House of Ren opens on Main Street, Gloucester

House of Ren—a business offering acupuncture, herbal medicines, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, facials, and classes on meditation and Asian-inspired fitness—opened recently on Main Street in Gloucester.

The facility can accommodate corporate parties, birthday celebrations, bridal parties, and other special occasions, with whole-house rentals available.

Owner Brianna Teschner has worked for the past eight months to expand her former business, Gate of Life Acupuncture, into an event destination. She moved into new quarters in the historic Tabb House at 6596 Main Street and changed the business’s name to better reflect a focus on the underlying theme she wants to emphasize—that of the “benevolent human,” or “ren.”

Teschner said she sought to transform the 1890s-era structure into a modern facility with an Asian influence while still retaining the historic character of the house and making sure that every corner of the structure is “touched with love.” She has filled the walls and spaces in the house with artwork created by family members and others.

The full-body cryotherapy chamber installed at the site is a first-of-its-kind for the Middle Peninsula, said Teschner. She said the chamber achieves a temperature of minus 85 degrees Fahrenheit to help with pain, inflammation and low energy. Originally thought to be primarily beneficial for athletes who need muscle recovery, the extreme cold treatment has turned out to be “great for inflammation among the general public,” she said.

The full-spectrum infrared sauna can accommodate up to three people “who are friends,” said Teschner, providing a private space for guests to “hook up your music, rock out and sweat.”

Classes are conducted in a large sunroom with a newly-installed hickory floor that offers a surface conducive to exercise, said Teschner, while acupuncture and other services are provided in several spacious, well-equipped, serenely decorated treatment rooms.

A menu of service options will be available for those attending group gatherings at House of Ren, said Teschner, with a custom itinerary created for each occasion. She said the itinerary could include, perhaps, cryotherapy, sauna and drinks and dancing in the sunroom.

Teschner said she is excited about offering a space where people can gather and talk about art, cryotherapy and wellness in all its different aspects.

Author: Sherry Hamilton, Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal