Licensed since 1991, Brenda Loew is an adjunct faculty member at Bastyr Center for Natural Health and she teaches Japanese acupuncture seminars at various venues throughout the U.S. and Canada. She sees patients in her private family practice in Seattle, is an authorized Toyohari Meridian Therapy Instructor, a co-founder and instructor for the Japanese Acupuncture Institute, and co-founded and volunteers at Seattle Acupuncture for Veterans Clinic [a free clinic]. Brenda is the assistant editor of Keiraku Chiryo: International Toyohari Meridian Therapy News (2005-present).

Welcome to the Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine branch of the Abiding Spirit Center, where we provide holistic health care to the community. We serve McHenry County, Kane County, Lake County, and Cook County, including the communities of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Elgin, Carpentersville, Cary, Woodstock, Barrington and Huntley, as well as other nearby cities.

The services we offer include all aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, Acupressure, Electro-acupuncture, Chinese herbal
medicine, Tui Na massage, Gua sha, cupping, moxibustion and nutritional guidance. We take a holistic approach to the healing of chronic pain, sports injuries, migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome and many other conditions. Holistic health care is a growing area of interest, and we are happy to bring these healing techniques to our patients. We are licensed and NCCAOM board certified.

Drug free resolution to physical & emotional traumas & ailments. SKILLS & TECHNIQUES include 5 Element Theory, Manaka Protocols, ToyoHari Trained.
Conducted 2 workshops for MoxAfrica in Brisbane for Merlin Young & 1 in Sydney at the 2013 WFAS conference.

In 2002, Phil realised that there were strong correlations with the underlying health problems of his patients and the pre-existing surgical or accidental scar tissue elsewhere on the patient’s body. This scarring would cross meridians which clearly demonstrated a solid link to their overall lack of health, some refer to this as Sho. Consequently, Phil discovered and developed a range of techniques using the “Yanagishita” teishin, a gold teishin, or Shi Zhen which is mentioned in the Miraculous Pivot & the Suwen, it is one of the 9 classical needles.
As a result, this amazing technique quickly reduces any form of scar tissue, including keloids, from a severe hindrance of reduced conductivity to enabling the free flow of Ki, so that the scarred skin more closely resembled the surrounding skin tissue reverting to it’s natural skin colour. The damaged tissue was revitalised in the affected area and had regained the lost tactile sensations and reduced the size and malformation of the damaged site.This resulted in a workshop presentation at the 2007 AACMAC in Brisbane.

Philip is conducting Scar Rejuvenation training workshops in Europe, Ireland & the UK in 2014. The USA workshops are being planned for 2015.

Use of Teishins for improved Ki/Qi control/performance. Moxibustion using high quality moxa for direct and in-direct applications.

I began my study of Chinese medicine in the late 1980's. I was first drawn to the vast richness and depth of Chinese medicine through my practice of classical martial arts. Over the decades, I learned various methods of hands-on therapies for the treatment of injuries that would occur during training. I also learned how herbal medicine has been safely and effectively used for millenia to support athletic training. After completing my undergraduate degree and working for a few years as a translator I realized my true calling was in the study and practice of Chinese Medicine.


I received my Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2001 and completed a sports medicine and orthopedics internship treating collegiate athletes at the University of California, San Diego. After obtaining my California State Acupuncture license in 2002, I began to actively study Classical Chinese Medicine under Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, an 88th generation Daoist physician and priest. I continue to study with Dr. Yuen to this day with the belief that it is my responsibility to keep growing as a physician for the sake of my patients. The rich tradition that Dr. Yuen teaches has allowed me to successfully help many patients with difficult neurological complaints, autoimmune disorders and a wide range of functional diseases.

I have personally experienced the shortcomings of the conventional medical system which primarily focuses on the suppression of symptoms and the disempowerment of patients. This motivated me to devote my practice to empowering my patients to take back control of their health and break free from their dependency on medications.

I use a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, tui na, qi gong, and dietary therapy integrated with functional medicine (customized lab work) to decipher the mystery of each unique patient. Although it is a challenging path, I find it immensely rewarding and cannot imagine doing anything else.


I have practiced and taught classical Chinese martial arts and health practices in the US and internationally for decades. A student at heart, I spend much of my free time reading or thinking about how to be a better physician for my patients. My goal is ultimately to help unlock the miraculous healing capacity that is contained in every individual.


Since beginning my practice in 2002 I've worked closely with many primary care doctors, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and gasteroenterologists to provide heart-felt care to thousands of patients.