As acupuncture studio Moon Rabbit (moonrabbitacupuncture.com) brings Eastern medicine to a wider Chicago audience, founder and CEO Gudrun Snyder chats with CS about the rising popularity of Eastern medicine, her holistic approach to wellness and how her journey as a cancer survivor influenced her work.
Acupuncture and Eastern medicine in general are becoming more and more popular. What do you attribute that to?
People are increasingly looking for safe, effective and holistic ways to address existing health concerns and proactively maintain their well-being. Acupuncture and Eastern medicine have stood the test of time—practiced for thousands of years and still among the most widely used healing modalities worldwide. As awareness grows, more individuals recognize these traditions’ power in treating the body as an interconnected system rather than just isolated symptoms. With the rise of meditation, yoga and other mind-body practices, alternative and integrative medicine is no longer just a complementary option—it’s becoming an essential pillar of modern healthcare.
What makes Moon Rabbit’s approach to wellness unique?
At Moon Rabbit, our mission is to empower individuals and nurture personal growth through holistic wellness. We believe that true well-being is about treating symptoms and fostering a deep, transformative connection between mind, body and spirit. Our carefully curated services, products and experiences are designed to help people unlock their full potential and live vibrant, healthy lives. We offer a diverse range of treatments—including acupuncture, massage, gua sha, cupping, herbal medicine, infrared sauna and a thoughtfully curated wellness boutique—ensuring that every individual’s health and wellness needs are met with expertise and care.
What truly sets Moon Rabbit apart is our commitment to four key principles:
Empowerment: We believe in lifting each other up. Through meaningful patient interactions and collaborative teamwork, we create an environment where everyone—practitioners and clients alike—feels supported and inspired. A rising tide lifts all boats, and at Moon Rabbit, we rise together.
Transformation: Our treatments are not just about relaxation; they deliver real, lasting results. With a blend of ancient wisdom and modern expertise, we help our clients achieve life-changing wellness breakthroughs.
Authenticity: We don’t just preach wellness—we live it. At Moon Rabbit, we embrace individuality, celebrate uniqueness and embody the principles we share with our clients. Wellness isn’t a trend for us; it’s a way of life.
Accessible Luxury: We believe that well-being should be both exceptional and inclusive. Moon Rabbit is where high-level care meets a welcoming, sanctuary-like space. If you’ve heard of ‘quiet luxury,’ that’s the essence of what we offer—unparalleled quality, the most skilled practitioners and an elevated experience that remains approachable to all.
At Moon Rabbit, we go beyond traditional wellness—we create an environment where healing, growth and transformation are within reach for everyone.
How has your journey as a cancer survivor influenced your work at Moon Rabbit?
I’m currently navigating my second journey with breast cancer, an experience that has profoundly shaped my approach to wellness and the vision behind Moon Rabbit. Before opening our first location, I had already faced a diagnosis of Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. That experience gave me firsthand insight into what it feels like to be a patient—the anxiety, the overwhelm, the need for care that extends beyond just the physical. I wanted to create a space that didn’t feel clinical but still delivered exceptional, results-driven healing.
Now, going through this journey again, the idea of Moon Rabbit as a true sanctuary has become even more essential. When you’re navigating countless appointments and treatments, finding a place that you actually look forward to—where you feel nurtured, supported and restored—makes all the difference. My goal has always been to create that kind of space where wellness isn’t just another obligation on the to-do list but a transformative, uplifting experience. At Moon Rabbit, healing is holistic, deeply personal and rooted in compassion—because I know firsthand how much that matters.
What advice do you have for people who are new to acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that involves the insertion of ultra-thin needles at strategic points on the body to promote balance, circulation and overall well-being. While the idea of needles might sound intimidating at first, acupuncture is typically a deeply relaxing experience—most people leave their sessions feeling rejuvenated, restored and even energized. If you’re new to acupuncture, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Choose Your Acupuncturist Like You Would Your Doctor
Finding the right practitioner is essential. Ask for recommendations from people you trust and always check credentials. Look for a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist with extensive training. At Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, all of our practitioners have a minimum of four years of specialized training to ensure the highest level of care.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Many acupuncture clinics accept insurance, so it’s worth checking your benefits. At Moon Rabbit, we’re in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and accept many other carriers for out-of-network coverage.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your initial session is about more than just the acupuncture itself—it’s a full-body assessment. Whether you’re coming in for fertility support, anxiety relief, pain management or another health goal, your acupuncturist will ask about your sleep, digestion, stress levels and overall health history. This allows us to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, using acupuncture points to help recalibrate and optimize your body’s systems.
Preparing for Your First Treatment
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing so we can easily access your shins, forearms and abdomen. You may feel a small pinch or nothing at all when the needles are inserted. Some people experience a subtle movement of energy or a gentle tingling sensation. Eat a light snack 1–2 hours before your appointment to keep your energy levels stable. Stay hydrated and use the restroom before your session to ensure maximum comfort.
Treatment Duration & Experience
Sessions typically last between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your specific needs and treatment plan. Many people find the experience so relaxing that they even drift off to sleep!
What can we expect next from Moon Rabbit?
The future of Moon Rabbit is filled with exciting new expansions, all rooted in our mission to make wellness more transformative, accessible and immersive. This summer, we’re thrilled to be launching our very own curated product line, designed to bring the essence of Moon Rabbit’s healing philosophy into your everyday life.
In addition, we’re introducing our Moon Rabbit Retreat Series, with our first retreat tentatively set in the lush healing landscapes of Costa Rica. These retreats will be a chance to step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in a sanctuary of restoration, self-discovery and deep healing—whether through acupuncture, mindful movement, herbal therapies or simply reconnecting with nature.
But no matter how we grow, Moon Rabbit will always remain what it’s meant to be—a place of refuge, transformation and community. A space you’ll want to share with your loved ones, where healing feels both elevated and welcoming and where we are always here for you. 1022 W. Armitage Ave., Ste. B; 1111 W. Madison St.
Photography by: BRADLEY MURRAY
