After practicing shiatsu for several years at various locations, Benjamin Bartlein sought to create a healing center where he and other practitioners could assist people on their healing journeys. He found a vacant storefront space that was truly a blank slate to work with and he started dreaming. Thus, Eastern Shore Natural Health began in the spring of 2010.

The name Eastern Shore was chosen both to describe the physical location of the center on the east end of Lake Nokomis and to honor the eastern cultures that much of our complimentary medicine is rooted in. Like the ancient trade ports of the Far East that our name calls to mind, Eastern Shore is a place of cross-cultural exchange, where our practitioners draw upon the healing traditions of many cultures and people from all walks of life are welcome.

Benjamin dove into this project headfirst, transforming the space over the course of many months with hard physical labor. With an understanding that human health is inextricably connected to the health of our earth, he chose natural, non-toxic and recycled materials. The beauty of the natural clay plaster, the warm earth-tones of the non-toxic paint and the charm of the re-purposed doors are all reflections of Eastern Shore’s commitment to natural health and wellness.

Benjamin Bartlein

Benjamin Bartlein is the owner of Eastern Shore and works as a practitioner of shiatsu massage, reiki, cranial sacral and connective tissue therapies. In 2003, Benjamin began studying qigong and Chinese medicine under the 5th Generation Master, Gin Foon Mark. This experience transformed his life, allowing him to overcome limitations due to a congenital kidney disorder and inspiring him to dedicate his life to helping others heal. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota in Cultural Relations to Ecology and from the Shiatsu therapy program at CenterPoint Massage & Shiatsu Therapy School. He has studied Cranial Sacral therapy through the Milne Institute, trained in Hara assessment and treatment with Dr. Kiiko Matsumoto, and completed a year apprenticeship in Reiki. Benjamin has also apprenticed with acupuncturist Francis Bonaldo in Western herbalism and pulse diagnosis, and continues learning about herbal medicine through self-directed study.

Benjamin is passionate about holistic healing and mindful living and grounds his work with hispersonal practice of qigong, meditation and yoga. While recognizing that disease prevention is best, he believes that illness can be a powerful catalyst for reconnecting with our true selves and making positive life changes. His non-judgmental and gentle approach encourages your body's natural healing abilities.

Some examples of health issues Benjamin works with include range of motion mobilization,injury, chronic illness, post-operative scarring and trauma, digestive disorders, migraines, lymphatic circulation, joint pain and chronic muscle tension.

Benjamin lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Renee, and their son, Gabriel. He is currently available by appointment at Eastern Shore Natural Health and for home visits upon request.

Stefanie Beniek

Stefanie is a licensed Acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Minnesota. She is owner of Family Tree Acupuncture, with two clinic locations in Minneapolis by Lake Nokomis and on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Stefanie is board certified as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master's Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN.

Stefanie is very dedicated to promoting & understanding the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine during pregnancy and labor. Her clinical experience includes interning at Abbott Northwestern Hospital's Institute for Health and Healing in Women Care and the Residential Rehabilitation at Courage Center.

Stefanie enjoys being able to use her knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine to assist patients in their journey to health and healing. While specializing in women's health (prenatal & postnatal care, menopause, PMS, menstrual irregularities, fertility, ovarian cysts, breast cancer support), Stefanie also effectively treats insomnia, emotional health (stress, anxiety, depression), chronic pain, and digestive issues.

Stefanie lives in Minneapolis with her husband Tim, their son Bjorn, and their two dogs, Lucy and Chelsea. She is currently accepting new patients and available for home visits upon request.