. People usually come in curious. That curiosity is the beginning of their exploration.”
Her intention is simple but powerful. “I hope every person who walks through my door leaves with less pain than they came in with—and a sense of quiet inner peace.”
Acupuncture treats the body, mind, and spirit—it’s not just about healing pain, it's about rediscovering balance and peace.