What is Shen?
Shen is the spirit or vital life force that exists within every living body. It is reflected through our eyes and facial complexion, serving as a mirror of our inner vitality. Acupuncture practitioners work with this life force by accessing the body’s meridians to balance the flow of Qi and oxygen, helping to optimize overall physiological function.
The effects of an effective acupuncture treatment can appear in many ways. One positive sign is a noticeable change in complexion, often becoming brighter or more radiant with a healthy red glow. We often say after an acupuncture session, ex: “Oh, you have a bright shen!” This is a compliment—an indication that the patient's body has responded well to the treatment and vitality is strong.
Kinga Van Brunt, LAc
Kinga grew up in the hilly forested regions of northwest Romania. As a child she spent her weekends in nature participating in orienteering or picking mushrooms, wildflowers and medicinal plants with her parents. Herbal teas were a daily delight at home and in times of illness healing remedies also.
She moved to the United States in her early 20's and in 2006 she enrolled at Midwest College of Oriental medicine. At the time she was going through health struggles that Western medicine could not identify. She found the answer and cure during her years studying Chinese medicine.
Kinga graduated magna cum laude from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago in 2010. She is a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified through the NCCAOM.
She began her career working at a top Chinese medicine clinic in Chesterton, Indiana. At East Wind Acupuncture she would see 90-110 patient cases in a week. Later she was the co- founder of People's Community Acupuncture in Chicago, a community clinic that served the Lincoln Park area. Before her son was born, her family moved to the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
During her career she had the privilege of studying from great Chinese medicine masters like Dr. Richard Teh- Fu Tan OMD, LAc know as Dr Tan, Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chan LAc in California, Dr. Randine Lewis LAc and gynecologist , Michelle Meramour LAc. -the developer of body feedback treatment style.
Kinga combines these credentials and Chinese medicine treatment styles with intuition in her individualized treatments. She has experience treating a wide spectrum of bodily imbalances. Her passion lies in treating male and female fertility cases with a great success rate.
She has worked with children, adolescence, adults and the elderly.
Stephanie Glynn
After years of exploring common healing methods with little relief from chronic physical and emotional pain, Stephanie turned to energy work as a last hope. What she discovered changed everything. Through Reiki, acupuncture and Shamanic healing, she began to understand how repressed emotions and energetic blockages can take root in the body—manifesting as discomfort, dis-ease and disconnection. What started as a journey of self-healing gradually unfolded into something much greater. Stephanie not only experienced a powerful transformation but also awakened to her spiritual gifts as a healer.
Stephanie is certified in Usui Reiki Levels I, II and III, as well as the transformative 5 Element Dragon Fire Reiki. She draws on her training, intuition and deep connection to God/Source to offer clients a sense of calm, clarity and energetic renewal.
Session experience:
In a Reiki session with Stephanie, clients remain fully clothed during a 50-minute hands-on healing treatment. She provides a safe and welcoming space, inviting clients to share any challenges they’re facing, although this is always optional. Each session is uniquely guided, gently moving energy, dissolving blockages and restoring balance. Most clients report feeling lighter, more grounded and more connected to themselves than they have in a long time. Stephanie’s work is guided by God/Source, rooted in compassion and offered with the intention of helping others welcome, honor and love their most authentic self.
Stephanie is in the clinic on Thursday evenings and every other Saturday.