Hometown doctor leads the way

While already open for business and accepting new clients, Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts in Hamel will host its official grand opening celebration with an open house format from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.

Much like the nature of its business model, this official grand opening won’t quite be like those you might have experienced or heard about before. And whether you’re new to acupuncture, familiar with its benefits, or simply curious, Dr. Deb welcomes you. All of you.

“This is a chance to step into the space, explore Chinese medicine in a hands-on way, and get a feel for what treatment is like,” says Dr. Debra Kraner, solopreneur and owner of Prairie Star. “There will be tea tasting, an herbal exploration table, acupuncture demos, and time to ask questions or otherwise connect.”

Offerings at Prairie Star

Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts blends traditional techniques with a modern, accessible approach to care. The acupuncture offered incorporates elements like auricular acupuncture and individualized treatment planning and is based on each patient’s needs.

One of the key distinctions in Kraner’s practice is the use of a community-style acupuncture model. In this setting, patients are treated in a shared space rather than private rooms, which allows treatments to be offered at a lower cost and on a more consistent basis.

“This model makes it easier for people to come in regularly, which is often where acupuncture is most effective,” Dr. Deb says. “The goal is for patients to feel both supported and empowered in their health. I also plan to expand into Chinese herbal medicine as the practice grows.”

A view of the waiting area at Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts in Hamel.

Treatments: What to expect

For those who are new to acupuncture, it can be helpful to know what to expect during a visit.

In Kraner’s community-style acupuncture setting, treatments are done in comfortable recliners rather than treatment tables. Needles are typically placed below the elbows and knees, so there’s no need for gowns or significant disrobing.

After a brief intake in a separate space, patients relax in a shared treatment room, which is kept quiet, dimly lit, and designed to feel calming rather than clinical.

Because of this model, Kraner can treat multiple patients at the same time, which helps keep care more accessible. The experience is often more like a massage or facial than a traditional medical appointment; many patients even fall asleep during their session.

Treatments typically last between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on individual preference.

A sliding scale payment model is also offered to support accessibility. Initial visits are $60 to allow for added time and chart review, while follow-up treatments range from $30-60.

“At this time, I do not accept insurance, but I do accept HSA cards and can provide superbills for those seeking reimbursement,” Dr. Deb notes.

A view of the treatment space at Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts in Hamel.

Dr. Kraner’s background and training

Kraner is a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM®) and a state-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in Illinois. “In order to practice acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in Illinois, practitioners must complete a rigorous four-exam board certification process through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM),” she explains.

She holds both a doctorate and master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM/MACM), with extensive clinical training in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Her education included both internships and externships where she treated a wide range of conditions across diverse patient populations.

“In addition to my clinical training, I’ve worked in herbal dispensaries, managed patient care logistics in multiple clinical settings, and developed strong communication skills through direct patient care as well as years of experience in customer service roles. I also had the opportunity to participate in a research team in China during my undergraduate studies, which deepened my understanding of traditional practices within their cultural context,” she adds further.

Dr. Deb has further completed training in CPR, Mental Health First Aid, Clean Needle Technique and Military Competence through Star Behavioral Health.

“All of these experiences shape how I practice today,” she says, “blending technical skill with a strong emphasis on patient experience and individualized care.

Kraner also gives credit to the mentors and role models she’s had throughout her journey to here. “I’ve been influenced by a number of teachers and clinicians throughout my training, especially those who emphasized presence, intention, and the deeper philosophy behind Chinese medicine.

Among those impactfully influencing her journey were a Wood River-based practitioner early on as well as a community-style acupuncturist and a clinical supervisor during her time in Oregon.

“Each of these mentors modeled both technical skill and compassionate care in ways that go far beyond what can be learned in a textbook, and their influence continues to guide my work today,” she adds.

Goals for the practice

“One of my primary goals is to make acupuncture more accessible, both financially and culturally, to the community. I want people from all walks of life to feel comfortable coming through the door, whether it’s their first time trying acupuncture or something they’ve been curious about for years. Acupuncture can be for everyone.”

Long-term, Dr. Deb says she hopes to expand the practice in a way that supports both community health and practitioner sustainability. She is also interested in incorporating more herbal medicine offerings, seasonal wellness, and potentially research into her work as the practice grows.

“Right now, Prairie Star Acupuncture is a solo practice. I handle both clinical care and the day-to-day operations,” she notes. “That said, I see this as something that can grow over time, whether that’s bringing in additional practitioners or expanding services.

“For now, being a solopreneur allows me to stay closely connected to my patients and shape the practice with intention,” Kraner says further.

A view of the check-in area at Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts in Hamel.

Why start now? And here in Hamel?

So, why did Kraner choose to start Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts? And why in Hamel, Madison County?

Her reply:

“After finishing my graduate program, I knew there weren’t going to be many traditional ‘jobs’ available. Most acupuncturists end up creating their own path and opening their own practice. At the same time, I was asking myself where I wanted to put down roots.

“I grew up in Staunton and spent years living out west for school and work, but after more than a decade away, I felt a strong pull to come back to the Midwest. Starting Prairie Star Acupuncture became a way to return home with purpose—to build something meaningful in a community that shaped me.”

As for choosing Hamel, in Madison County, she explains that she wanted to open practice somewhere that felt accessible, and “grounded in real life.”

“Hamel and the surrounding Madison County area are full of hard-working people who often don’t have easy access to holistic care,” she shares. “I’m especially interested in working with people who fall into the ‘working class population.’ Those who are juggling a lot, physically and emotionally, and are deserving of care that is both effective and approachable.”

“I wanted to create a space where acupuncture doesn’t feel like a luxury, but like something that can genuinely be a part of someone’s routine wellness,” Dr. Deb adds.

“The ideal patient”

When asked who the ideal patient might be, Dr. Deb says simply, “It’s someone who’s open – whether they have had prior experience or are brand new to acupuncture. Someone who doesn’t need to have everything all figured out, but instead, a willingness to engage in the process.”

She explains further:

“Acupuncture is a cumulative modality. While each treatment plan is individualized, most concerns require a baseline commitment of about six to eight sessions to begin seeing meaningful results. It’s not typically something that can be tried once or twice and fully evaluated.

“The work we’re doing isn’t about a quick fix—it’s about helping the body relearn and regulate patterns that may have been in place for years, sometimes decades. That process takes time and is often non-linear.

“I often describe it to patients as filling a barrel with water. Each treatment adds a little more, while we also work to identify and address any ‘leaks’ that might be slowing progress. With consistency, the system begins to shift and results follow. In rare cases, we may find that acupuncture isn’t the right fit, but that’s uncommon in my experience.”

Kraner says she especially enjoys working with patients who are managing stress, chronic tension, digestive concerns, or ongoing health issues, and who are looking for a more holistic approach to their care.

“Acupuncture can also be very effective for pain, headaches, menstrual health, respiratory conditions, and mental-emotional well-being,” she adds. “At its core, my ideal patient is someone who wants to feel better in their body and is ready to take an active role in that process.”

The story behind the name

There was a simple curiosity behind the chosen name of “Prairie Star” for her practice. When asked why she chose it, Kraner points out that the name reflects both place and perspective.

“The prairie represents my Illinois roots—grounded, open, and resilient—while the star speaks to guidance, light, and a sense of direction,” she adds.

Adding to that with some more details, Kraner says that she walked the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile pilgrimage across northern Spain, after completing her graduate program and national board exams. “That 40-day journey gave me space to slow down and reflect on the kind of practice I wanted to build. It ultimately inspired me to return home and create something that felt both rooted and intentional.”

“Prairie Star grew out of that experience,” she says further.

The “Star” is inspired by the way-markers of the Camino and the moments of guidance she had encountered along the path, while the “Prairie” anchors the practice in the landscape that raised her. Together, the name reflects a balance of being grounded while still moving toward growth and change.

And the visual elements of its brand and logo carry that meaning forward. The star incorporates the five elements of Chinese medicine—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—while the wildflowers represent both the fragility and resilience of life, Kraner explains.

“Then the phrase ‘Healing Arts’ speaks to the range and individuality of care I offer,” she adds. “Each treatment is tailored to the person in front of me, drawing from acupuncture and lifestyle support (and soon also herbal medicine) to help restore balance and reconnect patients with their natural state of health.”

Hours of operation and contact information

Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts is located at 105 E. State St., Suite B, in Hamel.

Following its Sunday, May 3rd grand opening, the office will be open Tuesday through Saturday. Services are currently by appointment only and only available on-site, but same-day appointments are possible. Next day or same week appointments are even more possible.

Appointments will be available on Tuesdays and Fridays in the afternoons or evenings (2 to 7 p.m.) as well as on Wednesday and Thursday mornings (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays. Prairie Star is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Patients can make their appointments by phone (618-633-2026) or by email (prairiestaracu@gmail.com). “There’s no online booking at this time as I like to speak with the client before treatment to ensure acupuncture is a good fit for what they’re looking for,” Kraner explains.

To learn more, visit online at https://prairie-star.com/. Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Provided photos.

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