The Nest

I have loved coming here to The Nest to receive acupuncture in conjunction with my fertility treatments. It is peaceful and relaxing. Shelbi is wonderful and really knows what she is doing. I always feel great leaving here.
However, there is one extremely unfriendly receptionist. She can’t smile and she is so rude. Luckily I love the rest of my experience, but she is enough to make me not want to come back. Very rude. Especially in a place that is supposed to be comforting and relaxing. Ironic.

When my acupuncturist moved, I tried a few before finding The Nest. I am not a fertility client, but needed a focused approach to maintain my health, as well as hormone balancing. Jennifer P is a seasoned acupuncturist with great ideas. She’s talented, professional and and I highly recommend her.

I came to the Nest when I was at my wits end. I had been at a prominent fertility office for almost a year with no luck. I was repeatedly told that my uterine lining was not thick enough and would possibly need a surrogate. I was not prepared to think about that yet. The Nest was recommended to me by two friends and although I had been going to a community acupuncturist for a while, knew it was time to switch things up. I made an appt with the owner Jennifer which I can honestly say was the first best decision I made. The second was switching fertility dr’s. Jennifer has so much experience with Chinese medicine and acupuncture. She cares deeply about her patients and I can honestly say that I have made a friend as well. I am now 13 weeks pregnant with my first child and know that I owe part of it Jennifer. She never gave up on me and was always willing to try whatever it took to help.

I came to the nest extremely afraid of needles, but willing to try anything to manage my PCOS, get my cycle on track and increase my chances of conceiving naturally. What I found was not only an introduction to acupuncture, but an environment where I felt nurtured and cared for. Jennifer is knowledgeable and has an amazing bedside manner that made me completely comfortable. During my first visit she kept me talking so I didn’t even feel the needles as she inserted them. Once they were in, I was amazed at how relaxed I felt. It was more relaxing than even the best massage and it relieved all the tensions of my busy day. I honestly was in shock because I truly hate needles, but now I look forward to my almost weekly sessions at the Nest.
Beyond relaxation the proof that this «needle stuff» works is the fact that my cycles have drastically improved and I feel amazing. I’m not pregnant yet, but I know my body is healthier and more balanced than it was before I found the Nest. In addition to helping with my cycle, Jennifer addresses whatever ache or pain I might be feeling on a particular day. She tailors every treatment to my condition at the moment.
I truly look forward to each appointment. The fact that I drive there weekly speaks volumes as I live near Hyde Park, so it’s a hike! I probably pass 10 other acupuncture practitioners to get to the Nest, but there’s no other place I would trust with my care.
Tips:
1. Have an open mind about the treatment, including the herbal formulas they recommend. Yes, the herbs are an additional expense, but in my experience they really do help. The formulas have improved my acne, my sleep and my ovulation.
2. Be prepared to spend some money. The treatments plus herbs usually run me about $ 150 per visit. But it’s worth every penny!
3. Check with your health insurance carrier — you just might be covered! I was able to submit my receipts and get reimbursed for some of my treatments.

Pros: These people seem to REALLY know what they’re doing, and love it. Jennifer was extremely knowledgeable and asked me a ton of questions about my health and body, not just related to the area I was seeking treatment for, but about my sleep, body temperature, etc. The space is great, relaxing and not clinical. The location is lovely, the train is next door and parking is easy.
Cons: Treatments are really expensive, and by that I mean at least $ 150/​week, between acupuncture and herbs (which are presented as a «must,» not an optional add-​on).
Also, I feel that I lacked clarity on what I should be doing to support my treatment. For example, when I first started, the topic of drinking alcohol came up. I was told that, if I drink one night, to just skip the herbs I had been prescribed. I was not told to abstain completely. Therefore, I saw no problem with going out on the weekend now and then and having a couple glasses of wine. Six weeks into my treatment, I asked how long it takes to start seeing results. My practitioner said it depends a lot on lifestyle, and some people take longer because they go out and drink and «unravel all the work that we’ve done.» If I had known that drinking was so detrimental, I would have cut it out completely. Instead, I was left feeling like I had been wasting $ 150/​week. Instructions around food were much the same. I was told just to eat nourishing, warm food. It was only when I pressed for more details that I was told to absolutely, positively cut soy out of my diet.
I would definitely recommend The Nest, but ask lots of questions to make sure that your treatments (and $$) are working to their full potential.

I went to nest not for fertility reasons, but to hopefully find an option to make improvements in my health conditions. It must be a great option to have for someone that this type of treatment works out. For me, unfortunately it was a big money to sped for just bitter experiences… I felt rushed by my practitioner to get into the treatment before I was mentally prepared. The procedures were about to be done without much explanation and it gave me anxiety. I also got a bottle of herb pills, it was something that did not suit my body that gave me serious hot-​flashes and cramps that I never had before. I was told it is because my body is getting rid of the junks and having anxieties… I did not feel this was helpful or going to get better so decided not to continue here.

After undergoing over a year of IVF treatments, my body was tired, totally worn down and undernourished. Two frozen transfers had been cancelled in a row due to poor lining issues. My western fertility doctor had almost written me off, saying I may have to consider a surrogate. Thank God, a total stranger had recommended that I go to the Nest and try their herbs. I had been to a couple other acupunturists in the past who were fine, but they didn’t offer herbs and my lining wasn’t improving, so I thought it was worth a shot. Anyhow, I started to see Sae who immediately took me in and got me on the right track. Three months after I started seeing her, my lining was a perfect 10 when I went in for my next transfer… and now I’m 8 weeks pregnant! The herbs and care she gave me adequately built up the blood in my undernourished and deficient body and I will be forever grateful to her and the Nest for giving me a shot at motherhood again! Not only are the herbs and the acupuncture top notch, but Sae herself has been MUCH more than just an acupuncturist. She has really been a counselor to me throughout the past 5 months. She’s helped me with nutrition, managing stress and is just an overall great listener. I have recommended the Nest to several of my friends and would HIGHLY recommend to everyone!

After trying to get pregnant for two years with no success, I decided to take a stranger’s advice and get acupuncture from The Nest and to see Julie. I wasn’t desperate, but I felt I had nothing to lose as I’d pretty much given up on having a baby. I was totally unconvinced during my first visit and only came back for the second appointment only because I felt very relaxed and had great nights of sleep after the initial session. Lo and behold I’m pregnant.
My two sessions were great. Julie seemed very knowledgeable of both Chinese and Western medicine as she comes from a family of medical professionals. Yes, I bought the herbal supplements which were horrible tasting, but I could not finish them all. I’m on my way to an appointment now to treat the nausea that I’m experiencing with my pregnancy. I’m all in and totally convinced now.

Shelbi has helped me fight pains, have more energy and feel more balanced. I’ve had two cancer diagnoses in the past four years and she has helped me SO MUCH. After going to two other acupuncturists, I’m «sticking» with Shelbi. She has a vast knowledge of alternative medicine and is less costly than the other practitioners I’ve met. She’s also friendly and you’ll see by her attitude that she really cares about having a positive impact with each client.

I have been avoiding this review for some time now, because in all honesty, I just don’t know how my words could do such a wonderful place justice. I’m not sure how many stars I would give them if there were no limit, but I imagine it would be… a lot.
The Nest deserves serious credit, and I actually feel rather privileged to say so.
I have been going to the Nest somewhat regularly for over 3 years now, and my health has just blossomed because of it. I have seen three of their practitioners: Jen (the owner), Julie, and Sae. All have been lovely, caring, and attentive, but I have primarily seen Sae for my treatments.
When I first went to the Nest, I came in because of a flu that just wouldn’t quit. I had pretty much resigned myself to the «fact» that I just had «janky lungs.» (my words) Besides, I figured, I worked with small children. Getting sick over and over again was just to be expected, right?
Wrong. Turns out, I had pneumonia. The people at the Nest pulled out all the stops to help me get better, but even they have told me that on rare occasions, such as this, sometimes, good ol’ Western antibiotics will do what is needed.
This, to me, is more a mark of their strength than it is a point of weakness. Like many Americans, I have seen several Western Medical doctors and inquired about a number of alternative approaches, often only to receive unenthused, sometimes even negative, responses. However, whenever I inquire about other practices at the Nest– whether it be about antibiotics, vitamin supplements, exercise, nutrition, or homeopathy, I am always pleasantly surprised by how well-​researched and informed their practitioners are. I have also received an honest reply of, «I don’t know, but I will look into that! Please let me know if you find any good sources and feel free to send ‘em my way!»
Not only are the practitioners at the Nest experts and doctors of Chinese Medicine, but they are also some of the most humble, gracious, and encouraging professionals I have ever encountered. This is probably why I keep going back. In an age where patients often spend more time in their doctor’s waiting room than the typical 15 minutes allotted for a visit, the Nest is a breath of fresh air. Whenever I go to see Sae, I am not only met with top-​quality treatment for specific ailments, but she also listens fully to my concerns, asks about my everyday life, and reassures me of my progress, encouraging me to keep up the great work on my journey toward better health. This, to me, exemplifies the ethos of Chinese medicine, which looks at the whole person, working together to build the client up by using the existing resources of their body, mind, and spirit.
Because of this, I see Sae not only essentially as my primary doctor, but almost like a teammate, a top supporter and cheerleader of my journey of personal health and wellness. I see Sae now for everything from more general, preventive treatments, to women’s health issues, to sinus infections, and more. In fact, I credit so much of my current health to Sae and the Nest that I have referred several friends and family members to her practice.
I started seeing Sae with some pretty serious inflammation and respiratory troubles– so serious, in fact, my Western doctor had put me on an inhaled corticosteroid. Thanks to Sae’s tremendous help, I can thankfully say I not only am off the steroids, but now, when I get sick, we have built up my system to a place where it no longer sets up shop into my chest the way it used to. (Y’know, like the Mucinex commercials.)
And I even ran a half-​marathon last year. Boom.
Some people say the greatest gift a person can get is the gift of good health. Welp, if that’s the case, Sae and the Nest may very well have given me the greatest gift I may have ever received. I am so grateful I found them!!! Highly, highly recommend.

I gave birth to my son in August 2013, 11 days after his due date. I was panicked over the thought of being induced, worn down by my nerves and the aches and pains of my ever-​expanding body. My amazing Hypnobirthing instructor, Kelli Paulus, recommended acupuncture as a method for bringing on labor when I took her class earlier in my pregnancy and I thought it was worth a try. I was a complete newbie to acupuncture, let alone chinese medicine.
Upon entering the office, you remove your shoes, sign in and are ushered behind a door to wait in their relaxing little nook of a waiting room (if there’s a wait at all). I then was brought back by Jennifer into one of their rooms where she propped me up with squishy pillows until I was completely comfortable. She then spent a lot of time talking over my concerns, examining my pulse points and giving me a good assessment. Concerned that I was retaining a lot of fluid and that might be impeding my labor, she started the acupuncture session focusing on that. The needles didn’t hurt in the slightest. Being someone who frequently panics over getting blood drawn (all the tests during pregnancy were no different), I was incredibly apprehensive. Jennifer moves so quickly with the needles that the process was painless– kind of like if you pinch a tiny amount of skin between your fingernails for a split second. The whole process of inserting the needles took less than 2 minutes, and then I rested in the darkened, quiet room. For being as fearful as I was, let me tell you that it was amazing– probably the most relaxing experience I’ve ever had.
Jennifer sent me home with some herbs to take to keep the swelling down, and strict instructions on how to eat for the next several days. I appreciated the herbs, and paying for them was not an issue, but I will warn that if it will be an issue for you to part with $ 30 or so, be sure to tell them up front.
I came back to visit Jennifer another 2 or 3 times before I gave birth, including the morning I went into labor. The experience became something that I really looked forward to, and I can’t wait to get back in to see her for some of the hip pain I’ve been having.
I’ve read a couple negative reviews on how fast the staff moves, and I have to say this: I ended up trying acupuncture at my chiropractor’s office once after going to Jennifer and you WANT them to move quickly. Jennifer in particular speaks quickly and moves with speed, but she’s absolutely paying attention and absorbing everything you say.
In a nutshell: if you’re an acupuncture newbie and you want to give a place a try, definitely give The Nest a shot.

I LOVE these guys.
All of the Acupuncturists here are so knowledgeable it is ridiculous. Every time I go in for treatment they are attending a new seminar, workshop, or taking more classes. They are all very warm and really listen. The space is amazing! It’s super clean, smells GREAT and has such a modern look (wish my house looked like The Nest, LOL!).
I would highly recommend The Nest for children as well. My 9 year old son had strained his knee over the summer. I took him to see Jenn and she made him feel so comfortable that he loved his experience and did indeed feel relief from his knee pain.
I secretly want to work there, LOL!!!

My midwives suggested I try acupuncture when my pregnancy reached 40 weeks with no sign of impending labor. Unfortunately, my squeamishness about needles prevented me from making an appointment until I was 42 weeks and desperate to avoid an induction. I chose The Nest because I knew one of the practitioners, Julie, though Jennifer ended up performing my treatment. The session was very relaxing and she took the time to listen to my concerns and thoroughly explained everything that was happening and what it was supposed to do. Although I didn’t end up going into labor naturally, I left feeling more relaxed and energized than I had for months. I wish I had made the appointment earlier so I could have had more than one session. I really think it would have done the trick. I am a total acupuncture convert now.

About three months ago, I began the search for an acupuncture facility to help me address some fertility issues. I called a bunch of different places in order to get pricing and treatment options.
As luck would have it, the day I called The Nest I spoke with Shelbi. She is warm, comforting and wonderful. I immediately scheduled my first appointment and have loved every second of my three months of weekly treatments.
The treatments are gentle and painless, and the 30 minutes of relaxation with the needles in is the highlight of my entire week. The weeks I’m unable to go are awful!
The facility is clean and comfortable, the staff is wonderful and I would highly recommend Shelbi. This place is amazing and as I said to her when I woke up the first time, «I think I love you.»
I meant it. This place is the best.

I saw Jennifer Paschen after I learned my baby was breech on a recommendation from my midwife. When I called to schedule the appointment, I asked how much the session was and what it would entail. They gave me a flat fee and said it would be a half hour session.
This was my first time with acupuncture, and it was not a pleasant experience for a couple reasons:
1) Jennifer was rushed. It was obvious she was not focused on this appointment.
2) It was not a relaxing experience. This was my first experience with acupuncture, and yet she stuck those needles in me so fast with hardly any explanation I had no time to process the experience.
3) She said the baby should be moving when she did the moxi sticks. He didn’t.
4) When I went to pay, I was asked to pay an amount three times the amount I was given. It was then explained to me that this would be a multi-​session treatment, which was never explained to me before (again, I had never done acupuncture before). I paid the original fee for one visit (way overpriced I learned) and did not re-​book based on my experience with Jennifer.
5) She said she’d send me home with moxi sticks so I could continue at home. When I didn’t schedule a follow-​up, I went home with no moxi sticks.
I did visit another acupuntuirst a week later and had a wonderful, relaxing experience. And I left the appointment with my moxi sticks.

I’ve been getting Acupuncture at The Nest Acupuncture, near Lincoln Square, for almost a year, and this has got to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made to help jump start my health back in the right direction.
While I was eating organic foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I was having digestive issues. Sometimes we need another pair of eyes to see what is going on in our life, including our diets. The supplements another professional had been recommending were great before my gall bladder decided to protest the over ingestion of gel caps, something which founder Jennifer Paschen zeroed in on immediately. I cut the supplement use down to the bare minimum and began to feel relief.
Although what I was eating was healthy and nutritious, we changed my diet around so that my body didn’t have to work so hard to use the foods I ate. In combination with Acupuncture treatments, this helped to get my energy level back so I could be more functional and effective again. Now after I’ve had a meal, I don’t feel like my body is going to pass out from working so hard to deal with my meal.
One of the other huge benefits of Acupuncture is that you feel like you’re more together, as the treatments help integrate the various energetic aspects of our being. That means a person feels more at peace physically, while also feeling more clarity and energy. My experience with The Nest and founder Jennifer Paschen has been positive, health improving and fun, and definitely well worth the investment. Improved health as a payback is a quality of life reward and Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine at The Nest been an integral part of this.

In preparation for my first round of IVF, I decided to incorporate acupuncture. I had read that it can really help with IVF, relaxing the hopeful Mother and getting the uterus ready for the embryo transfer.
I went a few times before for prep, the day of the transfer and then once a week after that. It worked! I am now 11 weeks pregnant and my husband and I couldn’t be happier.
In our 6^th week, we had a major miscarriage scare and I believe it was the acupuncture that kept me calm during that horrible period and perhaps kept me pregnant. Jennifer Paschen is amazing, she remembers every nuance of my story and is genuinely happy to see me every Monday and is hopeful on our behalf. She also offers a wealth of nutritional advice, and has now hooked me up with a local Doctor/​Midwife group, for my next pregnancy chapter.
What I like so much about the Nest is that it is so relaxing to go there, it helps me feel proactive in my pregnancy and it is warm and welcoming with out being preachy. I am hoping that some of my friends soon want to have babies too so I can steer them to The Nest, Jennifer, and her Associates.

If you can afford it, they are awesome. My hour-​long sessions are a period of relief and respite for me. I love acupuncture, especially if you are trying to conceive. It’s nice to have someone as an advocate on my side through this process because I certainly don’t feel that way about my doctor.
On the other hand, Kimberly keeps recommending additional sessions and herbs for me, though, and I really can’t afford this indefinitely.
Of course, I’m not pregnant yet, so I don’t know what to make of that either.

I went to The Nest to begin acupuncture for infertility and was hoping that you get what you pay for, only to find out that I paid for a fancy light show. For the $ 150 initial visit (not including herbs), I expected my TCM practitioner to listen, care and take a little extra time to discuss my symptoms and the best course of treatment but my guess is that it must have been opposite day. She was rushed throughout my session and made me feel like a burden on her day. During the actual acupuncture session, I was left to relax with a beautiful ceiling of lights mimicking the night sky and the sounds of a screaming child receiving her own round of acupuncture.
At the end of the session, I was relaxed and happy. I decided to take the advice of the practitioner, against my better judgment on my experience so far, and bought a bottle of herbs. After driving home from this far north location, I get a call from my practitioner apologizing for giving me the wrong bottle of herbs and asking me to drive back to get the correct dose.
Overall, I was not impressed. It was over priced, non-​welcoming and generally disappointing. I was however impressed with the affects of acupuncture and will be searching for another Chicago location to continue treatment.

I visited The Nest to get some acupuncture treatments for general well-​being. Jennifer is highly professional, kind, warm, and attentive.
Parking in the neighborhood is fairly easy, and the location is superb. The inside of the practice is very calming and relaxing.
The initial acupuncture session was 15 minutes of the both of us sitting down and discussing what I needed followed by 15 – 20 minutes of acupuncture.
Highly recommended for holistic women’s health.