Shén is a Chinese word meaning spirit or mind.
The shén is one of five vital substances in Chinese Medicine. The shén is responsible for many functions of the human experience such as consciousness, thinking, feeling, sleep, memory, and wisdom. Disharmony in the body can disturb the shén, and a disturbed shén can create disharmony in the body. At Shen Studio, we believe it is important to treat the shén in every condition, as all ailments arise from a state of disharmony.
Dr. Kirsten Kruse, L.Ac, DCM
FOUNDER, DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE MEDICINE
EDUCATION:
Doctorate of Chinese Medicine, Northwestern Health Sciences University (Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude)
Master of Acupuncture, Northwestern Health Sciences University (Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude)
Bachelor of Science in Business, University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management
ACUPUNCTURE EXPERIENCE:
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center
The Pediatric Specialty Care Journey Clinic
University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital
BACKGROUND:
In her previous career, Dr. Kruse worked in finance for a Fortune 500 company. She received acupuncture on a regular basis to cope with the headaches and stress that came with her misaligned career, never thinking that she would someday be an acupuncturist herself. Eventually Dr. Kruse left the spreadsheets and cubicles behind to embark on a soul-searching journey in SouthEast Asia. It was here that she decided the most worthwhile pursuit was one in service of others.
Two degrees, three board exams, and many hospital rotations later, Dr. Kruse was ready to create her own acupuncture clinic. She aptly named the clinic Shén (translation: spirit) to reflect her passion for the radical transformations that occur when you restore harmony between the human mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. Kruse believes that Traditional Chinese Medicine is equal parts art and science and that neither aspect can be ignored. There is scientific, evidence-based research that proves acupuncture elicits a positive healing response in the body. At the same time, Dr. Kruse believes there is an innate intelligence and vitality to human life that we call qi. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine work by manipulating your qi and activating your body’s innate intelligence to heal itself. Dr. Kruse finds great joy in exploring this magical intersection of science and art with her patients.
Dr. Kruse spends much of her free time studying and practicing mindfulness meditation. She brings mindfulness along with healing intention and alignment with her highest values into every treatment. The result for the patient is an amplified experience, rich with nourishment and potential.
Dr. Kruse loves meeting people from all walks of life and she welcomes you with open arms and an open heart into the healing space she has created at Shén Acupuncture + Reiki Studio.
