Dr. Joel Penner, O.M.D., L.Ac.
        Dr. Penner is a graduate of The University of California at Berkeley. He spent several years in the entertainment industry prior to returning to school to study Oriental Medicine. Dr. Penner received his initial training at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California and received his Doctorate from SAMRA University in Los Angeles. He is licensed as an Acupuncturist by the State of California.
      Dr. Penner has been active in the Oriental Medicine Community on many levels. In addition to operating a successful practice in the Los Angeles area, he has served on the board of directors and was Treasurer of The California Association of Oriental Medicine. He is also past president of The Center for Oriental Medical Research and Education.
      Dr. Penner is also a noted author, lecturer and teacher. He is a Professor of Oriental Medicine and has served on the faculties of Yo San University of Oriental Medicine, SAMRA University and Emperor’s College where he also served as chairman of the Department of Herbology.
       Dr. Penner has written two textbooks on Oriental Medicine, “Zang Fu Syndromes: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment” with John McDonald, a complete examination of the internal causes of disease, and “Shang Han Lun-Wen Bing: A New View”, an examination of the external causes of disease.

       In March of 2007, Dr. Penner was selected to be the technical advisor on Chinese Medicine and was filmed doing acupuncture for the hit TV series "Grey's Anatomy".



Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Oriental Medicine?
How does this system work?
What about Acupuncture?
What is treatment like?
What about safety?
What about Chinese herbs?
How do I Take Chinese Herbs?
Will my insurance cover this?
What are some commonly treated conditions?
Is It For You?




Oriental Medicine
   
 Oriental Medicine encompasses a variety of health care therapies and is in fact a way of looking at medicine that integrates all therapies in its understanding. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are the most popular in the United States. Other aspects include: Diet, Nutrition, Lifestyle choices, Tai Qi (martial arts/physical exercise), Qi Gong (breath exercise), Tui’na (massage), and Feng Shui (environmental balance).

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How does this system work?
       It has been scientifically determined that human beings are actually unique bio-energetic systems. For thousands of years Oriental Medicine has acknowledged that there is a vital life force that flows through all things which is called “Qi” (pronounced chi), in the west it is often referred to as “energy”. Energy, (Qi) flows along pathways in the human body, which are related to the organs and the tendo-muscular system. When the balance of this energy is disturbed due to either trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues; pain or illness results. Oriental Medicine focuses on correcting these energetic imbalances by breaking up any obstruction and encouraging an even flow of Qi, which stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

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Acupuncture
      Acupuncture is a medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for 23 centuries. Acupuncture can remedy acute or chronic ailments, relieve pain, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system. In an Oriental Medicine assessment, Dr. Penner will diagnose, or differentiate your condition with a thorough examination through medical history, pulse and tongue diagnosis. Dr. Penner may also use the following adjunct techniques within your session; Moxabustion (heat), Gua Sha (scraping), Cupping (suction), Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture), electrical stimulation, or even manual manipulation of the points. There are many different styles of Acupuncture, including; Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Tibetan.

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What is a Treatment Like?
      Extremely fine, hair-thin, flexible needles are placed at specific points on the energetic pathways, known as meridians. When the needles are inserted you may experience a sensation of tingling or warmth. People are surprised to find that treatments are actually quite relaxing. The length and frequency of a treatment may vary for each individual and will be determined by Dr. Penner. Acupuncture treatments are scheduled according to the nature of your condition. As you improve, fewer visits are required. Discuss your treatment plan with Dr. Penner, since each individual is different.

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Safety
      Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are safe procedures and are well known for their efficacy and lack of side-effects when administered by a qualified practitioner. Dr. Penner uses pre-sterilized, disposable needles when administering an acupuncture treatment. All practitioners licensed by the State of California comply with strict regulations for proper needle sterilization.

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Oriental Herbology
      Ancient Chinese herbal formulas are as effective now as they were when first introduced more than 2,000 years ago. Most formulas consist of two to eighteen different types of herbs. Formulas treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Hospital studies prescribing individualized complex herbal formulas have demonstrated excellent results with patients who fail to respond to conventional pharmaceutical treatments.

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How do I Take Chinese Herbs?
      Modern techniques can transform formulas into pills, capsules, granules, or tinctures to make them easier and more convenient to ingest. Chinese Herbology is considered most safe and effective when prescribed by a qualified practitioner of Oriental Medicine.

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Insurance Coverage
      Many insurance companies currently cover acupuncture treatments. Check with your insurance carrier to determine your coverage. The American Association of Oriental Medicine is working to inform insurers and the public in order to standardize payment practices and accessibility to acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. For additional advice, ask Dr. Penner for suggestions regarding this issue.

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Commonly treated conditions:
      
Allergies/Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Anxiety/Depression Immune Deficiency, Arthritis/Joint Problems, Infertility, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Bladder/Kidney Problems, Menopausal Discomfort, Childhood Illnesses, Neck Pain/Stiffness Conjunctivitis/Diarrhea, Paralysis/Numbness, Colds/Flu Rhinitis Cough/Bronchitis, Sciatica, Dizziness, Sexual Dysfunction, Drug Addiction/Smoking, Shoulder Pain, Fatigue, Sinusitis, Frozen Shoulder, Skin Problems, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Stress/Tension, Gynecological Disorders Tendonitis, Headache/Migraine Vision Problems & Heart Problems/Palpitations
This is just a sample of commonly treated conditions.
Of course, there are many more.

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Is It For You?
        
 Oriental Medicine is used not only for pain management, but also as a comprehensive system of health care and health maintenance. Athletes use Oriental Medicine to achieve optimum performance levels. Cancer patients are treated for the side effects of chemotherapy to enhance their quality of life. Detoxification treatments have been proven to help those with chemical and/or substance dependency problems.

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JOEL PENNER O.M.D., L.Ac.
DOCTOR OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE
LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST / HERBALIST

600 N. Rose St.
Burbank, CA. 91505
(818)840-2728


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